AURAK Holds Gala Celebration

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) held a gala celebration last night under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah., celebrating the university’s tremendous success over the course of the 2016/17 academic year.

Taking place in the Ankara Ballroom at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, located on Ras Al Khaimah’s luxurious Marjan Island development, complete with magic, illusions and live music, the event provided the perfect context for the university to officially thank its many strategic partners for their support, as well as its higher management, faculty and staff, who have been instrumental in ensuring that goals are consistently met.

Addressing the audience in his opening speech, Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, the university president, gave an overview of AURAK’s progress over the last year, paying special attention to the fact that Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) awarded the institution candidacy status in July; the university’s most significant achievement to date.

Speaking directly to the partners, faculty and staff involved in all aspects of accreditation, Prof. Al Alkim stated, “I wish to express my sincere thanks to everyone for the considerable effort which enabled us to achieve this significant milestone in the membership process. We are now just one step away from fulfilling our goal of obtaining institutional accreditation from SACSCOC.

“We are now beginning to see the fruits of our labor over these last few years, as programs are gaining accreditation and the reputation of the university is enhanced. This is perhaps symbolized by the world-class campus which is growing around us, meaning that our facilities are up to the same standard as our education. For those of us who have been here for a while, the change in the campus has been remarkable.”

Strategic partners from government and private sectors were invited on stage and were presented with commemorative plaques, acknowledging their indispensable, behind-the-scenes contribution to the university’s success.

With the classes beginning last Sunday and the semester now in full swing, the evening was also an opportunity for newcomers to the university and to Ras Al Khaimah to meet and socialize with colleagues and partners in a less formal environment.