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AUK recently hosted the Art & Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition, a culminating academic showcase highlighting the creative and conceptual achievements of senior students in the Department of Art and Graphic Design. The exhibition brought together faculty members, students, alumni, and members of the wider community to celebrate a new generation of designers entering the professional field.
The Capstone Exhibition represents the final stage of the Graphic Design Program, where students translate years of academic training into fully realized projects. The works on display strongly emphasized research-driven design, visual storytelling, and problem-solving across diverse themes, including branding, social awareness, cultural identity, digital media, and experimental design.
Visitors to the exhibition were presented with a wide range of projects that demonstrated both technical proficiency and conceptual depth. Each project was developed through an intensive process that included research, ideation, critique, and refinement, guided closely by faculty mentors. The outcome was a collection of work that balanced creative expression with professional standards expected in the design industry.
Faculty members noted that the exhibition is not only a display of student talent, but also a reflection of the program’s academic rigor and teaching philosophy. Through continuous critique, mentorship, and curriculum development aligned with international standards, the Graphic Design Program aims to prepare students for real-world challenges while encouraging innovation and critical thinking.
The exhibition also served as a platform for dialogue between students and the professional community, offering attendees insight into the evolving role of graphic design in contemporary society. By addressing both local and global perspectives, the showcased projects highlighted the relevance of design as a tool for communication, impact, and cultural engagement.
The Art & Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition stands as a testament to AUK’s commitment to academic excellence and creative development. As graduates move forward into professional practice or advanced studies, the exhibition marks an important milestone, celebrating their growth, resilience, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the creative industries.
Graphic Design Capstone poster
(Left-Right)- Prof. William Anderson, Associate Professor- Art & Graphic Design; Dean Ali Charara-College of Arts & Sciences; Dr. Aseel AlAwadhi, Vice President- Academic Affairs; Prof. Fahad Dhawi, Chair & Assistant Professor- Graphic Design; Prof. Rita Merheb, Associate Professor-Graphic Design; Prof. Ramy Khair, Associate Professor- Graphic Design
General photos from the exhibition
AUK is pleased to announce that its Design Program has received official notification from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) granting Substantial Equivalency for a period of ten years. The next comprehensive review is scheduled for the 2034–2035 academic year. Substantial Equivalency is the designation used by NASAD for non-US institutions seeking accreditation and affirms alignment with established international standards.
The renewal followed a comprehensive evaluation process that began in 2025 and included a self-study, documentation review, and site visit. The process was coordinated by Dr. Fahad A. Dhawi, Chair of the Department of Art and Graphic Design, in collaboration with faculty colleagues and the Dean’s Office.
Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Dhawi stated, “Receiving NASAD Substantial Equivalency for a ten-year period is a significant milestone for AUK’s Design Program. It confirms that our students are benefiting from an educational experience comparable in content, rigor, and outcomes to internationally benchmarked programs.”
The Design Program, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Design (Graphic Design) grounded in a liberal arts framework, with an emphasis on visual communication, typography, design thinking, multimedia, and professional practice.
Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, “This ten-year Substantial Equivalency recognition from NASAD affirms that the curriculum, program content, resources, and faculty qualifications in AUK’s Design program are aligned with established international standards and reinforces AUK’s commitment to preparing graduates for global practice.”
AUK announced the participation of Associate Professor Rita Merheb in the Architecture & Design Research Conference (ADRC) 2025, held in Jeddah, KSA from December 4 to 6. During the conference, Merheb presented her research poster titled ‘Design Documentation in Education: AUK Student Projects Preserving Regional Visual Culture’, followed by an academic Q&A session focused on design education and cultural heritage.
The research examines seven capstone projects developed by students in AUK’s Graphic Design Program and explores how design education can contribute to the documentation and reinterpretation of Gulf and regional visual culture. Through publications, illustration, interactive media, and children’s storytelling, the projects demonstrate how students engage with oral histories and local narratives, translating cultural knowledge into contemporary visual and interactive formats within a higher education setting.
Merheb’s study positions design students as active contributors to cultural preservation and highlights the role of academic institutions in fostering community-oriented and research-driven creative practice. By integrating design documentation into the curriculum, the research underscores the potential of design education to support cultural continuity while advancing critical thinking and visual communication skills.
AUK commended Rita Merheb for representing the university at a prominent regional academic conference and for contributing to ongoing scholarly conversations on design pedagogy and cultural stewardship.
