From the Desk of Chancellor Seghir

A Monthly Statement Issued by the Chancellor of Ajman University

So many meaningful moments related to “growing and knowing” are etched in my memory forever.

The morning in Paris, France, when my doctoral degree was placed in my hands. The first commencement ceremony I presided over as Chancellor of Ajman University here in the UAE. The evening last summer when my eldest daughter was awarded her bachelor’s degree on a stage in Canada. 

Another date that will stay in my memory is November 15, 2025, when AU hosted our first-ever Alumni Conference. Filling our Sheikh Zayed Center with memories and future ambitions, our alumni gathered to celebrate a shared story and collective identity born from this institution. Together, we discussed – through panels, over coffee, in the photo booth – how we can improve access and success for the next generation of changemakers. 

The ideas and insights flowed in abundance from alumni who traveled from across the country – and several continents – to be part of meaningful connections, powerful discussions, and impactful outcomes.  

A Monthly Statement Issued by the Chancellor of Ajman University

Karim Seghir, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Ajman University

© Ajman University. All rights reserved.

University St., Al jerf 1, Ajman
United Arab Emirates

University St., Al jerf 1, Ajman
United Arab Emirates

November 2025

Creating the Future Together

November 15 will endure far beyond the smiling photos and social media posts, becoming part of Ajman University’s future.

Not only did we create a greater sense of belonging among alumni, but we also galvanized a shared sense of purpose to move forward.

From our shared identity and sense of destiny, we made concrete plans for involving alumni as advocates and ambassadors in the life of their alma mater. In turn, AU committed to allocating resources to sustain their professional competencies through upskilling and lifelong learning. We also rolled out the welcome mat for their presence as speakers in our classrooms, partners in our community service projects, and active participants in every aspect of donor cultivation. 

By the time we host our Second Annual Alumni Conference in 2026, we will have even more to celebrate and commemorate together! Stronger bonds. Deeper connections. And the promise of an empowered tomorrow for an even greater number of scholarship-earning students. 

Our circle of “knowing and growing” will continue to expand beyond borders and backgrounds, reaching more young people eager to turn degrees into careers. One day, they will become part of a new wave of alumni returning to campus to create pathways to opportunities for others. 

The journey of an institution and its alumni lasts forever. Events like AU’s inaugural alumni conference ensure that none of us will ever forget or overlook this bond. And together, we can transform the lives of those who come here next. 

Sincerely,

An Unshakable Bond

I want to highlight the stories of three alumni whose keynote remarks sparked deep reflection and offered profound inspiration to everyone.

Mustafa Al Khalafawi ’07 recalled that AU was the only university offering evening classes when he was working during the day to earn a living and pay his tuition.

His biggest lesson from those days was “to see challenges as opportunities,” which he now applies as CEO of Ajman Bank. He also announced a donation of AED 5 million to support the launch of the Ajman Bank Financial Markets Lab at AU – an act of generosity and legacy that will last forever. 

Lacina Koné ’93 shared how his innovative and entrepreneurial spirit—and his commitment to service—were shaped in his dorm room on campus through a group project that turned into a real-world product that helped pay for his tuition!

Now the CEO of Smart Africa in Rwanda and a former advisor to the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Lacina’s lasting message for fellow alumni and future students is that “your origin does not limit your horizon.” His eloquent phrase beautifully captures AU’s raison d’etre. 

Dr. Laila Faridoon ’99 shared a moment from her youth when she told her father she would overcome a problem instead of giving up—a promise that shaped her life.

Dr. Laila says AU is where “passion became her purpose,” helping her keep this promise even after her father passed away. Today, she holds a PhD in Computer and Information Sciences from King's College London and serves as the CEO of the New Economy Academy in Dubai. Dr. Laila considers AU a lifelong learning partner and has committed to mentoring others who follow her path — passing her promise on to the next generation.

These are just a few examples of how AU’s 45,000 alumni are woven into our institutional DNA and belong to the “Make It Happen” motto. In fact, their legacy of compassion and innovation is as fundamental to our identity as ours is to theirs.

Their story is our story, and vice versa. Working together, we can – and will – write a powerful narrative of access, excellence, and success for the next generation of AU trailblazers.