Latest news with #SchoolofArtsandSciences
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Astronaut lands at Merrimack College for commencement
NORTH ANDOVER — NASA astronaut Suni Williams was honored at Merrimack College during commencement for the School of Arts and Sciences in the Lawlor Arena on May 15. Williams was the commencement speaker and also received an honorary degree. Merrimack College had 2,200 students graduating this year over its two-day commencement activities. 'Boy, I'm much more comfortable on a space craft,' she told the graduates. Williams returned to Earth in March after an eight-day mission turned into more than nine months on the International Space Station. She told the graduating students about the extended space stay. Williams said she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore could have worried about their situation, but had time to embrace the 'unbelievable things if you stop for a moment and look out the window,' and took in the sights of space. The Needham, Massachusetts, native offered some advice to the Class of 2025 in her address. 'This is your time, your world to make better,' Williams said.
Fashion Value Chain
16-05-2025
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
Padma Shri Awardee Sitanshu Yashaschandra Urges Graduates to Question Beliefs, Use Language with Sensitivity at Ahmedabad University's 15th Convocation
Ahmedabad University marked a significant milestone as it hosted its 15th Annual Convocation, celebrating the graduating Class of 2025. The ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, alumni, and the University's leadership to honour not only academic accomplishments but also the values that shape a meaningful life. Degrees were conferred on 833 students across the Amrut Mody School of Management, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Six doctoral degrees were awarded. Gold medals were presented to five students for their academic excellence and leadership: Jinay Shah (MBA), Mustafa Murtuza Rupawala (Integrated MBA), Prashansa Shah (BTech), Dev Morbia (BBA Honours), and Om Parekh (BA Honours). Chancellor Sanjay Lalbhai, Registrar Sanjay Gokhale, Padma Shri Sitanshu Yashaschandra, and Vice Chancellor Pankaj Chandra Led the Ceremonial Convocation Procession Delivering the Convocation Address was Professor Sitanshu Yashaschandra, celebrated poet, playwright, scholar, and Padma Shri awardee. Reflecting on the role of universities in shaping reflective and responsible citizens, he said, 'Disability doesn't always come from the body – it often comes from the environment. When society fails to support people, it ends up disabling them. Our languages, too, can be harsh. Language is powerful. It can reveal, hide, or even distort reality. Today, different disciplines are coming together, each with their own way of thinking. This makes us ask – are we, through our actions, making people disabled Your education should help you confront that question. I hope Ahmedabad University keeps nurturing thoughtful individuals and a balanced society.' Sanjay Lalbhai, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors, advised graduates to embrace both success and failure as essential to growth. 'Follow your passions and innate abilities,' he said. 'Face challenges with resilience and make a difference through curiosity and thoughtful action.' Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Management, urged the graduating class to remain intellectually open and self-aware, 'When you ask questions, your ideas often clash with your beliefs. That is when the real learning begins. Beliefs feel safe – they give you stability. But it is ideas that take you forward, that help you grow. So when you feel most certain, that is the time to question yourself the most. That is how you will reach closer to the truth – not through someone else's eyes, but your own.' He also highlighted the University's growing stature. Ahmedabad University was awarded the Leadership and Management Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2025 – their highest honour – and was selected for the second consecutive time as a Centre of Excellence by the Gujarat Government. Ahmedabad University's Class of 2025 gold medalists – five journeys, one spirit of excellence A significant milestone came when GIFT City selected Ahmedabad University to establish the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI), in partnership with leading national and international institutions. The University has since inaugurated the Institute and commenced offering courses. Another important development was the announcement of a new School of Performing and Visual Arts, launched with the Sabarmati International Contemporary Arts Festival of Ahmedabad (SICAFA), reflecting the Universitys expanding academic vision. This past year also saw the launch of several pioneering programmes, including India's first MTech in Composites (in collaboration with ATIRA), a dual-degree BxMx programme that bridges arts, sciences, and professional careers, and a new PhD in Epidemiology offered through the Bagchi School of Public Health. A specialised undergraduate programme in Electrical and Electronics Engineering has also been introduced to meet the needs of the growing semiconductor and electronics industry. Students from the Class of 2025 worked on a wide range of projects – from improving urban mobility using data analytics, to developing AI-powered tools for language preservation, to designing community-led sustainability solutions. Their work reflects Ahmedabad University's approach to learning: combining theory with action, and knowledge with purpose. Sixteen years since its founding, Ahmedabad University continues to grow as a space where ideas take root, disciplinary boundaries are challenged, and students are prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world. The 15th Annual Convocation marked a moment to reflect on that journey – and to set the stage for what comes next. About Ahmedabad University Ahmedabad University is a leading private, non-profit research university offering students a liberal education focused on interdisciplinary learning, practice orientation, and research thinking. The University has been Recognised by the Government of Gujarat as a Centre of Excellence. Accredited with A grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Awarded a 5-star rating, the highest awarded in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) for 2021-22 and 2023-24, by the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG), Department of Education, Government of Gujarat. Awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Award for Excellence 2024 for our University Centre. Awarded a Platinum Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for sustainability and green practices. Recognised by the UGC under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, becoming one of the very few private research universities