Honorary Degree Recipient Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh: AUC's June 2025 Commencement

Thank you and good evening. Your Excellencies, ministers, ambassadors, and distinguished guests, President Ahmed, members of the AUC community, trustees, faculties and administration, families and friends, and the distinguished class of 2025. It is with deep gratitude and great emotion that I accept this honorary doctorate of letters from my alma mater, the American University in Cairo. This recognition means more to me than I can express. Not only because it comes from the institution that shaped the foundation of my life's journey, but because it completes a chapter that remained unfinished for nearly 60 years. I graduated in December 1966 and I was meant to return to campus to walk alongside my classmates in the class of 1967. But as history would have it, the war of 1967 changed everything. Our graduation was cancelled. There were no gowns, no applause, no moment to cross the stage. Our diplomas were mailed to us. So today, nearly 60 years later, I finally get to walk across the stage wearing the cap and gown. I never had the chance to wear it, and I must say it was worth the wait. To the graduating class, cherish this moment and honor the responsibility that comes with your education. The world will challenge you, but it will also need your courage, your vision, and your voice. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor and for giving me a moment I will never forget. Thank you and may God bless you.