President amid a pandemic

The vibrant and dynamic AUS campus life played a major role in shaping the university experience of Marwan Alahmed.

Recalling some of his fondest memories at university, the Student Council President said: “I was constantly involved in student activities and cultural clubs, and there are definitely plenty of highlights I will always remember. I met a lot of people during my work with the Emirati Cultural Club, and I do look fondly on the stressful days we lived while preparing for National Day celebrations or AUS Club Fair. I shared strong bonds with many of the students I worked with.”

Alahmed was also grateful to be able to take advantage of the international opportunities available to him during his studies at AUS.

“Another important moment in my university life was the trip with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) to Indonesia (Jakarta and Bali) just before the pandemic hit and lockdown happened. I made plenty of friends on the trip whom I consider family today. I made many memories that I will never forget.”  

One of the main challenges that Alahmed faced was assuming the Student Council presidency during the pandemic. However, he continued to strive to ensure that the Student Council was present in student lives, even if remotely, through the organization of online events, especially during orientation and Welcome Week.

“There were plenty of restrictions and challenges, but I would say having the Council’s proposal accepted to hold a recognition ceremony on campus for the graduating students is one of my most cherished achievements because students were looking forward to this,” he said.

Looking ahead, Alahmed is looking forward to building a career in mechanical engineering. We wish him all the best!