Rita Merheb is an Associate Professor of Graphic Design in the Art & Design Department at AUK. Her research poster is currently available as a conference submission file, and a PDF version can be shared upon request. The full research paper is accessible through the official website created for the study.
https://sites.google.com/view/ritamerheb/abstract
AUK hosted the Culture Showcase at the AUK Basketball Court, welcoming students, faculty, and guests to a vibrant university-wide event dedicated to cultural awareness, academic application, and global engagement.
The Culture Showcase is a termly diversity-focused initiative developed by Associate Professor Dr. Nabeel Sawalha from the College of Business and Economics (CBE) as part of the International Business course (BUS321). The project enables students to explore a country through established cultural theories, examining traditions, values, cuisine, attire, artifacts, and communication styles. As a core component of the BUS321 curriculum, the initiative promotes a neutral, informed, and respectful understanding of cultural diversity within an international business context.
What began as a course-based assignment has evolved into a large-scale community event. Students independently select countries from all continents, allowing for originality, ownership, and creativity. Their efforts result in a dynamic environment where academic theory intersects with experiential learning, transforming the campus into a global cultural space.
This semester marked a significant milestone with the expansion of the Culture Showcase to include international diplomatic engagement. For the first time, an embassy was invited as a guest of honor, with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China participating in collaboration with the China Cultural Center in Kuwait. The Embassy’s First Secretary formally opened the event, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and academic partnership. The collaboration contributed to an exceptional turnout and a comprehensive presentation of Chinese culture across multiple dimensions.
Students represented 25 countries this semester: Kuwait, China, United States, Canada, Egypt, Palestine, Japan, France, India, Spain, Lebanon, Greece, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Mexico, Colombia, Türkiye, Iran, Malaysia, Russia, and Morocco.
Participants reflected on the showcase as an opportunity to move beyond traditional classroom learning. Students representing Kuwait emphasized how presenting their own culture fostered pride, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of international business theories when applied to lived cultural experience. The Mexico team highlighted the value of immersive storytelling and academic integration, noting that recognition for their work affirmed the impact of thoughtful cultural representation. The team representing the Philippines described the experience as transformative, combining theory, creativity, and sensory engagement to bring cultural values and communication styles to life.
The Culture Showcase continues to serve as a platform where academic rigor, cultural storytelling, and community engagement converge. Through student initiative and institutional support, the event reinforces AUK’s commitment to global awareness, experiential learning, and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Images from the event
AUK proudly concluded the KIPCO University Championship 2025 (KUC) following six months of high-energy, multi-sport competition. Fully conceptualized, organized, and hosted by AUK, the tournament was made possible through the generous sponsorship of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company Holding), after whom the championship was named in recognition of their support.
This first-of-its-kind intercollegiate event brought together seven leading universities competing in six sports: men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Teams faced off in a group stage format, advancing into high-stakes knockout rounds that drew enthusiastic crowds and strong school pride throughout the season.
Reflecting on the championship’s development, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, Vice President for Student Affairs at AUK, noted:
“This tournament was more than a competition—it was a platform for students to express their athletic talent, leadership, and university spirit. AUK is proud to have led its full organization, with a student-centered approach that exemplifies our institutional values.”
KIPCO’s sponsorship played a crucial role in bringing the championship to life. Representing KIPCO, Mr. Abdullah Al-Khudari stated:
“We are honored to have supported this initiative. Sports are vital in developing character and community, and we commend AUK for its leadership in delivering such a high-caliber event.”
Tournament Champions:
Men’s Soccer: Australian University (AOU)
Women’s Soccer: Australian University (AU)
Men’s Basketball: American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Women’s Basketball: American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Men’s Volleyball: Australian University (AU)
Women’s Volleyball: Box Hill College Kuwait
Special Awards:
Fair Play Trophy: International University of Kuwait (IUK)
Championship Shield (Overall Points Leader): American University of Kuwait (AUK)
Individual Player Awards:
Best Men’s Soccer Player: Mahdi Yahya (AOU)
Best Women’s Soccer Player: Awrad Sadeq (AU)
Best Men’s Basketball Player: Yousef Al-Bolushi (AUK)
Best Women’s Basketball Player: Nour Ali (AUK)
Best Men’s Volleyball Player: Mohammad Al-Houli (AU)
Best Women’s Volleyball Player: Fatima Al-Aradi (Box Hill College)
The closing ceremony, held at AUK’s Salmiya campus, was a celebration of athletic excellence and student achievement. The atmosphere was filled with pride as teams, individual athletes, and institutions were recognized for their sportsmanship and performance.
