Celebrating the Class of Fall 2023
Congratulations Graduates!
Congratulations to the Class of Fall 2023 on completing your degree as a #Proud_AUSer!
We're excited to celebrate your achievements as you mark this significant milestone.
This ceremony was livestreamed. You can watch a recording of the ceremony by clicking here.
To view the livestream of this ceremony
Message from the President
Congratulations to the Class of Fall 2023!
As you leave the academic world behind, I want to acknowledge your remarkable journey and the strength you demonstrated during your time at AUS. Despite facing challenges and experiencing ups and downs, your resilience and adaptability propelled you to the finish line.
As you enter the next phase of your life, I encourage you to face the real world with confidence and passion. You have been equipped with the skills and knowledge to create the life you envision and make a lasting impact in your communities and beyond.
Remember that your voice has immense power. Each of you has a unique perspective and a story worth telling. I urge you to actively engage in your communities, lend your voices to meaningful causes and inspire others to do the same. The progress of our society depends on the collective strength of diverse voices coming together to effect positive change.
Stay true to your authentic self as you move forward. Embrace your identity and let it guide you to make a difference in the world. Whether you are in a familiar setting or in a far-flung corner of the world, always remember that you will forever be part of the AUS family. The connections you have made here will continue to support and inspire you as you navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
I am immensely proud of your accomplishments and have no doubt that you will continue to achieve extraordinary things in the future. Congratulations again, Class of Fall 2023.
Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi
President of AUS
Message from the Chancellor
On behalf of American University of Sharjah, I extend my congratulations to the graduating class of Fall 2023.
To all our students who become alumni on this occasion, I wish you continued success and thank you for all the contributions you have made to AUS during your time with us. You are joining a distinguished and growing community of American University of Sharjah graduates who shine in their personal and professional accomplishments, and we look forward to maintaining and growing our relationship with you in the years to come.
Commencement provides an opportunity to reflect on how parents, family members, professors, former teachers and friends have supported you during your education. The support and encouragement that you have received from your parents and family deserve special recognition, and American University of Sharjah recognizes their contributions to your education.
Once again, congratulations on your remarkable achievement. I am proud to celebrate your achievement with you and your family and friends today.
I wish you the very best for the future.
Dr. Tod Laursen
Chancellor
Our Graduates
- College of Architecture, Art and Design
Master of Urban Planning
Sara Mahmoud Abu Farha
Sarah Abdulla Almatrooshi
Munira Abdulrahim Almulla
Khalfan Omran Alqeraidi Alshamsi
Dima Alshamayleh
Khadeeja Tul Kubra MulaniBachelor of Architecture
