H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), today attended the AUS' fall graduation ceremony, which saw the graduation of 480 students.
Held at the University City Hall, Sharjah, the ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
As he congratulated the Class of Fall 2014, the Ruler of Sharjah said in his opening speech, "This day represents a new beginning for you towards broader prospects. You will pursue either your higher education or begin your career. No matter which choice you make, the knowledge and skills you developed at your university are source of power and support so that you may steadily reach your goals and become active members of society." Expressing his satisfaction about the AUS, Sheikh Sultan said, "Your university is not only the leading academic institution in the region, but also a leader in making efforts to cooperate and provide solutions to various community sectors in dealing with issues and challenges that they face. These collaborations span cultural, educational, research and development opportunities. These achievements have led the university to be prominently listed in the world rankings of top universities, and we will strive to maintain this recognition." He concluded his speech by asking graduates to use knowledge and skills for the benefit of their societies and nations.
A eulogy in memory of Dr. Peter Heath, the former chancellor of AUS, was also delivered on the occasion by Joseph L. Brand, a member of the AUS Board of Trustees. Dr. Heath passed away at his home in the US in November 2014.
Among others present were Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Advisor at the Office of the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Homoud bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Ambassador of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Rashid Ahmed bin Alsheikh, Chairman of the Emiri Court, Major General Humaid Mohammed Al Hudaidi, Commander-General of Sharjah Police, a number of members of the executive and consultative councils of the emirate of Sharjah, members of the AUS Board of Trustees, and senior university officials, as well as members of the media and the public.