Mr. Omar Mehdi, Director of Student Life at AUK and Championship Coordinator, shared:
“The success of this championship is a testament to the hard work of our students, staff, and partners. Organizing this tournament from the ground up was an enormous undertaking—and AUK delivered. We are already setting plans in motion for 2026, aiming to include more sports and a broader participation base.”
AUK extends its gratitude to all participating universities, athletes, referees, and volunteers for their spirited contributions.
Preparations for the 2026 KIPCO University Championship are already underway, promising more sports, more schools, and greater impact. As envisioned and executed by AUK, the KUC continues to provide a transformative platform for student-athletes across Kuwait.
About KIPCO:
Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) – KIPCO – is a holding company that invests in the Middle East and North Africa. Its strategy of acquiring, building, scaling and selling companies in the MENA region has worked successfully for over 30 years.
KIPCO’s main business sectors are financial services, food, petrochemicals & oil services, media, real estate and education. It’s financial service interests include commercial banking, asset management and investment banking.
General photos from the event
General photos from the event
General photos from the event
Photos of the winners
Photos of the winners
Photos of the winners
AUK recently hosted a transformative professional development workshop for over 24 senior leaders from Al Rayan Holding Company’s network of private schools in Kuwait. Titled “Adopting AI in Schools: Strategies, Ethics, and Practical Tools for Future-Ready Education,” the workshop brought together principals, academic directors, curriculum specialists, and education leaders to explore the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of K–12 education.
Held on AUK’s campus, the event reflected AUK’s commitment to fostering regional educational innovation and supporting school partners with research-driven, interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
The workshop opened with a keynote address by Dr. Roman Kulchitsky, Associate Professor of International Relations & Public Policy at AUK, who presented strategic pathways for embedding AI literacy and ethical decision-making across primary and secondary education systems. His address laid the foundation for the day’s sessions, emphasizing a policy-informed, pedagogy-first approach to AI integration.
Throughout the day, AUK faculty and facilitators led hands-on sessions exploring evidence-based frameworks for:
Professional development and teacher readiness
Curriculum alignment with AI tools
Ethical safeguards for students
Classroom applications including adaptive learning, lesson planning, and assessment automation
A highlight of the event was a showcase presented by AUK’s Data Club, whose students demonstrated original AI projects connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—illustrating real-world, values-driven applications of emerging technologies.
Institutional Partnership and Future Vision
In her closing remarks, Ms. Lana Al Ayyar, CEO and Chairperson of Al Rayan Holding Company, praised the collaboration between AUK and Al Rayan Schools, stating:
“Our schools are committed to equipping learners for the future, and this partnership with AUK is a vital step in that journey. Ethical, inclusive, and strategically guided AI implementation must start with the leadership in our schools—and this workshop delivered exactly that.”
The event concluded with a clear call to action: to translate the insights and tools shared into pilot initiatives, faculty training programs, and strategic planning frameworks across Al Rayan’s school network. Participants left energized to lead responsible, future-oriented change in their respective institutions.
By hosting this high-impact workshop, AUK reaffirms its role as a hub for educational thought leadership and a trusted partner for innovation in the regional learning ecosystem.
Dr. Ahmad Alsaber, Assistant professor of Management speaking at the workshop
Group photo of the attendees
AUK is proud to announce its official certification as a Great Place to Work, a recognition that highlights the strength and spirit of its workplace culture. This certification is particularly significant because it is based entirely on feedback provided by members of the AUK community through the Trust Index Survey.
Nearly 200 members of the AUK staff and faculty participated in the survey, and the respondents expressed a strong sense of physical safety at work, pride in being part of the university, and a welcoming experience when they first joined. The vast majority also agreed that the AUK is, indeed, a great place to work. These findings reflect a community built on a foundation of safety, inclusion, and shared pride. The sense of belonging and mutual respect among AUK employees is evident—and it’s what makes AUK’s culture both distinctive and strong.
Reflecting on the significance of this recognition, AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad emphasized the power of listening and authenticity of the community’s voice, “A lot of places talk about culture. We didn’t talk, but we asked. And what came back wasn’t just positive; it was honest, humbling, and real. People here feel safe, proud, and welcome; and this doesn’t just happen by accident. This recognition belongs to every person who shows up with heart, who cares, and who makes this university more than just a place to work.”