Izzdeen Abu Yousuf
Nayef N. Almutairi
Rayane El Achkar
Sanoj SamBachelor of Interior Design
Sarah Fawzi Al Othman
Rana Maher Almadany
Khadija Dibirova
Khushi Hiten ShahBachelor of Science in Design Management
Maryam Mohammaed Alfalasi
Yasmin Alfanney
Isra Salah Al Hamad | Cum Laude
Lujain Alshikh Hani Alkurdi
Shams Jawad All Khdher
Afra Abdulla Alqubaisi
Haya Ali Alsada
Noora Fahad Alshirawi
Mahmoud Nabil Farrag
Shadn Hazem Mansour
Nada Medhat Mohamed
Rahaf Hamzeh MuradBachelor of Science in Visual Communication
Mariam Salah Almheiri
Deema Ziad Alsaleh
Azza Khalid Alshaikh
Nadia Altaf
Areen Khaled Eid
Abdulaziz Haitham Malaikah
Rouguietou Anna Mody Ndiaye- College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Arts in English/Arabic/English Translation and Interpreting
Maryam Ali Albelooshi
Aya Hussam Eddin AlchayahMaster of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Tarab Attari-Sabbagh
Mary Talaat Boktor
Natallia PrakharenkaMaster of Science in Mathematics
Rames Najeeb AlJneibi
Abrar Mohamed Ansar
Abdalla Hussain KayyaniBachelor of Arts in English Language / Literature
Hameed Yahya Alhilo
Naser A.A. Alshammari
Amal Fathima Haneef
Dana Issam MouslimaniBachelor of Arts in International Studies
Youmna Hesham Abdelsamie
Abdalla Othman Alfahim
Zayed Majid Alghurair
Maram Salah Alhammadi
Hamda Hamed Alhashmi
Abdifatah Mohamed Ali | Cum Laude
Latifa Abdulla Aljanahi
Moza Ali Alkhayyal
Moza Saeed Al-Maktoum
Rashid Saeed Alnabouda Alsuwaidi
Maha Abdelrahman Alnahal
Rashed Ahmad Alsammach
Shaikha Ali Alsuwaidi
Mohammed Ali Amakhmakh
Nashita Munaf Desai
Hafsath Hamza
Husna Irfan
Yassmin Fadi Jabri
Dhana Abdulrahman Noman
Zeina Emil Samarah
Meera Shaheen Shaheen
Maryam Trumboo | Magna Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Mathematics
Furzeen Kamran | Summa Cum Laude
Lujain Osama Khalil
Syed Yahya Ali NaqviBachelor of Science in Physics
Mohammed Salem AlqasemiBachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Sama Samir Abdelbakki
Shahed Mu'taz Abuas'ad
Sasha Afsh
Khawla Jamal Arshi
Hala Chaaban
Shahd Ahmed Elsokary | Cum Laude
Aya El Soussi
Marian Farah
Jude Bassel Gazzaz
Nada Hasanieh
Jana Issa
Dhaie Ehab Khalil
Aishah Mohamed Khammas Alyammahi
Jaewoong Lee
Anood Majdi Mughrabi
Varun Nagaraj
Tiyana NasrBachelor of Arts in Psychology
Shireen Tausif Ahmad
Hafsa Ahmed
Maryam Hatam Alfalasi | Cum Laude
Rashed Marwan Alghazali
Maria Al Kahaleh
Reaal Fahem Alqasimi
Najla Saif Alshamsi
Dana Ammary
Mariem Mohamed Awad | Summa Cum Laude
Arub KhurramBachelor of Science in Biology
Amna Aref Alabbar Alfalasi
Omar Alallawi
Sayeda Safa Alam
Zainab Abbas Alkhajeh
Ghalya Jasim Almaazmi
Tayba Arafat Almaskari
Rahil Saad Al Mukhaini Bahwan
Fatima Mohammed Raza Damji
Sogand Hassan Ahari | Magna Cum Laude
Fatima Irfan | Cum Laude
Aqila Munadhila
Tala Mohamad Terro | Magna Cum Laude
Fatimah Muhammad Wasim
Rania YadegariBachelor of Science in Chemistry
Elyaziya Abdulla Alkatheeri
Nadeem Essa
Sahil ShettyBachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
Aysha Mohammed Alshamsi
Fatma Saif Alsuwaidi
Omar Mohamed Ben Daya | Cum Laude
Mohammed Ashraf Jaffar
Meera Hisham Khateeb
- College of Engineering
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Rouba Darwich Al Bostami
Mohammad Zubeir Allum Saib
Ghenwa Ahmad El Masri
Maryam A. HaniyehMaster of Science in Chemical Engineering
