SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region -- It was all smiles as family and friends came together to congratulate a total of 83 students from The American University of Iraqi Sulaimani  at the Second Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 30.

Out of the 83 students, 54 were getting Baccalaureate Degrees in Business, Administration, Techonology and International Studies. The other 29 students received a degree in Masters of Business Administration, according to the university's website.

The university's website also said most of the graduates have "already secured positions in a wide range of fields including: banking and finance, construction and the oil and gas sector."

There were keynote speakers during the event, among them was Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

Barzani told the students and the crowd, that despite fractions among the political parties, remaining united and defending the region would be a top priority for Kurdish leaders, as Baghdad and Kurdistan continue to have a political tug-of-war over disputed areas.

Barzani urged his policy of unity as the Kurdistan elections edge closer, and his seat is sought by other parties such as the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Gorran Movement.

The American University was founded in 2006. "It's Iraq's only private, non-profit university for public benefit," the website states.

And its goal is to produce graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills for professional and national  leadership, according to the university.