Celebrating the Achievements of KGSP Alumni at KAUST Commencement

This past December marked the annual tradition of KGSP Alumni crossing the stage at KAUST Commencement, surpassing another milestone on their remarkable academic journey.

We are celebrating all 465 graduates who crossed the stage in December, particularly the nearly 50 who began their journey as KGSP students. These KGSP alumni have not only excelled academically but are also poised to make significant contributions to their fields, embodying the spirit and mission of the KGSP and KAUST.

The sense of community that KGSP fosters was palpable during the ceremony. Alumni Ambassador Soumaya Fayie (Cohort 10, MS, Bioengineering) expressed, “Returning home after years abroad felt like a big transition, but KAUST made it feel like the right next step. It challenged me, supported me, and gave me a sense of belonging. The friendships, the late nights in the lab, and the moments of discovery – this journey has shaped me in ways I’ll always be grateful for.” The commencement ceremony was a testament to the longevity of the KGSP community, sustaining throughout graduate study on the KAUST campus and into their careers.

Looking ahead, Soumaya is excited to embark on her next adventure, sharing, “I’m thrilled to continue my research and contribute to advancements in bioengineering. The support from KGSP and KAUST has been instrumental in my journey, and I look forward to making a positive impact in my field.”

Maryam Almaskin (Cohort 9, MS, Appl. Math. & Computational Sc.) shared her thoughts on her KGSP experience, saying, “My time at KAUST was truly precious, and I consider it the best years of my life so far. I grew not only academically and professionally but also socially. It was fairly easy to integrate into such a welcoming community, and taking on roles like Career Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and KGSP Council member allowed me to connect with so many amazing people.  

Maryam went on to add, “Having my fellow KGSPers by my side made the journey even more meaningful and wholesome. They were inspiring and like family to me. Though I officially graduated in May, celebrating at the December commencement felt like no time had passed. KAUST has given me so much, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience. To express that gratitude, I created a piece of art, turned it into a card, and shared it with my fellow graduates.”

The KGSP Alumni Office is proud to feature these graduates and to illustrate the profound impact of the KGSP and the transformative experiences at KAUST. We encourage everyone to read more about these inspiring stories and stay tuned for further examples of KGSP’s work within the Kingdom and the wider world.