Ibrahim Owolabi ShomopeMaster of Science in Civil Engineering
Zahraa Layth Al-Dawood
Khaled Reda Elkersh
Ruba Ahmad El Mootassem
Arafat Abdulrahman Mohammed
Asif Raihan
Omar SalmanMaster of Science in Construction Management
Maryam Ali Alsayah Al Ahimer
Faisal Ayman Alhendi
Mhd Amjad Alhomsi
Dana Majed Al Qasem
Mohammad Hazem Hindieh
Sara Samir Isbaih
Antuanet Yahaira Saldana Nunez
Ahmed Magdy ShahinMaster of Science in Electrical Engineering
Ali Younis Al-Dahhan
Aisha Rashid Alshamsi
Reza Ali Davoodi FarMaster of Science in Engineering Systems Management
Ola T.K. Alsaidi
Najihath Basheer
Ahmed Samir Sharaf
Abdul Rahman Mhd Baraa YaghmourMaster of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
Tarifa Mohammed Alkaabi
Ishaq HafezBachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Noureldin Allaeldin Abdelalim
Omar Bahgat Abdelhamid
Faris Ahmed Al-Ali
Hassan Ali Alassi
Nayla Khaled Aldoseri
Mariam Mubarak Alnaqbi
Reem Abdulsalam Alshehhi
Sara Nabil Alsuwaidi
Mohamed Sherif Aly
Sarah A. Bakhsh
Hassan El Rashid
Nour Elsiddig Eltahir | Cum Laude
Raneem Jamil Ghattas
Tasneem M. Modar Ghazal
Rawan Ghassan Hamed
Fatma Hammoud | Magna Cum Laude
Engy Mahmoud Ismail
Thuraya Osamah Karaawi
Kelly Marie Percival | Summa Cum Laude
Moh'd Basel Iyad Shahin | Magna Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Ziad Tarek Abdelrehim
Mahmoud Essam Ahmed
Moustafa Ahmad Al Bezaz
Ibrahim Mohamed Alhammadi
Khalid Mohammed Alhashemi
Shamma Jasim Almaazmi
Kaltham Ali Almheiri
Mahra Faisal Alnuaimi
Moza Ahmed Alsuwaidi
Shaikha Abdalla Alzaabi | Cum Laude
Gayah Marwan Alzarooni
Mohammad Hashim Alzarooni
Shahad Abdelrahman Alzarooni
Ahmad Ali Buruhaima
Saif Said Elgamil | Cum Laude
Rafal Ibrahim Habib
Mohamed Amro Imbabi
Keren Deepthi Jacob | Magna Cum Laude
Muhammad Saad Javed | Cum Laude
Fatimah J.M.H.S. Malak
Yousef Mo'ath Milhem
Naadhir Naseer Ahamed
Mohammed Mustafa ShalabiBachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Pierre Ezzat Abdelsayed
Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan
Medhat Tarek Abouzeid
Shaikha Salim Ali Al Ali
Mohamad Abdallah Alawadhi
Maryam Ahmad Alfalasi
Amer Ali Aljasmi
Harith Abdulnasser Almidfa
Hamed Ali Al Mulla | Magna Cum Laude
Mahra Mohamed Alramsi
Ibrahim Hassan Al Saffarini
Shahad Ali Alsuwaidi
Mouza Jumaa Alzaabi
Sondos Hossameldin Amer
Mohamed Youssef Atwa Youssef
Ghaleb Ghazi Awwad
Youssef Bassam | Magna Cum Laude
Rajit Ravindra Bhargava
Mohamed Moustafa Eldaba
Takyallah Yasser Elmehallawy
Shehab Ahmed Elsayed | Cum Laude
Mariam Mohamed Elsayeh
Mazen Saleh Eltawil
Mohammed Farhan
Ammar Mohamed Ghonaim
Maya Hasan Haj Hussain | Magna Cum Laude
Ghina Ali Hallal | Cum Laude
Muhammad Hammad
Yazan Osama Hammoudeh
Mohammed Zakaria Himat
Muhammad Junaid Khan
Abdulla Nasser Khoori
Mahalakshmi Mahadevan
Roshni Mathur
Mohamad Mouzafar Mhmndar
Ajzal Mohammed Hussain
Shahed Faleh Obeid
Yousuf Zahid Parbhulkar
Samarth Rai
Syed Muhammad Faizan Raza
Fares Eyad Sowan
Marwah TonseBachelor of Science in Computer Science
Ahmed W.D. Abueida
Omar Mahmoud Abu Farha | Cum Laude
Hoor Jasim Alansaari
Noura Sultan Alghfeli
Layth Maytham Al-Khairulla | Summa Cum Laude
Abdulla Yousif Alkhan
Mohamed Jasim Alkokhardi
Easa Yasser Alnuaimi
Sultan Yasser Alnuaimi
Hind Ali Alqaiwani
Abdullah Rashed Alshamsi
Khumam Alzagim | Cum Laude
Ahmad Maher Alzarooni
