AUS hosts luncheon for Spring 2013 graduates

American University of Sharjah (AUS) held a special luncheon in honor of this semester's graduating seniors today, June 5. The lunch, organized by the AUS Office of Development and Alumni Affairs (ODAA), is in preparation for the Spring 2013 Commencement, which will take place this Saturday, June 8. A total of 534 undergraduate and graduate students will receive their degrees at the ceremony.

The graduates were addressed by Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs; AUS Alumni Association (AUSAA) President, alumnus Ahmed Al-Jbori; and Harald Kroll, Managing Director of BASF, who was the keynote speaker at the event.

In a statement addressing the students on the occasion, AUS Acting Chancellor Dr. Thomas John Hochstettler said, "We, at AUS, derive immense satisfaction from the success of our students. Your hard work and dedication are the key qualities you share with your fellow alumni. As you step into the real world, you will realize that a sincere commitment to one's goals is essential in achieving success. You have made the most of the opportunities afforded to you during your time here at AUS and are now equipped with the wherewithal necessary to face the world on your terms. It is the mission of this great university to prepare young minds and spirits to become citizens of a global world wherein they play their due role in helping shape society for the better."

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah said, "As you depart campus three days from now with your hard-earned degree in hand, you will assume a very special status, that of an ambassador of AUS. Your contributions will reflect on the increasing quality of the AUS credential, as the key of success. Together, the thousands of AUS graduates will also reflect on how you all are perceived. You have added to the AUS imprint your own persona, like having an additional family name," she concluded.

AUS Alumni Association (AUSAA) President, alumnus Ahmed Al-Jbori, also addressed the future alumni and encouraged them to become active members of AUSAA. "We provide four main propositions for you. We are a networking platform for alumni and we also provide assistance in the developmental aspect. We hold a lot of workshops centered around skills-building and leadership-building."

"We also expect alumni to give back to their alma mater. AUS defines who you are and will always be part and parcel of your life. We will help you to be a better you even after you have graduated. We offer the alumni mentorship program as well as the discount program for alumni," said Al-Jbori.

In his address, Kroll congratulated the class of 2013 and discussed how sustainability has become even more important considering the challenges we face. "With your education and training, you have become more efficient and effective," he said. His advice to the fresh graduates was, "Be smart, be mobile, be authentic, be responsible and be trustworthy."

The event also featured recognition awards given to students who achieved a high GPA and those who were most involved in extracurricular activities. The recipients were: Fadi Ahmad Rifai, civil engineering; Zeina Baalbaki, chemical engineering; Khadija Ali Nanji and Juhi Chanchalani, finance; Joud Al Korani, international studies; Marina Maged Rofail and Ruba Ali Abu-Salma, computer engineering; Menatalla Diaaeldin Shehabeldin and Ayah Mahmoud Abusara, electrical engineering; and Khaled Mohamed Elawady, mechanical engineering.