In addition to celebrating these strengths, the university is also committed to continuous improvement. The feedback received through the survey will serve as a valuable roadmap for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the workplace experience. For AUK, this recognition is a testament to the strength of its people and the culture they’ve built. As the Executive Director of Human Capital and Facilities Management, Mr. Paul Bassil expressed, “Being certified as a Great Place to Work is more than a badge—it’s a reflection of the culture we’ve built together. It validates our ongoing commitment to trust, inclusion, and the wellbeing of every individual in our workplace. We’re proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work, but the real credit goes to our people. Their passion, collaboration, and resilience shape the culture we celebrate today—and inspire us to keep evolving.”
With this certification, AUK joins a global community of organizations recognized for putting people first and cultivating environments where employees thrive.
AUK proudly hosted the formal induction ceremony of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), the international business honor society. The event welcomed new members into this prestigious organization, with students’ families, friends, faculty, and staff in attendance.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Dr. Fahad Al-Khashti, BGS chapter advisor and lecturer of marketing, who emphasized that Beta Gamma Sigma is the only international honor society recognizing academic excellence in business studies worldwide. Established in 1913, BGS promotes the principles of scholarship, integrity, and leadership among students pursuing business degrees. Dr. Al-Khashti highlighted that BGS membership represents not only academic achievement but also serves as a steppingstone to future professional success.
Following his remarks, Dr. Mohammed Elian, dean of the College of Business & Economics, congratulated the new inductees and praised their commitment, dedication, and perseverance. He emphasized that this recognition reflects both the students’ academic accomplishments and their potential as future leaders in the business world.
The highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of certificates to the new members. The honors were conferred by AUK President Dr. Rawda, Dean Mohammed Elian, and Dr. Sarah Al-Shamali, BGS chapter advisor and assistant professor of marketing.
The event concluded with a sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating not only the academic excellence of AUK’s business students but also their promising futures as members of a distinguished international network of business professionals.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad giving a speech at ceremony's opening
Dr. Fahad Al-Khashti giving a speech at the ceremony
Dr. Mohammad Elian giving a speech during the ceremony
Dr. Sarah Al-Shamali calling the inductees during the ceremony
Group photo of the awardees
Al-Farra began by outlining why universities can no longer treat the 17 SDGs as peripheral topics. Embedding them, she argued, not only cultivates responsible global citizens but also strengthens interdisciplinary learning, aligns programs with labor-market demand for sustainability skills, and elevates institutional reputation and funding potential. “Universities are drivers of societal transformation,” she reminded attendees, urging AUK to leverage its teaching and research to address climate action, equality, and inclusive growth.
The lecture then offered a practical roadmap. At the course level, faculty were shown how to map learning outcomes to one or two SDGs, redesign assessments around real-world sustainability challenges and launch cross-faculty modules. Institutionally, she recommended establishing an SDG curriculum committee, integrating the goals into strategic plans and using tools such as Sulitest, THE Impact Rankings and curriculum-mapping templates to monitor progress. Al-Farra also addressed common hurdles—time constraints, accreditation pressures and resource gaps—pairing each with modular solutions and success stories from universities worldwide.
Al-Farra closed with a phased action plan such as awareness campaigns, pilot SDG courses and green-campus audits—before scaling to full curricular and operational integration by 2030. Her call to “act now” resonated with faculty, underscoring CBE and CTE’s shared commitment to positioning AUK as a regional leader in sustainability education.
AUK was represented by a delegation of 39 student-athletes and staff, competing exclusively in women's basketball and men's and women's volleyball. The student-athletes demonstrated exceptional teamwork, spirit, and sportsmanship, competing against universities from across Europe and the Middle East.
The delegation was led by Mohammad Al-Saleh, senior sports coordinator and Anas Abdullah, sports coordinator, who oversaw team operations and logistics. Their leadership contributed significantly to the smooth execution and competitive focus of the group throughout the festival.
“Representing AUK internationally for the fifth time in Euro Milano is both a tradition and a tremendous opportunity,” said Omar Mehdi, director of student life. “Our student-athletes not only competed with pride but also served as ambassadors for the university and the State of Kuwait.”
The festival provided participants with more than just competition. Students engaged in cultural exchanges, campus tours, and networking activities that broadened their perspectives and enriched their personal development.
AUK’s continued involvement in Euro Milano underscores its commitment to holistic student experiences, emphasizing both athletic excellence and global citizenship.
