By Tracy Marie Wamarema
UNIVERSITY CITY, SHARJAH – Under the theme “Together We Rise,” the American University of Sharjah hosted its annual alumni reunion on Jan. 24.
“These reunion events showcase the students’ lifelong bond to AUS,” AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen said during his speech at the event.
That bond was reinforced through a new initiative introduced at the reunion. As part of the Alumni Engagement and Affinity Program, two alumni were awarded full sponsorships worth AED 200,000 to pursue a graduate program at AUS.
That consideration was what drew graduates like Lara Dhin ‘25 to AUS in the first place. Having heard about its supportive atmosphere, Dhin chose the university before she chose her major.
“When choosing a university, you don’t only choose it for studying,” she said. “You choose it for the community, the atmosphere and how it’s going to shape your life in the future,” she said.
That same pull resonated with Dana Aamer ‘22 who struggled with leaving her family in Abu Dhabi to attend university in Sharjah. “When I told my grandma I was coming to AUS, she got very emotional,” said Aamer. “She watches the AUS reunion every year because she respects the university and His Highness Dr. Al Qasimi, so me going there was a big deal.”
Once on campus, the sense of community helped ease the homesickness. Aamer recalled her study abroad experience and the support she received from the International Exchange Office. Looking back, she added, “AUS wasn’t my first choice, but there’s no other university I would’ve gone to.”
Dhin shared that sentiment saying that AUS not only met but exceeded her expectations, shaping her holistically. “They take your personality and raise it,” she said. While pursuing her bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Dhin got hands-on experience organizing events and managing clubs. She developed skills that later proved valuable in her career as a project engineer at CDM Smith.
That preparation for the professional world was a key factor for Yousef Morci ‘16 who worked on campus while pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. “It helped build my character,” he said. “My first job came from AUS.” After working in the Admissions Office as a CRM Applications Expert, Morci went on to earn his MBA and now holds a similar role at the United Arab Emirates University.
For Aamer, it was the university’s extensive network that led her to a career in Financial Planning and Analysis. She met her future employer through an event hosted by AUS. “I was giving out ice cream when two representatives from L’Oréal approached me,” she recalled with a laugh. “I jokingly told them to give me a job.” A year later, she ran into the same representative, now the Human Resources Manager, who told her, “I owe you a job.” L’Oréal is one of many companies that frequently recruit AUS graduates.
“When [employers] see you graduated from AUS it’s a big point for them,” said Dhin.
While community and networking play a central role, the academic resources at the university remain a cornerstone of its impact. “They have high class computer labs and a lot of equipment and hardware that can be really useful,” said Fatima Irfan ‘21, a Computer Engineering graduate. In her senior year she received a research fund to develop an interactive learning system. Now a senior software engineer at Etisalat, Irfan commends the university’s career guidance programs saying that they “prepare you for success.”
Even after graduating, the connection to AUS remains strong. “I left in June and if you ask me if I want to come back– yes,” said Dhin. “I’m thinking of applying for a Ph.D. just to stay at AUS.”
Her words reflected how alumni returned not out of obligation but a sense of belonging, highlighting the meaning behind “Together We Rise.” For Rania Morsi, Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, that message is intentional. “The university is always opening its doors for you,” she said. “We want you to always come back and celebrate your achievements with us.”
