AUS honours philanthropic partnerships shaping future of education
This relationship reflects the university's belief in the mutual value of giving and receiving, where support for education becomes a lasting force for transformation. This spirit of collaboration was celebrated at the AUS Donor Appreciation Get-Together, hosted on campus in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS.
Speaking at the event, Sheikha Bodour said: 'At AUS we see philanthropy as a powerful expression of belief in the potential of education to change lives. Our donors are part of a living tradition that began with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and continues today in every opportunity we provide for students to learn, grow, and lead. The achievements we celebrate are proof of what is possible when we invest in people as well as institutions.'
The event brought together philanthropists, alumni, partners and friends of the university
The event brought together philanthropists, alumni, partners and friends of the university to recognise those whose support continues to drive AUS forward. Among the distinguished guests was Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, who joined the celebration as a guest of honour, underscoring the shared values of compassion, education and service that define the AUS donor community.
Dr. Giacomo Chiozza, Sir Easa Saleh Al Gurg Professorship holder and Professor of Political Science at AUS, served as master of ceremonies, reflecting on the power of partnership in academic life. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Sheikha Bodour, who emphasised AUS' responsibility to foster inclusion, drive innovation and prepare the next generation of changemakers with the support of its donor community.
Guests were welcomed at the AUS Rotunda by university leadership, faculty and student ambassadors. Donors were invited to share messages in the commemorative Book of Memoir. A curated exhibition highlighting student-led research, creative projects and sustainability initiatives made possible through philanthropic support was also on display.
Honouring donors
In a special moment of the evening, donors were formally honoured by Sheikha Bodour and Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, in recognition of their contributions to the university's continued progress. Their generosity has helped expand access to education, strengthen faculty expertise and bring student-centered projects to life.
'At AUS, we recognise that excellence in education and research is not achieved alone—it is realized through visionary partnerships with those who believe in our mission. Our donors are catalysts for growth, empowering us to drive innovation, expand access and amplify the university's impact regionally and globally,' said Dr. Laursen.
The programme honoured contributions across several categories
The programme honoured contributions across several categories, including student scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships, zakat-based giving, naming facilities, commemorative benches and tree legacy initiatives.
A fireside chat between Sir Magdi Yacoub, world-renowned heart surgeon and philanthropist, and His Excellency Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy UAE, was one of the highlights of the evening. The dialogue explored the broader role of giving in driving progress across education, healthcare and society, while emphasizing the lasting impact of structured philanthropy and the role of long-term investment in building institutional resilience.
'It is profoundly moving to stand among individuals who understand that the true pillars of a flourishing society are education, innovation and compassion,' said Sir Yacoub. 'In this event, we honour those whose generosity transcends the present moment—leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.'
Speaking during the discussion, His Excellency Badr Jafar highlighted the power of education-focused philanthropy when embedded in strong institutional partnerships: 'Philanthropy reaches its highest potential when it is part of a broader ecosystem—one where donors, institutions and innovators work together to deliver lasting impact. In the UAE, we are proud to foster an enabling environment for such collaboration, and the AUS donor community is leading by example. Their commitment is helping to unlock the full potential of education as a driver of inclusive growth and long-term resilience.'
The Impact of Giving
The evening also featured the premiere of
The Impact of Giving
, a short film that spotlighted stories of student and alumni success shaped by donor support.
Reem Bardan, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at AUS, said: 'We celebrate a community of donors whose belief in AUS has directly shaped the opportunities we provide our students. Their enduring support empowers us to dream bigger, aim higher and extend the reach of our educational mission for generations to come.'
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We also extend profound appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her exceptional stewardship of this nomination, driven by rigorous science and powerful partnerships.' 'Faya stands today as a living testament to early human ingenuity and resilience, and it has redrawn our understanding of the Arabian Peninsula — not merely as a passage for migration, but as a true homeland for settlement and creativity. For us at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, this is a historic milestone that deepens our commitment to preserving and sharing our story with the world. Together, with our partners and communities, we will continue investing in research and education to ensure Faya remains a beacon of knowledge for generations to come.' His Excellency concluded. A group photograph marked the end of the evening, capturing the spirit of collaboration, achievement, and shared ambition. 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For 11 years, Faya Palaeolandscape has been a cornerstone site within UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, alongside iconic sites like Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave in Africa. This longstanding partnership between UNESCO and Faya Palaeolandscape underscores the site's role in advancing global palaeoanthropological research, environmental studies, and international heritage cooperation .
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The UAE has crossed a major milestone in heritage preservation as the 47th annual UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris has reached a consensus decision to inscribe Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape in its prestigious list. The cultural heritage property, situated in the emirate's central region in the UAE, has been recognised for its outstanding universal value (OUV) for holding one of the world's oldest and most continuous records of early human presence in arid environments over 200,000 years. Sheikha Bodour with dignitaries at the event in Paris. Accepting this historic recognition on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who serves as the official ambassador for Faya's nomination file, thanked the World Heritage Committee's Chair and distinguished members for recognising that Faya's story is part of the shared story of humanity. 'On behalf of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah, I extend our deepest thanks to the World Heritage Committee, the Advisory Bodies, and the World Heritage Centre for this historic recognition,' she continued, adding, 'the inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula's central role in humanity's journey out of Africa. The stone tools found at Faya, over 200,000 years old, are testimony of our ancestors' ingenuity and the deep roots of human cultural tradition in our region.' 'We remain fully committed to protecting this site and honouring those who came before us by ensuring their legacy continues to inspire generations around the world,' she concluded.
