For the first time, students from Galala University in Egypt are graduating with degrees from both their home institution and Arizona State University.
As part of a partnership with ASU, the 25 students had access to dual-degree programs that allowed them to earn credentials from both universities, completing coursework via ASU Online while remaining in their home country, where they received in-person, wraparound support on campus at Galala.
“This is an important moment for our students and for the partnership between Galala University and Arizona State University,” said Julia Rosen, vice president of Global Academic Initiatives at ASU. “For these graduates, the two degrees represent more than an academic milestone. They carry forward an educational experience that connects Egypt with a global university community and provides a foundation for graduate study, careers and continued collaboration across borders.”
The graduates also distinguished themselves academically, earning an average cumulative GPA of 3.77 across electrical engineering, software engineering, computer information systems and business administration programs.
Additionally, based on exceptional academic performance, six graduates have been selected for automatic admission to ASU master’s programs in AI in engineering, AI in information technology and business administration.
In addition to Rosen, Jeremy Helm, senior director of academic and student affairs for the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and Michele Pfund, senior associate dean for education at the W. P. Carey School of Business, were in attendance to address the graduates at their recent convocation ceremony in Egypt.
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From right: Michele Pfund, senior associate dean for education at the W. P. Carey School of Business; Jeremy Helm, senior director of academic and student affairs at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering; and Julia Rosen, vice president of Global Academic Initiatives at ASU, pose with Galala University President Mohamed Elshinawi, Galala students and staff onstage during the Galala University graduation ceremony Sept. 23 in Egypt.
Photo courtesy of Galala University
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Galala University and ASU dual-degree graduates celebrate at the Sept. 23 convocation ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Galala University
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Galala University and ASU dual-degree graduates carry flags into the graduation ceremony on Sept. 23.
Photo courtesy of Galala University
Galala University became an ASU-Cintana Alliance partner in 2021 as part of the network’s efforts to expand access to international academic opportunities in the region.
Since its founding, Galala University has developed as a modern Egyptian university with an emphasis on interdisciplinary education and international collaboration. Its partnership with ASU has expanded opportunities for Galala students to access programs and academic experiences connected to a U.S. research university.
“Celebrating the graduation of the first cohort from Galala University’s joint programs with Arizona State University is a proud and significant moment for our university,” said Mohamed Elshinawi, president of Galala University.
“These graduates represent the strength of an academic partnership built on shared expertise, aligned standards and a commitment to globally recognized education. They leave us not only with knowledge and professional skills, but with a global mindset, critical thinking and the ability to lead in an increasingly connected world. We deeply value our partnership with Arizona State University and look forward to building on this collaboration to create even greater opportunities for our students.”
The Galala graduates are part of a growing community of students across the ASU-Cintana Alliance who have pursued degrees connected to ASU and their home universities. This year also marks the first cohort of bachelor’s students and third cohort of master’s students to graduate from ASU as part of their dual-degree programs with American University Kyiv.
Together, these graduates demonstrate how international partnerships can create academic pathways that connect students to institutions, faculty and opportunities abroad while allowing them to remain rooted in their own communities.