Abu Dhabi University Honors 100 Faculty & Staff for Its Annual “Faculty and Staff Appreciation Ceremony”

In culmination of another successful year of multiple achievements, Abu Dhabi University concluded its 2016 -2017 academic year on a high note with its “Annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Ceremony”, honoring 100 members of its family for their contribution to the University’s journey and advancement, and dedication to supporting its mission in education, scientific research and community service. Reflecting on the University’s accomplishments, challenges, and future strategic plans, around 450 of the ADU’s faculty and staff from both campuses attended the celebrations, held at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and sponsored by "Bawabat Al Sharq Mall” as the Diamond Sponsor, “Damas” as the Platinum sponsor, and “Al Mazroui Medical Center” as the Silver Sponsor.

Addressing the gathering, H.E Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri Chairman of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Directors said: “Each year, our Annual Appreciation Ceremony is a chance for us to honor and celebrate the extraordinary leaders, faculty and staff that make up our ADU family. Despite being a young institution, because of each of you, Abu Dhabi University is a leading regional center of academic excellence - thanks to your dedication to making this institution an internationally recognized center of excellence. Your hard work and efforts have assured our students that they can count on an institutional culture that prioritizes smart learning, inventive and interdisciplinary curricula, applied research, a wide network of strategic partnerships, and excellent services within a vibrant campus environment. All these elements and initiatives are the product of a strategic drive to elevate ADU to a new level of entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and service delivery. A goal we seek and strive daily to achieve because we intrinsically understand that the student’s success is what matters most.”

“The immense contribution you have all made to our success shows just what we can do when we work together towards a common goal. I would especially like to pay tribute to the tremendous effort, dedication and hard work of everyone who participated in the development of ADU’s Strategic Plan for the next five years. This plan, which is founded on the values of excellence, innovation, teamwork and integrity, is committed to enhancing our students’ holistic experience while also ensuring they maximize their potential in their future careers in the UAE and beyond. As part of this Plan, ADU inaugurated the Dubai campus in the Dubai Knowledge Park during GETEX. The launch confirms our goal to bring our teaching, research and community engagement to even more people. By succeeding in realizing our vision, we can all be proud that Abu Dhabi University is helping to build the UAE’s future by shaping the next generation of leaders in our country,” elaborated Bin Harmal.

Bin Harmal added: “In addition to setting new benchmarks for academic excellence, we at ADU are also known for our awareness of our social responsibilities and our duty to actively engage with our local community. This was evident in the launch of “ADU’s Year of Giving Strategy 2017” in response to the directives of H.H Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, that 2017 should be the “Year of Giving”. Under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and President of Abu Dhabi University’s Board of Regents, the ADU’s Year of Giving Strategy highlights various academic, social, cultural, humanitarian and charitable ventures and activities designed to promote the values of compassion and philanthropy. I am very grateful to you all for being ready to enter the spirit of this special year and give time aside from work to help our institution show its caring side and help the less fortunate in our community.”

On his part, Dr. Terry Motiuk, Interim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University said: “Every year’s end we get together to recognize and award members of our ADU family who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that we adhere to international standards of excellence in teaching, learning, scientific research and community engagement. Though this year has been particularly challenging, many of you stepped up rising to the many challenges and addressing complex situations to ensure that Abu Dhabi University does not waver in its journey and noble goal of educating future leaders and providing recognized customer service. Today, as I reflect on our past academic year, I find myself in awe of each and every one of you. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your vital role and contributions to our common goal and ensuing success. Our milestones and monumental accomplishments were all a result of a series of small achievements by individuals that collectively made the milestone possible. Always remember that what matters is not what work function or role you provide, but how well you fulfill it; the most important work you do is what you do now, not what you hope to do.”