The American University of Madaba (AUM) tumultuously welcomed Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal who visited the AUM on Tuesday, May, 19, 2025 in the presence of a number of national and ecclesiastical figures.

In his address upon arrival Bishop Iyad Twal expressed his great pleasure for making this visit, and emphasized the depth of his relationship with the AUM that has spanned for many years. He said, "My knowledge of the AUM extends over years of appreciation and follow-up, and today I feel proud to see this academic and religious institution proceeding steadily towards the future, armed with values, open to the world, and entrenched in the land of Madaba, the city of mosaics, holiness, and ancient heritage.

He added, "The AUM represents a living model of integration between academic and spiritual mission. It has proven, through its tangible achievements, its ability to meet the needs of the labor market and to graduate distinguished national talents. I also affirm my full support for the AUM in its continuous procession, and I emphasize the importance of students experiencing a sense of belonging to the AUM's mission, moving hand-in-hand with its values, which stem from faith in humanity and working for the common good. The AUM's educational environment, which nurtures knowledge and creativity, reflects the vision the Church has long held in serving society and humanity. We, the Latin Vicariate, will remain real partners in this blessed academic project, which produces promising energies and generations that carry beacons shedding light in this blessed nation."

For his part, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engineer Azzam Shweihat, noted that the AUM has achieved a series of notable accomplishments over the past few years. He said, "Due to its perspicacity and the constructive cooperation between its administration, the board of trustees, and the Latin Patriarchate, the AUM has been able to move from the founding phase to the empowerment phase, based on well thought-out plans that reflect national development priorities and market needs, while embodying our unwavering commitment to prepare a distinguished generation of young people who believe in knowledge and values."

Mr. Shweihat stressed that the AUM keeps pace with academic and scientific developments while unstintingly striving to develop its educational programs in line with international standards. He continued, "We are proud to see the AUM's graduates contribute effectively in various sectors and serve as honorable models of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community commitment.

On the other hand, AUM President Professor Mamoun Akroush, welcomed Bishop Iyad Twal, saying, "I welcome you to this institution based on education and faith, as well as built on a blessed land abounding with spiritual and historical heritage, and sheltered in the Christian love that has flourished in Madaba since the dawn of Christianity and continues to bear fruit in values, humanity, and benevolence."

He added, "We view this gracious visit as a blessing while providing a spiritual breath that revives hope within us, and reminds us of the Church's deep-rooted role in serving humanity in addition to promoting dignity, justice, and peace."

Dr. Akroush pointed out that since its founding, the AUM has not merely been an academic institution, but rather continues to serve as a national and spiritual mission, combining wisdom and knowledge, in addition to enlightenment and knowledge. He emphasized that the AUM takes pride in its affiliation with the institutions of the Latin Patriarchate, which has carried the message of education for more than 170 years.

He also asserted that the AUM keeps pace with clear strategic strides, having successfully obtained nomination for institutional accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE). This is a step that confirms its academic excellence at the local and international levels.

AUM Assistant President for Accreditation and Quality Assurance Engineer Majdi Al-Dayyat gave a detailed presentation on AUM’s current status and achievements in recent years. He reviewed the most significant milestones the AUM has made, starting with its licensing by the Higher Education Council/Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Jordan in 2005, and obtaining permission from the US state of New Hampshire to grant academic degrees. The AUM is subject to the same academic quality standards applied by higher education institutions in the state, whereby they are subject to periodic reviews to ensure quality and conformity with American values ​​and standards.

He added: "The AUM has received official nomination for accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), one of the most prestigious accreditation institutions in the United States that accredits major universities worldwide, such as Harvard University, MIT, Yale, Boston, and Dartmouth. This reflects the AUM's compliance with American higher education standards and educational outcomes." He pointed to the importance of the reports that evaluated the AUM and praised its institutional governance, the quality of learning outcomes, the AUM's strategic plan, the modernization of AUM’s technical infrastructure, the program development mechanisms for which it is distinguished, including the international accounting program, finance, the English language program, culture and communication, the nutrition and Mmntal health program, in addition to the digital marketing and innovation program.

Former Minister Dr. Fares Braizat delivered an address on the importance of religious tourism in Jordan, highlighting Madaba's distinction as a living example of coexistence

On the other hand, AUM students and graduates Aya Al-Hrout, Zeina Salem, Abdul Rahim Al-Majali, Khaled Al-Juhani, and Rania Milad shared their inspiring success stories, emphasizing that the stimulating educational environment as well as the academic and guidance support provided by the AUM played a fundamental role in achieving their ambitions and fulfilling their careers with confidence and competence. Several students reviewed the projects they are currently presenting, while expressing their gratitude to the AUM for not only providing them with theoretical knowledge, but also for developing their skills and introducing them to the job market through continuous training and qualification.

In this context, graduate Bisan Al-Surur presented her personal testimony,  as she spoke about her experience as a former student at the AUM and how her academic experience helped her build her professional career. She noted that she is proud to be part of the AUM's administrative staff, considering it an extension of her educational journey and a living model of the sustainable relationship the AUM instills in its graduates, by opening doors of opportunity for them to contribute to building the institution from which they graduated.

Later, the chairman of the board of trustees and the president of the AUM presented the Bishop with a shield marking his kind visit.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Career Day activities, organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs, was  launched. At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Bushra Mahadin welcomed the attendees, expressing happiness at the honor of opening this important annual event in the presence of the bishop, while affirming the AUM's commitment to linking education with the labor market. This year's Career Day witnessed broad participation from companies and institutions from both the public and private sectors.

The ceremony was attended by Parliament members,  Mayor of Madaba Eng. Aref Al-Rawajih, directors of security agencies, Director of the Governorate Police Brigadier General Ra’fat Al-Maytah, members of the AUM's board of trustees, a number of clergymen, members of AUM members of staff  and university students.