Industry leaders attend AUS Corporate Appreciation Dinner

American University of Sharjah (AUS) held its annual Corporate Appreciation Dinner at Jumeirah Mina A’salam in Dubai recently. The special event, which recognizes industry collaborations with the university and celebrates their impact, witnessed the participation of over 150 business leaders and senior executives from leading international, regional and local corporate entities who have been supporting the advancement endeavors of AUS throughout the academic year 2018−2019.

Expressing his appreciation for the generous support of AUS by the companies and organizations recognized at the event, Chancellor Professor Kevin Mitchell said:

“AUS relies on partnerships to advance the mission of the university and to ensure that students and faculty continue to have the opportunities for substantive engagement with leading companies and organizations. We are continuously exploring the development of mutually beneficial intiatives that can positively impact the university, it’s partners and society.”

While presenting the corporate engagement impact report, Charles A. Diab, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA), said:

“Through your respective support, AUS was successful in raising a total of over AED 3.4 million in monetary and in-kind corporate contributions to the university that enabled 25 academic- and advancement- initiatives that subsequently benefitted 3,667 students and graduates and generated 1,107 internship and employment opportunities for them throughout the year. In addition to advancing the institution’s mission, this accomplishment also represents the investment that industry makes to create a pipeline of quality talent which it needs for its own success and growth.”

The event included an appreciation ceremony wherein corporate supporters were recognized for their contributions and special relationship with AUS. Supporters recognized during the evening as Leaders of Excellence included All Prints Distributors and Publishers, Arada, Bee’ah, Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Metal Industries, Fast Building Contracting Co., Petrofac International Ltd, and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA).

Recognitions were also presented to Corporate Partners and Community Builders, which are organizations that have participated in university events through providing different levels of financial support; and Corporate Champions, organizations that have supported AUS with their time and effort.

The event also saw outstanding business leaders being recognized for their exceptional institutional engagement and service in supporting the educational mission of AUS. This year’s impact leaders included His Excellency Salem Al Owais, Chairman of Bee’ah; Dr. Dalya Al Muthanna, CEO and President of GE Gulf; Nadia Khayat, Managing Director at All Prints Distributors and Publishers; Ola Al Haj Hussin, Corporate Citizenship Manager at Crescent Enterprises; AUS Alumna Mayada Bardan, Manager of Research and Studies Department at SEWA; and AUS Alumnus Sachin Gadoya, Co-founder and CEO of Musafir.com.

Known throughout the region for its outstanding graduates, AUS is committed to building mutually productive and sustainable strategic relations with the corporate community. Through OAAA, the university continues to engage with and develop its ties with both the private and governmental sector. Events such as the Corporate Appreciation Dinner play an important role in strengthening these connections. 

The event, which was organized by the OAAA, was also attended by Dr. Juan Sanchez, AUS Provost and Chief Academic Officer, along with other senior university officials and members from the academic units.