Husband, wife among Auburn University’s more than 1,800 fall commencement graduates

Hassan Raza Shah, back left, and Sakina Rubab Rizvi, shown here with their children, earned advanced degrees at Auburn University and fell in love with the college town during their time on the Plains.

Since immigrating to the United States from Pakistan in 2018, Hassan Raza Shah and Sakina Rubab Rizvi have called Auburn home, and now they’re excited they can both call Auburn University their alma mater.

“To graduate together with advanced Auburn degrees makes this graduation incredibly meaningful,” Shah said. “We are so appreciative of the community here that has supported our family along this journey.”

Shah is graduating with a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, while his wife, Rizvi, is graduating with a master’s in physical activity and health from the College of Education’s School of Kinesiology.

But Shah and Rizvi aren’t the only Auburn students in the family. They currently have two young children enrolled in the College of Human Sciences’ Early Learning Center, and their older daughter also completed preschool there. 

“It has been unique and special going through our graduate programs together these past few years while our kids participate in the same supportive learning environment we benefited from,” Shah said. “The packed schedules, nonstop demands of parenting and stressful exams often feel impossible to balance, but we are so proud of how cooperative and understanding our children have been throughout the chaos. Their support keeps us pursuing our dreams.”

When they decided to attend graduate school in the U.S., the couple had offers from several institutions, and they wanted to choose the one that would be best for their family. They were looking for a high quality of education in an environment conducive to raising children, so they chose Auburn for its family friendly atmosphere and amenities. They will be moving back to Pakistan, where Shah will pursue a career in academia and Rizvi hopes to work in cardiac rehabilitation, but they will never forget that Auburn was a perfect match for their family.

“Auburn gave us the academic rigor we wanted alongside the close-knit community we needed,” Shah said. “Now that we’ve been here for some time, we couldn't be happier with our decision to choose Auburn, which has exceeded our expectations for learning and lifestyle.”

Amna Salman has the distinction of being the first graduate of the McWhorter School of Building Science’s new doctoral program, one of only seven programs like it in the nation.

Assistant Professor Amna Salman makes CADC history

Amna Salman, also a native of Pakistan, has the distinction of being the first graduate of the McWhorter School of Building Science’s new doctoral program, one of only seven programs like it in the nation.

The recipient of a Presidential Graduate Research Fellowship from Auburn, she is not only a student, but also a three-time alumna and a faculty member. In addition to a doctorate in building construction, she holds master’s degrees in community planning and public administration from Auburn and is an assistant professor in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC).

“It’s exciting to be the first graduate of the program,” Salman said. “My education at Auburn has helped me become a better teacher and has opened so many doors to new research opportunities.”

Between her academic research and her doctoral dissertation, Salman has maintained an ambitious research agenda. She is glad to have the support of her colleagues, as well as funding from internal programs, including CADC Seed Grants and the McWhorter Fund for Excellence grants.

“I am so grateful to the building science faculty and staff, who have fostered an environment of intellectual curiosity and scholarly rigor,” she said. “I have never considered teaching and research to be work. I want to help young students deepen their love for learning and take that forward with them as a lifelong passion.”

Auburn University industrial design graduate Thomas Dempsey, the founder and CEO of Sylvan Sport and a renowned outdoor industry and policy expert, served as keynote speaker at the weekend’s ceremonies.

Words of wisdom

Auburn industrial design graduate Thomas Dempsey, the founder and CEO of Sylvan Sport and a renowned outdoor industry and policy expert, served as keynote speaker at the weekend’s ceremonies.

Dempsey shared with graduates several important lessons he has learned that have given him the wisdom necessary to face life’s challenges.

“Go for things now,” he said. “Don’t wait. Be true to yourselves as you discover your personal definition of success. Success isn’t about ticking off accomplishment boxes. It’s a way of life where you’re transforming your God-given talents to make your life and the lives of those around you better.”

As he wrapped up his remarks, Dempsey reminded students of the value of their accomplishments at Auburn.

“As you go forward from today, this spectacular day, into the holidays having received one of the greatest gifts you could ever give yourselves and your families, your degree from Auburn, be joyful,” he said. “I cannot imagine a building anywhere in the world that’s more overflowing with success than here today right now.”