AUK's Graduation Ceremony 2008

The Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2008 at American University of Kuwait (AUK) took place at Al-Raya ballroom in the Marriott Courtyard Hotel at 7 PM on Sunday, June 22, under the patronage of His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

The ceremony commenced with the Kuwaiti national anthem and a recitation of the Holy Quran followed by a speech by Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences who welcomed students, their families and guests to the ceremony, and proceeded to introduce president of the university, Dr. Marina Tolmacheva who stepped up to the podium to give her welcoming remarks.

Dr. Tolmacheva welcomed everyone to the very special occasion, which celebrates the first class to have completed a full four-year course of study at AUK, which opened its doors to students in 2004.

"The commencement marks the completion of the senior year in the four-year cycle of the AUK undergraduate degree," she said, "and is a culmination of programs initiated in Fall 2004 and a celebration of almost five years of work by dedicated staff, faculty, and administrators who helped the Class of 2008 to reach graduation".

"Our faculty," she said, "have set high standards for their students and provided a supportive learning environment for students to be successful. Under the tutelage of the AUK faculty, these seniors have mastered the knowledge of their field, the ability to think critically, the art of effective communication, and the respect for diversity- be that diversity national, ethnic, cultural, or intellectual. These seniors have distinguished themselves in and outside the classroom and are aware and ready to embark upon leadership roles in their societies. On behalf of the faculty and staff of the American University of Kuwait, we congratulate you, graduates, and welcome your family and friends as we celebrate your achievement."

Next she spoke of the university's institutional merits "This year AUK also celebrates receiving Kuwaiti re-accreditation and looks forward to initiating the process of international accreditation. Finally, this year 2008 marks the fifth anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dartmouth College of Hanover, New Hampshire. I am pleased to announce that yesterday, a ceremonial signing of the renewed five-year MOU with Dartmouth took place on the AUK campus in Salmiya".

The president then introduced the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Al-Sabah, whom she described as a supporter of AUK and of education. "Your Patronage of this ceremony", Dr. Tolmacheva said "is an honor and would further encourage our students to succeed and aspire to the highest standards of moral and ethical responsibilities in their countries".

Sheikh Dr. Mohamed gave a touching speech, personal and humorous, often citing his own children as advisors. To the graduates, he emphasized the importance of living and learning in this day and age:

"You are truly at a historic crossroad of gigantic proportion. You are at the verge of a world unparalleled in human experience. The role of small nations has never assumed such importance in the history of mankind."

Following his address, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Al-Sabah was presented with a commemorative gift from Dr. Tolmacheva, on behalf of the graduating class of 2008.

Next to speak was Dr. Imad Al-Atiqi, Secretary General of the Council for Private Universities, who delivered a speech on the status of private Higher Education in Kuwait, noting that only six years ago no private universities existed in Kuwait and that now there were 11 certified and accredited private universities and colleges in operating in Kuwait. 

"Private universities" he said, "give an opportunity to obtain higher education in a distinguished environment. This environment seeks to create what is considered the rarest and most valuable force: Human and social capital."

Following his address, Dr. Atiqi was presented with a commemorative gift from Dr. Tolmacheva, in appreciation of his contribution to the success of the American University of Kuwait.

The president then introduced the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Barry Scherr, Provost of Dartmouth College," Dr. Scherr's lifetime profile reflects the qualities that we work to develop in our students: the dedication to scholarship and liberal-arts education; the leadership and commitment to service; global awareness and critical thinking -- all evident in his varying roles as scholar, critic, educator and administrator of one of the top universities in the United States".

Provost Scherr extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, to their parents, to the professors and administrators at American University of Kuwait, and to the distinguished members of the University's Board of Trustees, as the institution celebrates the first class to have completed a full four-year course of study at this still young university.

"Dartmouth is proud" he said "to have assisted AUK since 2003 through advisory and consultative projects that help further an awareness of liberal arts education here in Kuwait and throughout the Arabian Peninsula."

And speaking on the progress AUK has made in five short years, he added "We at Dartmouth salute the impressive progress you have made in a very short time, the quality of the education you are providing, and your continued promise as a center of academic excellence in the region."

Elaborating on the merits of a Liberal Arts education, he assured the graduating students that the type of education they have received from AUK ensures success in meeting challenges in the real world.

Addressing the graduates, he concluded that "with a liberal arts education you are able to make choices as to what you need to know, and to understand what you wanted the knowledge for. And, equipped with that ability, you and this university are prepared to achieve every success. I wish you the very best as you head off into the future that awaits you."

Dean of Student Affairs, Admissions & Registration, Dr. Carol Ross and President Marina Tolmacheva then conferred upon the graduates their respective degrees, 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.

Each graduate was then presented with her or his bachelor's degree diploma by Dr. Tolmacheva and Dr. Mohamed Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Imad Al-Atiqi- Secretary General of the Council for Private Universities, Dr. Barry Scherr, Provost Dartmouth College and Dr. Nizar Hamzeh- Dean of College of Arts and Sciences.

Student Keynote Speaker and Valedictorian, Razan Sharaf, rose to the podium to deliver her speech. Miss Sharaf completed the Bachelor's of Business Administration in Management. She earned the highest cumulative grade point average of this graduating class. In her spare time, she served on campus as President of CAB, Chief Editor of Academic Journal of Research, and participated in various athletic teams. She served her fellow students as a tutor and Peer Academic Leader, and served the community as translator and language instructor for children. Razan plans to pursue an MBA degree.

The end of the ceremony was marked by the traditional cutting of the Class of 2008 cake in the reception area of the ballroom, and professional photography was provided for all graduates and their families and friends.