UAE: Sharjah Ruler attends annual ceremony of AUSAA, receives commemorative shield

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended on Saturday the annual ceremony of the American University of Sharjah Alumni Association, which was held in conjunction with the university's silver jubilee celebrations.

His Highness reviewed the university's journey from its beginnings, pointing out its the unlimited efforts, educational and administrative plans that were made to raise the academic level of the university.

"Today, this university completes a period that, according to many people, is like a blink of an eye – but in fact, this period has passed by building this university from nothing, to this level of perfection. This university did not progress and rise by chance, but rather by construction and diligence," he said.

“God has helped us to establish this university on this site, and to set for it a high educational curriculum, qualified professors, and a council that runs this university, who are all one family”. His Highness referred to the administration's efforts in dealing with many issues and challenges that they made sure would not affect the university's goals and aspirations.

His Highness, who is also the President of the American University of Sharjah, extended his thanks and appreciation to everyone who has worked at the university, including professors, members of the Board of Trustees, and university administrators.

His Highness reviewed the dedication of the university's members, who have worked until it has reached the ranks of international research universities, by saying: “We do not remember 25 years as a fleeting memory, but rather as beautiful memories that [remember] everyone who dedicated [themselves] to reach 5 years of the university's life.

The Board of Trustees decided to develop a program for research studies, which required many things such as buildings, equipment, programs, and professors. We did not skimp [on this] and started working. The equipment and construction cost Dh267 million for the Research Center of the College of Engineering, and now this center is the eye of this university.Through it, we have reached serious research registered on behalf of the American University in the scientific community."

His Highness recalled the beginnings of the establishment of the American University of Sharjah, and the great efforts that continued until it achieved great success, saying, "25 years ago , I started from this place (the site of the celebration). The first furnishing in the city was the American University, that was followed by the construction of many [other] institutions. I remembered that I had an umbrella to sit [with] and supervise the work that was going on, until this university was completed in less than 11 months.

Then, we succeeded with the beginning of the academic year, and we opened the College of Engineering [when] there were only 18 students in it. They advised me to postpone the [year] because the cost is high, but I told them that we will start even with one student; and, indeed, we started and completed the process, and thank God – now the College of Engineering includes the largest number of students in the university. We hope, God willing, that this path will continue in the same way."

His Highness wished success to the graduates in their practical and scientific lives, wishing all new students success in completing their journey.

Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of AUS, said that the Alumni Association ceremony this year has a special character, as it coincides with the celebration of the University’s Silver Jubilee. The American University of Sharjah has seen more than 18,000 students successfully graduate – affirming that the university provides a distinguished educational experience that supports the success of the graduates, allowing them to continue and contribute to sciences, humanities, design, business, engineering, government work, and other fields.

The ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, after which His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, pressed an electronic button marking the start of the ceremony.

His Highness then moved to the main stage of the ceremony, during which he witnessed a singing performance entitled "Pearl, you are the refuge of the successful." Then, Ali Lootah, President of the Alumni Association at the American University of Sharjah, delivered a speech in which he indicated that the university had completed its 25th year – during which it achieved great success based on the vision and leadership of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.

The audience were then shown a video show displaying the achievements of the university in the past years, in addition to video interviews of some former graduates who discussed their journey and success after studying at the university.

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