Ricardo Ibrahim Ayoub
Bardia Farzin Bahreman
Diab Ahmed Barham
Areej Muhammad Gad
Daniyal Khan Asif Ghufran
Hamid Ammar Haji
Celia Rita Jeesan
Muhammad Junaid
Saman Khan
Mikaela Eunice Rodriguez Magsumbol
Meriam Mkadmi | Magna Cum Laude
Ahmed Bassem Mostafa
Moin Sabri
Seif Sizar Samara
Mahmoud Wael Sarhan
Emaan Shahzad | Cum Laude
Khaled Shams
Yusuf Tamer Shanableh
Ali Taher Suleiman
Farah Adly Watsy | Magna Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Abdelrahman Akmal Abdelfatah | Cum Laude
Noura Ahmed Al-Ali
Khalid Ebrahim Albastaki
Amani Ahmad Alblooshi
Hind Mohammad Alfalamarzi
Ahmad Mohamed Algaoud
Mohammed Helal Alghfeli
Khawla Taha Al Hashimi
Hassan Yahya Alhilo
Mohamed Abdulla Alhmoudi
Shahad Khamis Alhosani
Yasser Khamis Al Ju'ran | Summa Cum Laude
Jalal Abdulrahman Alkaabi
Maryam Adel Almalik
Aisha Hassan Almarzooqi
Rashed Ahmad Almulla
Maryam Abdulla Alnuaimi | Magna Cum Laude
Essa Hassan Alshaibani
Khalifa Saeed Alshamsi
Meera Mansoor Alsuwaidi
Rashid Tariq Deemas Alsuwaidi
Israt Jahan Erin
Nour Hasania
Nour Jamal
Joseph Kurian Mathew
Muath Nasser Mohammed
Abdulla Ali Qassim | Cum Laude
Kamar Adel Zaki Sabi
Mohamad Tariq Saeed
Laith Mahmoud Tllou Nachawati
Muhammad Yousuf Virani | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Najla'a Subhi Abukwiak
Ahmad Hekmat Abu Shamleh
Nooran Wessam Ahmad
Yasser Samer Akaila | Cum Laude
Bassel Bashar Alabiad
Line Al Alami
Karmel Amer Al-Ashhab
Eelaaf Abdulbaset Albastaki
Shaikha Adel Alhabtari
Osamah Jawad All Khdher
Alya Omar Almatrooshi
Maryam Essa Almheiri
Yusur Khalid Al-Mnaseer
Adel Faisal Alomar
Shamma Mohammed Alshehhi
Saleh Hani Al-Suhaibi
Hessa Sultan Alsuwaidi
Zaid Yaser Alzubaidi | Cum Laude
Rand Mahmoud Asmar
Lujeen Emad Awad
Abdullah Salem Bagazi
(Moh'd Shafiq) Rabi Daas
Mohammed G.Y. Elastal
Youmna Emadeldin Enein | Cum Laude
Ahmed Amr Hassan
Samer Samir Hihi
Zaid Amjad Hirzallah
Mahmoud Amr Ibrahim
Ayesha Maher Khan Jabeen
Abdallah Basel Jamaal
Mohamed Hisham Khalifa Ahmed
Aswathy Santosh Nair
Aaraf Parviz
Ola Majid Qaqour
Rahaf Abdel Latif Qatou
Saif Abdel Naser Rahhal
Amena Khaled Saad
Maryam Saleem
Mohammad Issa Samha
Yara Abdulmajeed Serajuddin
Emam Said Soliman | Cum Laude
Bilal Mohammed Tahhan
Andrew ZaccaBachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Omar Hossam Abdeldayem | Summa Cum Laude
Bilal Abdul-Jalil
Abdallah A.M. Abushahla | Cum Laude
Amir Ali Ahmed
Hamad Jamal Alawadhi
Taha Ayman Alrajei
Mo'tasem Mohammad (Alshakghanm)
Mikhail Aslam
Hamda Talal Belhoul
Faisal Moh'd Darwish
Youssef Mohamed Elbehairy
Youssef Ahmed Elmamlouk
Karim Elsadek Elsadek
Ali Ahmad Hanif
Mohamed Ibrahim
Ouhanis Kalajian
Rao Muhammad Shahzeb Khan
Omar Khaled Mohamed
Naveed Mohammad Ali
Hasan Ali Omran
Hassan Sajid | Cum Laude
Emile Salibi
Majed Mohamad Wardeh- School of Business Administration
Master of Science in Accounting
Nicolas SaadeMaster of Business Administration
Issam M.I. Alagha
Meera Ali Aldarmaki
Maithaa Abdulla Alhashmi
Diala Hasan Almalik
Latifa Ahmad Almansoori
Mariam Farouq Alsheikh
Muhammad Umar Bin Khalid
Sobia SalimMaster of Science in Finance
Mohamed Hamdan Alfalahi
Batool Khaldoun Al-Labadi
Shama Abdalla Almaazmi
Shmma Mohammad Almalek
Hajar El Mouttaqui
Almaha Muhammad Ajaz
Aizhan Uzakova
Ye XiBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Accounting
Mohammad As'ad Abbas
Abrar Hani Abu Awida
