To open and close this bar, use alt+/

NYU Abu Dhabi Commencement

Photos from Commencement 2025

 

 

 

Commencement Speaker 2025

Former NASA astronaut and geophysicist Andrew Feustel will address the graduating Class of 2025 at New York University Abu Dhabi's twelfth Commencement ceremony on May 22.

Feustel has logged more than 226 days in space across three NASA missions and has amassed a wealth of experience in deep-Earth research and space exploration.

His extensive spacewalking expertise, nine spacewalks totaling over 60 hours, ranks him third among all U.S. astronauts for cumulative time spent performing extravehicular activities.

In addition to his spacewalking achievements, Feustel served as the flight engineer and later the commander of Expedition 55/56 aboard the International Space Station. He also held the positions of acting Chief Astronaut at NASA and Lead Astronaut at Vast, an American aerospace company. 

Welcome Speaker Class of 2025

Khalid Alzeyoudi, BS

Khalid grew up in the UAE. He has served as Vice President of the UAE Majlis Student Interest Group (SIG) and a mentor in the Academic Enrichment Program. Khalid also chaired the National Military Service Initiative on the Domestic Student Advisory Board, advocating for students balancing military service and academics. He also represented the UAE at the GCC Youth Forum, fostering cross cultural exchange.

Student Speaker Class of 2025

Pauline Wee, BS

Pauline Wee double majored in Computer Science and Business, Organizations and Society with a minor in Interactive Media. She led The Design Collective and the Craft Circle Student Interest Groups (SIGs), and a number of on-campus research projects. She loves creating impact as a software engineer, designer, founder, and community leader.

I came to NYU Abu Dhabi enthusiastic to learn and grow. I am leaving NYU Abu Dhabi appreciating the friendships I made and excited for the future. 

 

 

I came to NYU Abu Dhabi eager to learn about myself and the world. I am leaving NYU Abu Dhabi with friends from all around the world. 

 

Class of 2025 Stories

The graduating class looks back and shares memories from their time at NYU Abu Dhabi.

  • Aruzhan Zhamalbek

    Aruzhan Zhamalbek

    With the support of incredible friends and peers, I'm ready to step into adult life, even if a little fear still lingers.

  • Bushra Shums

    Bushra Shums

    A place where I found the people who would stay up late, figure things out with me, whether it was coursework, life decisions, or what to eat for dinner. 

  • Confidence Ezemba

    Confidence Ezemba

    Through labs that sparked curiosity, and mentors who believed in me, I discovered that medicine was not just a dream but a calling.

  • Raya Tabassum

    Raya Tabassum

    It all began right here, at NYU Abu Dhabi, in 2022, between late-night study sessions in Baraha and meetups at Marketplace for two slices of buffalo pizza.

  • Cham Don Baddewithana

    Cham Don Baddewithana

    Zimbabwe wasn’t just a road trip, it was everything NYU Abu Dhabi had prepared us for. The independence, the problem-solving, the trust in each other. 

  • Joanna Kumendong

    Joanna Kumendong

    The best advice I have received along the way was, 'Do not be afraid to explore, and it’s okay if where you land is where you started.' 

  • Mowen Li

    Mowen Li

    By the end of my first year, my visual diaries had grown into something bigger - a tent with my diaristic paintings.

  • Mouath Abu-Daoud

    Mouath Abu-Daoud

    I came to NYUAD with a clear ambition and determination to pursue medicine. My regional seminar trip to Rwanda was a strong affirmation of my dream. 

  • Anoosh Jamshed

    Anoosh Jamshed

    As an Economics major, taking the theater course was one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my college journey.

  • Layan Al-Kasaji and Omar Rayyan

    Layan Al-Kasaji and Omar Rayyan

    Taking our classmates around and showing them the culture and history of our country ended up being such a rewarding experience.

  • Bisha Shahid

    Bisha Shahid

    Five hesitant faces in line, a mix of terror and excitement as we stared up at the world's fastest roller coaster. "Trust me," I said with my most convincing smile. 

 

 

NYU Abu Dhabi Class of 2025 shared their moments that captured their NYUAD experience. Visit Class of 2025 Wrapped to go down memory lane.

 

 

 

Our Ma’a Salama programming in May includes on-campus events, as well as off-campus trips catered to our graduating seniors as well as their families. 

Previous Commencements