Thousands of male and female students filled the newly constructed stadium of King Abdulaziz University (KAU) here Tuesday night for graduation day of the Class of 2008, which was graced by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah. Seated in separate sections, the male and female students, watched a parade by 22 colleges before the Emir. One of the fresh graduates, Prince Saud Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, delivered a speech on behalf of his class. “This is a day of joy after years of study and perseverance,” he said. “We all hope to serve our beloved country... and pay back what it has given us.” KAU President Osama Tayeb congratulated the 4,270 graduates and conferred the degrees on them, wishing them a bright future. “I dedicate my graduation to my father and the father of all, King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,” Prince Saud said, expressing pride that the university is named after the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz. Saeed Faleh Al-Srayha, who got a Ph.D in Arts, and Masters graduates Faraj Aal Al-Sheikh and Ahmad Al-Ghamdi were honored by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal for their distinguished Grade Point Average (GPA). Prince Khaled also honored the donors of the Excellence Research Center at KAU, Princess Al-Jawhara Aal Al-Ibrahim for her donation of SR15 million to establish the Princess Al-Jawhara Exellence Research for Hereditary Diseases, Muhammad Al-Amoudi for donating SR26 million for a number of scholarly chairs, and the Saudi Electricity Company for its contribution of SR5 million.
