Sharjah ruler congratulates university graduates

Sharjah: Mre than 400 students celebrated years of hard work and achievement during the American University of Sharjah (AUS) graduation ceremony at Sharjah University City Hall on Thursday.

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Founder and President of AUS, awarded 464 graduates their degrees.

He congratulated the Class of 2008 on their achievements and hard work and urged the young graduates to instill the spirit of tolerance and cultural understanding and to contribute to the development of their societies.

"Education and knowledge are not limited to a nationality or a country," Shaikh Sultan said. "Tolerance and understanding between cultures are the means to the betterment of the world through providing more educational opportunities and learning from each other's experiences."

Success

AUS Chancellor Winfred Thompson expressed his pride in the graduates, saying that it gave him great pleasure to watch them "grow, learn and achieve" during the university years. This academic year marks Thompson's final year as chancellor of AUS.

"You are truly an outstanding group of men and women and I wish you great success in your careers and great happiness in your lives," he said.

"I can take pride as we award your degrees today, that I was able to contribute to your education at AUS in small but hopefully not insignificant ways." Graduates Ali Yousuf Al Amouri and Murtaza Ali Abbas won the President's Cup this year. Each year the university awards the cup to the graduates who achieved the highest grade point average. The names of the honourees are engraved on the cup, which is permanently displayed on campus.