ammonnews.net

Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra)His Majesty King Abdullah II, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein Bin Abdullah II on Thursday attended the opening ceremony of the American University of Madaba (AUM).

During the ceremony, which was attended by Royal family members, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, and senior officials, the King viewed a model of the university structure and listened to a briefing on faculties and centers of the university, which was built on a 400-dunum area.

In remarks at the ceremony, AUM President George Hazboun outlined aims of the university and the academic and cultural services it provides in various areas.

He said that "wisdom and knowledge" are the university's slogan, as it seeks to advance personal and professional experiences of students in a free and responsible academic environment.

He also lauded the King's firm support of the country's higher education process.

Hazboun said the university had secured recognition from the higher education accreditation commission and the higher education commission in the American state of new Hampshire.

He said the university currently offers eighteen specializations in science, technology and humanities and it houses a language centre, renewable energy research centre and a comparative law centre to supplement academic and research facilities.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri also delivered a speech in which he praised efforts exerted by His Majesty King Abdullah II to realize peace and stability in the region.

He also conveyed regards of Pope Francis I to His Majesty King Abdullah II.

The American University of Madaba, which comprises seven faculties, opened its doors to students in October 2011. There are about 800 students, but at full capacity, the University can accommodate 8,000.