Celebrating the Class of Fall 2024
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to the Class of Fall 2024 on completing your degree as a #Proud_AUSer!
We're excited to have celebrate your achievements as you mark this significant milestone.
In this page, you can explore heartfelt messages from our President and Chancellor, a vibrant photo gallery capturing memorable moments, inspiring testimonies from your college ambassadors and so much more. Here's to your success and a bright future ahead!
- Click here to watch the Fall 2024 graduation ceremony.
Message from the President
Congratulations to the Class of Fall 2024!
Today, you stand at the summit of your academic mountain, a place reached through years of dedication and perseverance. But the true measure of this journey lies not only in what you have achieved, but in who you have become. Every challenge you overcame, and every moment of growth has shaped you into the remarkable individuals we celebrate today.
As you step into the next chapter, carry with you the values and lessons that defined your time at AUS. Sharjah’s vibrant spirit of innovation, culture, and community has been your foundation, preparing you to navigate an ever-changing world and contribute meaningfully to society.
The path ahead will offer opportunities to create, innovate, and lead—but also challenges that test your resolve. Trust that your AUS education has equipped you with the confidence, integrity, and purpose to thrive. Be bold in your pursuits, let your unique talents shine, and strive to create positive change in your communities and beyond.
Remember, you are part of a global AUS family—a network spanning continents yet connected by shared experiences and a commitment to excellence. Lean on this community, celebrate your achievements, and inspire others through your actions.
I am incredibly proud of each of you and confident that your journey forward will leave a lasting impact. Congratulations again, Class of Fall 2024. The future is brighter because of you, and we can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish.
Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi
President of AUS
Message from the Chancellor
Congratulations, Class of Fall 2024!
You have reached a remarkable milestone, and as you step into your next chapter, we are filled with pride and excitement for the journey that lies ahead.
As you make your mark in the world and contribute to the advancements in your fields, we hope you will always carry with you the values of service and dedication to your communities, remembering that your impact extends far beyond your profession.
Today, you become part of our great alumni family, and we look forward to supporting you, celebrating your successes and growing alongside you in the years to come.
This is also a moment to reflect on the unwavering support of your parents, family, professors and friends throughout your educational journey—support that truly deserves special recognition.
As you graduate, I encourage you to keep evolving, striving to be a powerful force for positive change in this world. Use your knowledge, skills and heart to make a meaningful impact wherever you go. Always remain grounded in kindness, integrity and compassion, embodying both professional excellence and a commitment to the betterment of society.
Wishing you all the very best for the future.
Dr. Tod Laursen
Chancellor
Our Graduates
- College of Architecture, Art and Design
Master of Urban Planning
