American University of Kuwait Graduation Ceremony 2010

The Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2010 at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) took place at Kuwait International Fairgrounds (KIF) at 7 PM on Thursday, June 17. The ceremony commenced with the Kuwaiti national anthem and a recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a speech by Dr. Tim Sullivan, AUK Interim President. The President welcomed students, and their families to the ceremony as well as several board members including AUK Chair Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah along with numerous dignitaries and diplomats. AUK-Dartmouth Relationship Coordinator Dale Eickelman was also present at the ceremony.

In his opening remarks Dr. Sullivan reminded everyone that life after AUK is only the beginning. "Graduation signifies that students have completed an important phase of their formal education. Graduation ceremonies are also referred to as commencement exercises, signifying that they are also commencing or starting a new phase of life, the life of educated men and women. Tonight marks a beginning even more than it marks an ending." Dr. Sullivan continued by reflecting the hopes of all AUK faculty and staff that, "As students leave us, we want them to become leaders in their professional lives and also in the countries and communities in which they will live and work."

The President then introduced the keynote speaker MP Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, one of the first female Parliamentarians. During her tenure as of yet, she has made numerous efforts in restructuring and reassessing the education sector in Kuwait. Prior to entering the world of politics Dr. Al-Awadhi served as Professor of Philosophy at Kuwait University. She spoke of her career and the challenges she faces and continues to face as an edcuator and a politician. Dr. Al-Awadhi ended her speech by imparting valuable advice to the Class of 2010 saying, "Please take time to have some fun, but when the fun is over think about what lays ahead. Set your goals and achieve them, only then will you succeed and only then will you be happy."

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Hamzeh recommended the conferral of degrees to President Sullivan who then conferred upon the 350 graduates their respective degrees. Graduates were then presented with their bachelor's degree diploma by President Sullivan, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi and Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and in keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates were asked to move their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK.

Class of 2010 Valedictorian, Nuha Al-Fadli, rose to the podium to deliver her speech, which was both inspiring and encouraging. She spoke of the power of knowledge saying, "While individuality can lead to success, alone, it cannot become a potent instrument for growth and advancement. However, when fortified with knowledge, experience and wisdom, individuals become the driving force for social transformation. Knowledge is a cornerstone of human development and a means of expanding people's choices and capabilities." Nuha also thanked AUK and the AUK faculty for their dedication, inspiration and for acting as mentors in this stage of the graduates' development. She emphasized the important role she and her fellow graduates must play in society. "Fortified with the real meaning behind our education at AUK, the Class of 2010 is prepared to assume an active role in our society. The most significant message we learned at university is the importance of civic involvement."

Nuha is graduating with a BA degree in English and a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and has earned the highest cumulative grade point average of this graduating class. Nuha is planning to pursue graduate studies in the field of comparative literature in the United States. She aspires to teach comparative literature at a college level, and commit herself toward research and publication in that field.

The end of the ceremony was marked by the traditional cutting of the Class of 2010 cake, and professional photography was provided for all graduates and their families and friends.

The Class of 2010
 

AUK student Faisal Al-Bahairi plays music before the beginning of the ceremony
 

Ms. Sarah Boodai welcomes the guests and indicates the beginning of the ceremony
 

Scenes from the processional beginnings starting with AUK faculty and then students led by Dr. Carol Ross
 

The ceremony commenced with the Kuwaiti national anthem and a recitation of the Holy Quran recited by AUK student Ahmed Al-Emairi
 

left to right: Executive Director of Finance and Administration Mr. Ernest E. Conklin, AUK-Dartmouth Relationship Coordinator Dr. Dale Eickelman & keynote speaker for the graduation MP Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi
 

Dr. Tim Sullivan, AUK Interim President
 

Keynote speaker MP Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi
 

Director of PR & Marketing and Government Relations Officer Ms. Amal Al-Binali
 

Graduate Nasser Al-Sulaiman with Dr. Tim Sullivan
 

AUK graduates during the ceremony
 

Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of College of Arts and sciences
 

Dr. Carol Ross Dean of Student Affairs introduces Ms. Nuha Al-Fadhli
 

Valedictory remarks from Ms. Nuha Al- Fadhli
 

The graduates moving their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK
 

The end of the ceremony was marked by the traditional cutting of the Class of 2010 cake
 

Shaikha Al-Ghanim and family
 

Muhannad Darwish and family