Arab Open University | Newsletter| Issue 7|10Dec2009

Batch 3 Graduation Ceremony 10 Dec 09|E-Newsletter|Arab Open University|Issue7

e-newsletter | Issue 8

Excerpt from Dr. Samir Fakhro's Graduation Day Speech to Students

I hope that you continue to contribute and achieve the highest levels of knowledge to serve your countries and the world. We know you to be real leaders who have the keys of progress for every arena of productive work.

I would like to request from my daughters and sons to be proud of what they have achieved today, and to be proud of what their University has achieved during this very short time in the areas of international, regional and municipal achievements. Thank you all. And congratulations again upon your great achievements. AOU would not be able to record any triumphs without your desire to see it at this advanced level compared to other universities and higher educational institutions…”

“…I appreciate every effort you have made. You have proven that you are indeed successful partners in the learning and develop-ment process and are the leaders of tomorrow. May Allah grant you with good fortune and success at every step of your personal and professional lives.

Under the patronage of Parliament chairman, Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Dhahrani and the Director of the Arab Open University, Bahrain Branch, Dr. Samir Qasim Fakhro, the AOU celebrated the graduation ceremony of its third batch of bachelor students at the Crown Plaza Hotel on Thurs-day, December 10, 2009.

The ceremony was attended by important personalities, ambassadors of some sister states and a number of students and their families. They were met by Prof. Dr. Samir Fakhro and his depu-ties, Dr. Ahmad Azzam, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs and Mr. Abdul Hameed, Assis-tant Director for Administrative Affairs, and a number of teaching staff and administrators.

The salute to the nation announced the commencement of the ceremony which began with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Some graduating students presented speeches as well. The au-dience was then addressed by the inspiring words of Dr. Samir Fakhro. This was followed by the diplomas being awarded to the graduating students by His Excellency Khalifa al-Dhahrani and President Dr. Samir Fakhro.

The graduates were elated with joy with their faces bright with hopes for the future. They looked forward to future research and progress in the fields of academia and their places of work. They expressed their gratitude for the wise words of Dr. Samir Fakhro which further kindled their enthusiasm to pursue higher education.

Amid an Atmosphere of Joy and Happiness

Words of Inspiration



Mrs. Nadia Rafiq Lecturer, Business Department

2 years at AOU

Dr. Mohammad Aijaz SharifHead of English Department

4 years at AOU

Mr. Mohammed Rasheed KhonjiLecturer,English Department

6 years at AOU

“Compared to previous teaching experiences, AOU has standardized quality, content and management. We are in sync with existing UK standards, better than other educational institutions. We have equipped them with tools of knowledge, learning experience, theories and practices.

Year 2 and Year 3 students are already working. As a result of their education at AOU they are promoted in their fields and are competing in their careers within AOU and outside.

I I wish them all the best in prospering and growing. May Allah bring great opportunities for them and that they avail these opportunities by grabbing them. I don't believe that opportunities only knock at your door once. I believe opportunities are always around us. We should have the mission and vision to find them. They should have a positive attitude in whichever part of the world they are in.”

"The experience of teaching is always enriching. When you teach you not only transfer the knowledge you have to others but also add to your ever-changing, ever-growing teaching acumen. It is wonderful being part of Dr. Samir Fakhro's high achieving team.

The open learning system has opened new avenues for all ages. Those who did not have the opportunity to continue their Higher Education are now able to fulfill their dreams. I feel happy to find some elderly people also donning their robes waiting for graduation. The students will impact their country and the world at large as national and international boundaries gradually fade away.

I wishI wish the graduating students to excel in every aspect of their life, especially to use their knowledge for honest and peaceful purposes and for the upliftment of the community. It is in their noble deeds that AOU's vision will come to fruition. Aameen."

"At AOU the relationship with students continues after the face to face session - via the internet, phone and ACES. AOU is a free environ-ment - anyone can meet anyone including the Heads of Department.

Arabic is our heritage. If we lose it, we lose ourselves. Language is the son of any civilization. During the Abbasid Caliphate, European kings sent their sons to learn about Islamic civilization not as a religion but as a dominant culture. Our language is also special because it is sacred. The Holy Quran [26:192-195] says: 'And undoubtedly, the Lord of the worlds has sent down this Quran. The Trusted spirit has descended with it. On your heart that you may warn. In bright Arabic language.'

This is not the end of the journey but the beginning. I advise my students to get their Masters and Ph.D. and to apply their education to life."

