Home LearningExcellence In...Higher Education American University of Sharjah Alumnus Launches Electric Way Endowed Scholarship to Support Future Students

American University of Sharjah Alumnus Launches Electric Way Endowed Scholarship to Support Future Students

by Anwesha Sengupta
Atheeqe Ansari (left), founder of Electric Way, and Tod Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (right), standing together after signing the Electric Way Endowed Scholarship agreement, with a scenic campus backdrop visible through a large window.

Electric Way Endowed Scholarship supports talented students in need

Atheeqe Ansari, a proud graduate of the American University of Sharjah, has launched the Electric Way Endowed Scholarship to support academically gifted students who face financial barriers. The initiative is named after his successful company, Electric Way, one of the UAE’s leading providers of lighting and electrical solutions.

Ansari signed the official agreement on 20 February, alongside AUS Chancellor Tod Laursen and senior university staff, including Reem Bardan, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

Supporting Access to Education at the American University of Sharjah

Ansari graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He was part of AUS’s inaugural class nearly 23 years ago. Now, as a successful entrepreneur, he is giving back to the institution that helped shape his journey.

“Life has truly come full circle,” said Ansari. “From being awarded a scholarship myself to now funding one for future students — I feel grateful to be in this position.”

His inspiration stems from his student years at AUS, especially a memorable visit to the palace of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Founder of AUS. He also credits his father and early faculty mentors with helping him grow into a leader.

Endowed Scholarship Offers Long-Term Impact

The Electric Way Endowed Scholarship will generate ongoing support. It’s funded by the returns from the endowment, meaning AUS students will benefit from it for years to come. In addition to the scholarship, Ansari plans to offer internships, mentorship, and entrepreneurship guidance to AUS students through his company.

“I’ve always believed that AUS students stand apart, both in knowledge and in the values they carry,” he added.

Strengthening Alumni Ties and Community Impact

Reem Bardan expressed her admiration for the initiative:

“Atheeqe’s generosity is a powerful reflection of the connection our alumni have with AUS. His gift will help shape futures and reflects the true spirit of giving back.”

The American University of Sharjah continues to build a strong culture of philanthropy and alumni support. Initiatives like this scholarship are vital to keeping the university’s mission accessible and sustainable.

For more information on how to support student scholarships at AUS, visit:

About AUS

American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. 

Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century.

AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.

Further Reading from Education UAE