President Mamdouh Shoukri awarded honorary doctorate from India’s Amity University

Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri

Dr. Mamdouh ShoukriYork 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.

Mamdouh Shoukri

“It is my great pleasure and privilege to accept this honour from your esteemed university. In accepting this honor, I believe it is a reflection of the status of the institution I represent and as such, I am pleased to also accept this honor on behalf of all my colleagues at York University,” said Shoukri in his address.

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 the Chancellor of Amity, Aseem Chauhan, 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, 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 University and Amity University 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 University delegation to participate in the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) Higher Education Summit 2013, a global conference being held in New Delhi Nov. 13 and  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.