Khalifa University Alumni get together for the first time and establish a new association

Khalifa University organized its first Alumni Gala Dinner at the Yas Viceroy hotel in Abu Dhabi last night. The event was attended by over 200 graduates from 1994 to the latest graduating class of 2012, many of whom are industry leaders and hold prestigious positions in government and the private sector. 

In addition to welcome messages from Dr. Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University, and Dr. Arif Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President and member Khalifa University’s 1994 graduating class, there was a presentation on the creation of a new Alumni Association and a poetry reading by current students.  Comedian Abdullah Al Qassab, a graduate of Khalifa University, performed a stand-up routine for the benefit of the guests, in addition to performances of traditional dancing by current Khalifa University students. 

“We were very pleased to host our esteemed graduates,” said Dr. Tod Laursen, “Our alumni currently hold leading positions in telecommunications, government and semi-government entities throughout the UAE. This is a testament to the quality of the education we provide at Khalifa University and the abilities of our students to excel in a professional environment.” 

“It gives us a great pleasure to see the success of our graduates,” Added Dr. Arif Al Hammadi “We belong to a University that holds HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The President’s name, which gives us pride and responsibility to ensure that we live up this honor. The establishment of Khalifa University’s Alumni Association means that our current students can benefit much more easily from the mentorship and inspiration of their predecessors and our Alumni can more easily network with one another at upcoming events and through the Alumni Association. It also gives our alumni access to our graduate programs and advanced research facilities, which will help them, advance their careers.” 

Alumni who attended the event spoke about how much they enjoyed reuniting with old classmates and professors, meeting fellow alumnus, and the importance of continuing to support the University and establishing the Alumni Association. 

The University offers several extensive undergraduate programs in Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a concentration in Power Systems, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering with a concentration in Software Systems. 

Graduate degrees at Khalifa University are awarded for independent investigation into specialized areas of communication, computer, or electronics engineering in KU’s Master’s by Research program, students can specialize in Electrical and Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, Biomedical, Nuclear, or Robotics Engineering.  Students also have the option of pursuing a Master’s in Information Security or a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering. In addition they can also pursue their PhD. in Engineering. 

Khalifa University was established in February 2007 by a decree issued by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to complement Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy that effectively contributes to the development of the UAE. 

Khalifa University’s main campus is located in Abu Dhabi, while it operates another campus in Sharjah.