AUS honors highest number of distinguished students at Honors Convocation

American University of Sharjah (AUS) honored its top academic achievers at the Annual Honors Convocation held last evening, Tuesday, October 21, in the Main Auditorium on campus.

The number of students honored at this year's convocation was the highest in the university's history. This year, 318 students were recognized, demonstrating the students' exceptional discipline, commitment and dedication towards their academics. Last year, 265 students were honored.

While addressing the honored students and their parents, AUS Chancellor Dr. Björn Kjerfve congratulated the students on their remarkable achievements. He said that the event was held to honor and celebrate the achievements of the university's brightest and most talented undergraduate students. "American University of Sharjah (AUS) is renowned throughout the Gulf region for the outstanding quality of its students. You are the best among the very best," said Dr. Kjerfve. "Your hard work and diligence has borne fruit and you should be very proud of yourselves."

"This is not only a great moment of pride for us but also for your parents who have supported and guided you from the inception of your life and education. Along with your mentors and faculty members, your parents have played a significant part in the success that you enjoy today," he further added.

This year, out of the total students honored, 183 were female and 135 were male. An impressive 48 students received Gold awards, which represents being recognized at Honors Convocation for the third or fourth time, 77 students received Silver awards representing a second recognition and 193 students were presented Bronze awards for their first year on the prestigious list.

To qualify for this list, a student must have met the following requirements in both the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters: been named to the Dean's List; been 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.

Siham Arif, a gold medal winner, said, "It's a great feeling because firstly we are studying at one of the best universities in the region, and to be recognized among its top students makes me proud and happy."

The breakdown of the students honored in the Annual Honors Convocation is as follows:

College of Architecture, Art and Design: 54

College of Arts and Sciences: 35

School of Business Administration: 74

College of Engineering: 155

Kevin Mitchel, Interim Provost, also addressed the students and congratulated them on their success. "Of the many duties of the Provost, the recognition of our students is one of the most rewarding. Tonight we are celebrating the academic achievements of 318 students who have been named to the Chancellor's List, which is the highest academic attainment that a student at AUS can achieve."

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.

Anaisabel Alacio, College Architecture, Art and Design; Nada Ramadan, College of Arts and Sciences; Moataz Abdrabou, College of Engineering; and Ali Shadmanian, School of Business Administration, were declared the recipients of these prestigious scholarships for the Academic Year 2014-2015.

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