Over 2,500 alumni and guests join Ruler of Sharjah at AUS Alumni Dinner

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), expressed his pride in AUS alumni and his gratitude towards the university's faculty members as well as its administration for their hard work and efforts in the growth and development of the university. He stated this during his speech at the Ninth Annual Alumni Reunion Dinner held today, January 21, 2016 on the AUS campus.

The alumni reunion is one of the highlights of the AUS calendar. The event celebrates the achievements of AUS graduates and brings the university's alumni back to their alma mater every year. Over 2,500 alumni and guests were present at the event this year.

During his address, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan said: "Through the years, AUS gone from strength to strength, with significant steps taken towards research and development, in particular. We have established AUS Enterprises which will include the development of the AUS Research, Technology and Innovation Park. This will place the university as a center of innovation and technological research in the region. We have also approved a new master's degree in biomedical engineering which will prepare students for this challenging field."

His Highness said that the university's upcoming graduation was the result of its continuous commitment and dedication towards academic excellence. "It brings us great satisfaction to see students blossom into productive members of society. We are pleased to see you back here at AUS," said His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan addressing the alumni, "and we hope you will keep your university in your thoughts and prayers."

AUS Chancellor Björn Kjerfve welcomed the graduates back "home" to their alma mater. "As part of a growing, multinational family of some 11,000 alumni spread across the world, you are an essential component of what makes AUS unique. Your university is proud of your achievements and of the path you have charted for yourself. Your presence here is greatly appreciated as it provides us with a chance to reconnect," he said.

"Our alumni today hold important positions in some of the most well-known global corporate entities as well as in leadership roles in government sector organizations. They are being recognized for their accomplishments and are enrolled in some of the most competitive graduate programs at universities across the globe," added Chancellor Kjerfve.

The reunion also honored the new inductees to the Alumni Wall of Fame, which recognizes those who contributed to making a difference during their time as students and have achieved success in their careers.

These alumni were Mohammed Khaiata (2008, Engineering Systems Management), Amer Samir Zakaria (2005, Electrical Engineering), Sarah Yousef Amiri (2008, Computer Engineering), Anwaar Al Shimmari (2006, Urban Planning) and Sachin Gadoya (2003, Computer Engineering).

AUS Alumni Association (AUSAA) President Samer El Gamal also spoke during the ceremony and said, "We as alumni are the largest entity of the AUS family. We act as ambassadors of this institution across the globe. This not only makes each and every one of us proud, but also holds within it the responsibility we have towards our alma mater, the responsibility to represent AUS at its best and the obligation to collectively give back to this institution."

Organized by the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, the reunion dinner featured a spectacular light show projected on the AUS Main Building. The evening also included raffle draws for prizes contributed by Al Tayer Motors and HTC. Nemr Abou Nassar, a stand-up comedian from Lebanon known in his country as "The King of Comedy," provided entertainment for the guests.

The event was supported by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Crescent Petroleum, CPC Holding, Dufry Sharjah, Fast Building Contracting, Petrofac, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Waha Capital, Al Tayer Motors, and HTC.