Latest news with #SheikhaBodour
Gulf Today
3 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
AUS celebrates graduation of 794 students in Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the graduation of 794 students at its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held at University City Hall in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS. The event brought together university leadership, faculty, families and guests to recognise the achievements of a graduating class representing 47 nationalities. Sheikha Bodour and AUS Chancellor Dr Tod Laursen each delivered a commencement address, sharing messages of pride, perseverance and purpose. Sheikha Bodour said, 'Through determination and tenacity, our graduates leave AUS equipped with firstly academic credentials they can be proud of, but also with the courage to ask tough questions, the empathy to lead with care, and the vision to shape a world of progress and humanity. As they step into the uncertainty of the future, I have every confidence they will adapt, lead with purpose and compassion, and that their decisions will be anchored in highest values of AUS and of Sharjah.' Chancellor Laursen added, 'This graduating class reflects the very essence of our mission-empowering students with the academic strength, ethical grounding and global perspective needed to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to see them leave AUS not just with degrees, but with the confidence, curiosity and resilience that will define their contribution to society.' Guest speaker Emi Mahmoud, a poet, activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the graduating class with a powerful reflection on resilience and purpose. A Yale graduate, Mahmoud is internationally recognised for her spoken-word poetry and humanitarian work, using her platform to advocate for peace, education and climate justice. Her message to students highlighted the importance of applying their education and skills to drive meaningful change. In recognition of outstanding contributions to academia and research, AUS conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dr Manahel Thabet, honouring her exceptional achievements in the fields of economics and artificial intelligence. Thabet is a distinguished economist, scientist and expert in quantum mathematics and financial engineering. She is a Guinness World Record holder for conducting the largest memory lesson and is recognised among the 30 smartest individuals alive by Super Scholar. Her global impact includes advising institutions on AI-driven economic strategies and earning accolades such as the Brain of the Year Award and the Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Scientific Development. She also serves as the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth in Science and Technology. Student voices were central to the ceremony. Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi spoke about overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through academic rigour and mentorship at AUS, while graduate Ahmed Ayman Ahmed emphasised the privilege of education amid global unrest and the responsibility to give back. Their reflections captured a collective spirit of resilience, ambition and gratitude. The ceremony also featured the announcement of the university's top student honours. For the first time in AUS' history, the President's Cup was awarded to four students for achieving the highest academic standing in their graduating class-Hussain Ali Sajwani (finance), Hamze Kassem Soueid (electrical engineering), Omar Khaled Farrag (computer engineering) and Yousef Belal Irshaid (computer engineering with a minor in data science). The Chancellor's Cup, awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic excellence, character and service, was presented to Fahad Mahmoud (management information systems with a minor in supply chain management), who graduated magna cum laude. 'AUS is where I made unforgettable memories with friends who became like family. We grew stronger through every challenge, fuelled by discipline and support,' said graduate Sajwani. WAM
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Science
- Sharjah 24
AUS celebrates 794 graduates at Spring 2025 Commencement
Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour and AUS Chancellor Dr Tod Laursen each delivered a commencement address, sharing messages of pride, perseverance and purpose. Sheikha Bodour said: 'Through determination and tenacity, our graduates leave AUS equipped with firstly academic credentials they can be proud of, but also with the courage to ask tough questions, the empathy to lead with care, and the vision to shape a world of progress and humanity. As they step into the uncertainty of the future, I have every confidence they will adapt, lead with purpose and compassion, and that their decisions will be anchored in highest values of AUS and of Sharjah.' Chancellor Laursen added: 'This graduating class reflects the very essence of our mission—empowering students with the academic strength, ethical grounding and global perspective needed to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to see them leave AUS not just with degrees, but with the confidence, curiosity and resilience that will define their contribution to society.' Guest speaker Emi Mahmoud, a poet, activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the graduating class with a powerful reflection on resilience and purpose. A Yale graduate, Mahmoud is internationally recognised for her spoken-word poetry and humanitarian work, using her platform to advocate for peace, education and climate justice. Her message to students highlighted the importance of applying their education and skills to drive meaningful change. In recognition of outstanding contributions to academia and research, AUS conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dr. Manahel Thabet, honoring her exceptional achievements in the fields of economics and artificial intelligence. Dr Thabet is a distinguished economist, scientist and expert in quantum mathematics and financial engineering. She is a Guinness World Record holder for conducting the largest memory lesson and is recognised among the 30 smartest individuals alive by Super Scholar. Her global impact includes advising institutions on AI-driven economic strategies and earning accolades such as the Brain of the Year Award and the Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Scientific Development. She also serves as the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth in Science and Technology. Student voices were central to the ceremony. Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi spoke about overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through academic rigor and mentorship at AUS, while graduate Ahmed Ayman Ahmed emphasised the privilege of education amid global unrest and the responsibility to give back. Their reflections captured a collective spirit of resilience, ambition and gratitude. The ceremony also featured the announcement of the university's top student honors. For the first time in AUS' history, the President's Cup was awarded to four students for achieving the highest academic standing in their graduating class—Hussain Ali Sajwani (finance), Hamze Kassem Soueid (electrical engineering), Omar Khaled Farrag (computer engineering) and Yousef Belal Irshaid (computer engineering with a minor in data science). The Chancellor's Cup, awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic excellence, character and service, was presented to Fahad Mahmoud (management information systems with a minor in supply chain management), who graduated magna cum laude. 'AUS is where I made unforgettable memories with friends who became like family. We grew stronger through every challenge, fueled by discipline and support,' said graduate Sajwani. 'As we move forward, let's carry the lessons and moments that shaped us. Growth isn't about perfection, but the strength to move on and the wisdom gained along the way.' This commencement also marked a milestone for AUS, as it celebrated the first graduating cohorts of two master's programs: the Master of Arts in International Studies and the Master of Science in Machine Learning. The Class of Spring 2025 included 123 graduate students (master's and PhD) and 671 undergraduates. Among them were 447 female and 347 male graduates, including 184 UAE nationals. Graduates were distributed across the university's four colleges/school, with 126 from the College of Architecture, Art and Design; 149 from the College of Arts and Sciences; 208 from the School of Business Administration; and 311 from the College of Engineering. These graduates now join a growing global network of AUS alumni bearing the torch of the university's tradition of academic excellence, innovation and impact.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Six Degrees graduation showcase celebrates a year of student creativity and achievement
