US Congressional Delegation visits AUD

The Delegation comprised Congressional Representatives Mazi Hirono, Grace Napolitano, Ed Pastor and Henry Brown. Among the visiting body were, US Consul General in the Dubai and Northern Emirates Paul Sutphin and US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Bernadette Meehan. Ricardo Martinez and Julie Radocchia, members of the Committee on Education and Labor at the US House of Representatives, were also among the attendees.

The Delegation was greeted by Dr. Lance de Masi, AUD's President, Mr. Elias Bou Saab, AUD's Executive Vice President, the Provost and Chief Academic Officer and Deans from various schools at AUD.

The delegation toured the University's campus and different facilities, and outlined, with the University's administrative and faculty representatives, the quest for academic excellence the University has been committed to, over the past decade, as a premier institution of higher education in the GCC region. The MBRSC was the highlight of the discussion as it constitutes the latest endeavors substantiated by AUD under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai. The significance of bridging affiliations between AUD and other US based universities and the importance of bringing experts and American officials to the region to exchange experiences and establish fellowships were also among the highlighted subjects.

Congressman Hinojosa praised His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his vision of higher education, for his unparalleled support and his commitment to providing educational opportunities to the youth that is exemplified in the latest initiative of conferring scholarships to the MBRSC. Commenting on the feedback he received from AUD's Clinton Scholars and Study Abroad students upon meeting and interacting with them during the tour, he said, "We came to know about the students' own impressions on the study abroad programs offered in joint academic ventures between AUD and other US based Universities; such programs broaden the students horizon to better comprehend globalization of higher education and become aware of the importance of the tremendous social and economic growth in the UAE." He asserted that the reason those students came to Dubai is to study the American curriculum outside the US and see how they are progressing along the way in such a rich journey combining academia and culture.

During their visit, members of the Delegation complimented the level of education in the UAE, learnt about activities and experiences of US Colleges and Universities that operate overseas and gained a greater understanding of international institutions, such as AUD, that hold US accreditation.