His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), will attend the university's Spring 2016 Commencement on Saturday, June 4 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 2, followed by a class photo and a luncheon in honor of the graduating class to celebrate their achievement. The event also provided an opportunity for the graduating class to become familiar with the services offered by the university's Office of Development and Alumni Affairs (ODAA).

Speaking on the occasion, AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve congratulated the Class of Spring 2016 and said, "Your graduation is justifiably a moment of great celebration. You have accomplished a lot over the past few years, and Saturday will mark the day when your academic achievements are recognized."

The Chancellor assured the new graduates that they would always be welcome at the AUS campus. "Whenever you want to catch up with your friends and professors or spend time in the library or sports complex, just drop by. We want to make sure your connection to the university stays strong," he said.

"ODAA's job is to serve as a bridge between graduates like yourselves and those of us you will leave behind on campus," said the chancellor talking about the office. "ODAA will share alumni news with you and ask for your input to make sure that your experiences benefit future graduates in our various programs," he added.

Speaking after Dr. Kjerfve was AUS Alumni Association (AUSAA) President Dana Taleb also addressed the audience and said, "You have now become a member of a growing family of more than 11,000 alumni across the world and your relationship with this community will extend far beyond the years you spent at AUS as students. We always like to hear from our alumni about their ideas on how the association can develop, how it can better represent you, or any ideas you may have for events. The Alumni Association's purpose is to strengthen your bond with your alma mater and with fellow alumni. The various initiatives of the association provide a great opportunity to connect with other alumni, share your memories and experiences, and stay connected to your university."

Three graduates were recognized and awarded Apple iPads during the Graduation Luncheon for their outstanding academic performances. These were Sakeena Khalid Khatri, from the College of Arts and Sciences; and Adnan Sipten Kapadia and Bayan Naser Hamdan, from the College of Engineering.

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.

The luncheon was sponsored by Waha Capital.