His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of AUS, affirmed that the university’s commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete globally in the twenty-first century, is manifested by the achievements of its graduates.

Sharjah Ruler’s words came while attending the AUS 2019 Fall graduation ceremony of 567 students, held Saturday, at University City Hall in Sharjah, in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.  

Below is the full statement of H.H. Ruler of Sharjah:

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful,

My colleagues Members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, distinguished guests and graduates,

Asalaam Alaikum (Peace be upon you)

Dear graduates, 

I am happy to be here today to offer my congratulations to you on your success. This day marks an important occasion in your life as you see years of hard work and commitment bear fruit. Occasions like these are special because you get to celebrate them with your family. I want to congratulate your parents as their support was instrumental in your achievement.

The time that you have spent at American University of Sharjah has equipped you with the knowledge and skills that you need to make your way into the world. Whether you decide to step into a professional career or wish to go on to higher education, your university experience will stand you in good stead and help you achieve your desired goals in life.

The success of those who graduated before you fills us with pride as we see them making a name for themselves in their chosen fields all around the world. This is the result of the efforts and hard work of AUS faculty and staff who have done their best to help these individuals become highly qualified, responsible and accomplished members of society capable of planning a bright future for their countries. 

Distinguished guests,

It has been our goal since the very inception of this university to establish a center of excellence that responds to the requirements and demands of its environment. In preparing them for the digital age, AUS launched a minor in data science this semester. This allows students to study and apply the essentials of data science, which is fast becoming a field of increasing importance to all sectors, from medicine to space exploration.

The enhancements the university frequently makes in curriculum are matched by developments in the academic facilities available on campus. Our recently commissioned new Engineering and Sciences Building is a fine example of a facility designed in accordance with the College of Engineering’s pledge to provide hands-on learning across the engineering disciplines. It also meets stringent environmental standards, demonstrating AUS’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Our dedication to academic excellence and the setting of ever higher standards remains steadfast. Our students, faculty and alumni continue to receive laurels around the world for the excellent quality of their work. At this year’s CEOx1Day Program, more than half of the 16 students finally selected by the competition were from AUS, reaffirming the university’s stellar academic reputation and the employability potential of its students. Alumni of our renowned architecture program were among the winners of this year’s prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture for their transformational work on the Wasit Wetland Center in Sharjah for the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority. More than 200 faculty members are currently engaged in pursuing high-quality, cutting-edge research in a wide variety of disciplines and are being recognized internationally for their work.

Distinguished guests,

Over the past two decades, AUS has succeeded in carving a name for itself as one of the premier centers of learning in the Middle East. We hope and pray that it continues to be recognized for the high quality of its student body and its faculty members and the work that they produce.

Dear graduates, your alma mater has played an important role in your lives, helping provide you with knowledge and experience and the skills you need to be successful. You are our best ambassadors to the world outside. I call upon you, therefore, to keep in touch with AUS. No matter where you are, remember that AUS is your home and a place that will always welcome you.

I hope that all of you will go on to achieve great success in your chosen fields of endeavor. I wish you the very best and urge you to make the most of the education, knowledge and skills that you have acquired during your time at AUS and help develop and better your societies.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Board of Trustees, the faculty members, and the administration and staff of the university, for their hard work in making AUS an institution of excellence.

Wassalaam Alaikum (Peace be upon you)