AUS recognises achievements at Student Appreciation Awards
During the ceremony, forty-nine awardees were honored, comprising 21 individual and 28 group awardees recognized for excellence in leadership, athletics, volunteering and residential community engagement. The event was attended by more than 650 AUS students, acknowledged for their contributions to extracurricular activities throughout the year.
Participating in extracurricular programs is an essential part of the AUS student experience, with more than 124 student clubs, over 30 sports teams and numerous community service opportunities open to students.
The ceremony commenced with welcome remarks from the student hosts. Guests then viewed a video presentation highlighting major initiatives and events organized by the Office of Student Experience during the academic year. Speeches were delivered by Dr. Tod Alan Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and AUS alumnus Mahmoud Gaith, followed by a video highlighting AUS Global Day 2025.
Shaima Bin Taliah, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, congratulated the award recipients: "At AUS, we believe that true achievement lies not only in personal success but also in the ability to uplift and inspire those around us. The students we honored have demonstrated leadership, creativity, compassion and dedication to their community. Their accomplishments strengthen the spirit of AUS and serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when ambition and purpose come together."
The ceremony continued with the presentation of awards across various categories, including individual achievements, group recognitions, Global Day awards, and Student Council honors. Cultural dance performances by the Jordanian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Palestinian, Pakistani and Syrian cultural clubs brought the celebration to a vibrant close, showcasing how cultural exchange enriches the AUS experience for students representing more than 90 nationalities.
Reflecting on her journey, Sanjana Bharwani, a management student and recipient of the Most Outstanding Student Leadership Award, shared her experience of growth and leadership development at AUS, taking on roles with the Indian Cultural Club, as a Peer Leader and as a trainer for delegates to the National Model United Nations conference in New York.
'Beyond results, what has mattered most to me is empowering others to see their potential. Leadership, to me, is about inspiring and supporting those around you to reach heights they never imagined. AUS has given me a community where mentorship, encouragement and personal development are part of everyday life. Being recognized with the Most Outstanding Student Leadership Award is a reminder of the incredible community we are all privileged to be a part of," she said.
These extracurricular achievements align seamlessly with the UAE's national priorities for developing future-ready graduates with both academic excellence and practical skills. Through a wide range of student engagement opportunities, AUS continues to foster essential leadership, teamwork, communication and organizational skills among its students—equipping them to thrive in their future careers and to make meaningful contributions to society. Through a wide range of student engagement opportunities, AUS continues to foster essential leadership, teamwork, communication and organizational skills among its students—equipping them to thrive in their future careers and to make meaningful contributions to society.
For more information on the awards, visit
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