US Ambassador Lectures at AUK on "The History and Influence of US Higher Education in the Middle East"

On May 8, 2011, US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones delivered a speech on "The History and Influence of US Higher Education in the Middle East" to students, board members, faculty and staff at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). The presentation was organized by the US Embassy Kuwait Public Affairs Section in coordination with AUK's American Corner. AUK's President Dr. Winfred Thompson introduced the Ambassador. 

Ambassador Jones said, "The American liberal arts educational tradition, emphasizing the development of knowledge through critical thinking and analysis, encouraging the formation and articulation of opinions, and teaching the values of mutual respect and tolerance, responsible free speech, resolving conflict through peaceful means and academic freedom, is unparalleled. The goal of US education is to develop a citizenry that is well-informed, analytical, tolerant, engaged and willing to pursue life-long learning to develop fully its skills and talents." In referring to the number of Arab students in the US, Ambassador Jones stated, "We are delighted that currently there are around 3,000 Kuwaitis students pursuing higher education in the US, and that there are tens of thousands of Kuwaiti alumni of US institutions. According to the Institute of International Education, 38,738 students from the Middle East and North Africa studied in the US in 2009-10, a 15 percent increase over the previous year." 

AUK's Board of Trustees adopted a resolution honoring the Ambassador for her active involvement throughout her tenure in the State of Kuwait and specifically for her encouragement and support of the academic and extracurricular activities at AUK. 

The American Corner at AUK represents a long-standing partnership between the US Embassy and the host institution; it is a valuable platform for Embassy speakers as well as for visiting US speakers including academics, and provides information on US educational opportunities, US history, government and culture.
 

US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones delivering her speech
 

AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson presents US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones with an honorary plaque
 

Chair of AUK's Board of Trustees Shaikha Dana Naser Al-Sabah with US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones, AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson and Members of the AUK Board of Trustees