Shahad Badar Al Balushi
Latifa Abdulla Aldhaheri
Humaid Ali Alfalasi | Magna Cum Laude
Shaimaa Ahmed Alhammadi
Abdullah Nedal Al-Sousi
Eileen Sarah Daniel
Basil Ala Omar Hilal
Roha Irfan | Magna Cum Laude
Benjamin Benoy Kurien
Mohammed Ziyan Nizar
Ghada Waleed YousifBachelor of Arts in Economics
Mohamed Saeed Alhameli
Alanoud Omran Alrawi
Sarah Hisham Ayyoub
Fezan Ali MustafaBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Economics
Syeda Maria Raza | Summa Cum Laude
Amina Yasmin | Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Finance
Yousef Sami Abdallah
Sultan Saleh Abdel Hamid
Amatulla Khuzema Adamji
Asma Yussuf Abdi Adan
Ghaya Humaid Alabdouli
Mohammad Jassim Alali
Faisal Ghazi Al-Ali | Magna Cum Laude
Zayed Saeed AlGhfeli
Abdul Rahman Marwan Al Hanafi | Magna Cum Laude
Khalifa Ahmed Al Jaberi
Nadeen Ayad Al Kulaifawi
Afra Ahmed Almarri
Alia Abdulhakeem Almarzooqi
Abdulla Naser Almheiri
Mohammed Abdulla Almulla
Nehayan Saeed Al-Nahyan
Ibrahim Nael Al-Naser
Saleh Hamed AlRefaei
Bana Sae'd Al Qawwas | Cum Laude
Hend Ghanim Alsuwaidi
Saif Adai Alzarraee
Muhammed Ramees Basheer | Summa Cum Laude
Rashed Talal Budebs
Tuhoor Butool | Magna Cum Laude
Mohssine Ryan Chazi | Cum Laude
Muhammad Dibirov | Cum Laude
Jahnavi Abhaykumar Doshi | Summa Cum Laude
Ali Mohammed Elkhatib | Cum Laude
Ahmad El Nabulsi
Nour Mohammad ElQudsi
Ibrahim Abdul Hakim El Sadek
Abdelkhalek Tharwat Elsakran
Habiba Mohamed El Zahabi
Anam Fatima
Sara Abdulhameed Jameel
Umar Jamshaid
Fahad Junaid
Bita Mohammad Karima
Mohammad Ahmad Lootah
Hawraa Abdulameer Mohammed Mahdi | Cum Laude
Laith Imed Nsiri
Shriya Prasanna Shetty
Shivram Subramoniam
Sreeparvathy Sunil | Cum Laude
Mardia Bibi UsmanBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management
Khalid Amjad Aldewaik
Khuloud Salim Almaazmi
Shamma Mohammad Alnuaimi
Nawaf Abdulaziz Alothaim
Shams Ibrahim Qasim Al-Saadi
Alya Mohamed Alshamsi
Hind Essa Alsuwaidi
Faisal Mohammed Alzaraee
Sarah Ahmed Baghoum
Sultan Khalid Binhadda Alsuwaidi
Bonn Smith Bona Coutinho
Zhudi Delawan
Mariam Jaafar
Mustafa Khan
Ayesha Altaf Khazi
Mehdi Ghasem Moshtaghi
Rakhshan Nasir
Maria Amir SedhomBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Management Information Systems
Reem Ibrahim Ahli
Omar Khalid Akl | Cum Laude
Humaid Abdulla Alfalasi
Aishah Khalid Almarzooqi
Fatima Sultan Almheiri
Norah Saud Almoghaisib
Sameer Asad
Fathima Farzana
Mohamed Taher Mohamed
Zain Basil Mushtaha | Magna Cum LaudeBachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Marketing
Noor Ahmad Adi
Ali Ahmed
Rahaf Moh'd Al-Hamad
Abdulla Bader AlMarzooqi
Sayad Ibrahim Alnaqbi
Ghaia Khalid Rashid Al Qasimi
Ingela Atif
Linah Bakr Darwish
Dorsa Esfand Nia
Dana Ghalayini | Cum Laude
Kenan Halwani Shmeit
Nishant Manjunath Iyer
Pearl Francis Kurian
Reem Hesham Shehabeldin
Aisha Sana Solangi
Milad Shikhani Zabihullah Shikhani
Keynote Speaker
Michael Haddad
Regional goodwill ambassador of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for Climate Action, a medical wonder, social entrepreneur and professional athlete.
Despite suffering a jet ski accident at the age of six, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down, Haddad undergoes various sports missions, including marathons and mountain climbing. He climbed the apex of the Black Peak of the MENA region to stress the need for action against climate change and was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for climate action by the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) in UNDP in 2019.
