American University of Afghanistan Celebrates Remarkable Commencement Ceremonies

DOHA, Qatar, June 11, 2024 —The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) today held its 13th annual commencement ceremony in Doha, celebrating thirty-six graduates of the Class of 2024. These students persisted in their studies and maintained hope through their educational journey.

The proceedings included remarks by Dr. Ian Bickford, president of AUAF; Mr. David Sedney, AUAF trustee and former president; Ms. Christiane Amanpour, award-winning journalist; Dr. Stephen Tremaine, vice president for network education at Bard College; Ms. Pashtana Durrani, AUAF alumna and human rights activist; and Ms. Joanne Giesbrecht, Interim Chair, Business Department at AUAF.

In video remarks, Amanpour spoke about the graduates’ dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey. “I wish you so much luck,” she said. “I believe the world will be a better place when there are many, many more women in positions of leadership and decision-making, and around the peace table especially.”

Other speeches noted the extraordinary hurdles that graduates overcame to earn their bachelor’s degrees in business administration, law, political science and public administration, and information technology, as well as master’s degrees in business administration. Graduates were aided in their studies through generous support from the U.S. and Qatar governments as well as other donors.

An additional ninety undergraduate and graduate students who pursued their degrees around the world will celebrate their commencement on June 14 in a virtual program.

Photos of the ceremony in Qatar are available upon request.

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