Over 500 students set to graduate at AUS Spring 2015 Commencement

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), will attend the university's Spring 2015 Commencement on Saturday, June 13 at the University City Hall, Sharjah. A total of 547 undergraduate and graduate candidates will participate in the ceremony.

In preparation for the event, a rehearsal was held today, June 11, followed by a class photo and a luncheon in honor of the graduating class.

Present at the luncheon was AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve, who thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan for his vision to establish a premier international institution of higher education.

"As a part of this vision, AUS is also growing at a sustained pace. Our collective efforts continue to take AUS to the next level. It is our constant endeavor to look for ways to improve the university and to attract the best students, providing them with the best education and facilities possible. This commitment, along with your hard work and dedication, is the reason for our university's stellar reputation," said Dr. Kjerfve.

The Chancellor commended the Alumni Association and the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at the university for creating a proactive arm of the university which helps graduates stay a part of the AUS family. "We sincerely hope that, upon becoming established in your own respective careers, you will open the door to other AUS graduates as members of the AUS family," he said.

"You alumni are the spirit of AUS. Your integrity and accomplishments will reflect upon AUS, just as the integrity and achievements of your university will reflect upon you. Please keep in touch with us and continue to visit your extended family here at your alma mater," concluded Dr. Kjerfve.

Eiman El Ghanam, a graduate majoring in electrical engineering said during the event, "This final year has been full of challenges, yet we finally made it, and I'm excited to graduate on Saturday. I'm emotional about leaving AUS, but we will always be part of this university no matter what."

Five graduates were recognized during the Graduation Luncheon for their outstanding performance. They were Noor Tawfiq Alshamma, from the School of Business Administration; and Ahmed Hesham Amer Awad, Ahmed Taha Taha, Abdullah Ala'a Abdul-Dayem and Eiman Ayman Mahmoud Elghanam, from the College of Engineering. All the students had Grade Point Averages ranging from 3.94 to 3.99.

AUS has succeeded in becoming a pioneer higher education institution in the region. The university has endeavored to develop long-lasting ties with public and private sectors, which is a step toward bridging the gap between higher educational institutions and the job market, both for the present and future generations of students and alumni.Founded in 1997, the university has fulfilled His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan's vision of a quality institution catering to the aspirations and needs of the UAE and the wider Gulf community as a whole. Over the past decade, the student body has increased considerably, necessitating the launch of two graduation ceremonies per year.