Reem Al Hashimy with other dignitaries at the 13th graduation ceremony of Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi celebrated the graduation of its 13th cohort recently in a magnificent ceremony held in the presence of  Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, and UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Professor Nathalie Drach-Temam, President of Sorbonne University and Vice-Chair of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Board of Trustees.

With Emirati graduates representing 54% of the class of 2022, the 13th cohort included 233 graduates comprising 145 Bachelor’s, 73 Masters and 15 Executive Diploma graduates. This ceremony also marks the graduation of the first cohort of Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Science students with 35 graduates. Graduates were from the following departments; French Studies, Applied Foreign Languages, Geography and Planning, History, Archaeology and History of Art, Law, Economics and Management, Philosophy and Sociology, Science and Engineering, and Sports.

During her commencement address, Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy congratulated the Class of 2022 and expressed her appreciation of their achievements. Al Hashimy commended the diversity of the class, stressing that it embodies the university’s motto “A bridge between civilisations.”

Addressing the graduates, Al Hashimy said: “Adaptability is, of course, another strand of the DNA of the United Arab Emirates. Like you, this nation is flexible and forward-thinking youthful, but not all that young anymore and unequivocal in its championing of empathy, understanding and collaboration. It is evident in the way in which we have built a world-class education system that leaves no one behind, powered by the ceaseless embrace of technology, underpinned by gender parity and inclusion, and given wing by unparalleled creativity and innovation.”

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On her part, Prof Nathalie Drach-Temam expressed her pride in the graduates and commended the efforts of faculty, administration, and various departments for their contribution to the success of the students and graduates. She also explained how these efforts are a true testament of the university’s mission to offer excellent Francophone education opportunities with the aim of creating global leaders and thinkers, in promoting dialogue and in creating harmony among cultures and civilisations.

Following the speeches, Reem Al Hashimy was joined by Prof Nathalie Drach-Temam, as well as Prof Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; Prof Philipe Didier, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Management Sorbonne University, and Dr Laurence Renault, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs for the conferral of the degrees.

Fatima Mughis, a brilliant student who graduated from Sorbonne University, told Gulf Today that her experience at the ceremony was nothing short of magical.

She added that her association with Sorbonne University started with a French Diploma and  then she did  her Bachelor’s in Law and now she has topped her class in the Masters programme.

Mughis further added: “Through this journey, I have learnt to replace the idiom ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ with ‘Hardwork, Books & 3Cs – Concentration, Confidence and Control (self-control)’. I have learnt that life throws many curve balls at you. You get some successes and many failures, but amongst these hits and misses if one rises and persists with grace, smiles, integrity, candour, love and laughter, it all works out to sculpt you into an ultimate champion.”

“Sorbonne is all about connections– the students, professors, administration,  we’re not simply collegues. We are a connected network.”

 “If I could sum it in 4 words, I’d say my future plans are to InshaAllah serve humanity and to give back and to pay it forward. If you’re asking about academics, I wish to pursue a PhD with some flavours of legal, economics, health, tech and governance,” Mughis concluded.”

Suhail Majed Mefareg Alameri, an Emirati graduate, also told this reporter that he is feeling proud about the milestone. He noted that the UAE is a hub of quality and latest education system. He mentioned that he would continue his education further, adding that he is planning to do a Certified Internal Auditor degree leading to PhD.