Leen Hussam Assassa
Dima Fawzi Banat
Rashid Ibrahim Deemas Alsuwaidi
Basant Sayed Helal
Laura MattarBachelor of Architecture
Sumeya Mohammed Ahmed
Rabab Abdulla Al-Ali
Alsharifhamza Mohsen Alhareth
Maimuna Babar
Sara Mohamed Mohamed | Cum Laude
Penar Waleed Qanbar | Summa Cum Laude
Shatha SalehBachelor of Science in Design Management
Batool Nedal Abdulsalam
Maha Younis Almajdi
Mearah Mohammad Almheiri
Shaha A.A.A. Alroudan
Meera Ahmed Alsuwaidi
Azza Barakat Elmalik
Aaminah Elhadi Mohamed Eltigani
Shahd Walid MohammadBachelor of Interior Design
Noora Mohamed AlfayezBachelor of Science in Visual Communication
Nada Ahmad
Mariam Abdalla Aljuwaied
Maitha Rashid Bin Fahad
Roudha Ahmad Bu Abdulla- College of Arts and Sciences
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
Waad H.I. Abuwatfa
Shahbaz Ahmad
Adnan Al Ashkar
Omar Abdulhadi Al Osman
Nour Majdi Alsawaftah
Assil Ali Charkaoui
Arhum Hassan
Anum Muhammad Iqbal Iqbal
Ahmed Mohsen Mohamed Khalil
Faisal MustafaMaster of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Essa A. Alkandari
Farah M.A.H.A. Alshamali
Nada Osama Awad Mohamed
Yara Kamal Rabea
Rachael Leigh WattMaster of Science in Mathematics
Djamila Ait ElhadiBachelor of Arts in English Language / Literature
Marwa Khalil Almansoori
Dana B.E.M. Alrowaih
Line Ben Thaier | Summa Cum Laude
Yara Farhat Hamad | Magna Cum Laude
Ghofrane Musbah Lahib | Magna Cum Laude
Maryam Omar Lootah
Mona Amin Majdalawieh | Cum LaudeBachelor of Arts in International Studies
Hussain Yousif Al-Ali
Maryam Ahmed Alarabi
Khalid Abdulla Alaraimi | Cum Laude
Mohamed Ahmed Aldhanhani
Reem Abdelrahim Alhadhrami
Maram Salah Alhammadi
Hessa Ebrahim Almheiri
Hind Saeed Alnabouda Alsuwaidi
Meshari Omar Alnasser
Latifa Fahem Alqasimi
Fakhera Khalid Alqubaisi
Naila Mohammad Alsuwaidi
Maryam Mohammed Alteneiji
Fatima Aref Alzaabi
Shahad Abdalla Alzarooni
Hannan Andrea
Mohamed Khalid Binsamnoh
Shekhaa Hameed
Noor Al Ain Imran | Magna Cum Laude
Mahasen Khaled Moudallali
Gayathri Rajesh
Shawq Basim Shubbar
Rakshan Wazir BadshahBachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Seifeldin Mohamed Abbas
Alyaziya Khalid Alshamsi
Alyazya Humaid Alshamsi
Abdalla Mahmoud Alzarooni
Jolie Amir Ayyad Hanna | Cum Laude
Maitha Ali Belrahif
Abdullah Yasser Kassem
Salma Nael Mourad
Khadeejah Fama Mody Ndiaye
Tala Ghassan Niem
Hana' Mustafa Sabri | Cum Laude
Nourin Ahmed Zakaria Mohamed | Cum LaudeBachelor of Arts in Psychology
Ghaida Gamil Abdulhak
Zeina Mohammed Saifidin Alshorbaji Mozayak | Magna Cum Laude
Marya Khodor Badran
Zaynah M. Hassan
Gisele Farid Louis
Salma Abdelrazag Suliman
Asra Syed | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Biology
Afra Abdulla Alfalahi
Nouf Adel Almahri
Leen Nidal Al-Otaibi
Ayrah Aaliyah Alvi | Magna Cum Laude
Nimra Areej
Sham Ahmad Armouch Al Refaai | Summa Cum Laude
Amira Benna
Judy Ziad Debs | Cum Laude
Farah Nawaf El Dandachli | Cum Laude
Joelle El Fakhouri | Magna Cum Laude
Shahd Ayman Habiba
Rana Nasser Hamdan
Ranim Abdelrahman Jarrar
Areeba Khan
Maha Khazi | Cum Laude
Hady Haytham Mahmoud | Magna Cum Laude
Nora Bakhit Meer
Dima Rafeek Mohideen Rafeek | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Chemistry
Saleha Rashid Alhmoudi
Durga Chandrashekhar | Summa Cum Laude
Nour Ayman Hamed | Summa Cum Laude
Fatima Ahmad Mahroos | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
Reem Ali Alejla
Shaikha Mohamed Almaazmi
Shamma Saeed Alshamsi
Dana R.S. Hilles
Sameera Nawaz Khan | Magna Cum Laude
Sabrina Alwan Mahamid
