American University of Sharjah celebrated its largest-ever graduating class, with 842 students from 55 nationalities honored during the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, which were attended by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS – IMRAN MALIK
The American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the achievements of its Class of Spring 2026 during two commencement ceremonies held at University City Hall in Sharjah, marking the graduation of 842 students — the largest graduating class in the university’s history.
The ceremonies were attended by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, alongside graduates, faculty members, families and distinguished guests gathered to honor the milestone achievement.
Addressing the graduates, Sheikha Bodour highlighted the importance of education, leadership and social responsibility in a rapidly changing world.
“Rather than an end to learning, graduation is the beginning of a new phase of possibility — and responsibility,” she said. “The world today needs builders — people who are willing and able to devise solutions to its problems, strengthen human cohesion and contribute to society.”
She added that the Class of 2026 leaves AUS equipped with the knowledge, confidence and integrity required to influence the future positively.
AUS Chancellor Dr Tod Laursen praised the resilience and determination of the graduates, noting that they completed their studies during a period shaped by global uncertainty and rising societal expectations.
“These students leave AUS with more than academic knowledge,” Dr Laursen said. “They carry the ability to think critically, act with integrity, adapt with confidence and lead with purpose.”
During the morning ceremony, electrical engineering graduate Daniel Zakaria Indrawes delivered a speech titled “Leading Through Uncertainty,” reflecting on how AUS prepared students to navigate challenges and embrace leadership in unpredictable times.
In the evening session, finance graduate Ariana Karzai spoke on “Reading the World at AUS,” drawing inspiration from the Arabic word “Iqra” — meaning “read” — and emphasizing education as both a privilege and responsibility. Recalling her journey from Afghanistan to the UAE, she urged graduates to continue seeking knowledge and understanding others with compassion.
The commencement program also honored distinguished faculty members for their academic contributions. Dr Vernon Pederson, Dr Yousef Salamin and Dr Adil Tamimi received the title of Professor Emeritus, while Dr Jamal Abdalla was recognized as Distinguished Professor.
Outstanding student achievements were celebrated through academic awards, with the President’s Cup presented to Timothy Joseph, Abdallah Mohamad Saleh and Joud N. H. Hamdan for achieving perfect cumulative GPAs of 4.00.
The Chancellor’s Cup was awarded to Muhammad Vidha and Sanjana Bharwani in recognition of academic excellence, leadership, community service and positive contributions to student life.
The ceremony also marked a historic milestone for AUS as Rana Jamshed became the university’s first graduate of its PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in finance program. Jamshed, who joined AUS as part of its pioneer student cohort in 1997, now holds three degrees from the university.
“What a wonderful journey: once a pioneer student at AUS and now a doctoral graduate,” she said. “For 25 years, AUS has been my home for education, friendships and community.”
Another notable moment during the commencement was the graduation of the first cohort from AUS’ Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program, reflecting the university’s growing emphasis on sustainability-focused education.
The Spring 2026 graduating class included 714 undergraduate and 128 graduate students, comprising 450 women and 392 men from 55 nationalities, including 193 UAE nationals.
AUS continues to strengthen its regional and international reputation, ranking first in the UAE for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and among the top universities in the Arab region for employment outcomes.
