The Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Chapter at the American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted a thought-provoking session titled “The Miracle of Life”, a powerful journey exploring self-discovery, purpose, and personal growth. The event featured guest speaker Gaafar Elsouri, a professional athlete, certified personal trainer, performance coach, and psychology graduate.

Elsouri shared his remarkable journey, detailing his rise to professional success in two sports, followed by a period of personal adversity including injury and the loss of parents, friends, and loved ones. Through his story, he highlighted the connection between mindset, self-awareness, and life performance, offering AUD students practical insights into resilience, appreciation, and the importance of living in the moment.

“The Miracle of Life” reflected ALD’s core values of resilience, persistence, and positive mindset. Mr. Elsouri’s story offered students a firsthand account of how challenges and hardships can become the catalyst for personal and professional success. The session inspired students to view adversity as an opportunity for growth, emphasizing how personal experiences can shape leadership, well-being, and long-term achievement.

"I am really proud of the efforts and dedication of the Alpha Lambda Delta Officers Committee, who have worked relentlessly over the past two-plus years to bring high-quality speakers to our university community, from Paralympians to transplant survivors to successful professional athletes. They have truly taken ALD’s mission to heart, promoting perseverance, success, and dedication. I look forward to seeing more students embrace their message of excellence and aim for the stars in 2026."
Dr. Haitham Solh, Professor of Mathematics

Alpha Lambda Delta, established nationally in 1924, is an honor society recognizing first-year students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Members receive lifetime membership, annual scholarships, leadership opportunities, and access to networking and career development events. The AUD chapter, founded in 2023, has grown to over 200 members in 2026 and has actively organized talks, community outreach initiatives, charity drives, and academic competitions.