Irbid:His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, presided over the celebration of Yarmouk University's Golden Jubilee at the Al-Kindi Auditorium in the Faculty of Arts. The event, held on Wednesday, was attended remotely by several participants via video conference.
According to Jordan News Agency, Prince El Hassan emphasized that the 50th anniversary of Yarmouk University should not merely celebrate past achievements but also serve as a forward-looking occasion. He highlighted the importance of using the university's history as a platform for future innovation and progress, stressing the role of knowledge in societal improvement beyond academic endeavors.
In his keynote address, Prince El Hassan recalled the founding of Yarmouk University in 1976 and its first graduation ceremony in 1980, where he received an honorary doctorate alongside Nobel laureate Mohammad Abdus Salam. He discussed the rapid changes introduced by artificial intelligence (AI) and questioned whether increased information truly leads to better human understanding. He urged universities to go beyond teaching AI usage by fostering critical thinking and awareness of AI's limitations.
Yarmouk University President Malik Al-Shrairi, in his speech, acknowledged the collective efforts of various stakeholders in the university's 50-year journey. He presented the university's strategic plan for 2026-2030, emphasizing the need for collaboration across academic and administrative sectors to realize the university's vision. Al-Shrairi announced new initiatives, including the Deanship of Future Readiness and Economic Engagement and the Yarmouk University Endowment, aimed at enhancing the university's alignment with labor market needs and financial sustainability.
The celebration featured a short film, an exhibition, and a Golden Jubilee operetta showcasing the university's history and student achievements. The operetta, involving over 150 students and the Jordan Armed Forces Orchestra, celebrated the university's cultural diversity. The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative coins to former university leaders and honors to key supporters of the university's mission.