American International University celebrates graduation of the 2025–2026 cohort

Faisal Matar – The American International University in Kuwait (AIU) celebrated, yesterday evening, the graduation of the “2025–2026” cohort from its four colleges: Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, Education, and Architecture and Fine Arts. The ceremony was held under the patronage and presence of Al-Jahra Governor Hamad Al-Habashi, with the participation of Areej Al-Ghanim, Deputy Chairperson of the University Board of Trustees, University President Professor Dr. Youssef Hayek, members of the academic and administrative staff, and parents of the graduates.

The event is part of the university’s celebrations for the “2025–2026” graduation cohort, which are taking place from November 2 to 5. The first day’s activities featured honoring graduates from the four colleges amid an atmosphere of joy and pride in the academic achievements students attained throughout their years of study.

Emphasizing Ambitions

Areej Al-Ghanim, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the American International University in Kuwait, stressed the importance of graduates demonstrating willpower, determination, and persistence in facing challenges they may encounter in the job market. She urged them to continue striving to achieve their ambitions and prove their capabilities in their professional lives.

In her speech at the ceremony, Al-Ghanim stated that graduation marks the end of an academic phase and the beginning of a new stage in practical life, offering graduates the opportunity to realize their ambitions and build their futures. She emphasized the necessity of not succumbing to despair or retreating in the face of difficulties, but rather continuing to work with strong will and unwavering determination for success.

She added that the university has consistently sought throughout the years of study to prepare its students and set them on the right path by providing the necessary education and support. She affirmed that the responsibility now lies with the graduates to continue their journey and make use of the knowledge and skills they have acquired to achieve their goals.

Al-Ghanim stressed the importance of adhering to religious values, ethical principles, and integrity, regardless of the pressures and challenges individuals may face in life. She called on graduates to uphold their principles, their religious values, and their faith, and not to compromise them during their professional careers.

She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to members of the academic and administrative staff, commending their efforts in supporting students, enhancing academic performance, and providing educational opportunities. She affirmed that they deserve praise and recognition for the efforts they have exerted over the past years.

Al-Ghanim concluded her speech by congratulating the graduates, wishing them success and achievement in their future endeavors, and extending her thanks to those responsible for organizing the ceremony.

Building Human Capital

For his part, Al-Jahra Governor Hamad Al-Habashi affirmed that higher education represents a fundamental pillar in building human capital and preparing qualified cadres capable of serving the nation. He stressed the importance of scientifically and practically equipping youth to keep pace with labor market demands and contribute to achieving development.

In his speech at the ceremony, Al-Habashi stated that Al-Jahra Governorate takes pride in hosting the American International University and appreciates its role in developing knowledge and innovation, preparing youth for the job market, and contributing to strengthening partnerships with the community.

He called on graduates to transform the knowledge and skills they acquired during their academic journey into productive work and achievements. He emphasized the importance of continuing to learn and adhering to the values of creativity, honesty, and excellence in work, so that they may 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 in their future paths. He urged them to contribute their acquired knowledge and expertise to serve their country.

Al-Habashi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to parents for their support of their children throughout their years of study, and to the university administration and faculty members for their efforts in preparing and qualifying graduates, emphasizing the importance of the role played by educational institutions and families in supporting youth during their academic journey.

For his part, Ambassador for the Nation, President of the American International University in Kuwait, Professor Dr. Yusuf Hayek, stressed the importance of university graduates serving as ambassadors for their institution and their country, and of preserving the knowledge, awareness, and ethical values they acquired during their years of study. He emphasized that knowledge alone is not sufficient without adhering to ethics that make graduates and their families proud of their achievements.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hayek said that one of the happiest moments in any university’s life is seeing the fruits of its efforts through the graduation of its students. He noted that the ceremony brings together graduates from four faculties: Architecture and Fine Arts, Business Administration, Education, and Arts and Sciences.

Hayek clarified that the university does not measure its success by the number of graduates, but by what they can achieve, understand, and develop after completing their studies. He pointed out that what students have acquired is not merely a certificate to hang on the wall, but capabilities and knowledge that accompany them in their future decisions.

Addressing the graduates, he affirmed that while their success will be measured by figures, awards, and positions, they must set another standard for themselves: making decisions they can be proud of when asked about them. He wished them success and prosperity in serving their country.

On her part, graduate Dima Al-Ghanim, speaking on behalf of the graduating class of 2025–2026, emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge and skills acquired during university studies to serve Kuwait and contribute to achieving its strategic goals. She stressed the graduates’ responsibility toward their nation, each in their respective professional fields.

Al-Ghanim stated that reaching the graduation stage was not easy, but the result of years of hard work, dedication, sacrifices, and perseverance. She explained that each graduate carries a different story of challenges and difficulties faced during their academic journey.

She clarified that the graduation ceremony is not merely an occasion to celebrate obtaining a university degree, but rather embodies the development and growth achieved by graduates and the obstacles they have overcome. She affirmed that despite the diversity of their experiences and academic paths, they are united today by a single achievement: successfully completing their university journey.

She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to her parents, faculty members, peers, and everyone who supported her throughout her years of study, commending the support and assistance that contributed to reaching this milestone.