KAUST President Tony Chan received an honorary degree from the University of Waterloo in recognition of his contributions to society. Chan has strong ties to the University through the HKUST-UW research program which funded collaborative research projects. Chan is a globally recognized mathematician and leader in computational models for image processing. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST's leadership on the global stage helps promote its research and educational initiatives in the region.
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.
Dr. Takashi Gojobori, a KAUST professor and expert in molecular evolution, received an honorary doctoral degree from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Taiwan. The degree recognizes Gojobori's contributions to evolutionary genomics and molecular evolution. A KAUST delegation led by VP James A. Calvin attended the conferring ceremony. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's faculty quality and contributions to international research collaborations.
KAUST celebrated its ninth Commencement ceremony on December 14, 2018, graduating 243 master's and Ph.D. candidates. The ceremony included the inauguration of KAUST’s third president, Dr. Tony Chan. KAUST also conferred its first honorary doctoral degree to HE Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi, former chairman of the KAUST Board of Trustees. Why it matters: Showcases KAUST's continued growth as a leading research university in the region, developing local talent.
MBZUAI awarded OpenAI CEO Sam Altman an honorary doctorate in recognition of his leadership in AI. The ceremony was attended by UAE dignitaries and university leadership, who emphasized Altman's impact on making AI accessible globally. Altman expressed his honor and commended MBZUAI's commitment to AI research and education. Why it matters: This award recognizes the growing importance of AI and the UAE's ambition to be a leader in the field, highlighting the alignment between global AI innovators and the nation's vision.
Former KAUST President Professor Choon Fong Shih was presented with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Centennial Medal by Harvard University in May. Shih received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Harvard in 1973 and was recognized for his contributions to knowledge and society. He served as the founding president of KAUST from 2008 and previously held positions at the National University of Singapore and GE Corporate Research Lab. Why it matters: The award recognizes the impact of a key figure in KAUST's early development and highlights the university's connection to globally recognized researchers and institutions.
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 Graduation Luncheon on June 1, celebrating new master's and Ph.D. graduates. President Jean-Lou Chameau spoke at the event, which included a photo session with faculty and administration. The event recognized the achievements of the graduating students. Why it matters: Celebrations like these highlight KAUST's role in developing Saudi Arabia's STEM talent pool.