to have been awarded this recognition for select research universities. Recognised as a Highly Commended University for Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2023. Awarded the AACSB's Innovations That Inspire Award 2023 for its Foundation Programme. Awarded Gold Rating by the Indian Green Building Council for achieving the Green Building Standards at our University Centre. â The University, established in 2009, is rooted in the vision of one of India's finest educational foundations, the Ahmedabad Education Society, which was founded in 1935 by nationalist leaders. Programmes at the University range from bachelors to doctoral levels in humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management through its 13 Schools and Centres: Amrut Mody School of Management | Bagchi School of Public Health | School of Arts and Sciences | School of Engineering and Applied Science | Ahmedabad Design Lab | Centre for Heritage Management | Centre for Inter-Asian Research | Centre for Learning Futures | Global Centre for Environment and Energy | International Centre for Space and Cosmology | Sahyog: Centre for Promoting Health | The Climate Institute | VentureStudio An urban university, Ahmedabad promotes independent-mindedness and diversity across all dimensions of its activity and helps students mature into critical thinkers who are analytically equipped, practically oriented, and contextually aware global citizens. The University provides a contemporary educational framework that brings liberal arts, sciences, and the professions to engage together in creating new knowledge for addressing complex challenges of the society and in offering majors that merge the boundaries of disciplines to prepare students for the new economy.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
With psychology placed among Top 10 high-demand careers, AURAK launches intensive psychology program with unique features
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has launched a four-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology program with unique features, as global demand for psychologists remains high. According to Global Career Counsellor, mental health professionals are among the Top 10 high-demand careers in the world today, as increased focus on mental health and wellbeing has elevated the role of psychologists, therapists, and counsellors. AURAK's new Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed to provide a comprehensive education in psychological theories, research methods, and practical applications. The program includes opportunities for hands‐on experience through internships and research projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real‐world settings. Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, says: 'In a world assailed by turmoil, psychologists play a vital role in addressing human behavior and mental processes, influencing various aspects of mental health, counseling, and research. With this goal in mind, we at AURAK have crafted a program that will mould new-age psychologists equipped to render services to affected people. This one-of-its-kind program in the region has been created by our expert faculty who understand the complexities of human relationships.' Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, adds: 'Plenty of thought and research went into the development of this program. We were driven by the fact that economic difficulties, societal shifts, and other changes have increased the need for psychological expertise across many employment sectors. Therefore, we have included lab components in several courses to help develop in our students skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that young men and women graduating from this program will need in taking on important roles in a variety of employment settings.' Graduates of the program can pursue careers in business, human resources, education, healthcare settings, and beyond. They can work in clinical settings, research institutions, or corporate or non-profit organizations. Graduates will also be well prepared to apply for graduate study in psychology in the United States. Prof. Hariclea Zengos, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at AURAK, added: 'This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology as a scholarly discipline, scientific field of study, and applied profession. Through integrated coursework, research experiences, and field-based opportunities, our program provides significant learning experiences within a diverse academic community. It will empower graduates to make meaningful contributions to individual and societal well‐being by applying psychological principles and practices.' The four-year Psychology program at AURAK has three distinct features. It has been explicitly designed to conform to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) for undergraduate majors in Psychology. It is one of only three Psychology programs in the UAE requiring a summer internship that gives students the opportunity to work full‐time in a work setting that affords supervised application of knowledge and skills developed in the program to day-to‐day issues encountered in the workplace. It is the UAE Psychology program with the largest number of required courses (5) that include a co‐requisite laboratory course, helping to ensure that students completing the program 'develop competence in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem‐solving, enabling them to articulate psychological concepts effectively, and engage confidently in communication regarding the science of human behavior. Globally, the overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow above 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Some in-demand psychology jobs are projected to increase by as much as 18% between 2022 to 2032. Earnings-wise, psychologists command excellent salaries. In the UAE, according to SalaryExpert, the average psychologist's gross salary is AED 20,900 per month, plus bonus. Another consulting firm, Indeed, puts the average UAE salaries for psychologists at between AED 14,000 and 29,000, plus bonus. About the American University of Ras Al Khaimah The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), located in the United Arab Emirates, is a non-profit, public university that offers a comprehensive set of accredited and internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With a focus on holistic education and practical knowledge, AURAK prepares students to become global citizens who are innovators in their respective fields. Through partnerships with top global universities and organizations, AURAK provides students unparalleled opportunities to gain international exposure and experience. This press release is issued on behalf of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) by Communicate Gulf FZE, Sharjah, UAE. For media queries, please contact PR Consultant Anthony D'Silva Email: anthony@
