Hundreds of students from sports teams, student organizations, volunteer groups, university leadership programs and other student associations were honored at a special ceremony held at American University of Sharjah (AUS) recently.

Dr. Peter Heath, Chancellor of AUS, congratulated the winners on their success and thanked the students for their contributions to the university. 

"Your extracurricular achievements add value to your experience at AUS. You have enriched your lives, whether it be through community service, sports teams, or one of the many student clubs," said Dr. Heath, addressing the students. "This is a wonderful event where we gather together to celebrate your achievements," he added.

Luis A. Garcia, the Student Council President, also thanked the students for their contributions. Also present at the event were Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Provost; Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Salem Yousef Al Qaseer, Vice-Chancellor for Public Affairs; Cleve McDaniel, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration; deans and other senior university officials; faculty, staff members; and students.

 "This event is held to celebrate your achievements in the fields of athletics and extracurricular activities," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi. "I am aware that student life is highly challenging and demanding but you have balanced your academic achievements with your extracurricular activities. I would like to encourage all of you to keep engaging with the activities available to you on campus."

In addition to the awards being given out, the audience saw student performances by the Jordanian, Indian, Emirati, Sudanese and Palestinian cultural clubs, as well as a breakdancing performance. In addition, Ali Al Sayed, co-founder of the comedy group Dubomedy, also performed a stand-up routine. The evening concluded with a buffet dinner.

Eight students received the Most Outstanding Active Student Award for their contribution and dedication in athletics, activities and community services throughout the academic year 2011-2012. The winners were Yahia Adel Al Sharif, Tareef Tamim Al Bassam and Aishwarya Shanker Ramakrishnan for their contributions in athletics; Mohammad Haidary, Mahmood Taha and Maha El Jechchi for their active involvement in activities; Ndella Deribe for her exceptional contribution in Community Services and Mohammed Hukan for his involvement with the Student Leadership Program.

Anam Shahid received the award for Student Employee of the Year, while Rehab Ibrahim Khawaga, Hesham Ossama Daib, Naveena Sadasivam, Juman Ahmad Jijakli and Samuel Mark John received honorable mentions. The Palestinian Cultural Club and the Debate Club received awards for the Student Club/Organization of the year.

The winner of the Global Day Best Performance was the Palestinian Cultural Club, followed by the Indian Cultural Club and the Sudanese Cultural Club in second and third place, respectively. The winner of the Global Day Creative Award was the Emirati Cultural Club and the Global Day Teamwork Award (Performance) went to the Jordanian Cultural Club.

Additionally, awards for the Best Corner at Global Day were also distributed. In first place was the Qatari Cultural Club with the Bangladeshi Cultural Club and Iraqi Cultural Club in second and third place, respectively. The Global Day Creative Idea Award (corner) went to the Bahraini Cultural Club while the Global Day Teamwork Award (Corner) was won by the Egyptian Cultural Club. AUS faculty and staff members Ali Khawaja, Dr. Jeffrey Michael Baker, Dr. Harris Mark Breslow, Dr. Bruce Maurie Gatenby and Arwa Al-Alami were also honored for their support to student activities.