Nartan RajabBachelor of Science in Mathematics
Faizan Firoz Badar | Cum Laude
Valid Jerman
Rumisal Saleem Khan | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Physics
Khalifa Salem Almatrooshi
Omar Mohammad Alowais | Cum Laude
Sultan Abdelrahman Alowais | Cum Laude- College of Engineering
PhD in Engineering Systems Management
Ahmed Hassan Al Marzooqi
Mohammed Ibrahim Al UstadMaster of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Fatoumata Nancy Cisse
Maryam A. Haniyeh
Malak Mohammad MneimnehMaster of Science in Chemical Engineering
Jubaydah Nasrin Tahsin
Haya Mohammad TalebMaster of Science in Civil Engineering
Maryam Bilal Aladab
Nouran Sherif Hegazy
Mohamed Ashraf Khalifa
Lara Ali Sabobeh
Aseel Khaled SalamehMaster of Science in Computer Engineering
Sana Zeb KhanMaster of Science in Construction Management
Ziad Hossam Ahmed
Mark Moheb WasefMaster of Science in Electrical Engineering
Shoaib Ahmed
Dima Mhd Eyad Alshaal
Hala Nagi Amer
Sharafa Idowu Bankole
Ahmad Ghattas
Shahzeb Naeem
Subhi Jalal Qutob
Ahmad RizwanMaster of Science in Engineering Systems Management
Tallah Magdi Ahmed
Fajer Adil Al-Ali
Haya Bassam Alastal
Laila Ayman Al Baya'a
Mohannad Hussein Alghazo
Hassan Abdalla Alnoman Alshamsi
Ibrahim Abdalla Alowais
Mariam Jehad Alsuwaidi
Fahad Abdalla Hussain
Hussein Mohamad Ali KayaMaster of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Muhammad Ahmad
Ibrahim Motasim Al Daour
Atheer Ghiath Aldbaisi
Nasser Tarek RizkMaster of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
Saif Ashraf Abdelfattah
Nabeel NasarBachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Mohammad Yousef Alawneh
Faisal Khalid Algarawi
Donya W KH S Aljarki
Fatma Khalid Alredha
Latifa A. Alshelahi
Shahad Mohamed Alzarooni
Ayda Marwan Atallah
Ahmad Mohammad Bin Hafiz
Omar Abdulla Bin Rasheed Al-Ali
Lamees Amjad Bougas | Cum Laude
Khaled Amer Chahrour | Cum Laude
Mobin Ebrahim Poor
Yahia Mahmoud Elsawaf | Cum Laude
Salma Ahmed Elsayed | Cum Laude
Nada Nasser Ibrahim | Cum Laude
Amaan Memon | Cum Laude
Eltahir Mahmoud MohamedBachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Abdelrahman Mohamed Abdelrahman
Yousif Atheer Al-Battawi
Rodha Abdelrahman Almulla
Alya Ahmed Almusallam
Reem Abdulla Alnaqbi
Khalid Salim Alsuwaidi
Mariam Ahmed Elhelw
Mohamad Talih Ghayad
Maryam Zeyad Janahi | Summa Cum Laude
Saleem F.S. Khalifa
Sina Sohrab Mokhtari
Ahmed Kamal Osman
Omar Sami Salem
Abdulla Fahmi Shihabi
Mohammad Chikh SulaimanBachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Hadi Abdallah
Zayed Yaseen Abdulbari
Mohammed Ali Abdul Basheer
Raghad M.A. Abualwan | Cum Laude
Mohammed Hani Ahmed | Magna Cum Laude
Maitha Elyas Alaskar
Asma Ebrahim Alkamali
Abdulaziz Majed Alothman
Saif Badr Alraeesi
Majid Mohamed Alramsi
Sara Nabeel Alrimawi
Saeed Khaled Alsaeedi
Faisal Ibrahim Alsuwaidi
Bader Osama Alzmeili
Joel John Dcruze
Mohamed Hesham Eid
Amin Mohamad El Hajj
Diaa Samir Emam | Cum Laude
Aley Amr Eshra
Alisha Faizan | Magna Cum Laude
Omar Khaled Farrag | Summa Cum Laude
Anas Hakmi
Kenzy Tamer Ibrahim
Ziad Tarek Jabr
Farhaan Basheer Koduvayakkal
Aadib Haseef Kohinoor
Lamia Fahad Mohamed
Mohammed Walid Mohammed
Amir Monfared | Magna Cum Laude
Omar Ra'ed Odeh
Georgy Elie Salem
Abdulrahman Eslam Shoaib
Raheel Siddiqui
Salman Sajjad Siddiqui
Warda Ul Hasan
Nada Amr YamanyBachelor of Science in Computer Science
Mohamad Abou Sahyoun
Zena Raed Abusharkh
Muneeb Ahmed
Said Saleh Akilan
Deema Safwan Al Hasan
Omar Al Nairab
Ahmed Zaha'a Alabd Aljabar | Summa Cum Laude
