To open and close this bar, use alt+/

Order of Exercises

  • The Class of 2021 Banner Bearer - Nawal Ali, B.A.
  • The National Anthem of the United Arab Emirates
  • The National Anthem of the United States of America
  • Pronouncement - Arlie Petters, Provost
  • Student Welcome - Maitha AlSuwaidi, B.A.
  • Trustees Welcome - William R. Berkley, Chairman of the NYU Board of Trustees
  • Video Tribute to the Class of 2021
  • Student Speaker - Malak Abdel-Ghaffar, B.A.
  • Vice Chancellor’s Message - Mariët Westermann

NYU Abu Dhabi Piano Prize Presentation - Awarded to Kacper Lecki, B.S.

The Piano Prize, being presented for the first time this year, is awarded annually to a senior graduating from NYU Abu Dhabi who best exemplifies former Provost Fabio Piano’s selfless devotion to science and to the wellbeing and excellence of our University. The Piano Prize will forever remind our academic community of the combined importance of research, excellence, and service in the life of NYUAD, on the model that Fabio Piano set for us in our first decade. Presented by Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor.

  • Distinguished Guest Speaker - Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri

The Global Leadership Award Presentation - Awarded to Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri. 

The NYU Abu Dhabi Global Leadership Award is given to a person whose actions embody the principles and values of the NYU Abu Dhabi community: to engage the world and celebrate its diversity and to advance the goal of a responsible, just, and peaceful globe. Presented by Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor.

  • President’s Message - Andrew Hamilton
  • Keynote Address - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

The Global Leadership Award Presentation - Awarded to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The NYU Abu Dhabi Global Leadership Award is given to a person whose actions embody the principles and values of the NYU Abu Dhabi community: to engage the world and celebrate its diversity and to advance the goal of a responsible, just, and peaceful globe. Presented by Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor.

The NYU Abu Dhabi Pandemic Leadership Award Presentation - presented by Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor.

The NYU Abu Dhabi Distinguished Alumni Award Presentation - Awarded to Chandan Mishra, Class of 2019. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award, which is being presented for the third time, honors an NYU Abu Dhabi graduate who exemplifies the commitment to intellectual and creative advance, the embrace and conceptual and ethical complexity, and the dedication to a more united, generous, and responsive world, which are at the core of NYU Abu Dhabi. Presented by Kyle Farley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees

Deans representing each division will present their candidates. The presentations will be followed by the official conferring of degrees by President Hamilton.

  • Arts and Humanities - Awam Amkpa
  • Science - Marta Losada
  • Engineering - Samer Madanat
  • Social Science - Olivier Bochet
  •  Ceremony of the Torch
     Lucas Davidenco, B.A.,
     Toby Le, Class of 2022. 

The NYU torch, symbolizing “academic purpose and authority,” has been an integral part of the University’s identity since 1911, and a part of its commencement ceremonies since 1938. In 2014, members of the NYU Abu Dhabi Design Collective collaborated to create a torch for NYU Abu Dhabi, which while remaining true to the structure of the original, incorporates elements drawn from local cultural heritage. Likewise, the ceremony of the torch, inspired by the practice in New York by which a senior member of the faculty passes the torch to the youngest undergraduate degree candidate, has been adapted for NYU Abu Dhabi’s Commencement. Here, a member of the graduating class passes the torch to a member of the following year’s graduating class.

  • Conferral of Degrees - Andrew Hamilton
  • Closing Song - “We are Not Strangers” from the Cast of The RealAD Show
  • Ceremony concludes