From Saddam’s Palace to Graduation: Inspiring Success Stories of American University of Baghdad’s First-Class Graduates

The American University of Baghdad recently celebrated a significant milestone: its first graduation ceremony. This event took place in a unique location—once the lavish palace of Saddam Hussein. Now, it stands as a beacon of hope for a new era in Iraqi higher education.

Inaugurated in 2021, the university occupies the site of the al-Faw Palace, built in the 1990s. Following the U.S. invasion in 2003, the site served as Camp Victory, a military headquarters, before transforming into an academic institution funded by Iraqi entrepreneur Saadi Saihood.

On graduation day, 38 students, split almost evenly between males and females, received degrees in business administration, sciences, and humanities. Among the attendees were dignitaries, families, and faculty members, all celebrating the accomplishments of these new graduates.

Dr. Michael Mulnix, the university president, reflected on the school’s rocky start. “When I came here in 2018, the campus was in disarray. War had taken its toll,” he shared. Today, he emphasizes the university’s growth and its commitment to academic excellence, positioning itself among top research institutions.

Graduates like Mohammed Baqir, who earned a degree in business, voiced mixed feelings about the future. “While the job market is tough, we’re already getting offers, especially in the private sector,” he noted. His education, costing about 10 million Iraqi dinars (around $7,600), was a worthwhile investment.

Despite recent improvements in Iraq’s security, many young people are still leaving the country for better opportunities. This brain drain reflects broader trends: in a 2022 survey, around 70% of Iraqi youths cited a lack of job security as a reason to emigrate.

As the university develops partnerships with prominent institutions like Vanderbilt and Temple University, there’s hope that it can play a vital role in retaining talent and fostering growth in Iraq. Saihood, the founder, believes this institution is designed to persist and make a genuine impact on the community.

The graduation signifies more than just individual achievement; it symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. As the university continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the possibilities that education can bring to a nation striving to rebuild.

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