Aljawharah Abdullah Alanazi
Aisha Mohamed Alblooshi
Yousif Ahmed Alhosani
Sara Abdulaziz Almarzooqi | Cum Laude
Abdulla Sultan Alzaabi
Ahmed Mohamed Alzaabi
M. Yasser Ahmad Talal Azrak | Magna Cum Laude
Abdel-Rahman Naif Darwish
Mihir Dinesh
Moustafa Sameh Ibrahim
Omar Safwat Ibrahim | Summa Cum Laude
Sami Ghaleb Khalayli
Abdulla Omar Lootah
Harish Menon
Ezekiel Morata
Omar Nabil Qayed
Ali Sherif Sabet | Cum Laude
Salma Hussein Shaarawi
Sana Tamreen
Anna Yakoub | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Abdelrahman Yasser Abdeltwab
Maryam Obaid Al-Ali
Fatema Abdulla Alattar
Sultan Ali Alhammadi
Amro Basil Alkhatib | Cum Laude
Ahmad Ali Almajidi
Ameen Mahmood Almarzooqi
Youssef Ali Almousa
Mouza Salem Alnuaimi
Reem Marwan Alnuaimi
Maryam Ahmed Alshehhi
Essa Ahmad Alsuwaidi | Magna Cum Laude
Majid Ali Alsuwaidi
Wafa Salah Alsuwaidi
Faisal Ghazi Altaher
Omar Ghanim Alzarooni | Magna Cum Laude
Abdullah Khalid Baajaj
Mohamed Elrashid Hassan
Rhea Maria Jacob
Safwan Ismail Khan | Cum Laude
Rawan Faisal Rashid
Mohammad Moosa Salman
Zuhaiyrr Hussain Zakir HussainBachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Abdelrahman Ahmed Ahmed
Yazan Akkad
Fatima Ali Al Ali
Taleen Osama Albaz
Majduleen Basem Alfar
Rashid S.A.H. Alhabib
Sarah Firas S. Alhindi
Alanood Ahmed Alqubaisi
Ma'mon Amin Ma'mon Alsa'id | Magna Cum Laude
Rahaf Omer Amasaib
Rana Osama Awwad | Cum Laude
Abdul Rahman Ammar Badoura
Zeeshan Moin Barmeda
Omar Charmand
Lamia Amjad Issam Dablan
Benita Chiriyankandath Davy | Cum Laude
Omar Kamal Diab | Cum Laude
Mahmoud Hamdy Elayat
Yara Islam Elkousy
Abdulrahman Sameh Elzeiny
Dina Haikal
Raghed Ziyad Hamza | Cum Laude
Ahmad Mostapha Kaddoura
Sama Akmal Mahmoud
Melvern Ricky Moras
Noor Basem Othman | Magna Cum Laude
Layan Anwar ShabanaBachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Ziad Mohaymen Abdelghany
Mohamed Ahmed Abdeltawab
Abdallah Abdul Kader
Ahmad Emad Abu Khalil
Mohammad Munzer Al-Barghouthi
Asma Qais Alblooshi
Khaled Abdulrahim Alfayyomy
Alanood Abdulla Alhajeri | Cum Laude
Mohammed Raed Al-Hamami | Cum Laude
Ibrahim Abdulnasser Alkhayat
Moza Ghanim Alsuwaidi
George Hade
Abdel Rahman Mohamad Hamzeh | Magna Cum Laude
Lilian Yousef Hassan
Osama Issam Ismail
Ammar Basel Khalid
Mohammed Faraz Khan
Riasat Hossain Khan
Ahmad Khattab
Basel Moustafa Kordi | Magna Cum Laude
Dawoud Mazin
Sara Walid Mohamed | Magna Cum Laude
Yazan Husam Nasir
Tarek Shokry Nasser
Lamees B.M. Oudeh
Kareem Hazem Youssef- School of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration
Aaliya Ahammed
Ulla Mohamed Feras Alalwani
Rashid Ghanem Alhajri
Abdulla Obaid Almheiri
Muna Mohamed Alsuwaidi
Rashid Sultan Alsuwaidi
Sara Ahmed Hassanin
Sana Latif
Lilas Ryad Mansour
Revathi Ranjith
Maria Gulzar SharifullahMaster of Science in Accounting
Hana Majid AlfalasiMaster of Science in Finance
Aisha Humaid AlowaisBachelor of Arts in Economics
Farah Arar
Ayesha Meraj | Magna Cum Laude
Nadine ZidanBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Accounting
Rawdha Younis Alkhoori
Abdulrahman Khaled Alteneiji
Yara Alaa Ghoneim
Zarah Gem Magsino Manguiat
Shuyi PanBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Finance
Mohamed Jafar Abdalla | Cum Laude
Aya Hazem Abdelgawad | Magna Cum Laude
Ohood Abou Karnib
Aya Sami Abu Ahmad | Summa Cum Laude
Tala Saleh Abu Safieh
Raghd I. Afana
Ammar Ahmed
Noor Aiman
Mohammed Abdulkarim Alabdulkarim
Mohammed Hisham Al Amir | Cum Laude
Khalifa Ali Alboqaish Alraeesi
Maha Raed Aldahery | Cum Laude