Photo Gallery
Meet our Fall 2023 College Ambassadors
Haya Ali Alsada | College of Architecture, Art and Design
I’m graduating with a …Bachelor of Science in Design Management
My AUS Experience in one word: Transformative
My best memory at AUS is…discovering my passion for design through learning and putting into practice the concepts from the various design courses that have truly sparked my interest.
What I’ll miss most about AUS is…the space to learn and grow in a community that not only understands the challenges but also appreciates and celebrates your achievements and successes.
My message to my fellow graduates and the university is…that I am thankful to have encountered such remarkable and inspiring people at a place that fosters growth and provides you everything you need to be able to pursue what you truly are.
My favorite study spot or campus location is…CAAD. I’ve spent countless hours here with my friends studying and working on our submissions together.
What does it mean to be a proud AUSer? To be a proud AUSer means that I have all the capabilities and confidence to pursue my future goals and aspirations.
My advice for current students to make the most of their university experience is…to not be afraid to take on new opportunities that would challenge you, as these experiences often present opportunities for a lot of personal and academic growth.
After graduation…I’m looking forward to continuing my journey as a freelance designer, with the ultimate goal of establishing my own design studio in the future.
Tala Terro | College of Arts and Sciences
My full name is: Tala Terro
I’m graduating with a …Bachelor of Science in Biology.
My AUS experience in one word: Enriching
My best memory at AUS is…all the time spent with my friends chatting and laughing for hours, connecting with my professors and, of course, attending classes with my friends.
What I’ll miss most about AUS is…all the people I met during my AUS journey.
My message to my fellow graduates and to the university community is…that we've all worked extremely hard to reach our graduation date, and this journey was filled with many challenges and growth that have shaped us into who we are today, so let's carry the values and knowledge we've gained here with us and strive for the best in the future. This is not the end of the journey, but just the beginning.
My favorite study spot or campus location is…the study table at NAB on the second floor beside the Associate Dean's office. It’s basically my home. I have been sitting there everyday since Fall 2021 from early in the morning until I get kicked out of the building at 10:00 p.m..
What does it mean to be a Proud AUSer? For me, I am a proud AUSer since AUS did not only provide me with excellent teaching, but also it granted me a safe and friendly environment where I could get out of my comfort zone and grow endlessly, whether it was academically or personally. This is, of course, because of the limitless opportunities AUS offers for us students.
My advice for current students to make the most of their university experience is…to build fruitful and lasting relationships with friends and professors.
