Thank You Khalifa Class 2014 Female Commencement Ceremony
In the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan, consort of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, Ajman University of Science and Technology celebrated on 15th October 2014, the graduation of the tenth batch of female students under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and the 23rd commencement ceremony since the inception of the university.
This year’s class was named the “Thank You Khalifa Class” in recognition and appreciation to His Highness President of the UAE.
In her opening speech, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Zayed said that “His highness Sheikh Khalifa has been faithful to the legacy left by the UAE founder, Late Sheikh Zayed, may Allah rest his soul in peace. A legacy of a proud nation where people prosper in peace, stability and welfare. May Allah perpetuate these blessings and preserve our President and his brothers Rulers of the Emirates.”
“His Highness”, she continued, “has placed utmost importance on improving all social development sectors, education included. He kept showing us in words and deeds that knowledge is the most important pillar of progress and nation building, and that education is the most important pillar of development and youth building. Today education is undergoing an unprecedented growth quantitatively and qualitatively, placing the UAE as a regional hub for international education.”
Her Highness congratulated the class of 2014, stating that their graduation is just the beginning of a long journey to a professional life full of experiences and discoveries. “I warmly congratulate my daughters who are graduating today and wish them every success in their professional careers,” she concluded.
Mrs Alia Al Mazroui delivered the University’s address to the Thank You Khalifa batch, in which she commended the unstinting support of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “whose wise leadership has paved the way for the unprecedented development and progress of our beloved country.” She went on to express AUST’s sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Humaid Al Nuaimi for his generous support to the University over its twenty-six-year journey which produced over 29,000 graduates and an array of academic programs totaling today 46 bachelors’ and masters’.
She explained that this year’s commencement is very special as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa as President of the UAE and the launching of the Thank You Khalifa Initiative. She then extended her heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and thanked them for choosing Ajman University of Science of Technology. This graduation ceremony, she said, is also to celebrate the glorious achievements of our new class of graduates and, at the same time, to salute the efforts of all those who made this joyous event an occasion worthy of celebration.
Then Major Amina Al Baloushi, from Abu Dhabi Police, took to the stage as keynote speaker. Major Amina has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Business Administration of Ajman University. She won an award for the Best Police Officer for Police Women in the World as well as many regional and international awards for outstanding police performance.
Major Amina expressed her thanks and appreciation to AUST to whom she attributed the success attained by the graduates, and acknowledged the role of Ajman University in her own professional success. “I feel immensely proud to be here with you and to share with you my heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness to our President. The Thank You Khalifa Class shows clearly how we, the UAE people love and feel loyal to our leader, may Allah preserve him.” She went on to say that the UAE leadership is well aware that the advancement of our society is contingent upon the progress of education and commended the excellent level attained by the UAE’s higher education sector, thanks to the unceasing support of our wise leadership.
The Keynote speaker then said said that Ajman University, through its diverse educational offerings, is significantly contributing to the comprehensive development and progress of this country, and wished AUST more success and prosperity.
Graduate Address
Addressing the Class of 2014 was graduate Sheikha Amna bint Majid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi, who said” It gives us, my peers and I, great pleasure and honor to be named Thank You Khalifa Class. This name is very close to our hearts, and we pray that may Allah preserve our President and grant him health and prosperity.”
The Thank You Khalifa initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, she said, is a sincere expression of the UAE people’s love and loyalty towards Sheikh Khalifa. Since he took the reins of power ten years ago, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed has focused most his attention and efforts on building strong foundations for a great nation, ensuring along the way that all people living on this land enjoy a decent and prosperous life. Colossal projects have been implemented at sustained pace, transforming radically the UAE’s economy, international position and destiny.
“Today, we stand at a crossroad, closing a chapter and starting a new one. Today we rip the harvest of four years of hard work, our hearts full of sweet memories mixed with the bitter feeling of separation. So congratulations to each one of you for your hard work and persistence. As we accept our graduation degrees, we have to look back with consideration and appreciation to this great opportunity, which brought us here and allowed us to fulfill our dream.”
Afterwards, Sheikha Fatima bint Zayed conferred the degrees upon all graduates and was presented with the University Shield in recognition for her support to the University, education and community service.
