Alumni and guests join Ruler of Sharjah at University s alumni dinner

SHARJAH 21st January 2016 (WAM) --- H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and President of American University of Sharjah today expressed his pride in AUS alumni and his gratitude towards the university's faculty members as well as its administration for their hard work and efforts in the growth and development of the university.

He was speaking at the Ninth Annual Alumni Reunion Dinner held on the AUS campus.

The alumni reunion is one of the highlights of the AUS calendar. The event celebrates the achievements of AUS graduates and brings the university's alumni back to their alma mater every year. Over 2500 alumni and guests were present at the event this year.

During his address H.H. Sheikh Sultan said: "Through the years AUS gone from strength to strength with significant steps taken towards research and development in particular. We have established AUS Enterprises which will include the development of the AUS Research Technology and Innovation Park. This will place the university as a center of innovation and technological research in the region. We have also approved a new master's degree in biomedical engineering which will prepare students for this challenging field."

He said that the university's upcoming graduation was the result of its continuous commitment and dedication towards academic excellence. "It brings us great satisfaction to see students blossom into productive members of society. We are pleased to see you back here at AUS" said His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan addressing the alumni "and we hope you will keep your university in your thoughts and prayers.

AUS Chancellor Bjorn Kjerfve welcomed the graduates back "home" to their alma mater. "As part of a growing multinational family of some 11000 alumni spread across the world you are an essential component of what makes AUS unique. Your university is proud of your achievements and of the path you have charted for yourself. Your presence here is greatly appreciated as it provides us with a chance to reconnect" he said.

"Our alumni today hold important positions in some of the most well-known global corporate entities as well as in leadership roles in government sector organizations. They are being recognized for their accomplishments and are enrolled in some of the most competitive graduate programs at universities across the globe" added Chancellor Kjerfve.

The reunion also honored the new inductees to the Alumni Wall of Fame which recognizes those who contributed to making a difference during their time as students and have achieved success in their careers.

These alumni were Mohammed Khaiata (2008 Engineering Systems Management) Amer Samir Zakaria (2005 Electrical Engineering) Sarah Yousef Amiri (2008 Computer Engineering) Anwaar Al Shimmari (2006 Urban Planning) and Sachin Gadoya (2003 Computer Engineering).

AUS Alumni Association (AUSAA) President Samer El Gamal also spoke during the ceremony and said "We as alumni are the largest entity of the AUS family. We act as ambassadors of this institution across the globe. This not only makes each and every one of us proud but also holds within it the responsibility we have towards our alma mater the responsibility to represent AUS at its best and the obligation to collectively give back to this institution."

Organized by the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs the reunion dinner featured a spectacular light show projected on the AUS Main Building. The evening also included raffle draws for prizes contributed by Al Tayer Motors and HTC. Nemr Abou Nassar a stand-up comedian from Lebanon known in his country as "The King of Comedy" provided entertainment for the guests.