RIT Dubai honors graduates in 5th Commencement Ceremony
Tuesday, 31st May 2016
Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai (RIT Dubai) celebrated its fifth Commencement Ceremony last night at the Grand Hyatt Dubai with over 70 students graduating in range of academic programs.
Dr. Yousef Al Assaf, President of RIT Dubai said, “We are very proud of these students, their achievements and we wish them every success for the future. Many have already secured good positions with leading international companies as a result of their Co-op internships and they are excellent ambassadors for RIT.”
The ceremony was attended by guest of honor H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the RIT Board of Directors, H.E. Barbara A. Leaf, US Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. William Destler President of RIT, New York, and RIT Dubai Board Members with RIT Dubai faculty and friends and family of the graduates.
Addressing the graduates, H.E. Sheikh Khalid bi Zayed Al Nahyan said true education prepares them for global challenges and lifelong learning encouraged the graduates to ‘enjoy the ride’ and worry less about the destination.
In her address, H.E. Barbara A Leaf, celebrated the close ties between the US and the UAE but cautioned students on taking anything for granted and urged them to strive for greatness and said the evening reflected RIT’s growth and maturity and being a firm part of the Dubai community.
RIT President Dr. Destler also highlighted the students’ role internationally and the links across RIT’s campuses, saying “As you advance through your careers, I hope that you will celebrate both your own beliefs and national heritage as well as our common citizenship of the globe. We have nothing to lose and much to gain from working together for the betterment of all.”
Graduate Speaker Varsha Behrunani spoke of her pride at being selected and of the fond memories of RIT Dubai, and the sense of community. She gave an inspiring speech, urging her fellow graduates, to “…use the skills, knowledge and experience of RIT to take on the world.”
Congratulating the graduates on behalf of the RIT Dubai Board, Dr. Yousef Al Assaf concluded “It is during events such as Commencement that we are reminded of the difference quality education can make, and of the impact that our students are having, not only on Dubai, but across the world.
As the only University in Dubai Silicon Oasis, RIT Dubai is uniquely positioned as a bridge between education and industry. Plans are underway to move to a new state of the art campus in the next few years and expand its program offerings, building on recent new programs such as the Masters in City Science.
