AUS celebrates highest number ever of distinguished students

American University of Sharjah (AUS) honored the academic achievements of 385 of its top students for Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 at the Annual Honors Convocation held late last week in the Main Auditorium on campus. The number of students honored at this year's convocation was the highest in the history of the university as AUS recognized students for demonstrating exceptional discipline, commitment and dedication towards their academics. Last year, 339 students were honored. Four exceptional students were also awarded the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship.

To qualify for this list, a student must have met the following requirements in the past consecutive semesters: named to the Dean's List, maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above out of 4.0, registered in a minimum of 15 credit hours; had no incomplete or failing grades in any courses, and had no disciplinary action against him/her.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Leland Blank, Interim Provost, congratulated the students on their achievement and said the occasion celebrated the academic success of the university's most accomplished students. Dr. Blank said, "Your dedication has borne fruit and set you apart from your peers. You have made the most of your talent through hard work, commitment, and perseverance. You have shown your fellow students that discipline and focus in balancing time between academic and extracurricular activities are important ingredients in attaining success."

"It is very important to recognize the incredible support and encouragement that you have received from your families, who play a significant part of your success. Your parents and other family members have been a source of guidance and care and have made sure, through their own hard work, that you were afforded the opportunity to attend AUS and could succeed in your university education. Besides your parents, I would like to recognize the faculty who have been your instructors and mentors and provided you with the knowledge and tools to reach your educational goals. Your success is their success as well. The AUS staff have significantly contributed to your accomplishments and success, as well," added Dr. Blank.

Also speaking on the occasion was Dr. Pernille Arenfeldt, Associate Professor of International Studies, who congratulated the students for their efforts and hard work.

This year, out of the total students honored, 219 were female students and 166 were male. Seventy one students received Gold awards, which represents being recognized at the Honors Convocation for the third or fourth time, 119 students received Silver awards representing a second recognition and 195 students were presented with Bronze awards for their first year on the prestigious list.

A distinguished engineering students who earned the Golden winner said, "AUS recognizing us in this special event reflects our achievements in this university and I am very proud of that. I would like to pass my appreciation to all families and AUS faculty members who contributed in making this happen."

The College of Engineering had the largest number of distinguished students, 186; followed by the School of Business Administration, 106; College of Arts and Sciences, 48; and College of Architecture, Art and Design, 45.

The evening also saw the Sheikh Khalifa Scholarships being awarded to four exceptional students. The scholarship is awarded to juniors and seniors and recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, service to community, demonstrated talent in the field of study and participation in extracurricular and university activities. Awarded through an annual competition conducted within each college/school, it is granted for up to four consecutive semesters or until graduation requirements are complete.

Ibrahim Ibrahim from the College of Architecture, Art and Design; Naila Iqbal from the College of Arts and Sciences; Abdul Ghani Soucar from the College of Engineering; and Vana Borghosizian from the School of Business Administration were declared the recipients of this prestigious scholarship.

The event was attended by senior university officials; faculty members; students and their family members.