American University of Sharjah (AUS) Spring 24 Commencement - Morning

Sheikha Bodour urges graduating students to ‘stand up for what’s right’ at AUS Spring commencement ceremony

American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the achievements of 753 of its graduating students in its Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies held on Saturday, June 8 2024. Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, conferred the degrees on graduate and undergraduate students during one session in the morning and another in the afternoon in University City Hall in Sharjah, recognizing their years of commitment to their education.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikha Bodour said that academic and material success were important in life, but that strength of character was the true measure of a person’s worth.

‘Every action you take, whether in your family, your workplace, or your community, will contribute to shaping the world in which you and your children will live,’ she said.

Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, congratulated the graduating cohort.

“AUS takes pride in providing a deep and rigorous level of training in our students’ chosen area of study, delivered alongside a broad exposure to the liberal arts and the opportunity to explore passions and evolving interests. This results in a student experience that demands true dedication and passion, and I want to congratulate you all on not only succeeding in making it through a truly immersive experience, but excelling in your achievements and creative milestones, in so many ways,” he said.

Sheikha Bodour awarded Fatima Rashid Bintaliah, a finance major, the President’s Cup for the highest-grade point average, and Jawwad Imran Sheikh, a mechanical engineering major, the Chancellor's Cup for an outstanding combination of academic excellence, general character and service to the university.

During the morning ceremony, student speaker and mechanical engineering major Malek Bachir reflected on the university journey he and his fellow graduates embarked upon, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the triumphs they celebrated along the way.

Having overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and building a vibrant community upon returning back to campus, Bachir said that it is in struggles that true strength can be found.

“Our journey has taught us that within every challenge lies an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to excel. Despite the physical distance, we came together, supported one another, and pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible. And once we came back on campus, this graduating class led initiatives that not only brought us even closer but also made a significant impact on our community,” said Bachir.

From volunteering at the world's biggest climate change conference COP 28, impactful initiatives led by student clubs and organizations, to forming a united front at the "Tarahum for Gaza '' event to support people in need, Bachir highlighted the power of community.

Bachir dedicated his success to his late father, whom he lost during the COVID pandemic.

The breakdown of the Class of Spring 2024 is as follows:
Total graduating students: 753
Undergraduate students receiving degrees: 653
Graduate students receiving degrees (master’s and PhD): 100
Male graduates: 305
Female graduates: 448
UAE nationals graduating: 154

A breakdown of the graduating class by college/school is as follows:
College of Architecture, Art and Design: 114 undergraduates and 5 graduates
College of Arts and Sciences: 141 undergraduates and 13 graduates
College of Engineering: 224 undergraduates and 73 graduates
School of Business Administration: 174 undergraduates and 9 graduates

For more information about American University of Sharjah, please visit: https://www.aus.edu

To know more about the latest events and news at AUS, follow us on:
Facebook:   / ausharjah  
Twitter:   / ausharjah  
Instagram:   / ausharjah  
LinkedIn:   / ausharjah