AUS relaunches Syria Alumni Chapter and announces scholarship fund for Syrian students

The American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) Alumni Association Syria Chapter was relaunched during a reception at the Art House Hotel in Damascus, bringing together alumni, university representatives and business leaders. The event also marked the announcement of the AUS Alumni Scholarship Fund for Syria, which will support talented Syrian students who face financial barriers to attending AUS.

First established about 15 years ago, the chapter is resuming its activities after a pause and renewing the connection between AUS and its alumni community in Syria. The Art House Hotel’s artistic character offered a fitting setting, recalling Sharjah’s role as a regional center for arts and culture.

Reem Bardan, Executive Director of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at AUS, said the relaunch offers an opportunity to strengthen ties among Syrians across the university’s alumni, faculty and staff communities.

“We want the chapter to be an active bridge between our alumni in Syria and the wider AUS community. By building those connections, we can create more opportunities for collaboration and contribute to Syria’s future,” she said.

Chapter Representative and AUS alumnus Bisher Al-Challah (School of Business Administration, 2004), who announced the scholarship fund during the reception, said AUS has over 22,000 alumni, including about 1,479 Syrians, around 86 of whom live in Syria. He said the chapter aims to draw on alumni expertise and connections to share knowledge and build collaborations with measurable impact, while responding to Syria’s need for skilled professionals who can contribute to its institutions and economy. The chapter also aims to connect the wider AUS community, regardless of nationality, with Syria and create opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and contributions to the country’s future.

The fund has received founding contributions from companies including Challah Enterprises and BeeOrder, with further contributions being coordinated with other organizations. A dedicated university team will manage contributions and scholarship disbursements, while the chapter will focus on mobilizing support, growing the fund and expanding its impact.

Amer Al Zaim, Board Member of Marwan Group, the event’s sponsor, said Syria has long played a pivotal role in the history of civilization. He said the country needs a fundamental transformation to keep pace with rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence and automation, developments that continue to challenge even leading nations and major corporations.

“We want an economy that goes beyond consumption to create, beyond importing to export, and beyond a limited presence in global markets to compete with strength and excellence. In this way, we can restore Syria to its rightful place on the global map. This is precisely why this chapter is so important,” he said.

He added: “The alumni network can make a difference through professional mentoring, partnerships and new ventures, drawing on connections among alumni in Syria, the UAE and around the world.”

The AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs helps the university’s alumni stay connected and turn their shared experience into opportunities to learn from one another, grow professionally and contribute to the wider alumni community. Alumni can find out more about alumni association chapters, events, mentoring and professional development opportunities at www.aus.edu/alumni or contact the team at [email protected].