Latest news with #Classof2024
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Science
- Gulf Today
Female graduates outnumber males at AURAK event
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year. The two graduation ceremonies, 13th and 14th, saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship. The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year programme that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field. The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of COVID-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes. AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honoured 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honour. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the COVID-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the Ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 metres into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community... because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' Robert Raines remarked. Dr David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.' Prof Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success/Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility.
Web Release
5 days ago
- Science
- Web Release
AURAK Graduation Ceremony Sees Record Number of Female Graduates; AI Gains Prominence
Female graduates outnumbered males at the twin Commencement Ceremonies of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), while Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center-stage with the number of graduates doubling in just one year. The two graduation ceremonies (13th and 14th) saw a total of 331 graduate and undergraduate students receive their degrees, of which 188 (56.8 per cent) were female, reflecting the growing trend of women aspiring for careers and entrepreneurship. The second major takeaway was the rising prominence of AI in the career landscape. The ceremony saw the very first batch of the university's Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence receive their degrees. AURAK's Bachelor of Science in AI is a four-year program that empowers students to design and develop computer systems and data models, using the latest advances in the field. The 13th Graduation Ceremony (Class of 24) had extra significance attached to it, for these graduates had entered university in the thick of Covid-19 disruption, and had to navigate through the unknown territory of online classes. AURAK, listed among Top 500 Universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and occupying the sixth position among UAE universities, honored 68 graduates and 263 undergraduates at the two ceremonies held on successive days. Eight students earned the Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction) honor. H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai, who delivered the Commencement Adress, hailed the resilience displayed by the Covid-impacted graduates of the Class of 2024, and urged them to draw inspiration from the ghaf tree, whose roots go 60 meters into the soil. 'Remember your resilience. Remember that you can do this, whether you become scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists or diplomats. You're entering a world that faces serious global challenges. You will need your resilience to survive and to succeed, and the world needs you to succeed. Second, I hope that you'll remember the value and the importance of community… because it is your community that will nourish you as you grow,' H.E. Robert Raines remarked. Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, in his welcome address, said: 'The world you are stepping into demands resilience, adaptability and vision. You've proven that you can navigate uncertainty and adapt to the unexpected. You've pursued knowledge, not at the absence of obstacles, but often in the face of them. As we confer your degrees, we do more than acknowledge your academic accomplishments, we affirm your readiness to lead and to shape the future.'. Prof. Stephen C. Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success / Provost, urged the graduates to carry the legacy of appreciation for diversity and a commitment to promoting cultural understanding and to fostering civic responsibility. 'Learning is a lifelong process through which you can leverage your knowledge and skills to become leaders and entrepreneurs who can change the world for the better,' he added. The graduates received their degrees in the presence of the Chairman of the AURAK Board of Trustees and other board members; H.E. Robert Raines, US Consul General in Dubai; AURAK President David A. Schmidt; and administrative leadership team and faculty of the university. The Valedictorian Address was delivered by Mohammed Ayyub, the topper in Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with the highest CGPA of 3.95, on the first day. For the second Commencement Ceremony, there were two Valedictorians: Maryam Saeed Sanad Abdulla Alnaqbi (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), the first Emirati to earn the honor in recent years, and Leen Mohammad Jamal Zaid (Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology).
