(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) ABU DHABI, 25th November, 2022 (WAM) -- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi celebrated the graduation of its 13th cohort recently in a ceremony held in the presence of Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's Chair of the Board of Trustees.
The graduation ceremony was attended by 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 comprised of 145 bachelor's, 73 master's, 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, Al Hashemy congratulated the Class of 2022 and expressed her appreciation for their achievements. She also commended the diversity of the class, stressing that it embodies the university's motto, 'A bridge between civilisations.'
Addressing the graduates, Al Hashemy 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 how 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.
'It is evident in the jobs that await our graduates here in the UAE, new opportunities in established and fast-emerging industries that only reinforce our blossoming reputation as a destination of choice for talent and a wellspring of the talent of tomorrow.'
For her part, Prof Drach-Temam expressed her pride in the graduates and commended the efforts of faculty, administration, and various departments for their contributions to the success of the students and graduates.
She also explained how these efforts are a true testament to the university's mission to offer excellent Francophone education opportunities to create global leaders and thinkers and promote dialogue and harmony among cultures and civilisations.
She added, 'There are approximately 65 different nationalities at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and this diversity makes our campus life extremely rich and stimulating. Our students did not only gain academic knowledge, but they learned what multiculturalism means and how to make the most out of it to succeed; they gained openness and knowledge of the world.'
Following the speeches, Al Hashemy 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.
The university's momentous ceremony, held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, was attended by members of the board of trustees, industry partners, dignitaries, graduates' families, and faculty members.