TORONTO, Nov. 11, 2013 – York University President and Vice Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri received an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from India’s Amity University, Nov. 11, at a special convocation ceremony in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
"It is my great pleasure and privilege to accept this honour from the esteemed Amity University. As someone who has benefitted from international education, this is a very special honour for me," said Shoukri, who came to Canada more than 40 years ago from Egypt to earn master’s and PhD degrees in engineering.
The honorary degree was given in recognition of Shoukri’s “exceptional vision, deep commitment to research, propagation of scientific enquiry, continuous exemplary efforts in innovating and improving technology, strategic planning and direction in pursuit of excellence and dedication to the good of humanity,” according to an Amity University citation.
“Dr. Shoukri contributes tirelessly to the scientific progression in various forms and his work is evidenced by over 120 publications in refereed journals and symposia,” said Aseem Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity, adding, “Dr. Shoukri is venerated for his unceasing commitment, firmness of purpose, unassuming nature and an ever inquisitive mind for scientific wisdom."
In accepting the degree on behalf of York University, Shoukri said progressive universities around the world have a central role in sharing knowledge and creating international partnerships and networks through which future graduates can be educated in a global context.
“Our responsibility is to educate our students so that they can become global citizens; we must help them to develop their networks, share their talents, and advance the limits of knowledge. The partnership we are developing between our two institutions is an important way to do that,” Shoukri added.
York U and Amity are exploring shared opportunities in the areas of faculty and student exchange; recruitment; research and publication exchange; and joint research, teaching and service programs.
The doctorate was conferred during Shoukri's five-day visit to the country along with a York U delegation to participate in the FICCI Higher Education Summit 2013, a global conference being held in New Delhi on Nov. 13-14.
The delegation will also meet with a number of key representatives of India's higher education institutions such as the Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia University as well as high ranking state leaders in the sidelines of the summit, to strengthen current ties and establish new initiatives.
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
Media Contact:
Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
