KAUST's 2014 Commencement Ceremony will take place on December 12th between Al-Khawarizmi and the University Library. The student speaker will be Shamael A. Al-Shuhail, and the guest speaker is Stanford University President, Dr. John Hennessy. The KAUST community is invited to attend, with families of graduates having a reserved section. Why it matters: This event highlights KAUST's role in fostering international academic connections and celebrating the achievements of its graduates.
KAUST held its Spring 2014 graduation ceremony on June 7, honoring 11 Ph.D. and 20 master's degree candidates from nine countries. KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau congratulated the graduates, noting their contributions to research and KAUST's global influence. Faculty members advised the graduates to aim high and uphold KAUST's values in their future endeavors. Why it matters: While routine, the graduation highlights KAUST's ongoing role in developing scientific talent within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
KAUST held its fifth commencement ceremony on December 12, 2014, celebrating 38 Ph.D. and 121 master's degree graduates. President Chameau and Board of Trustees Chairman Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi honored the students, with Shamael Al-Shuhail as the Commencement Speaker. Stanford University President Dr. John L. Hennessy, the Distinguished Speaker, highlighted KAUST's rapid progress and advised graduates to pursue their passions and give back. Why it matters: While historical, this event underscores KAUST's ongoing commitment to developing STEM talent in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the region's growing focus on technology and innovation.
KAUST celebrated its 15th commencement ceremony in 2024 with a record number of Saudi graduates, comprising nearly 44% of the total 465 graduates. The graduating class also set a new benchmark with the highest number of Saudi females graduating, a 29% increase compared to 2023. Several outstanding graduates were highlighted, including Walla Basylman, who will join the chemistry department faculty at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. Why it matters: This milestone underscores KAUST's increasing role in developing Saudi talent and contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, particularly in STEM fields.
KAUST held its 14th commencement ceremony, graduating 433 students, with a record 43% being Saudi nationals. President Tony Chan emphasized KAUST's alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, highlighting partnerships with giga-projects like NEOM and the National Transformation Institute. He also spotlighted KAUST's projects like the world’s largest coral nursery and the acquisition of Shaheen III supercomputer. Why it matters: The event underscores KAUST's increasing role in Saudi Arabia's national development agenda and its commitment to fostering local talent in science and technology.