KAUST's 4th Commencement and Inauguration of President Chameau

THUWAL, Saudi Arabia, December 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --



The 2013 King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) master's and doctoral candidates were awarded their degrees at the University's Commencement Ceremony on December 14. In addition to recognizing KAUST's fourth graduating class, the University's new President, Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau, was officially inaugurated by H.E. Ali I. Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST opened in 2009 with the mission to advance scientific research to address grand challenges of global significance in the areas of water, food, energy, and the environment. Dr. Chameau joined KAUST in July 2013, leaving his position as President of California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Addressing ceremony guests, Chairman Al-Naimi said, "President Chameau's track-record as a researcher, educator, and distinguished academic leader make him uniquely qualified to lead the next phase of KAUST's development. He will continue to build upon excellence in education and research. His presence on campus, around the Kingdom, and among global audiences, is already bolstering our long-term vision for KAUST."

"I am honored and privileged to receive your confidence," President Chameau remarked, "and also humbled by the responsibility you entrust in me as President of KAUST."

Addressing the students, Dr. Chameau said, "Ultimately, the greatness of KAUST and its contributions to the world and society will be through you, our graduates. If we educate students and engage them in an environment that stresses excellence, curiosity, invention, integrity, and a passion for doing things that matter, we will be a great university and serve society well."

Ninety-six MS candidates hailing from 22 countries and 18 PhD candidates from 13 countries were honored at the ceremony. Six of the PhD graduates received their MS degrees as KAUST's first graduating class in 2010. One of these six graduates, May AlQurashi, is KAUST's first Saudi PhD graduate.

About KAUST

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate research university dedicated to advancing science and technology through interdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. Students, faculty, scientists, and engineers conduct fundamental and goal-oriented research to address the world's pressing scientific and technological challenges related to water, food, energy, and the environment. http://www.kaust.edu.sa

Samia Falimban, Head of University Communications
Samia.falimban@kaust.edu.sa
+966-54-470-1203