International American University Celebrates Graduation of Class 2025-2026

The ceremony is part of the university’s celebrations for the graduation of the 2025–2026 cohort, held from November 2 to 5. The first day’s events were dedicated to honoring graduates from four colleges: Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, Education, and Architecture and Design, while the second and third days were reserved for graduates of the College of Engineering, amidst an atmosphere of joy and pride in the academic achievements students had attained throughout their years of study.

In her speech at the ceremony, Areej Al-Ghanim, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American International University in Kuwait (AIUK), emphasized the importance of graduates demonstrating willpower, determination, and resolve in facing challenges they may encounter in the job market. She urged them to believe in their abilities, continue learning and developing, and not merely seek opportunities but take the initiative to create them and contribute to building Kuwait’s future.

Al-Ghanim noted that graduation marks the end of an academic phase and the beginning of a new stage characterized by self-reliance and responsibility. She stressed the necessity of not yielding to difficulties and persisting in striving to achieve aspirations and goals.

She added that the university’s role extends beyond imparting knowledge and awarding degrees; it also involves preparing a generation capable of confronting future challenges. This is achieved by providing a distinguished educational environment, enhancing the quality of education, fostering communication channels with various entities and institutions, enabling students to participate in developmental projects and initiatives, and linking their learning to societal needs and labor market demands.

She pointed out that graduates today carry not only university degrees but also a responsibility toward their country. She affirmed that Kuwait needs their intellect, ideas, creativity, and contributions to implementing developmental projects and finding innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Al-Ghanim called on graduates to be an active part of Kuwait’s renaissance, to embody a spirit of initiative and perseverance, and to continue developing their capabilities and skills, thereby enabling them to achieve success and excellence in their professional lives.

She underscored the importance of adhering to religious values, ethical principles, and integrity, regardless of the pressures and challenges faced. She affirmed that while knowledge opens the doors to the future, morality shapes a person’s standing and leaves a lasting impact on others. She urged graduates to be the best representatives of Kuwait through their knowledge, contributions, and conduct.

She expressed her appreciation to parents for their role in supporting and encouraging their children throughout their academic journey, and simultaneously commended the efforts of faculty and administrative staff in preparing students and providing them with a suitable educational environment.

For his part, Professor Youssef Hayek, President of the American International University in Kuwait (AIUK), emphasized in his speech that the value of a university degree has become greater than ever, despite the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technologies. He stressed that while these technologies can provide options and information, the final decision remains in human hands, particularly when it comes to decisions that affect the lives of others.

Hayek stated that artificial intelligence has become capable of providing information quickly, which may lead some to question the value of a university degree today. He clarified that the importance of higher education extends beyond acquiring information; it encompasses the ability to understand, analyze, apply, and make appropriate decisions based on that information.

He added that the university does not measure its success by the number of graduates, but by what they are able to achieve and develop after completing their studies. He noted that the knowledge and skills students have acquired are not merely certificates to hang on a wall, but capabilities that accompany them throughout their professional lives and future decisions.

Haik clarified that success that ends with its owner ceases to exist, whereas success whose impact extends to others endures, citing the saying, “The best of people are those most beneficial to others,” and urging graduates to apply their knowledge and abilities to serve their country and society.

He emphasized that graduation does not mark the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new phase of continuous learning and development, noting that the illiterate of this era is not one who cannot read or write, but one who is unable to learn.

He called on graduates to continue their education and to serve as ambassadors for their university and their country wherever they may be, stressing that the university’s name has become linked with theirs, and that preserving its reputation is their responsibility through their professional conduct and ethical behavior.

For his part, Al-Jahra Governor Hamad Al-Habashi affirmed that higher education constitutes a fundamental pillar in building human capital and preparing competent individuals capable of serving the nation, emphasizing the importance of scientifically and practically qualifying youth to keep pace with labor market demands and contribute to achieving development.

Al-Habashi stated, “Al-Jahra Governorate takes pride in hosting the American International University and appreciates its role in fostering knowledge and innovation, qualifying youth for the job market, and enhancing partnership with the community.”

He urged graduates to transform the knowledge and skills they acquired during their academic journey into productive work and achievements, stressing the importance of continuing to learn and adhering to creativity, integrity, and excellence in work, so as to become active partners in supporting development and realizing the aspirations of Kuwait Vision 2035.

He expressed his congratulations to the graduates on this scientific achievement, which crowns years of effort and perseverance, wishing them continued success and prosperity in their future endeavors.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Khajeh, Director of the Al-Jahra Health Region and Director of the new Al-Jahra Hospital, emphasized the importance of graduates continuing their educational and professional paths and not stopping in their acquisition of knowledge and experience. He stressed that graduation from university does not mark the end of the learning journey, but rather the beginning of a new phase that requires perseverance and determination to face challenges.

Khajeh, in his speech at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026, noted that the next stage in graduates’ lives may bring many challenges and difficulties, and that their first job may not necessarily be the one they aspire to. He urged them not to give up, but to continue learning and developing their capabilities to achieve their professional goals.

He pointed out that graduation represents an important milestone in students’ lives after years of study and diligence, noting that the knowledge they acquired during their university journey forms the foundation for launching into the future and contributing to serving society.

For his part, Mohammed Al-Subaie, President of the Engineers Association, stressed the importance of graduates applying the knowledge and expertise they acquired during their academic journey to serve the nation, and translating their academic achievements into dedicated work that contributes to Kuwait’s elevation and development.

Al-Subaie, in his speech at the graduation ceremony for the College of Engineering students at the university on its third day, stated that graduates are today standing on the threshold of a new phase in their lives, reaping the fruits of their efforts and sleepless nights throughout their years of study, and taking their first steps in their professional and practical careers. He noted that the knowledge and expertise they acquired are sufficient to illuminate their path toward the future.

Graduate Dima Al-Ghanem emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge and skills acquired during university studies to serve Kuwait and contribute to achieving its strategic objectives, stressing the responsibility of graduates toward their country, each in their respective professional field.

Al-Ghanim, speaking on behalf of the graduating class of 2026, said, “Reaching this milestone was not easy; it was the result of years of hard work, dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance.” She noted that each graduate carries a unique story of challenges and difficulties encountered throughout their academic journey.

She added that students had spent long hours studying, preparing for exams, completing assignments, and meeting deadlines, while also facing personal and academic challenges. Some had to balance their studies with personal responsibilities, yet they overcame these obstacles through determination, learning from mistakes, and persisting in pursuing their goals.

She emphasized that the graduation ceremony is not merely an occasion to celebrate the attainment of a university degree, but rather a reflection of the growth and development graduates have achieved and the hurdles they have overcome. She affirmed that, despite the diversity of their experiences, all graduates are united today by a single accomplishment: successfully completing their university journey.

Graduate Khalifa bin Nasser described graduation day as a long-awaited exceptional moment, as the dream that had inspired graduates had now become a reality they were living, amidst an atmosphere of pride and joy in the presence of their parents and guests.

Speaking on behalf of his peers during the second day of the graduation ceremony, bin Nasser explained that this occasion marks an important milestone in graduates’ lives, urging attendees to reflect on this moment and look around to appreciate the value of the day they had waited so long for, and the feelings of pride and honor it brings in achieving the dream of graduation.