Dubai, May 12^th, 2010 : Under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the American University in Dubai (AUD) held the Thirteenth Commencement Exercises on Wednesday, May 12, at 5:30p.m., in the Sheikh Rashid Hall of the Dubai International World Trade Center.

An audience of more than 4,500 attended, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the US Consul General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates Mr. Justin Siberell, The Governing Board Members of AUD, UAE ministers, senior officials and other prominent members of the local UAE Community as well as family and friends of the graduates.

AUD's Executive Vice President Elias Bou Saab welcomed H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and thanked him for his continuous support to the university. He said that AUD prepares its graduates to confront all types of challenges with determination, thought and vision. He added that the university's activities were centered on humanitarian issues and seeking to help others, drawing from the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and his principles and cultures and inspired by his initiatives such as 'Dubai Cares' and 'Noor Dubai'.

"Your Highness, you have not only inspired us with your vision but you have also taught us how to face our own challenges and difficulties. You have taught us the importance of helping others at a time when we were busy trying to overcome our own challenges…"

This year, AUD had the pleasure of welcoming as Keynote Speaker Mr. Lou Dobbs, legendary broadcaster, best-selling author and one of the most respected and insightful voices on politics, economics, society and business. He was an interesting source of perspective on the world into which the AUD seniors are graduating.

"You are fortunate to have not only your wonderful education here at AUD, but to have the inspiring panorama of Dubai and the wonders that have been wrought here by leaders who did not merely dream, but planned Dubai’s future with purpose and accomplished the great works that make Dubai a singular, exemplary beacon of imagination in the Middle East."

More than 500 undergraduate and graduate students from nearly 50 different nationalities received their American-accredited degrees in the fields of Business Administration, Engineering, Visual Communication, Information Technology and Interior Design from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Notably, among the graduates of the Class of 2010 was H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jihad Nader presented the departmental awards to the graduating student with the highest academic standing in their respective program. He was joined by the Chairs of the Departments.

• The recipient of the Master of Business Administration Program Award was Mr. Mahmoud El-Burai, presented by Dr. Tarek Mady, Chair of the Marketing and Marketing Communications Department.
  
  
  
  
  
  




• The recipient of the Bachelor of Business Administration Program Award was Ms. Ghina Abdulmottaleb Kalaji, presented by Dr. Mohammed Abu Ali, Chair of the Accounting and Finance Department.
  
  
  
  
  




• The recipient of the Bachelor of Information Technology Program Award was Mr. Farkad Sakran, presented by Dr. Khalid Khawaja, Chair of the Information Technology Department.
  
  
  
  
  
  




• The recipient of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design Program Award was Mr. Hooman Akhtari, presented by Dr. Nabyl Chenaf, Chair of the Interior Design Department.
  
  
  
  
  
  




• The recipient of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Program Award was Mr. Bassilio Dahlan, presented by Dr. Hamid Shafiee, Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.
  
  
  
  
  
  




• The recipient of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Program Award was Ms. Anika Marya, presented by Mr. Roberto Lopardo, Chair of the Visual Communication Department.
  
  
  
  
  
  








• The Valedictorian 2010 Award was presented by Dr. Jihad Nader, Provost and Chief Academic Officer to the graduating student with the highest academic standing Ms. Ghinna Haj Ahmad.
  
  

Valedictorian Ghinna Haj Ahmad spoke on behalf of her fellow graduates:

"It has been said, “If you wish to make an impact for one year, plant corn, and if you wish to make an impact for a generation, then plant a tree; but if you wish to make an impact for an eternity, then educate a child; […] So congratulations on your past achievements and the ones ahead as you start your roles in the real world. And let’s remember not to look back and regret, but rather to look forward and make our own impact on eternity."

In the closing speech, AUD's President Dr. Lance de Masi thanked Sheikh Mohammed for gracing the event with his attendance. He addressed the graduates saying:

"Graduates of the Class of 2010, AUD graduates: Don’t play small. Cause some commotion. Take the road less travelled. Make a difference. And through respect earned, humility and a concern for ‘we’, serve this world well."