NYU holds on-site commencement ceremony for Abu Dhabi students

Classes of 2020 and 2021 travelled from around the world to receive their degrees after pandemic postponed in-person ceremonies

Flying for as many as 20 hours, graduates from NYU Abu Dhabi's Class of 2020 and 2021 travelled from around the world to attend a commencement ceremony at New York City's Yankee Stadium.

“We decided to invite our classes, our NYU Abu Dhabi classes, back because we are one New York University,” said vice chancellor Mariet Westerman.

“And it just seemed so incredible to be able to be with thousands of graduates.”

NYUAD graduation ceremonies traditionally take place on the Saadiyat campus in the UAE, but they have been held online for the past two years because of the pandemic.

During the pandemic, graduates had to watch the live-streamed commencement from home without experiencing the pomp and circumstance of a ceremony, wearing caps and gowns and surrounded by proud family members.

The postponed commencement ceremony, held right after the earlier Class of 2022 event, gave alumni the chance to celebrate their university in achievements.

Confetti drops on graduates as they celebrate during a graduation ceremony for New York University at Yankee Stadium. AP

Students kept away from in-person ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 were given the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with friends. Reuters

It was a sea of purple and gold. Reuters

Graduates celebrate at New York University's 2022 commencement ceremony at Yankees Stadium in the Bronx borough. It was followed by special ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and 2021. EPA

US singer Taylor Swift receives an honourary doctorate in fine arts. EPA

Swift in the sea of celebrating graduates. Reuters

Swift addresses the graduates at the commencement ceremony. EPA

Family and friends held up cardboard cutouts of the faces of graduating students in a show of pride. Reuters

Some graduates still prefer social distancing. Reuters

NYUAD students come to the UAE from around the globe and commencement is often the first time their parents come to visit.

So, when the pandemic caused the ceremonies and all travel to be cancelled, many felt the loss of being able to share a slice of their university life with their families.

“They wanted to much to see me graduating,” said Michal Andrzejewski, Class of 2020, who flew in from Italy.

“And I remember — I would even say a pain, that was to skip that opportunity that they were awaiting at least for four years of my education.”

But many students simply came by themselves to reunite with former classmates.

Those who already lived in New York City hosted those who flew in from across the US, as well as Japan, Italy, the UAE and elsewhere.

Almost 100 of the alumni-graduates sat in the lower levels of the stadium, surrounded by graduates from other NYU schools, while guests watched from the upper levels.

The alumni commencement speaker was Judith Heumann, a disability activist who led the effort to create the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

In her speech, she — like many of the students and faculty speakers — acknowledged that the advice and inspiration usually given to graduates did not apply.

“I'm already kind of out there in the world,” said Andres Lopez Schrader, Class of 2021, who flew in from Louisiana.

“So, this is a time for us to celebrate something that we know is an achievement from the past, but we weren't given the proper space and time to commemorate that.”

The New York University Abu Dhabi campus during construction on Saadiyat Island. The university is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Silvia Razgova / The National

Students attend NYU Abu Dhabi's summer academy in July, 2011. Andrew Henderson / The National

The NYU Abu Dhabi campus under construction in July, 2009. Sammy Dallal / The National

Work continues on the campus in September, 2009. Andrew Henderson / The National

Accessories and apparel during NYU Abu Dhabi's opening week in September, 2010. Lee Hoagland/ The National

An abstract map of Abu Dhabi and New York on a wall at the campus. Lee Hoagland / The National

New York University Abu Dhabi's campus on Saadiyat Island. Photo: NYUAD

The university used temporary premises, next to the Abu Dhabi Heritage foundation, until the campus on Saadiyat island was completed. Lee Hoagland / The National

The first day of classes at the new campus on Saadiyat Island, in September 2014. Lee Hoagland/The National

NYU Abu Dhabi is a collaboration between New York University and the Abu Dhabi government. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

The Saadiyat Island campus in October 2014. Photo: Tamkeen

Yumi Gambrill in a laboratory at the university. She discovered that a UAE plant, Cleome rupicola, contains a substance that can be used against cataracts. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Dr Ali Trabolsi, an associate professor of chemistry at NYU Abu Dhabi, led research that could help to improve cancer treatments. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The High Line at the campus, named after a park in New York City. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a visit to the university. Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Graduands receive their degree certificates during the university's ceremony in 2016. Christopher Pike / The National

Award-winning Ali Al Mansoori, 16, will develop her research methods under the eye of NYU Abu Dhabi scientist, Mohamed Al Sayegh. NYU Abu Dhabi

Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, and Vice Chancellor Alfred Bloom announce the distinguished alumni award winner during a graduation ceremony. Christopher Pike / The National

From left: Mohammad Mirza, Sangeetha Mahadevan, Hayat Hassan and Rodger Iradukunda in the university’s library on the first day of term. Lee Hoagland / The National

The main library is designed with three oculi, which seep natural light throughout the premises and down through an elevated glass platform to the swimming pool and gym below. Lee Hoagland / The National

Graduands at the university's graduation ceremony in 2019. Leslie Pableo for The National

A graduation ceremony at NYUAD. Leslie Pableo for The National

Dr Wael Rabeh, an associate professor of chemistry at the university. Photo: NYU Abu Dhabi

Mohammad Qasaimeh, assistant professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering at NYUAD, demonstrates how the 3D-printed mechanical door opening mechanism works. Photo: Deepthi Unnikrishnan

Social distancing signs on campus as part of Covid-19 safety measures. Courtesy: NYU Abu Dhabi