Sheikh Nahyan receives honorary degree

Abu Dhabi, June 7, 2012 (WAM) - Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research received an honorary PhD degree in Letters at NYIT-Abu Dhabi’s sixth graduation ceremony. Sheikh Nahyan’s honorary degree recognises his ongoing support and advancement of higher education, as well as his visionary leadership, said NYIT President Edward Guiliano, Ph.D. “Our presence here today underscores the fact that higher education is an international undertaking,” Sheikh Nahyan told graduates at the ceremony. “It is your generation that must take up the banner of peace and preservation of human dignity and development of our local and global communities.” Guiliano said Sheikh Nahyan has been instrumental in supporting international conferences that connect students with professionals working on sustainable development and green business models through education and technology. He also praised Sheikh Nahyan’s creation and implementation of policies for education and human resource development in the United Arab Emirates. Guiliano conferred degrees and delivered an address urging graduates to innovate and cultivate “an interconnected mentality” as they pursue their careers or additional schooling. “In every field, demand is increasing for a new class of business people, designers, engineers for people who can perform specialised tasks,” said Guiliano, “and more importantly, for people who can synthesise ideas and create solutions to address real-world challenges.” “Your education at NYIT-Abu Dhabi has prepared you well to meet your personal and professional expectations and professional aspirations I am confident of your success and that you will take these challenges and responsibilities seriously,” Sheikh Nahayan said. Alexandrine Yamine, who earned her B.S. degree in Business Administration and Management at NYIT-Abu Dhabi, delivered the annual student address to her fellow graduates. NYIT Board Chair Linda Davila, NYIT Chief of Staff Peter Kinney III, and NYIT Director of Alumni Relations Jennifer Kelly also attended the ceremony. NYIT-Abu Dhabi’s graduation follows NYIT’s 51st commencement, which celebrated 3,325 graduates on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at the Old Westbury, New York campus. In addition to its Middle East campuses, NYIT also has campuses in Canada, China, and Manhattan. Since 2005, NYIT has offered degree programs in Abu Dhabi. The programs in Interior Design (B.F.A.), Computer Science (B.S.), and Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) have received initial accreditation by the Commission for Academics Accreditation, United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. – Emirates News Agency, WAM