Sharjah: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), led the third meeting of the Advisory Council of Development and Outreach (ACDO) at AUS' GIBCA Majlis. According to Emirates News Agency, the annual event, organized by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, marked the conclusion of the current ACDO term. In her opening remarks, Sheikha Bodour emphasized the council's ongoing role in supporting AUS' strategic goals and long-term aspirations, expressing gratitude for the members' contributions during the term.
Sheikha Bodour stated that the ACDO has been a reliable partner in enhancing AUS' long-term vision. Over the past three years, the council members have provided valuable advice and continuous engagement, clarifying priorities and reinforcing the shared responsibility to improve access and opportunity. She mentioned that the conclusion of this term comes with momentum, focusing on scholarships and institutional advancement as impactful tools for future AUS students.
The meeting, themed 'A Legacy of Access and Opportunity,' focused on AUS' advancement goals, particularly on education access, opportunity, and scholarships as enduring institutional legacies. Discussions included a strategic briefing by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and a presentation of the Institutional Advancement Strategic Plan covering fundraising categories, planned campaigns, and the university's international advancement agenda. Members also discussed ways to enhance student impact and broaden educational access.
Key outcomes of the meeting included an agreement to prioritize scholarships as the core institutional legacy, the introduction of the AUS Annual Fund, and the development of a comprehensive Institutional Advancement Strategic Plan aligned with the AUS 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Chancellor Laursen highlighted the council's crucial role in supporting AUS' advancement priorities and long-term direction, with a focus on scholarships and strengthening governance to ensure a transformative education and lasting impact.
Following the meeting, ACDO members toured a curated student showcase featuring innovative projects from the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the College of Engineering (CEN). The exhibition highlighted AUS students' creativity and interdisciplinary strength, reflecting the university's academic community. The deans guided the tour, offering insights into the projects' concepts and real-world applications.
Additional ACDO members in attendance included Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Hatem Mohamed Al Mosa, Faizal Kottikollon, Mirza Al Sayegh, alumnus Mohamed Al Musharrakh, Shaji Ul Mulk, Dr. Dalya Al Muthanna, and Badr Jafar, who joined virtually.