AURAK Honors Exceptional Student Achievers at Prestigious Academic Honors Convocation Ceremony

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) celebrated academic distinction, leadership, and student achievement during its Academic Honors Convocation Ceremony held on April 29, 2026, bringing together university leadership, faculty, students, and families in a solemn and inspiring celebration of excellence

AURAK President Professor Bassam Alameddine led the academic processional wearing his academic regalia, and formally opened the program, conferred the awards to the President’s List of Scholars, and delivered an address on the real meaning of ‘academic excellence’ in a changing world.

Congratulating the outstanding students, Professor Bassam said: “You are entering a world where the landscape of competition has fundamentally changed. It is no longer only a competition between graduates, institutions, companies, or countries. Increasingly, it is also a competition between human capability and machine capability.”

He added: “True excellence today is measured by adaptability: the ability to pivot when the world changes. It is measured by technical mastery: the ability to command and ethically use the tools of the future. It is measured by social intelligence: the ability to communicate, collaborate, lead, and work across cultures and disciplines. Above all, it is measured by character: the ability to use education not only for personal success, but for meaningful contribution to society.”

Provost Professor Khalid Hussain, in his welcome remarks, said: “This ceremony is a recognition of students who have gone beyond expectations, who have demonstrated discipline in their studies, and who have consistently strived for the highest standards. At AURAK, we are proud to nurture not only academic success, but also future leaders, innovators, and global citizens.”

Professor Mohammed Awad, Associate Provost for Student Success, introduced the awards, while Dr. Kevin S. Konecny, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, made the closing announcements.

The AURAK Academic Honors Convocation Ceremony celebrated the academic excellence and achievement of top students. In addition to recognizing those students who have earned a place on the President’s List (3.9 or above) for their outstanding grades, the event also recognized top students (numbering 23 across all schools) in each School for their significant achieve in the following special award areas:

• Undergraduate Achievement in Research and Scholarship
• International Achievement Award
• Outstanding Internship Performance Award
• Graduate Student Research Award

Additionally, a number of AURAK teams (totaling 45 students) participated in National and International Competitions and received awards for their merit as members of participating teams.

• President’s List Spring ’25 and Fall ’25: 27 Recipients (meaning they earned being on the list for both semesters)
• President’s List Spring ’25: 20 Recipients
• President’s List Fall ’25: 47 Recipients

The awards in School of Arts & Sciences were presented by Professor Rachel Matar, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences; School of Business by Professor Tahseen Anwer Arshi, Dean of the School of Business; and School of Engineering and Computing by Dr. Khouloud Salameh, Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Computing.