The American University of Baghdad (AUB) celebrated a major milestone on Saturday as it graduated its first class of students, marking a historic moment at a campus that once served as a palace built by Saddam Hussein.
Officials expressed hope that the event symbolizes a new chapter for higher education in Iraq—one that embraces modernity, openness, and internationally recognized academic standards.
Founded in 2021, the university occupies the al-Faw Palace, which Saddam constructed in the 1990s on an artificial lake to commemorate a military victory. Following the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, the site was repurposed as a coalition headquarters, known as Camp Victory, before being transformed into a liberal arts-based institution with support from Iraqi businessman Saadi Saihood.
A total of 38 students—20 men and 18 women—received degrees in business administration, sciences, and humanities during a ceremony attended by political leaders, faculty, and families.
Reflecting on the journey, university president Dr. Michael Mulnix recounted the institution’s early challenges: “When I first arrived in 2018, the infrastructure was in disrepair due to years of conflict and neglect. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed.” He added, “Today, we celebrate a world-class, nonprofit academic institution that ranks among top research universities.”
AUB now boasts international collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Vanderbilt University, Colorado School of Mines, Temple University, Lawrence Technological University, the University of Exeter, and Sapienza University of Rome.
University founder Saihood described the graduation as “a symbolic moment,” reinforcing that AUB was built to endure and inspire real change. He acknowledged the economic hurdles that graduates face, particularly limited government job prospects, but stressed the university’s role in preparing students for success in the private sector or as entrepreneurs.
Despite improvements in security, Iraq continues to struggle with brain drain, as many young people seek better opportunities abroad.
Mohammed Baqir, a business graduate from Najaf province, echoed this concern: “The future in Iraq is not easy. All of us graduates have concerns.” However, he added that AUB graduates stand out: “Many of us have already received private sector job offers through the university.” He viewed his education—costing about ten million Iraqi dinars, or $7,600—as a worthy investment.
