AUK Holds Annual Convocation Ceremony

The Office of Student Life at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held a Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2014 on Wednesday September 29th, as part of AUK's Annual Orientation and Welcome Week festivities to greet new and returning students to campus. Convocation was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel where an estimated 250 students and guests were in attendance. As the counterpart to graduation, it serves as a rite of passage, entering into the AUK community. 

The ceremony hosted a number of keynote addresses regarding AUK's Motto Learn...Think...Become... These keynote addresses were given by AUK President Winfred Thompson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross. In addition, members of the Dean's Council and Faculty and a student leader were part of the ceremony and each represented and described key components and symbols representative of AUK including, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors. The AUK Seal, as the significant symbol of the University, was described in even more detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including a Book, the Dhow, a Falcon, and the Torch. The ceremony concluded with the representation of the Torch, which stands for freedom and the passing of the light of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next, and a candle lighting ceremony was held with AUK's First Year students participating. 

The Convocation Ceremony served as the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week Festivities mainly catering to First Year students. During this week, many events were put on to welcome all students to campus including a Welcome Back Barbeque and a Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings including Convocation, "Meet Your Professor" Reception, Class Photo, and an off-campus event. This program promotes the unity of the AUK community and helps students in their transition into University life at AUK.
 

Damian Medina, Director of Student Life at AUK, welcomes the new students to the convocation ceremony
 

Dr. Russell holds the mace at the beginning of the Convocation
 

New AUK students
 

Student leader Fatima Haji gives a speech welcoming the new students
 

AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson gives a short welcome on behalf of the University
 

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh
 

Division heads and faculty were part of the ceremony
 

Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross
 

The candle lighting ceremony led by both Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Carol Ross, the Dean of Student Affairs
 

New AUK students
 

Trevor Taylor, the University Sports Coordinator talks to an AUK student during the 'Get Involved Fair'
 

New students met with faculty members during the "Meet Your Professor" Reception
 

Welcome Back Barbeque was one of the events that were held during the orientation week
 

Various AUK clubs took part in the 'Get Involved Fair'
 

Various AUK clubs took part in the 'Get Involved Fair'
​ 

Many activities were put together to welcome all students to campus
 

Many activities were put together to welcome all students to campus
​