AUS Celebrates Graduation of 794 Students in Spring 2025

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: WAM

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the graduation of 794 students at its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony. The event took place at University City Hall and was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who is the President of AUS.

The special day brought together the university’s leaders, professors, students’ families, and other guests. Everyone gathered to celebrate the hard work and success of students from 47 different countries.

Both Sheikha Bodour and AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen gave speeches at the ceremony. They spoke about the strength, purpose, and bright future of the graduating class.

Sheikha Bodour shared how proud she was of the graduates. She said that they leave AUS not just with knowledge, but also with the courage to ask important questions, the kindness to lead with care, and the vision to help make the world a better place. She said she believed that they would face the future with confidence and make choices based on strong values.

Chancellor Laursen said this group of students showed the true meaning of the AUS mission—giving students the knowledge, ethics, and global view to lead in today’s fast-changing world. He said these graduates have the curiosity and strength to help shape society in a good way.

A special guest speaker, Emi Mahmoud, also spoke to the graduates. She is a poet, peace activist, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. She graduated from Yale and is known around the world for her spoken-word poetry and her work to support peace, education, and climate action. She encouraged students to use their education to make a difference in the world.

AUS also gave a big honor to Dr. Manahel Thabet by awarding her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Dr. Thabet is a famous economist and scientist who has done important work in economics, artificial intelligence, and quantum mathematics. She holds a Guinness World Record for teaching the largest memory lesson, and she has received many awards including Brain of the Year and Arab Woman of the Year for Scientific Development. She also works with the Commonwealth as a special science and technology envoy.

Student voices were also a big part of the day. Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi talked about how he overcame self-doubt and became more confident through tough studies and strong support from his teachers. Another graduate, Ahmed Ayman Ahmed, spoke about how lucky they were to receive an education at a time when many around the world do not have the same chance. He said that graduates should use their education to help others.

The ceremony also announced the top student honors. For the first time, the President’s Cup was awarded to four students who had the highest grades:

• Hussain Ali Sajwani (Finance)

• Hamze Kassem Soueid (Electrical Engineering)

• Omar Khaled Farrag (Computer Engineering)

• Yousef Belal Irshaid (Computer Engineering with a minor in Data Science)

The Chancellor’s Cup, which honors a student for excellent grades, good character, and service, went to Fahad Mahmoud. He studied Management Information Systems and Supply Chain Management and graduated magna cum laude.

Graduate Hussain Ali Sajwani said, “AUS is where I made unforgettable memories with friends who became like family. We got stronger through every challenge with support and discipline.” He reminded everyone that growth isn’t about being perfect, but about learning and moving forward.

This graduation was also special because it included the first students to graduate from two new master’s programs:

• Master of Arts in International Studies

• Master of Science in Machine Learning

Out of the 794 students, 123 were graduate students (Master’s and PhD), and 671 were undergraduates. There were 447 female and 347 male students, including 184 UAE nationals.

Graduates came from all parts of AUS:

• 126 from the College of Architecture, Art and Design

• 149 from the College of Arts and Sciences

• 208 from the School of Business Administration

• 311 from the College of Engineering

These graduates now join the growing family of AUS alumni who carry forward the values of excellence, innovation, and making a positive impact in the world.