American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted AUS Giving Day 2025 on the evening of 15 November, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, staff, partners and friends of the university to support scholarships for deserving students under the Together We Rise campaign. Organised by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA), this year’s event reflected the university’s culture of generosity and its commitment to expanding educational access.
Dr Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS said,
“AUS Giving Day reflects the spirit of our community coming together to create opportunities for others. This year’s theme, Together We Rise, perfectly captures both the AUS ethos and the spirit of the UAE’s Year of Community. When we lift each other up, we strengthen the fabric of our society. Every contribution helps open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to an AUS education, ensuring that talent and ambition, not circumstance, define their future. We extend our deep gratitude to everyone helping to pave the way for a brighter, bolder future for AUS.”
An Evening Filled with Impactful Experiences
The celebration featured a vibrant programme of activities that engaged the AUS community and highlighted the impact of giving. Guests explored the Bazaar 4 Good Popup Market, enjoyed musical performances and took part in creative workshops, including Kufi Script with Hessa, Matcha Workshop by Catcha Matcha and Wonder Minds by AUS alumna Amira Al Alami. Other workshops included the Musk Blending Workshop by Sakin and a DIY Fridge Magnets Workshop by StuDIYo Lab, alongside a range of family activities open to all ages. The AUS Student Council also supported the Game Activation area.
Launching the Impact Tile Initiative
This year, OAAA introduced the Impact Tile initiative, giving donors the chance to secure a personalised tile on a prominent campus pathway in exchange for a donation of AED 100,000. The initiative joins the Tree Legacy Initiative and Commemorative Benches within the AUS Legacy Programme, offering alumni meaningful ways to leave a lasting mark on campus. Initial contributors include AUS alumna Hind Seddiqi and another graduate who preferred to remain anonymous. Donations could also be made through the university’s digital giving portal, ensuring access for those unable to attend in person.
Voices of Opportunity and Transformation
Reflecting on the transformative value of scholarships as part of the Rise Talks, previous scholarship recipient from Gaza, Nour Abu Olwan, said:
“Receiving a scholarship from the American University of Sharjah has been a golden opportunity that truly changed my life and opened countless doors for both personal and academic growth. To me, AUS is not just a university; it’s my second home, a place that inspired me, supported me, and taught me that there are no limits to dreams when opportunity is given.”
The Rise Talks also featured Alumnus Sherif Ismail, co-founder and CEO of WakaTech, discussing “Why Opportunity Matters as Much as Effort”. The segment concluded with “Built to Give – Why the Future of Business is Purpose First” by Rania Masri El Khatib, CEO of The Giving Movement.
A Performance for a Cause
The evening closed with a special performance by the Syrian folkloric Takkat Band, organised in partnership with the Syrian Cultural Club. Proceeds from the concert supported education and the rebuilding of schools in Syria through The Big Heart Foundation. The concert was sponsored by MAG Group, Marmara Jewellery, SATA and The Rotary Club of Dubai.
AUS Giving Day 2025 ultimately celebrated what can be achieved when a community unites across countries and generations with a shared purpose.
For more information about giving at AUS, visit