Omar Abdulrahman Alfahim
Lamya Abdulmohsen Saleh Alhammadi
Abdulkarim Al Hariri
Meera Thamer AlHosani
Nasser Tareq Aljazmi
Latifa Ibrahim Almulla
Noor Al-Saidi
Ali Jasim Alsajwani
Mahmoud Waseem Alsawan
Mohamed Obaid Alshamsi
Mishaal Hani Alsharif
Khalid Waleed Altaweel
Salem Yahya AlYafei
Bader Mazin Alyahya
Hessa Jamal AlYassi
Sama Hassan Aref | Cum Laude
Sonia Azher
Nour Ahmed Badawi
Hauwa'u Maikanti Baru
Tavishi Abhaykumar Doshi | Magna Cum Laude
Mohamed Dieaeldin Eldoush
Gaurav Gurnani
Ali Khalid Hammood | Cum Laude
Zina Kamalah | Magna Cum Laude
Sara Khan
Youssef Aboubakr Mitkis
Sadiya Rasool
Wasay Ur Rehman
Nour Awad Sabban
Noha Amjad Shah | Magna Cum Laude
Tourang Farhad Taghaddossi
Abdulla Khalid TaryamBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Information Systems and Business Analytics
Mohammed R.M. Abueida
Yousuf Mansoor Algargawi
Rashed Abubaker Almarri
Ahmed Saif Alshamsi
Alya Jamal Alsuwaidi
Hamad Ali Anwahi
Muhammad Aaiz Kashif | Summa Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management
Mohammad Mana Al Attar
Abbas R A A Alhazeem
Ihab Al Kaddah
Sara Talal Alkalouti
Hla Saeed Almardawi | Cum Laude
Ahmed Eisa Almheiri
Ali Tariq Alnuaimi
Hessa Rashed Alnuaimi
Abdalla Taher AlTaher
Alia Ali Alzaabi
Karl Alexandre Cherfan
Omar Hassen
Jiaming Li
Ahmad Ramez Mahfouz
Tamana Rashid
Mohamed Rasoul
Harout Tamamian
Mariam Ahmed YousifBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management Information Systems
Omar Al Marai
Tasnim Farhan Alrashed
Saif Easa AlZarooni
Muhammad Ahmad Dar
Atamyrat Toylyyev
Mohammed Anas Warsi
Mohammad Arafat YousefBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing
Yomna Awad Abdalla
Shireen Ziad Abdelghani
Tala Tariq Abualrous
Marwa Jasim Albannay
Kenan Abdulkalek Alkadi
Aliya Fahed Almazrouei
Aisha Abdalla Alnuaimi
Aisha Ahmed AlSaabri
Rawand Moh'dali Atatreh
Hessa Hamad Bin Rashed
Rayan El Saleh | Magna Cum Laude
Yasmeen Ashraf Fakhouri
Kheda Khadzieva
Mishaal Abdul Latheef
Mohammad Sharif Abdollah Motamed
Naziah Muhammad Noor Aslam
Sahar Ramzan
Savara Ramzan
Dana Ashraf Salem
Farah Tawakol
Hala Trabolsi
Sayed Muhammad Wahezi
Keynote Speaker
Chris Gardner
Chris Gardner is a renowned entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author whose life story has inspired millions around the world. Best known for his memoir The Pursuit of Happyness, which was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Will Smith, Gardner exemplified resilience and determination in his journey from homelessness to becoming a successful businessman.
As the CEO of Happyness International, he is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals through transformational leadership and innovative thinking. Gardner is also an advocate for financial literacy and social responsibility, working tirelessly to empower communities through education and mentorship.
His inspiring story and powerful insights make him an exceptional choice as the guest speaker for this semester’s AUS graduation, offering students invaluable lessons on perseverance and purpose as they embark on their own paths to success.
Photo Gallery
Honorary Degree
AUS conferred an honorary doctorate on Yusuf Islam, a renowned singer-songwriter and humanitarian previously known as Cat Stevens. Islam's music has inspired millions with its messages of peace and social justice. This honor recognizes his unwavering commitment to charitable causes and his significant contributions to the arts and society.
