ShareBy Faten Omar
Australian University (AU) held on Sunday a graduation ceremony for the last batch of ACK graduates for the 2020/2021 academic year from various bachelor's and diploma programs. The event saw a concert by Kuwaiti singer Mutref Al-Mutref in celebration of the launch of Australian University.
In his opening remarks, Dr Saad Al-Omari, Chairman of AU's Board of Trustees, said: "We are here celebrating a new generation of our graduands who have persevered and triumphed over a historic challenge and succeeded. We are proud to introduce our graduands to the labor market equipped with the necessary professional and technical skills."
Photo shows faculty members.He indicated that the graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new journey for graduates as they embark on their next successful endeavor and contribute to building Kuwait's vision. "We are certain of their ability to handle this next challenge with the required competence and confidence," he added. Omari mentioned the Australian University has designed its programs of study to meet international standards and elevate its administrative operations to keep pace with worldwide developments and cover the educational needs that resulted from the pandemic.
Professor Isam Zabalawi, President of Australian University, pointed out that this group of graduands has faced immense challenges and difficulties resulting from the pandemic. "Through it all, graduands have demonstrated incredible determination, confidence and resilience. Today, they follow in the footsteps of our alumni who are now working all over the country in various private and public institutions, building Kuwait's vision and future," he said.
Zabalawi said AU worked hard to expand its collaboration network locally and internationally, "in particular with our strategic partner CQ University in Australia, where we exchange knowledge and share best quality assurance practices, all while preserving the university's local identity".
"AU is very proud of its graduands for acquiring the skills, knowledge and competencies that will allow being distinguished and enable you to work successfully in an environment driven by change and uncertainty. Today marks the end of a chapter but the beginning of an exciting journey filled with new experiences. I urge you to continue on your path of success, excellence, and distinction as I have every confidence that you have what it takes to succeed and achieve your goals," Zabalawi said.
Bachelor graduatesAustralian Ambassador to Kuwait Jonathan Gilbert congratulated the graduates. "Class of 2021, the future is bright. Today is not only an important day in your academic journey, but a significant moment for your personal life and family. Let this day be the foundation of many more accomplishments and milestones to celebrate and a way to help Kuwait to continue to prosper," he said.
The ambassador praised AU's role and hard work in being recognized as a university. "Tonight, we also celebrate the long-held dream of the founders of Australian College of Kuwait to become a fully-fledged university. I cannot say how pleased I am that this ambition has now been realized via the Amiri Decree issued earlier this year formally establishing the Australian University. It has taken many years of hard work by Dr Al-Omari, Professor Zabalawi, the board of trustees, senior management, faculty and staff to achieve this goal," Gilbert added.
Meanwhile, representative of bachelors degree holders Salma Al-Yazidi said graduates have harvested their hard work and efforts and accomplished one of the main milestones of their lives, and for this, they should be immensely proud and eternally grateful to all those who helped along the way.
"The Australian College opened all doors of opportunity for us. It was more than just studies. It taught us patience, perseverance, independence and commitment. It is the place where I shaped my personality and built on my experience. The hope of the future is education, so let's honor what we have learned and make the positive changes the world needs," she added.
Representative of diploma degree holders Al-Anoud Budastoor started her speech with a Tunisian poem. "Whoever fears climbing mountains will live forever at the bottom. Dear fellow graduates, climb all the mountains you come across in your life and have faith that you will succeed in the end. The unknown was exciting but I should admit that there were challenges and I struggled at times. Not everything in life comes easy and we will not always succeed immediately, but we have to persevere and face our struggles," she said.
