Amid an atmosphere of national pride and belonging, Suez University organized a flag-raising ceremony and celebration to welcome the new academic year under the patronage and in the presence of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal, President of Suez University. The event was attended by Lt. Col. Islam El-Sakka, Director of the University’s Military Education Department; Prof. Dr. Ezz El-Din Husseini Gad, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Dr. Sherif Fahmy, Acting Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Prof. Dr. Osama Qadour, Acting Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; and Prof. Dr. Osama Masoud, Vice President of Suez National University for Academic Affairs, along with deans and vice deans of the faculties, faculty members, administrative staff, and a large number of students.
The celebration began with the flag-raising ceremony of the Arab Republic of Egypt, conducted by Lt. Col. Islam El-Sakka, Director of the University’s Military Education Department, followed by the playing of the national anthem. The attendees stood together in a scene embodying the values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland and reflecting the university’s commitment to strengthening national identity among its students.
In his address on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal welcomed the attendees and expressed his pleasure at the beginning of a new academic year filled with renewed hopes and aspirations for a brighter and more distinguished future. He emphasized that Suez University continues to fulfill its educational and national mission as one of the leading academic institutions contributing to the preparation of generations capable of competing, innovating, and serving their country.
The University President extended a special welcome to the new students who had chosen Suez University as their gateway to the future, urging them to make the most of their university years by acquiring knowledge, developing their personalities, and upholding the values of discipline, hard work, and creativity so that they may become proud ambassadors of their university and country.
The University President stressed that standing before the waving Egyptian flag represents a deeply patriotic moment that calls for reflection on the meanings of belonging, pride, and dignity, particularly in the heroic city of Suez, which has written glorious chapters in the history of patriotism, resilience, and sacrifice. He emphasized that the university is committed to nurturing generations who are conscious of their responsibilities toward their country and capable of contributing to its future development.
He noted that the university’s celebration marking the beginning of the new academic year reflects the Egyptian state’s اهتمام بالشباب والتعليم, based on its conviction that investing in people is the foundation for building nations. He also praised the continued support provided by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to the higher education and youth sectors, as well as the ongoing development of the educational system aimed at preparing qualified cadres capable of meeting the demands of the modern era.
The University President explained that Suez University continues to implement its strategic vision in line with the state’s directions for advancing higher education and scientific research, under the leadership of H.E. Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This includes updating academic programs, enhancing the quality of the educational process, encouraging innovation and scientific research, and expanding international academic partnerships in ways that strengthen the competitiveness of the university’s graduates locally, regionally, and internationally.
The University President reviewed the university’s most significant achievements during the recent period, highlighting notable developments in the Education and Student Affairs sector, including the development of academic regulations and programs and the expansion of student activities that contribute to the comprehensive development of students’ personalities. He also referred to the opening and operation of the “Future” University Dormitory Building for male students, with a capacity of more than 430 students, providing a suitable educational and residential environment that supports academic excellence.
With regard to graduate studies and scientific research, the University President affirmed that the university has achieved a significant leap in international scientific publication rates, with the number of internationally published research papers increasing by more than 71% compared with the previous year. He also highlighted improvements in research-impact indicators and notable progress in several prestigious international rankings, reflecting the university’s growing academic standing at both the national and international levels.
The University President also addressed the university’s community-service role, highlighting the achievements of the University Hospital, which is considered one of the most important healthcare and development projects in Suez Governorate. The hospital provides high-quality medical services to citizens while also playing a vital role in training students in the medical disciplines and preparing qualified healthcare professionals to serve the community.
He also discussed the university’s achievements in quality assurance and academic accreditation, including the institutional accreditation of the Faculty of Technology and Education, the accreditation of a number of academic programs across various faculties, and the EGAC accreditation of the Central Laboratory at the Faculty of Fisheries. These achievements reflect the university’s commitment to applying the highest standards of quality and institutional excellence.
The University President affirmed that the university will continue implementing its expansion and development projects, foremost among them supporting the university’s branch in South Sinai, as well as the Suez National University project in New Suez City and the Suez Technological University project. These initiatives are intended to expand opportunities for university education, support sustainable development plans, and contribute to the objectives of the New Republic.
Concluding his address, the University President delivered a message to the students, emphasizing that they represent the true hope and future of the nation. He called on them to work hard, strive for excellence, develop their academic and personal capabilities, and make the most of their university years to build their future and serve their country. He wished them an academic year filled with success and achievement.
The celebration concluded with commemorative photographs bringing together the University President, his deputies, faculty deans, faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The scene reflected the spirit of one united university family and a strong sense of belonging to Suez University, marking the beginning of a new academic year filled with further aspirations and achievements.