Sharjah, UAE – The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, Six Degrees, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit. Six Degrees Graduate Showcase In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programs—architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE. 'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.' 'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centered cities and products for the future,' said H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognized for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. ' Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase—it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou. CAAD is widely recognized for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design. AUS Artist-in-Residence showcase This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered color, ornamentation and abstraction—offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity. Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life. Exhibition Details: The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP. Dates and Open times: From June 1, the exhibition will be open to public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6. Location: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park For more information, please contact, caadcomms@ Video:
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
AUS Board approves decisions focused on leadership growth
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) Board of Trustees, chaired by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, met to review and approve a set of strategic actions focused on leadership development, academic excellence and financial sustainability. After the meeting, Sheikha Bodour said: 'Excellence in education is achieved through conscious investment in people, planning, and principled governance. The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to building an institution that is academically distinguished yet operationally resilient. We are strengthening our leadership, supporting faculty development, and refining our governance frameworks to ensure AUS remains responsive to today's demands as a leading force in shaping higher education in our region and beyond.' 'The decisions taken during this board meeting reflect the strength of our vision and the clarity with which AUS is charting its path forward,' said Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'With strengthened leadership, defined academic priorities and disciplined financial planning, we are positioning the university to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.' Among the key outcomes, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Ruth as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Ruth is an academic leader with a distinguished track record in interdisciplinary research and institutional strategy, having held senior roles at the University of York, the University of Alberta and Northeastern University. The board also advanced several initiatives to support faculty excellence, including the approval of a new round of rolling contracts and a new round of academic promotions. These measures reflect AUS' continued focus on attracting and retaining outstanding faculty while fostering a culture of academic distinction. An updated Human Resources Policy Manual was also adopted to align institutional practices with international standards in higher education administration. In the area of financial governance, the board approved the university's fiscal year 2025–2026 general operating budget, along with dedicated budgets for research, graduate studies and capital projects. It also endorsed the standalone financial statements of AUS Enterprises — a holding company established to support the university's financial sustainability — for the 15-month period ending Aug.31, 2024. To further strengthen its governance structure, the board welcomed three new members: Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Dr. Tony F. Chan and Mohamed Khadiri. Dr. Almazrouei serves as Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and chairs the United Nations' AI for Good Impact Initiative. Dr. Chan recently concluded his presidency at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and previously served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Khadiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, with deep expertise in global corporate and investment banking. With these decisions, AUS reaffirms its position as a regional and global leader in higher education — committed to academic distinction, community impact and preparing graduates to shape the future. For more information on AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit Recently, the AUS celebrated its philanthropic partners who are helping shape the future of education during the AUS Donor Appreciation Get-Together, held on campus in the presence of Sheikha Bodour. The event brought together philanthropists, alumni, partners and friends of the university to recognise those whose support continues to drive AUS forward. Among the distinguished guests was Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, who joined the celebration as a guest of honour, underscoring the shared values of compassion, education and service that define the AUS donor community. Guests were welcomed at the AUS Rotunda by university leadership, faculty and student ambassadors.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AUS BoT drives growth through appointments, academic advancements
After the meeting, Sheikha Bodour said: 'Excellence in education is achieved through conscious investment in people, planning, and principled governance. The Board's decisions reflect a commitment to building an institution that is academically distinguished yet operationally resilient. We are strengthening our leadership, supporting faculty development, and refining our governance frameworks to ensure AUS remains responsive to today's demands as a leading force in shaping higher education in our region and beyond.' Vision 'The decisions taken during this board meeting reflect the strength of our vision and the clarity with which AUS is charting its path forward,' said Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'With strengthened leadership, defined academic priorities and disciplined financial planning, we are positioning the university to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.' Key outcomes Among the key outcomes, the board approved the appointment of Dr. Matthias Ruth as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost. Dr. Ruth is an academic leader with a distinguished track record in interdisciplinary research and institutional strategy, having held senior roles at the University of York, the University of Alberta and Northeastern University. Initiatives The board also advanced several initiatives to support faculty excellence, including the approval of a new round of rolling contracts and a new round of academic promotions. These measures reflect AUS' continued focus on attracting and retaining outstanding faculty while fostering a culture of academic distinction. An updated Human Resources Policy Manual was also adopted to align institutional practices with international standards in higher education administration. Finance In the area of financial governance, the board approved the university's fiscal year 2025–2026 general operating budget, along with dedicated budgets for research, graduate studies and capital projects. It also endorsed the standalone financial statements of AUS Enterprises—a holding company established to support the university's financial sustainability—for the 15-month period ending August 31, 2024. New members To further strengthen its governance structure, the board welcomed three new members: Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Dr. Tony F. Chan and Mohamed Khadiri. Dr. Almazrouei serves as Executive Director and Acting Chief AI Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and chairs the United Nations' AI for Good Impact Initiative. Dr. Chan recently concluded his presidency at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and previously served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Khadiri is the Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, with deep expertise in global corporate and investment banking. With these decisions, AUS reaffirms its position as a regional and global leader in higher education—committed to academic distinction, community impact and preparing graduates to shape the future.