After graduation…I plan to utilize the rich knowledge and experience I gained at AUS to inspire a change and make a difference in society, especially in the healthcare sector, where I want to continue my studies as a physician after I finish my research studies.
Kelly Marie Percival | College of Engineering
I’m graduating with a …Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
My AUS experience in one word: Transformative
My best memory at AUS is…winning first place in the Department of ChBE Senior Design Competition. This allowed us to showcase our project at ICWEE 2022 and at COP28. I was honored to present our work to Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chancellor Laursen, as well as 20 members of the Advisory Council of Development and Outreach and external VIP guests. This journey would not have been possible without AUS and its commitment to reaching higher degrees of societal impact and academic excellence. Reflecting on my transition from a clueless freshman to contributing to meaningful projects during my final semesters has felt truly rewarding!
What I’ll miss most about AUS is… its diverse community of students and faculty!
My message to my fellow graduates and to the university community is…I wish each member of our community success and fulfillment on their respective paths. AUS has fostered a community of hard-working, passionate and capable individuals. I hope we all carry the ethic we’ve developed here and do something meaningful with it in the future.
My favorite study spot or campus location is…the second floor of the library. As an avid bird watcher, this window holds special meaning for me. From this unique vantage point, I discovered over 10 bird species on campus. It seems to be a popular spot for birds like the Indian ring-necked parakeet and the hoopoe!
What does it mean to you to be a Proud AUSer? It means to hold pride in the growth I’ve seen within myself since joining AUS and acknowledging all of the positive opportunities and experiences I’ve had access to during my time as a student.
My advice for current students to make the most of their university experience is…recognize the value of dedicating consistent time and effort for academics without compromising your overall well-being. Cultivate that balance by prioritizing your growth as an individual, form meaningful connections, and extend your learning even beyond the boundaries of your major and toward a more holistic pursuit of knowledge.
After graduation…I aim to establish a balanced routine, prioritizing rest while working part-time as a research assistant, in preparation for pursuing my master’s degree in Fall 2024.
Humaid Ali Bin Humaidan Alfalasi | School of Business Administration
I’m graduating with a… Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Accounting
My AUS experience in one word: Transformative
My best memory at AUS is…the nights spent at the library during midterms and finals , especially during Ramadan.
What I'll miss most about AUS is…the campus life and the group of friends I've made.
My message to my fellow graduates and to the university community is…Let's carry the spirit of AUS with us, striving for excellence and making a positive impact in our communities. And most certainly welcome everyone with an open heart.
My favorite study spot or campus location is…the library's quiet section, where I've spent countless hours focused on my studies, and Blends and Brews in SBA, where I'd meet up with my friends after classes.
What does it mean to be a Proud AUSer? It means being part of a community that values innovation and diversity. It means that I graduated from a university that prepared me to excel in the global arena.
My advice for current students to make the most of their university experience is…engage deeply, not just in studies but in extracurricular activities and other events.
After graduation…I plan to pursue a career in accounting, aiming to join PwC, where I can apply my knowledge and continue to grow professionally.
Commencement Speech
The Fall 2023 Commencement speech, titled The People of AUS, was written and delivered by Maryam Alfalasi, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Design Management.
Read the full speech below.
- The People of AUS | by Maryam Alfalasi
Bsmiallah Al Rahman Al Raheem
Alsalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi WabarakatuhAnd good morning to you, Your Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of our university; honorable members of the Board of Trustees; Chancellor Tod Laursen; Provost Mohamed Tarhuni, faculty, staff; our dear families; distinguished guests; and my dear fellow graduates. I am honored to welcome you all to the graduation ceremony of the Class of Fall 2023.
Let us take a moment and reflect on our first day on campus. We were a group of strangers anxiously walking the halls of AUS, getting lost as we tried to find our way to our first class amidst unfamiliar faces and buildings. Little did we know that the most unfamiliar place to us would be where we met the people we value the most. We stepped into a diverse community, meeting people from different cultures. But our differences became bridges that quickly formed a supportive community. We learned the values of commitment, dedication and integrity.
