Internationally acclaimed writers enlighten and inspire students at AUS

American University of Sharjah (AUS), one of the world's top 500 universities, was proud to host two internationally acclaimed writers at its campus last week, as Gavin Esler and Irfan Husain took time to talk about journalism and literature with students from the AUS College of Arts and Sciences. The two writers are in the UAE for the Sharjah International Book Fair. 

BBC journalist, presenter and novelist Gavin Esler, whose career began in 1977 as a Northern Ireland reporter, addressed students in a session for aspiring writers and journalists, "Telling Their Stories: How Leaders Connect with Their Audiences." He commented on the recent US election campaign, which was of specific interest to political science students, and provided attendees with an understanding of his extensive broadcast responsibilities, including BBC Radio 4's factual series and regular newspaper columns. 

The final address was by Irfan Husain, an eminent writer best known within the Pakistani media, who spoke on "Understanding Fatal Faultlines: Pakistan, Islam and the West". A former civil servant, Irfan currently writes two weekly columns for Dawn, Pakistan's widely circulated and highly respected daily. His address covered regionally topical political, educational, environmental and economic issues that were of utmost interest to the university's diverse and multicultural student base.  

Dr. Mark Rush, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences welcomed the special guests on behalf of the university's founder and president, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. "We thank you for visiting our university, which continually strives to deliver the highest standard possible in higher education. Eminent individuals such as yourselves are a tribute to the world of literacy and we are honored to welcome you here to engage with our students," he said.  

Mass Communications Professor Ralph Berenger introduced Gavin Esler to the podium and Stephen Keck presented Ifran Hussain. 

"It was not only a privilege to host these prestigious authors at AUS; it is a tribute to our prestigious reputation and unrivalled teaching quality. We provide unique student engagement opportunities such as first-hand insights into the life of a writer, which we hope inspired the students' creative abilities and encouraged them to further engage in their studies and broaden their career horizons," added Professor Berebger.