“Persevere in your pursuit of knowledge as the insatiable quest for knowledge is the key factor to attaining individual success, community development & progress of societies at large”
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai

Dubai, May 19, 2008- Under the Patronage and in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the American University in Dubai held its Eleventh Commencement Exercises on Monday, May 19, in the Sheikh Rashid Hall of the Dubai International World Trade Center .

“It is astounding that AUD has grown so quickly. A university of, and for, the
21st century. It’s the Dubai attitude in action.”
Secretary Margaret Spellings, Keynote Speaker

For a sneak preview of the AUD Graduation 2008, click here
Video compliments of the Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum website

To view AUD Eleventh Commencement Exercises Program, click here

An audience of more than 4,500 including several dignitaries and other prominent members of the local UAE community attended the Ceremony at which more than 400 undergraduate and graduate students from around 42 different nationalities received their American-accredited degrees in the fields of Business Administration, Engineering, Visual Communication, Information Technology and Interior Design.

The opening remarks were presented by Mr. Elias Bou Saab, AUD's Executive Vice President .

“To your Highness I am proud to say we are still running the race and I promise
we will not slow down and we will not lose.” Elias Bou Saab, AUD Executive Vice President

This year, AUD had the honor of welcoming U.S. Secretary of Education Mrs. Margaret Spellings as keynote speaker. (Keynote Speech)

Working in the current US administration, she lead the way in first developing and then successfully implementing this government’s landmark education legislation known as No Child Left Behind; a major national commitment to America.

“Dubai is truly an amazing city — the “City of Firsts”. If the future had an
address, it might well be here.” Secretary Margaret Spellings

But her influence extends far beyond education. Prior to her ascending to her present position she served as Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, where she crafted policies on education, immigration, health care, labor, transportation, justice, housing, and other elements of the President's domestic agenda .

“I do not see fear in your eyes today. I see hope and determination. I see an
eagerness to prove yourself by giving to others. I see you building your futures
by helping others unlock theirs.

“Above all, I see young people ready to shine the light of knowledge into the world’s dark places. Knowledge lights the way. So keep asking, “Why not?” You will do more than change the world. You will show the world the value of education.” Secretary Margaret Spellings

Distinguished students were presented with Program Honors for their highest academic standing in their respective departments by Dr. Jihad Nader, AUD's Provost and Chief Academic Officer.

“Academic excellence is at the heart of AUD’s mission. By placing their names on the Dean’s List, each and every term, the University recognizes students who are academically outstanding, at every stage of their studies, right through to graduation.” Dr. Jihad Nader, AUD Provost & Chief Academic Officer

Raed Wissam Bou Ajram
Bachelor of Business Administration Program

Yahia Mustafa Intabli
Bachelor of Information Technology Program

Ali Said Mohamad Jamal Elddine
Bachelor of Sciences in Engineering Program

Yasmine Hussam Ibrahim
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design Program

Carine Farid Bouery
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Program

As the ascribed valedictorian of the ceremony, Mr. Ali Said Jamaleddine addressed the audience, and spoke on behalf of AUD's graduating class of 2008.

Ladies and gentlemen, 400 graduates will walk away today but make no
mistake, our success stories will come knocking on your doors soon enough.
Be forever proud of us like you are proud of us now. On behalf of the Class of
2008, I promise you excellence. I promise you achievements. I promise you
success.” Ali Jamaleddine, Valedictorian

Dr. Lance de Masi, the President of AUD, delivered the farewell speech to the audience.

“I bring with me a plea and a prayer – that your education will serve you and the world as intended.
My plea. Be true to that self you have discovered.
My prayer. Make the words 'merit' and 'achievement' part of your identity card”
Dr. Lance de Masi, the President of AUD