19th November 2009 called for a celebration! The 19th graduation ceremony of Skyline University College was held at the Sharjah University City Hall. This event was graced by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Mohd Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber & Commerce, H.E. Mr. Diyab Al Moosa, Educational advisor to the Ruler of Sharjah, alongside Mr. Kamal Puri, President of Skyline University; Principals & Counsellors from various schools who have supported our University over the years; and Representatives of the media. We also had amongst us faculties of Skyline University, parents of the graduating students and the 19th batch of Skyline graduates.

The event began with the U.A.E. National Anthem, conducted by the police band, followed by the Holy Qur’an recital of Mr.Salah Abdel Hakeem Al Suwaidi, to invoke the blessings of the Almighty. A student flag-march, representing the different nationalities of the students of Skyline University, was witnessed by the participants as students marched towards the dais hoisting the flags of various countries.

We witnessed 123 students who had successfully completed their studies of 3-4yrs Bachelors program in the majors of International Business, Marketing, Travel and Tourism and Information Systems. Among them, 28 students were recognised for their best performance during their tenure of studies and were awarded medals in accordance with their grades. We had a category of special awards for the toppers in all four majors.

The event also included a valedictory address by Mr. Kamal Puri, President of Skyline University, on “The history of Skyline and the educational challenges it has overcome” which also emphasized on the importance of education being a never-ending process. This was shortly followed by a speech from a graduating student, Ahmed Abbas Alansari, and a speech from a proud parent, Mrs. Renu Sharma, to express their views on education imparted to students by the Skyline University College.

One of the highlights of the event was the special scholarship awarded to the graduating toppers of AED3000/- on and above the fee waiver given to all students for their MBA with emphasis in Finance and Marketing, offered by Skyline University. There was another special award announced for the “Student of the Year”, which was given to Ms. Mallika Sharma for her best overall personality amongst the student body and her outstanding performance in both academic and non-academic fields.

Skyline University College honoured and felicitated two distinguished faculty members, Dr. Shivakumar Krishnamurti and Dr. Sudhakar Kota, who excelled in the parameters of teaching effectiveness, scholarly work and services to University and Community. Mr. Harish K G Nair, Head of Administration section of Skyline University was awarded for Best Head of Dept; Mr. Art was awarded for the Best Operational Staff; and Mr Ravindran Karicheri, Best Maintenance Staff, for their contribution during the Academic Year 2008-2009.

The event concluded candidly with ‘Dr. Amitabh’s closing “Thank you” speech.