Black America Web
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Celebrity Commencement Speeches We Love From Usher, Simone Biles & More
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Graduation season just got a major boost of inspiration, thanks to a wave of heartfelt and empowering commencement speeches from some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. From Outkast legend André 3000 to Grammy award-winning superstar Usher, these cultural icons didn't just show up but they showed out . Check out our favorites so far inside. These celebrity commencement speeches offer wisdom, vulnerability, and real-life gems to the Class of 2024. Andre 3000, known for his groundbreaking music and mystique, delivered an unexpectedly moving speech, reminding graduates to focus on doing the work. 'People will talk about what you do,' he shared to the group of graduates. 'But none of it matters.' Fans praised the rapper for his authenticity and mindful message that broke away from traditional success narratives. Meanwhile, Usher took the stage at Emory University and brought both his superstar charisma and soulful humility. 'In a world where credentials can feel overshadowed by clicks, followers, and algorithms, does a diploma still matter?' he asked. 'Yes, of course it does. But it's not the paper that gives power. It's you.' The singer shared intimate stories of his experience as a student and offered helpful advice to the graduates. Usher also walked away with an honorary degree. Olympic champion Simone Biles spoke to the Washington University graduates, delivering a powerful message on perfection. 'The world doesn't need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold,' she said. Biles was also honored with an honorary degree at the university. NBA star Carmelo Anthony addressed graduates at Syracuse University, emphasizing the importance of evolution and personal growth. 'You can have multiple careers, change directions you can evolve again and again, as long as you keep chasing what sets your soul on fire,' he concluded his speech. The motivational speech also served as a full-circle moment. His18-year-old son, Kiyan, will be entering his freshman year at the university. These speeches prove that influence is most powerful when it uplifts. In an age where attention is fleeting, these icons used their platforms to remind us that character, courage, and clarity of purpose are the ultimate credentials. The Class of 2025 couldn't have asked for better affirmations as they enter the next phase of their lives. Check out our favorite commencement speakers below: Celebrity Commencement Speeches We Love From Usher, Simone Biles & More was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Indian-origin student Gaurav Jaisingh dies in balcony fall on pre-graduation trip to Bahamas
Indian-origin student Gaurav Jaisingh dies in balcony fall on pre-graduation trip to Bahamas (Picture credit: Instagram/@gaurav_jaisingh) An Indian-origin Massachusetts college student has died after accidentally falling from a balcony during a pre-graduation trip to the Bahamas, just days before he was set to graduate. Gaurav Jaisingh , a senior at Bentley University in Waltham, died on Sunday evening after falling from an upper-level balcony at a hotel on Paradise Island, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force . Authorities responded to the incident around 10 pm (local time) after receiving reports that a man had plunged from the balcony while inside the room with his roommates, reported the New York Post. He was found unresponsive on a lower floor and died of his injuries en route to the hospital. Jaisingh, a finance major and member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity, was on the university's annual senior trip when the tragedy occurred. He was also active in Bentley's South Asian Students Association , according to his LinkedIn profile. The university confirmed the incident in a statement, calling it 'an enormous tragedy' for the community. 'We share our deepest condolences with Gaurav's family, friends and loved ones,' the school said in a statement, as quoted by ABC News. 'While local authorities are investigating, it appears Gaurav accidentally fell from a balcony. We will share more information when available while respecting his family's privacy', the statement added. Bentley University's commencement is scheduled for Friday. Fellow students, heartbroken by the news, expressed their grief. 'He was gearing up for graduation this weekend, so I hope we take some time to honour him this weekend at graduation,' senior Sydney Bazin was quoted as saying by WHDH. Another student, Isabella Abeiga, said the news came as a shock and said, 'It was the last thing I was expecting, especially just a few days away from graduation. ' According to Fox News, the Royal Bahamas Police Investigations Unit is continuing its probe into the incident. The university has urged students affected by the tragedy to seek support from its counselling centre. Jaisingh hailed from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. His death has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory final week for Bentley's Class of 2024.
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Miami LB Adarius Hayes out of hospital after deadly crash
Miami Hurricanes linebacker Adarius Hayes has been released from the hospital following a car accident that left three people dead, the school said Monday. Hayes was driving a Dodge Durango on Saturday afternoon in Largo, Fla., when the SUV collided with a Kia Soul at an intersection. Three people in the Kia died in the crash, including two children, and another passenger in that vehicle is in serious condition, according to police. No criminal charges have been filed and no tickets have been issued, although the accident remains under police investigation. A police spokesperson said there were no signs of impairment with either driver. "We are deeply saddened to learn the crash resulted in three fatalities, as confirmed by Largo Police, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those lost," the university said in a statement. Hayes played in 12 games as a freshman in the 2024 season, primarily on special teams. He had four tackles and one interception. Coming out of Largo High School, he was a four-star prospect in the Class of 2024. --Field Level Media Field Level Media 2025 - All Rights Reserved