Meet our Fall 2024 College Ambassadors
Nour Hamed | Chemistry | College of Arts and Sciences
My first semester at AUS was hybrid because of COVID-19—I came to campus every other week.
My first semester at AUS was challenging, and I had to adjust to a completely different educational system and learn completely new things. I had to also adjust to living away from my family in Jordan, where I lived all my life. I slowly learned to balance different responsibilities alongside studying. It was difficult at first, but I slowly learned to manage my responsibilities. There were times when things got stressful during which my best source of encouragement and support was my parents and grandparents.|-BREAK-|
As a freshman, I always looked through the lab windows of the Chemistry Building with curiosity, wondering about research opportunities and its equipment. One day, Dr. Sofian Kanan saw me looking through the lab windows and took me for a tour around the labs. I was thrilled. Little did I know that this would be one of my first memories with the professor who would later end up supervising my senior research project.
As a chemistry major, I spent countless hours in the lab, conducting experiments. I also loved capturing the beauty of chemistry in pictures.
During my time at AUS, I had the opportunity to conduct research in astronomy and statistics under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Chan. I was still a freshman when he offered me an opportunity to conduct research under his supervision. The project was funded by an AUS Undergraduate Research Grant. I still remember the day I received the award letter. Working on this research project taught me a lot, and as the project came to an end, I got the opportunity to travel to London and present my findings at a conference.
Following a tradition I had started in my school days, I volunteered to help the AUS lab technicians prepare experiments. The technicians at AUS are wonderful, and I learned a lot from them over the years. Eventually, I was hired as a laboratory assistant.
So much has happened since the day I first stepped into AUS. Now I am stepping out as a graduating student, ready to face the real world. I grew so much as a person here. I had my moments of joy and my moments of hardship, and they all shaped me into being who I am today.
Penar Qanbar | Architecture | College of Architecture, Art and Design
Although the idea of studying architecture has intrigued me since a relatively young age, I nevertheless entered this major with little to no exposure to architecture and design. My first year was both challenging and exciting. I developed a sensibility and appreciation for design, starting with the most abstract media and methods.
We resorted to online learning due to COVID-19 towards the end of my first year. Taking architectural design courses was challenging given the hands-on nature of our major and the importance of interaction with our peers. However, thanks to the great adaptations that were made and the tireless efforts of my professors, the quality and rigor of the learning experience were preserved after this transition. |-BREAK-|
In my third year, we returned to in-person education. Having gained a new appreciation for being on campus, it was also then that I made the most meaningful memories and the closest friends, taking advantage of our collective physical presence. A lot of these memories were made in studio—the personalized space where we, as CAAD students, study, work, display our projects, eat, talk, hang out and basically do everything.
There were times when I questioned my work and abilities as a designer, which in my conversations with my peers turned out to be quite common in creative fields, and I found that turning these feelings around to work for me was a great way to deal with them. Wanting to prove these doubts wrong pushed me to achieve things that I may not have otherwise been able to.
In retrospect, I can clearly see my progress and growth, both as a designer and as an individual. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family and mentors, as well as the incredible friends I’ve met along the way.
I hope to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead.
Rahaf Amasaib | Industrial Engineering | College of Engineering
I am a Sudanese dreamer with a heart full of ambition, who once lived in the cozy familiarity of her room in Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Little did I know that my search for a university would lead me to one of the best life-changing decisions ever. I found in industrial engineering the perfect balance that combined my analytical and practical nature.
My journey at AUS was anything but ordinary. It was a tale of resilience, ambition and relentless self-discovery. Striking a balance between academics, extracurriculars and work experience was no easy battle, but I was determined to thrive rather than survive.|-BREAK-|
The Industrial Engineering Club was my first venture into leadership. Starting as treasurer for two semesters, my drive and vision quickly earned me a promotion to president. The club rose from dormancy after the COVID-19 pandemic, participating in competitions and getting top placements in every event it entered. I also got into the Sudanese Cultural Club to connect with my culture and meet more Sudanese people on campus, and became a peer leader for two consecutive years, guiding and mentoring others. I further joined the Psychology Club and was selected for the Women's Residential Hall Representative role in the AUS Student Council.
