AUS honors 32 students for extracurricular contributions and athletic excellence with scholarships totaling 408,853 AED

Thirty-two students at American University of Sharjah (AUS) were awarded scholarships for their contributions to campus life, both academically and through extracurricular activities. The Office of Student Affairs hosted a ceremony to honor students whose involvement in leadership and athletics has enriched their university experience and made a positive impact on the AUS community. These scholarships, which cover up to 25 percent of tuition fees, highlight AUS’ commitment to fostering both academic achievement and personal development.

For many students, like Iryn Sara Tony, a finance major, the university is more than just a place to study. It's a platform to inspire change, build connections and lead initiatives that benefit the entire student body. Her journey at AUS is a testament to the transformative power of active engagement. As President of the Blockchain and Fintech Association, Vice-President of the AUS Entrepreneurship Club and Director of External Relations for the 2025 AUS Model United Nations, she has pushed boundaries, organizing events and creating platforms that empower her peers. Her leadership roles didn’t stop there. She also became the first Sustainability Officer for the Dean’s Business Team, pioneering efforts to promote sustainability on campus, including spearheading the first AUS Student Entrepreneurial Fair.

“My journey at AUS has been shaped not only by academics but by the diverse experiences I’ve gained through active involvement in various roles. Serving in these positions has allowed me to develop essential skills like communication, leadership and collaboration. This scholarship motivates me to continue stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing new challenges," she said.

Tony is one of 16 recipients of the AUS Active Student Scholarship, worth 195,330 AED, awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributions to student life. The other recipients include Omar Al-Khazali, Rahma Zuhair, Sanjana Monish Bharwani, Sameera Nawaz Khan, Salma Hussein, Raghed Hamza, Yevin Nethmika Dunu Arachchilage, Farah Khanfar, Nimra Areej, Fatima Mahroos, Mohamed Saffouh Alajlani, Fahad Mahmood, Khadijah Ali, Rabab Faisal Khan and Safwan Khan. Each of these students has made a lasting mark on campus life through their dedication to leadership, student engagement and active participation in various initiatives.

But it wasn’t just leadership that was celebrated. Sixteen other students were also awarded the AUS Athletic Scholarship, worth 213,523 AED, recognizing their achievements in sports. Among them is Kumail Hassan Rasheed Hassan, a finance major whose name is synonymous with cricket at AUS. As the captain of the university’s cricket team, Hassan has led his team to victory in multiple inter-university tournaments, showcasing his skills not only on the field but also as a leader who inspires his teammates to push beyond their limits.

“Balancing academic excellence and athletic pursuits requires unwavering dedication. This award reflects my commitment to maintaining strong academic performance while actively pursuing my passion for sports. My recent success in multiple tournaments alongside my academic achievements demonstrates that perseverance truly pays off,” he said.

Hassan joins a group of talented student-athletes, including Hamzah Bassam Zoual Ghena, Ali Mohsen Eldemerdash, Baraa Taleb, Sara Hamza, Thanseeha Biju, Ahmad Chakif, Nooralzahra Khezrian, Abdullah Tarique, Lana Tannir, Sina Mokhtari, Abdallah Ahmad, Nour Halawa, Abdullah Al Hosani, Arman Jafari and Rand Alyahya, all of whom have demonstrated an incredible ability to excel in both academics and sports.

Shaima Bin Taliah, Acting Vice Chancellor for Student Experience at AUS, highlighted that the awards are a reflection of the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. “Our students continue to impress us with their passion and dedication. These scholarships are not just a celebration of their accomplishments but a testament to AUS’ holistic approach to education. We believe in empowering our students to pursue excellence in every facet of their university journey—whether through academics, leadership or athleticism.”

As AUS continues to foster a culture of excellence, these scholarships serve as a reminder of the power of involvement and the lasting impact students can have on their university and beyond.

For more information on AUS scholarships, please visit www.aus.edu/admissions/financial-grants-and-scholarships.