Dubai, 28 February 2017:  The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) recently honoured some of their outstanding past students who have significantly contributed to the field of professional development, social impact and research and innovation, at Alumni Awards ceremony held at The Address, Dubai Marina. 

Nearly 150 guests attended the presentation of the Alumni Awards that were launched in 2015 as a platform to recognise exceptional contributions made by UOWD graduates over the years. Since the establishment of the University 24 years ago, it has produced more than 9,000 graduates some of whom either obtained significant positions within the government and private sector or who contributed significantly to benefit their local and/or global communities. 

“As brand ambassadors for the University, they reflect UOWD’s academic excellence. They are key to the success of the University as they continuously support the work of the institution and act as mentors and role models for younger generations, leading them to follow in their footsteps”, commented Professor Mohamed Salem, President of UOWD during his welcome address.

The award finalists were nominated and selected by alumni, faculty and friends of the University. After a rigorous selection process the following winners were picked:

Ms Nazneen Maymoun, District Director of Nursing, Ministry of Health for the Sharjah Medical District (SMD), was recognised with the Alumni Award for Professional Excellence; Ms Shurooq Al Banna, Marketing and Communication Specialist, The Noor Dubai Foundation (NDF), was presented with the Alumni Award for Social Impact; Aiham Al Akhras, Sales Director – Middle East, Mediterranean and Africa, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, was honoured with the Young Alumni Award and Faris Juma Ibrahim, Chief Strategic and Development Officer & Vice-President of ARJ Holding LLC, was bestowed with the Research and Innovation Award.

Professor Alex Frino, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy) of the University of Wollongong, Australia (UOW) remarked that being a Alumni Award winner of UOW himself, he shared in the joy of the award winners since it is a lifelong achievement which will be treasured for years to come. 

“UOWD Alumni Awards provide us with an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate the noteworthy achievements of our alumni. Their extraordinary accomplishments are inspirational as our graduates continue to make a positive impact in the UAE, the region as well as internationally”, commented Ms Arpana Sharma, Manager Alumni & Protocol at UOWD.

Attending this special occasion were, amongst others, His Excellency Gerard Seeber, the Australian Consul-General in Dubai and Senior Trade Commissioner - MENA, Ms Marisa Mastroianni, Group Chief Executive Officer - UOW Enterprises; Professor Alex Frino, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy), UOW and Dr Stewart Routledge AO, UOWD Ltd Board Director, alongside a number of high profile dignitaries, faculty and staff members of the University.
Nominations for the Alumni Awards 2017 are now open. Deadline for nominations is 30 April 2017.