Academically, I found inspiration in Dr. Randa Bou-Mehdi and her writing courses, which channelled my love for psychology. I wrote research papers so compelling that they were published on writingtheresearch.com and shared as exemplary samples for future students. One of my proudest moments came when Dr. Bou-Mehdi recommended me to the Writing Center and I became a writing tutor.
I also worked as a research assistant with professors from the Department of Industrial Engineering. Juggling my responsibilities alongside my coursework and extracurriculars was not easy.
One of the most profound influences during my time at AUS was Dr. Bayan Hamdan, an inspirational industrial engineering professor. Under her guidance, I was able to dive deeper into the complexities of machine learning in the context of industrial engineering. Alongside my senior design group, we won one of the top three projects in the Department of Industrial Engineering.
AUS shaped my personality and perspective, allowing me to discover different ways of interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in various parts of the world. I was also fortunate to find friends who transcended the boundaries of friendship and became my chosen family.
AUS was more than just a place of learning. It was a point of transformation that turned me into the person I am today.
Yousuf Al Gargawi | Business Administration - Information Systems and Business Analytics | School of Business Administration
Starting my journey at AUS was both exciting and overwhelming. My first semester was entirely online because of the pandemic, making the transition from school to military service to university a whirlwind. Soon, I found my footing thanks to supportive professors and new friends who helped me transition into this new life chapter.
Having joined AUS, I was filled with excitement and anticipation, but also nervous about balancing academics and building friendships while maintaining good grades. |-BREAK-|
Most of my close friends from school chose different paths, leaving me in this new environment. Courses like calculus for business felt daunting, but AUS helped students like me find their place. My professors were incredibly understanding and created environments that encouraged communication and connection. Through icebreakers and group activities, I met people who would become some of my closest friends. I even surprised myself by excelling academically, earning an A in calculus, one of my proudest achievements. That success gave me confidence and taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone could lead to incredible growth.
AUS shaped me in ways I never imagined. Joining the Dean’s Business Team (DBT) was a turning point. Over two years, I rose through the ranks from trainee to vice president, and now, in my final semester, I proudly serve as the team’s advisor. DBT helped me develop my network, learn professional communication and, most importantly, build confidence.
Another significant experience was my involvement with the Emirati Cultural Club. What started as a volunteer role turned into a leadership opportunity. When I became president, we successfully hosted one of AUS’ most memorable National Day celebrations.
As my journey at AUS nears its end, being chosen as the SBA ambassador is a perfect finale. It’s a culmination of all the hard work, perseverance and growth I’ve experienced over the past four years, and a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much is possible with dedication and determination. My time at AUS has been nothing short of transformative. The challenges I faced, the friendships I built, and the milestones I achieved have shaped me into the person I am today. AUS will always hold a special place in my heart—a place where I grew, learned and created memories that will last a lifetime. I am forever proud to call this university my second home.
Commencement Speech
The Fall 2024 Commencement speech, titled Change is the only Constant, was written and delivered by Hana Sabri, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.
- Speech: Hana Sabri | Change is the only Constant
Bismillah Al Rahman Al Rahim.
Your Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, distinguished members of the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen, Interim Provost Mohamed El Tarhuni, esteemed faculty and staff, our proud and indeed relieved families, distinguished guests, and finally, my fellow graduates: Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Today, we come together to celebrate the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and resilience. It is truly an honor to stand before you at the commencement ceremony of the American University of Sharjah's graduating class of Fall 2024!
As we stand on the brink of our futures, one undeniable truth echoes in my mind—a truth that has shaped not just my journey but everyone’s here today: the only constant in life is change.
Change. A small word, yet one with immense power. It often arrives uninvited, leaving us unsettled and wondering, "What now?" In those moments, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the unknown. But embedded in every moment of change is a powerful opportunity to redefine ourselves, to rise to the challenge, and to uncover a better version of who we are.
And today, by standing here, I can wholeheartedly second that! Just three years ago, I was on a different path, pursuing a degree in medicine, thinking my future was set. But deep down, I felt lost. It was then that I made the decision to change my major and come to AUS. It felt like taking a leap into the unknown, hoping something would catch me—and thankfully, AUS did! AUS opened doors I hadn’t even known existed, and I realized that true growth often comes from having the courage to change direction—to embrace uncertainty and trust that every step forward brings new opportunities. Thank you, AUS, for being my safety net, for embracing me, and for giving me the education and experience that brought me here today.
If there’s one take away from my story, it’s that the changes that challenge us the most are the ones that make us stronger, wiser, and more adaptable.
