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 Fall 2016 Commencement on Thursday, December 22, at the University City Hall, Sharjah. A total of 545 undergraduate and graduate candidates will participate in the ceremony.

In preparation for the event, a rehearsal was held today, December 21, followed by a class photo and an honoring ceremony for the graduating class. The event also provided an opportunity for the graduating class to become familiar with the services offered by the university's Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA).

Speaking on the occasion, AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve congratulated the Class of Fall 2016 and said, "Your years at AUS have equipped you with the means to succeed in your endeavors. We hope that you will make the most of what you have learned and share your knowledge in improving your workplace and your society. As alumni, you embody the spirit of AUS. Your integrity and success will reflect upon your university."

"The Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at the university will be your contact point and will help you with everything from your career search to staying in touch with your fellow alumni," added Dr. Björn Kjerfve while encouraging the graduates to stay in touch with AUS and continue to visit their alma mater.

Abdullah El Shazly, Director of Institutional Advancement at AUS, welcomed the graduates into the AUS alumni family and invited them to the Alumni Reunion Dinner, which will be held on campus on January 19. "Your studies here may be over for now, but we hope you will keep AUS in your lives for many years to come," said El Shazly. He encouraged the graduates to make good use of the various services the university offers its alumni, from assistance with job searches to helping them stay in touch with their fellow alumni.

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.