American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the graduation of 794 students at its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held at University City Hall in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS.

The event brought together university leadership, faculty, families and guests to recognise the achievements of a graduating class representing 47 nationalities.

Sheikha Bodour and AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen each delivered a commencement address, sharing messages of pride, perseverance and purpose.

Sheikha Bodour said, “Through determination and tenacity, our graduates leave AUS equipped with firstly academic credentials they can be proud of, but also with the courage to ask tough questions, the empathy to lead with care, and the vision to shape a world of progress and humanity. As they step into the uncertainty of the future, I have every confidence they will adapt, lead with purpose and compassion, and that their decisions will be anchored in highest values of AUS and of Sharjah.”

Chancellor Laursen added, “This graduating class reflects the very essence of our mission—empowering students with the academic strength, ethical grounding and global perspective needed to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to see them leave AUS not just with degrees, but with the confidence, curiosity and resilience that will define their contribution to society.”

Guest speaker Emi Mahmoud, a poet, activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the graduating class with a powerful reflection on resilience and purpose. A Yale graduate, Mahmoud is internationally recognised for her spoken-word poetry and humanitarian work, using her platform to advocate for peace, education and climate justice. Her message to students highlighted the importance of applying their education and skills to drive meaningful change.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to academia and research, AUS conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dr. Manahel Thabet, honouring her exceptional achievements in the fields of economics and artificial intelligence. Dr. Thabet is a distinguished economist, scientist and expert in quantum mathematics and financial engineering.

She is a Guinness World Record holder for conducting the largest memory lesson and is recognized among the 30 smartest individuals alive by Super Scholar. Her global impact includes advising institutions on AI-driven economic strategies and earning accolades such as the Brain of the Year Award and the Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Scientific Development. She also serves as the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth in Science and Technology.

Student voices were central to the ceremony. Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi spoke about overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through academic rigor and mentorship at AUS, while graduate Ahmed Ayman Ahmed emphasised the privilege of education amid global unrest and the responsibility to give back. Their reflections captured a collective spirit of resilience, ambition and gratitude.

The ceremony also featured the announcement of the university’s top student honors. For the first time in AUS’ history, the President’s Cup was awarded to four students for achieving the highest academic standing in their graduating class—Hussain Ali Sajwani (finance), Hamze Kassem Soueid (electrical engineering), Omar Khaled Farrag (computer engineering) and Yousef Belal Irshaid (computer engineering with a minor in data science). The Chancellor’s Cup, awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic excellence, character and service, was presented to Fahad Mahmoud (management information systems with a minor in supply chain management), who graduated magna cum laude.

“AUS is where I made unforgettable memories with friends who became like family. We grew stronger through every challenge, fueled by discipline and support,” said graduate Sajwani. “As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons and moments that shaped us. Growth isn’t about perfection, but the strength to move on and the wisdom gained along the way.”

This commencement also marked a milestone for AUS, as it celebrated the first graduating cohorts of two master’s programs: the Master of Arts in International Studies and the Master of Science in Machine Learning.

The Class of Spring 2025 included 123 graduate students (master’s and PhD) and 671 undergraduates. Among them were 447 female and 347 male graduates, including 184 UAE nationals. Graduates were distributed across the university’s four colleges/school, with 126 from the College of Architecture, Art and Design; 149 from the College of Arts and Sciences; 208 from the School of Business Administration; and 311 from the College of Engineering. These graduates now join a growing global network of AUS alumni bearing the torch of the university’s tradition of academic excellence, innovation and impact.