Class of 2024: UOWD Graduates Share Stories of Success and Connection

Wednesday, 06 November, 2024

Graduation day at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is a monumental moment for all who cross the stage. This year, three pairs of graduates celebrated not only academic success but also the profound personal bonds formed during their journeys. From a couple looking forward to marriage to siblings celebrating side by side to a married pair achieving a shared dream, these stories showcase the connections that make graduation day even more memorable.

From Classmates to Fiancés: Shruti and Vineet’s Love Story

For Shruti and Vineet, UOWD will forever be the place where they met, fell in love, and earned their degrees together. Both engineers-turned-marketers, they found a shared passion in their studies and a deep connection beyond the classroom.

“Graduating together feels surreal—like we’ve completed a full circle,” Shruti shared. The journey wasn’t always easy; from balancing work and studies to planning a wedding, they often found themselves pulled in different directions. However, they turned these challenges into strengths, even making study sessions their own version of “date nights.” Shruti fondly remembered how they ended up in rival groups in their shared semester: “It pushed us to support each other even more!”

With their wedding planned for February 2025, Shruti and Vineet envision a future where their professional paths intersect as much as their personal ones. “We see ourselves as professional allies,” Vineet added. “We’re both passionate about marketing, and our partnership only strengthens that.” UOWD has given them not only an education but also a foundation for their future together.

A Family Affair: Siblings Yousef, Yasmeen, and Mohammad Makki Graduate Together

For siblings Yasmeen, Yousef, and Mohammad Makki, graduating together is a moment of pride that few families experience. As they walked across the stage side by side, they reflected on the shared journey that brought them to this moment.

“Graduating together from UOWD is filled with pride and deep connection,” Yasmeen expressed. Though they took different paths—Yasmeen and Yousef in Media & Communications, and Mohammad in International Business—they supported each other through late-night study sessions, shared notes, and countless words of encouragement. "We each carved out our own journeys, but our successes belong to all of us,” Yousef added.

Their time at UOWD is marked by memorable achievements: Yasmeen co-led a media project that was showcased by the university, Yousef and Mohammad collaborated on a summer course presentation that earned high praise, and Mohammad achieved top marks in his final exams. Through it all, they leaned on each other, discovering the strength of family bonds along the way.

Looking ahead, the Makkis are excited to pursue their individual paths. Yasmeen is a Relationship Manager at the Commercial Bank of Dubai, Yousef is building his career in business development and marketing, and Mohammad is managing international projects as a Project Manager. “No matter where life takes us, we know we can always rely on each other,” Mohammad shared.

Xin and Fan: A Journey of Love and Resilience

Xin and Fan, a married couple from China, never imagined they’d be graduating together when they first enrolled at UOWD. Fan started his MBA first, inspiring Xin to pursue her studies as well. Despite life’s unexpected turns—including Xin’s semester off for pregnancy—the couple found themselves celebrating their shared achievement side by side.

“Graduating together is like a dream come true,” Xin expressed. For both, this journey was transformative. Xin overcame language barriers to excel in a final presentation, while Fan, returning to school after six years in the workforce, deepened his professional insights by connecting theory with practical experience.

Though they have separate career paths—Xin in finance and Fan applying his MBA insights in his current job—their journey through UOWD has brought them closer as partners and as a family. “This ceremony isn’t just about academic achievement; it’s about the journey we’ve taken together,” Fan reflected. It’s a testament to their resilience, mutual support, and shared dreams.

For these three pairs, UOWD will always be a special place, not only for the education they received but for the connections that shaped their journeys. As Yasmeen, Yousef, Mohammad, Shruti, Vineet, Xin, and Fan step into their futures, their stories remind us that graduation is more than just an academic milestone—it’s a moment that celebrates the people who make every step worthwhile.

Honouring Mohamed Ashraf Noureldeen: A Legacy of Perseverance and Positivity

In addition to our graduating pairs, we also remember Mohamed Ashraf Noureldeen, an engineering graduate whose dedication and kindness left an unforgettable impact on the UOWD community. Known for his resilience—commuting daily from Abu Dhabi for his master’s while balancing a full-time job—Mohamed’s journey is a testament to strength, passion, and love for family. At the graduation ceremony, Mohamed’s father accepted his certificate on his behalf, a touching moment that underscored the profound legacy he left behind. His story is a powerful reminder of the values that define our community. Read the full story here.