AUK Holds Annual Convocation Ceremony

"This academic year is very unique for all of us because it marks the 10th Anniversary of the American University of Kuwait. On this day, we would like to renew our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research and service," said Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Interim President of AUK, speaking to a crowd of 400 students at the AUK Convocation Ceremony for the incoming Class of 2017.

Organized by the Division of Student Affairs, the annual Convocation Ceremony serves as a ceremonial rite of passage for new undergraduate students entering the AUK Community.

The ceremony introduces new students to key components and symbols representative of AUK including the AUK Motto "Learn...Think...Become...", as well as, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors.

AUK embraces a profound belief in life-long learning, which Dr. Rawda Awwad, Interim Dean of the College Arts and Sciences, described as "an honest, self-reflective, and humble endeavor that should be motivated by a passion for knowledge and the desire to pursue that passion." As she addressed the students, Dr. Awwad recalled the story of Wally Taibleson, a 90 year old graduate of California State University San Marcos, who became the icon of life-long learning.

Dr. John Russell, Interim Dean of the College of Business & Economics, spoke to the incoming class about thinking, another higher order value of AUK, which he analogized to "an electric spark or key that unlocks the potential in knowledge."

Become - the last word of the motto and the end goal of AUK - was what Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, VP for Student Affairs, urged the students to achieve. "To BECOME, you must act on the opportunities and possibilities," she said "Your college education is an opportunity to BECOME someone better...For the past decade, AUK students have been on a journey of excellence and this year we celebrate a decade of accomplishments. It is now your turn to BECOME a part of the journey."

As a tradition of the ceremony, AUK faculty representatives, Athmar Al Salem , Neamat Mosaad , Craig Loomis , Mohsen Bagnied, Shoma Munshi, and Chris Ohan, along with the undergraduate and alumni representatives Maryam al-Faudari and Haya Al-Qassar, respectively, took turns in explaining the connotations of the AUK icons and symbols.

The AUK Seal, the most significant symbol of the University, was described in detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including the Book-which represents liberal arts and dedication to knowledge; Dhow-historical Kuwait's aspiration, exploration and tradition; Falcon-representing vision, courage and leadership; and the Torch of Wisdom that represents the freedom to purse the big questions of life.

Concluding the event, the Deans and the VP of Student Affairs ignited the flames of knowledge and wisdom, as a symbol of their significant partnership and commitment to the success of students. Candles were lit along the aisles of the celebration hall marking the transfer of knowledge to the next AUK generation.

The Convocation Ceremony is the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week festivities for incoming students. During this week, many events were organized to welcome all students to campus including the Welcome Back Barbeque and Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings. The Convocation ceremony in particular, is designed to promote community unity and help students in their transition to University life at AUK.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 8th October 2013