We now know that the heart of this university lies not just in its monumental architecture or exceptional academic programs but in the very people who make this place what it is, the people I like to call the “People of AUS.” The founder of AUS, the pPresident, administrators, staff, faculty and students: each one of you has brought life to this campus; you are the heart and soul of AUS.
The highs and lows of our educational journey, as the students of AUS, are marked by our shared experiences—from the late-night conversations in the library as we worried about our submissions to scheduled group study sessions with our friends every midterm season or pep talks you never knew you needed from friends after finishing our exams. These are the memories we will cherish and hold close to our hearts as this chapter ends. Memories that shaped and made us the individuals we are proud to be today. Memories of the little things that weren’t so little.
Like when winter finally came, and the first drops of rain meant convincing your professor to have the class outside, or when you knew it would be a good day when you found front-row parking as you rushed to class.
I cannot forget the moment we received the email that our classes would resume face-to-face. Everyone was so happy to be back and reunited with friends and professors. It was a much anticipated and heartfelt reunion with the people of AUS, our invaluable support system.
My time at AUS, as a design management student, taught me a valuable lesson. I learned that people should be at the heart of every step along the design process. This instilled the core value I hold dearly—empathy. It became clear to me that my success depended on human connection and the understanding of my surroundings. It taught me the art of seeing through different lenses and to appreciate the different journeys people go through. Each one of us here had a unique path that led us to be the proud graduates we are today, with different setbacks and unexpected shifts in our lives over the past four years. We adapted, excelled and found strength within these challenges; we grew not only academically but also as resilient people guided by our compassion and the passion of the people of AUS. We stand here eager to unfold what the future holds for us as we carry these treasured lessons to create more remarkable experiences in the future.
Today, we embark on a milestone in our lives as graduates of AUS. It marks the start of a bright future ahead of us, insha’ Allah. A future that will unfold the strength of the people of AUS. The strength the people of AUS carry resonates with the power of the ripple effect concept. Whether you are aware of it or not, each of you possesses this power. Think of it this way: with every kind word you say and every hand you lend, you inspire, you heal and you uplift the people around you, resulting in countless ripples with endless impact. The ripples you create can travel far and wide with everyone you encounter. Some might think these actions seem like small gestures in the grand scheme of things, but the truth lies in the change your actions can create in people’s lives. Everyone present here today can create ripple effects of positive impact. Never underestimate the profound power within your actions; even one inch of goodness can turn into a mile that touches many lives along the way.
Before we leave this hall, I would like to thank the people of AUS who have made this all possible through their dedication and leadership. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our Founder, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, and to Your Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi: Your presence today and every day brings us immense joy. It is our honor to share this moment of pride with you. Thank you, both, for creating an exemplary educational environment; you truly are inspiring leaders to all of us.
To our mentors and professors: thank you for guiding us with your wisdom, challenging our comfort zone and encouraging us to take a leap even when we were in doubt.
To the people closest to our hearts, our backbone and our support system—our parents and families: No amount of “thank yous” will ever come close to expressing our gratitude for you. You have created a safe space for us to tackle the challenges we faced, giving us advice even when it was hard to hear sometimes and standing by our side through thick and thin.
And, to the people whom we celebrate today, my dear fellow graduates: Thank you for making AUS feel like home.
AUS will forever remain in our hearts as a place that has taught us the meaning of staying true to who we are, welcoming people from around the world, and a place we can always call our second home.
If you look around the hall today, you will notice that AUS gave us the chance to meet some of the most kind-hearted and determined people we know.
And may the ripple effect of the people of AUS be felt far and wide. I wish you all bright and prosperous futures.
Congratulations to the Class of Fall 2023!
Alumni Support
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI AFFAIRS
The Career Development Unit at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) can provide you with advice and guidance to help you secure rewarding professional careers and internship opportunities following your graduation.
If you aren't sure of what steps to take next, reach out to us and we'll happily help you get started in this new chapter in your professional journey.
AUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Now that you are officially a graduate, you are part of a global network of proud AUSers.
The AUS Alumni Association offers benefits and services to alumni, including various discounts and privileges, as well as career advice and counseling.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow @aus_alumni on Instagram for regular updates and news from the AUS alumni community.
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