AUS honors 688 students for academic excellence

American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its Honors Convocation at University City Hall on November 14, 2024, celebrating the remarkable achievements of 688 students who earned a place on the Chancellor’s Distinguished List. This record number of honorees reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence and the continuous rise in student success, increasing from 552 honorees in Fall 2023.

To earn a spot on the Chancellor’s Distinguished List, students must have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher over both the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, be named to the Dean’s List in both terms, enroll in at least 15 credit hours each semester and uphold an impeccable academic record with no incomplete or failing grades and no disciplinary actions.

Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, commended the honorees, stating: “Your remarkable academic achievements exemplify the highest standards of excellence that we strive for at AUS. Each of you has demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance, and this record number of honorees reflects the vibrant, scholarly culture that continues to flourish within our university. Your success today sets the foundation for future accomplishments that will undoubtedly make a lasting impact.”

The convocation honored 148 Gold Medal recipients, recognized for their third or fourth appearance at the Honors Convocation; 185 Silver Medalists; celebrating their second time on the prestigious honors list; and 355 Bronze Medalists, honored for the first time at the convocation event.

Among the students celebrated was Leen Fuad Al Abweh, an electrical engineering student and Bronze Medal recipient, who shared: “This medal represents the dedication and hard work I put into my studies. I firmly believe that perseverance and determination are key to achieving excellence. As an electrical engineering student, balancing the rigorous demands of my major has been challenging. Still, the continuous support from my professors, peers and family has pushed me to reach milestones I once thought unattainable.”

The event also acknowledged recipients of the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship, recognizing students who have excelled in both academics and research. One of the awardees, architecture student Omar Darwish, who was also awarded the silver medal at the convocation, expressed his gratitude: “I am honored to receive the Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship. This wouldn't have been possible without the support of my family, friends and professors. The scholarship will support my current research toward securing the necessary equipment, licenses, materials and archival documentation. The ultimate goal is to transform the research findings into a publication that benefits the UAE and contributes to understanding the region's architecture and urban evolution.”

To learn more about AUS grants and scholarships, visit www.aus.edu/admissions/financial-grants-and-scholarships.