The University celebrated the Spring 2014 graduation of 11 Ph.D. and 20 master's degree candidates at a special graduation luncheon on June 7.

The graduating students came from nine different countries, including Saudi Arabia, China, Mexico, Pakistan and France, and were joined by members of their families for the ceremony in the University Library.

"We are all here to celebrate you," said KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau in his remarks at the ceremony. President Chameau noted the graduates had seen many successes – and some failures – while completing their research, but that this journey was essential, adding to their characters, ingenuity and creativity.

"Through all of this," he said, "you deepened your knowledge, contributed to new research and extended KAUST's influence in the world…You deserve our gratitude and our highest accolades for your achievements."

A number of KAUST professors added their congratulations during the ceremony, advising the graduates to aim high and always search for opportunities to grow in their personal and professional lives.

"You should always strive to keep the bar raised high so everyone not only recognizes you, but also the fact that you are from KAUST," said Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering.

"We look forward to hearing from you in the coming years and celebrating new achievements and milestones as you take the values of KAUST into the world," President Chameau said at the conclusion of the ceremony. He thanked King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his generosity in giving the graduates the "great gift" of their educations, and noted that "through his vision…you are now empowered to be great scientists, engineers and leaders."