Habib University hosted its annual Awards Night on June 4, 2026, honoring the graduating Class of 2026 for their exceptional accomplishments in academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Masters of Ceremony Sitara Ali and Sakina Zehra warmly welcomed guests to the H.M. Habib Auditorium, opening the evening with a captivating performance by the Habib Orchestra from the Center for South Asian Music.
Voices of Reflection and Growth
The ceremony transitioned into a series of moving addresses from faculty and student representatives. Dr. Nauman Naqvi expressed great pride in the cohort, stating, “This is my favorite batch among all… May you carry your seriousness without self-importance and carry your burdens gently, may your education become a source of Yohsin for the world.”
Adding a memorable highlight to the evening, Dr. Aaron Mulvany delivered his entire speech in eloquent Urdu, praising the graduates’ readiness to navigate a challenging world.
Representing her peers, Student Representative Naba Imran spoke poignantly on the resilience of the cohort: “We did not become numb, we did not look away, we grew with what happened… We learned how to think with one another, how to completely disagree and still share Rahim Bhai fries.”
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. M. Shahid Shaikh, brought a spirited, Gen Z twist to the podium, asserting that “Manifesting isn’t cringe if it actually works.” His address, packed with youthful gems, skyrocketed his popularity overnight among the student body.
President Wasif Rizvi delivered the final address of the segment. Employing his characteristic metaphorical depth, he reflected on the students’ transformative journey at Habib: “This water is now part of you; you swam in it for at least four years.”
Honoring Academic and Leadership Milestones
Following the keynote addresses, Program Directors took the stage to present the institutional awards. Dr. Sahaab Bader Sheikh presented the Social Development and Policy Program Awards, followed by Dr. Muhammad Farhan, who presented the honors for Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Dr. Saeed ur Rehman announced the Comparative Humanities Program Awards before Assistant Program Director Dr. Faisal Alvi handed out the Computer Science Program Awards. The department honors concluded with Christie Marie Lauder presenting the Communication and Design Program Awards.
The celebration of student agency continued as Tatheer Hamdani (Senior Director of Student Affairs) and Dr. Ishtiyaq Makda presented the awards for leadership, service, and innovation on behalf of the Habib University Student Government (HUSG). Turning the spotlight toward the faculty, Dr. Coline Ferrant introduced the Distinguished Teaching Awards, which were presented to the university’s outstanding educators by President Wasif Rizvi and the Interim VPAA.
Next, the prestigious Dean’s Medals were conferred. Dr. Saleha Raza awarded the medals to top achievers within the Dhanani School of Science and Engineering (DSSE), while Christie Marie Lauder presented the honors to the students of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS).
The Pinnacle of Achievement
The evening culminated in the presentation of the university’s highest institutional honors. President Wasif Rizvi and Dr. Shahid Shaikh jointly awarded the medal to Raahim Hashmi (Computer Science) in recognition of his stellar academic performance and international research contributions.
Finally, Dr. Shah Jamal Alam returned to the stage to announce the ultimate honor of the evening, declaring Syed Shaheer Abbas Rizvi (Electrical Engineering) as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026, a proclamation met with roaring applause from the audience.
Awards Night 2026 stood as a profound celebration of excellence, showcasing Habib University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating thoughtful, socially conscious leaders. As the graduates step out of the university’s gates, they carry forth a powerful combination of knowledge, empathy, and values forged through a truly transformative learning process.