Dr. Safaa Mohammed NassarHead of Arabic Department7 years at AOU

Words of Wisdom From our Teachers

“My experience of teaching at AOU has been great. Through the freedom afforded me I have enjoyed every minute of my being here – it has given me the opportunity not only to swim in its waters, but also to come out of it an experienced swimmer.

I hope that through my teaching, my students become role models for their country by showing and giving examples of supreme morality and behavior, and eventually representing their future generations.

II would like to add that on this big day, as in any other day, nothing will materialize in this world unless one keeps an optimistic outlook in his attitude towards problems and maintains that solutions are available as long as one works towards seeking them through patience and perseverance.”



"I benefited so much from my education here that I kept encouraging people in my condition (i.e. working with a family) to join. The timings are flexible. The study needs lots of concentration, especially the assignments. The teachers are very cooperative. The curriculum is of high standard. My thinking has been changed. The administra-tiontion was smooth. ACES was helpful. The fees were good too. I have changed my career to HR which is a totally different field than before. And I am already enrolled in the Masters program here. I would like to thank everyone, especially Dr. Samir and Mr. AbdulHameed."

Somaya Jaafar Mohamed IT Graduate

"The experience here was very flexible with

work. I could attend anytime. The teachers

were very friendly. My degree has helped me to

get a promotion. I intend to complete my Mas-

ters at AOU. I would like to thank God for my

success. And thanks to Dr. Samir, our father at

the University and to my Mom and Dad."

Hagar AbdulHadi Mahmoud IT Graduate

"The academic program at AOU is very nice. Some of the courses require hard work and some of them are interesting. The E-learning center was helpful. I intend to pursue my Masters. AOU is an option. I am also lookinglooking at other options within Bahrain and abroad. I am so happy I cannot express it. I would like to thank all my tutors, especially Mr. Ahmed Kananah, Mr. Ammar, and Mrs. Farzana."

Afghan Mohammad Haneef

IT Graduate

Mahmood Mohamed Abdulla Business Graduate"It was a very good experien

ce. The

education at AOU is very good.

TheyThey teach you a lot of good tools and

the way things are taught is very good.

There is a lot of support for working pro-

fessionals. The teachers are very good.

There is a lot of flexibility.I plan to con-

tinue my education here at AOU by

doing my Masters.I would like to thank

allall the staff, especially the administra-

tion, and ACES."

"I was studying part time and working part time. The educa-tion here was just perfect. I am going to pursue my MBA here at AOU.Today was really fun and just perfect."

Aysha Jasim Rashed

Business Graduate

Honor Roll

Honor Roll

Honor Roll

Waheed Mohamed Janahi Business Graduate

"My education at AOU has brought me many opportunities to sharpen my skills, face com-petition, and learn organiza-tional leadership. It has helped me progress within my career. With my degree, I plan to grow within my organization by changing departments. I am very happy today. I put in lots of time and effort to get my GPA."

Mother: "We want her to have a bright future."Brother: "We hope to see her do her Masters and Ph.D."

Our Hope for the Future What Our Graduating Students Have to Say ...



"The activities and studying at AOU have made a new person out of me. I helped organize two student carnivals in Bahrain, one was for helping the poor people. We also conducted a 'Studying Day' which was organized to increase love between students and teachers. We also brought Microsoft and Cisco to give lectures at AOU. I

will be changing my company and moving from my current

chemical field to the field of IT. I would like to thank my parents

for coming from Saudia. I would like to thank the University for

giving us a chance to have this day with our families."

congratulations

Awad Mohsen Al-Harbi with AbdullRahman & DhuhawiIT Graduate

"As Dr. Samir said that the University experience changes one's personality for the better. After University, life experience is better. Academic view has changed our ways. We can challenge many things and know better how to face life. This degree has opened my ways, not just with knowledge, but ideas that have come from the mouthmouth of my teachers. And I am going to pursue my Masters. I cannot express my emotions. Al-hamdulillah, I want to thank all people who were responsible for this successful ceremony I also want to thank my family who gave me much sup-port. "

Bader Abdulla Al-Mugbel

IT GraduateFatema Jasim Maki Business Graduate

"I had a very good experience and education at AOU. My teachers were cooperative. They have imple-mented a new and improved curricu-lum. I was already working when I joined AOU with a good job. I came here to build my personality, to learn and understand. The brain is some-thing that must never stop. And now I have joined the Masters program at AOU. I wanted to graduate 'excel-lent with honors' and my dream is now realized."

Our Hope for the Future What Our Graduating Students Have to Say ...

Honor

Roll

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Arab Open University | Newsletter| Issue 7|10Dec2009