AUS honors 38 long-serving staff at annual appreciation dinner

American University of Sharjah (AUS) honored 38 staff members for their years of dedication and service at its annual Staff Appreciation Dinner on February 20, attended by more than 450 AUS staff. Celebrating their invaluable contributions, the event highlighted the vital role these employees have played in shaping the university’s growth and success and fostering a culture of excellence at the university. 

This year, 11 staff members were recognized for 15 years, 15 for 20 years and 12 for 25 years of service. 

Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS,  expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the university’s employees, stating: “The strength of AUS lies in its people. The commitment and passion demonstrated by our staff over the years have played a critical role in shaping AUS into the institution it is today. Their efforts, often behind the scenes, have created a thriving academic environment that benefits both our students and faculty. We deeply appreciate their loyalty and contributions.”

The evening’s program featured an engaging video capturing the essence of life at AUS, incorporating lighthearted questions that highlighted employees’ experiences, friendships and workplace memories. Attendees also enjoyed vibrant performances by the Palestinian and Indian Cultural Clubs, showcasing the diverse cultural community at AUS.

Amal AlGhammai, Executive Director of Employee Services at AUS, highlighted the university’s supportive work environment, stating: “This celebration is a reflection of how deeply AUS values and supports its employees. The strong sense of commitment we see in our long-serving staff comes from being part of a community where people feel genuinely cared for, appreciated and empowered. It’s this culture of support and recognition that makes AUS not just a workplace, but a place where people can truly thrive.”

Among the honorees was Ali Hassan Salem, Application Architecture and Functional Support Manager at AUS, who has been with AUS for 25 years. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “Celebrating 25 years at AUS has been an exceptionally joyful and enriching journey. The support, collaboration and forward-thinking culture at AUS have fueled my growth, both professionally and personally. I’m honored to have played a key role in driving the success and innovation of our IT Applications team. I’m grateful for the incredible colleagues, mentors and leaders who have made this journey truly meaningful and inspiring. I wish AUS continued success and innovation for many years to come.”

This year’s event setup was sponsored by Topaz, whose support contributed to the success of the celebration.

The Staff Appreciation Dinner remains a testament to AUS’ deep commitment to its employees, fostering a culture of recognition and belonging that continues to define the university’s legacy.