AUS Honors Convocation recognizes 804 students for sustained excellence

Honors Convocation at American University of Sharjah (AUS) returned to University City Hall with a clear message: sustained effort turns into sustained excellence. AUS recognized 804 students for earning a place on the Chancellor’s Distinguished List, up from 688 for the previous academic year, reflecting steady momentum in academic achievement across the university.

Held on November 6, Honors Convocation recognized students named to the Chancellor’s Distinguished List across Fall Semester 2024 and Spring Semester 2025. To qualify, students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.5, been on the Dean’s List in both semesters, completed at least 15 credit hours each term and maintained clean academic records without incompletes, failing grades or disciplinary actions.

This year’s medal distribution underscores the breadth and consistency of achievement: 447 Bronze recognitions for first-time honorees, 206 Silver for second-time honorees and 151 Gold for students recognized a third or fourth time.

The event also acknowledged recipients of the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship, with four students awarded for Academic Year 2025–2026 in recognition of their academic excellence, leadership within the AUS community, meaningful contributions on and off campus and demonstrated research achievements. The recipients included Bayan Khatib from the College of Arts and Sciences, Iryn Tony from the School of Business Administration, Jana Khalifa from the College of Architecture, Art and Design, and Muhammad Vidha from the College of Engineering. 

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said: “Our students continue to raise AUS’ academic standards through consistent work and clear purpose. Honors Convocation is a marker of that commitment: it recognizes high performance across multiple semesters and the habits that make it possible. The increase to 804 honorees this year reflects a community where faculty and staff are aligned with students in advancing knowledge, expanding opportunity and preparing graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the UAE and the wider region.”

Osama Ali, a fourth-year marketing student and Gold Medal recipient, praised the high-expectation environment that pushes students to aim higher.

“My favorite thing about AUS will always be the ambitious community that students, faculty and staff have built together. No matter who you meet, it feels like everyone is pushing for something far greater, eager to reach new heights and succeed in whatever they set their minds to. I’m blessed to be attending my third Honors Convocation. As I reflect on the previous hardships I was lucky to experience and grow from, I take this celebration as confirmation that I’m on the right track and I’ll continue to strive for more regardless of what comes next,” he said.

For industrial engineering graduate Rawan Hajjar, being named a Silver Medal recipient for her final year at AUS carried special significance.

“Being awarded the silver medal is an incredibly meaningful moment in my academic journey. It reflects the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my studies and extracurricular involvement over the years. I'm truly proud of this accomplishment and grateful for the experiences and support that shaped me both personally and professionally at AUS,” she said.

Honors Convocation is one way AUS recognizes sustained performance, and scholarships are another. Learn more about AUS scholarships and grants at www.aus.edu/admissions/financial-grants-and-scholarships.