Forging bonds: Empowering education at AUS' inaugural Benefit Suhoor

Under the theme "Let us Friendraise: Together for Impact," American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its inaugural Benefit Suhoor under the patronage and in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS.

Sheikha Bodour paid tribute to Islamic scientific pioneers who brought enlightenment to the world.

“The AUS Benefit Suhoor embodies the spirit of philanthropy that’s the essence of Ramadan, and a celebration of the enduring influence of Islamic scholarship. At AUS we follow the example of luminaries like Ibn Rushd, Abbas Ibn Firnas, Ibn Khaldun, and others, who shone the light of knowledge into the world. AUS is a place where curiosity and discovery are venerated because they lead us all to knowledge and progress, which have the power to improve the lives of people who are less fortunate.”

The event saw AUS alumni, Friends of AUS, and corporate partners in attendance on a night designed as a catalyst for meaningful connections, offering attendees an opportunity to network with fellow visionaries who believe in the power of education. The occasion offered promise to leaders of tomorrow by providing invaluable scholarship opportunities to the university’s dedicated community of learners.

"Education is more than the mere accumulation of knowledge; it's about cultivating bonds and collaborations that transcend individual pursuits, paving the path for enduring impact. As we convene tonight, united in our dedication to education and empowerment, let us acknowledge the profound significance of meaningful connections. Through these ties, we amplify the transformative potential of education, shaping tomorrow's leaders and forging a brighter future for all,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS.

The event featured a live performance by musical Singer-Songwriter Macadi Nahhas; a celebration of cultural legacy with Ilham Khairallah, Founder of Sjadna.ae; an exploration of the Andalusian legacy and the harmony between Islam and science with Dr. Nidhal Guessoum, AUS Professor of Physics and the Sheikha Nama Majid Al Qassimi Endowed Chair in Education Across All Disciplines; and a Culinary Symphony by Michelin Master Chef Greg Malouf, accompanied by the mesmerizing melodies of the AUS Arabic Ensemble.

The event also included a live auction whose proceeds will be allocated to the AUS Advancement and Solidarity Scholarship Fund in support of bright Palestinian students from Gaza who wish to pursue their studies at AUS. Auctioned pieces included exclusive co-branded watches sponsored by Seddiqi & Sons; an exclusive canvas painting for Artist and Humanitarian Sacha Jafri and an exclusive tour of Jafri’s studio for the winner and nine guests; an exclusive calligraphy donated by el Seed, a contemporary artist whose practice crosses the discipline of painting and sculpture; an art piece by renowned sculptor Rick Swain – whose work draws inspiration from his life experiences and the natural beauty of his native New Zealand, was donated by Mr. Hamid Jafar, Founder and Chairman of the Crescent Group of Companies; and a private dinner for 10 by Michelin Master Chef Greg Malouf at a chosen venue or at Chef Malouf’s private home. 

The event also highlighted the Green Legacy initiative, an exclusive tree-planting campaign in collaboration with Alef Group that not only promotes sustainability and campus greening but also provides support to Palestinian students facing financial difficulties. Donors to the Green Legacy initiative will have a palm tree planted in their name upon donating AED 100,000, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of the campus and the lives of students they are supporting. The initiative, which is part of the AUS Alumni Advancement and Solidarity Fund, has so far seen six palm trees taking root, leaving four yet to be sown.

A raffle was held that included a copy of a cookbook by Greg and Lucy Maalouf, providing a delicious glimpse into Turkish cuisine and culture through diverse recipes and captivating storytelling, as well as "The Sharjah: The  Board Game," offering players a chance to experience 1978 Sharjah through strategic competition as merchants in the bustling Central Souq.

The Benefit Suhoor is part of a series of fundraising events AUS has held since the start of this year in support of the AUS Advancement and Solidarity Scholarship Fund, which was established to support and empower bright students facing social changes or emergencies within their communities, helping them receive quality education at AUS. The proceeds from the fund this year will go towards supporting outstanding students from Palestine with a special focus on those facing financial difficulties in Gaza.

The event also concluded with the much-anticipated reveal of the AUS Scent, adding a sensory dimension to the Benefit Suhoor.

Organized by the AUS Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) at AUS, the AUS Benefit Suhoor was supported by main sponsors Alef Group and Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC); community partner Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); auction sponsor Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons as well as individual artists; travel partner Air Arabia; and Advancement and Solidarity Scholarship Fund corporate sponsors All Prints; ARADA, BEEAH Group, ENOVA Facilities Management, KEF Holdings, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah City Municipality, Sharjah Islamic Bank and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).

To learn more about the Advancement and Solidarity Scholarship Fund, visit info.aus.edu/giving