We have faced our own set of challenges at AUS, all of which required us to navigate change and adapt to it. Some were small hurdles, like group projects testing our patience, or realizing that 8 a.m. classes are never a good idea. The bigger challenges, however, reshaped our understanding of the world and our place in it.
The pandemic was one such challenge that disrupted life as we knew it. We started our university experience behind screens, with the vibrant campus life we had envisioned put on hold. But we adapted—and not only did we adapt, we thrived. When we returned, we revived clubs, organized bigger events, and excelled in every aspect, from academics, to leadership, to community outreach.
As we adjusted to life on campus, the world around us faced its own challenges. Conflict, natural disasters, and pressing global issues were constantly dominating our thoughts. Yet, rather than stand by, we rose to action, spearheading initiatives that made a real difference. From aiding earthquake victims to leading efforts like Tarahum for Gaza and The UAE stands with Lebanon, our collective actions demonstrated our compassion and commitment to being change-makers in the world.
This collective sense of responsibility didn’t stop there. As the realities of climate change became more evident, we developed a heightened awareness of our actions and their impact. No longer content with just being witnesses, we became drivers of change. Our involvement in COP28, with one of our students representing the UAE at the conference, proved that AUS students are ready to not only adapt to change but to lead it.
While navigating these massive global shifts, another quiet revolution took place—right on our laptops. We witnessed firsthand the rise of AI. Who here hasn’t turned to ChatGPT for help at some point? Whether it was solving a coding issue or brainstorming for a project, we learned to collaborate with technology and not resist it. And as AI continues to weave itself into our daily lives, we must guide these advancements with a strong commitment to ethical use.
The only constant throughout these challenges was our ability to adapt to the change each challenge brought.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our families, to whom I express my greatest appreciation. Your sacrifices and endless encouragement have been the foundation of our success. This achievement is as much yours as it is ours.
And to our professors and mentors, who not only equipped us with knowledge but also challenged us to apply our learning in ways that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom, we are forever grateful.
“Our world is evolving at an exponential pace, so we must prepare our students to meet the
challenges of the coming decades to succeed in the job market of tomorrow.” These are the words of Your Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qassimi, President of AUS, who today carries forward the legacy of our visionary leader Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and the founding president of AUS, whose innovative mindset has propelled AUS and the Emirate of Sharjah to achieve remarkable heights and global recognition.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for fostering an environment where creativity, innovation, and ambition thrive. Your guidance has made AUS a home for thinkers, dreamers, and change-makers.
As we leave this chapter behind and step into the next, let us remember that change will always be part of our journey. It may challenge us, push us, and even make us uncomfortable, but it is through these moments that we grow and discover our true potential.
We have proven, time and time again, that we are capable of facing the unknown with resilience and courage. So, let’s move forward with the same spirit!
Congratulations, Class of 2024.
Thank you.
Senior Class Gift
A Tradition of Giving Back
The Senior Class Gift is a meaningful tradition that showcases your class’s generosity and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for future AUS students.
You can directly impact lives and make education more accessible.
Choose your impact:
- General Student Scholarship Fund
- Students from underprivileged communities
- Students with disabilities
Contributors will receive an exclusive Giving Pin at the Pinning Ceremony, a symbol of your generosity to wear proudly at Commencement.
Let’s celebrate the spirit of giving and inspire future graduates to carry this legacy forward.
AUS Merchadise
Show your AUS pride by purchasing some official AUS merchandise!
A great selection of apparel, gifts, accessories and more is available through the online AUS Merchandise Shop. This is a great way to celebrate your graduation and your pride in AUS as your alma mater.
The online stop is the only place to get official, licensed merchandise.
Alumni Support
Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
The Career Development Unit at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) can provide you with advice and guidance to help you secure rewarding professional careers and internship opportunities following your graduation.
If you aren't sure of what steps to take next, reach out to us and we'll happily help you get started in this new chapter in your professional journey. Click here.
AUS Alumni Association
Now that you are officially a graduate, you are part of a global network of proud AUSers.
The AUS Alumni Association offers benefits and services to alumni, including various discounts and privileges, as well as career advice and counseling. Click here.
Stay Connected
Follow @aus_alumni on Instagram for regular updates and news from the AUS alumni community. Click here.
Share your celebration
Make sure you're following our official AUS social media accounts—and don't forget tag your graduation photos with #Proud_AUSer and #AUSClassOf2024!
