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The Center for Gulf Studies at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted a talk by Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Sirhan about Biodiversity in Kuwait and Arabia. The event took place at the AUK Auditorium and attracted many AUK students, staff and faculty.
Al-Sirhan focused on the importance of preserving the earth's biodiversity and biological wealth to human life and economic well-being. According to Al-Sirhan, many human activities are negatively affecting biodiversity and disturbing the ecosystem. In Kuwait, this phenomenon can be observed in overgrazing, housing expansion, and coastal development. These human practices have direct and indirect effects on the degradation and destruction of Kuwait's ecosystem. Al-Sirhan listed some examples of those possible ecological hazards including, changes in numbers and distribution of species, alteration of natural chemical cycles and energy flows, as well as pollution of air, water and soil.
Al-Sirhan also shed light on the regulatory perspective associated with Kuwait's ecological issues. He warned that inadequate implementation of policies that promote preservation of Kuwait's ecosystem will lead to severe damage, and eventually, the extinction of many species including those that are endemic to Kuwait's habitat. Furthermore, policies aimed at "making the desert green" could have disastrous effects.
Concluding his lecture, Al-Sirhan put forth some recommendations to support Kuwait's biodiversity. He stressed that instead of efforts to turn the desert green, policymakers should focus on preserving Kuwait's indigenous species, preventing overgrazing, and educating the public on the value of Kuwait's biodiversity.
Al-Sirhan holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Manchester Polytechnic University, UK. His contributions to improving understanding of Kuwait's biodiversity include the publication of three scientific papers on Kuwait's reptiles, and the discovery of various species of plants, birds and reptiles within Kuwait. Al-Sirhan is also a co-opted council member of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East, and Secretary of the Kuwait Ornithological Rarities Committee. His website, www.alsirhan.com, includes a comprehensive list of all bird species that inhabit Kuwait.
The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait is a research center that aims to promote greater cultural understanding of and increased intellectual interest in the Gulf by facilitating free and open academic discourse on a range of issues that both shape and challenge this critical region of the world. The goal of CGS is to enable scholars as well as political and civil society actors both within and outside the region to contribute and add value to the burgeoning field of Gulf Studies, while at the same time informing and engaging the general public. To this end, the CGS encourages, supports, and cultivates interesting and original research on the Gulf, while regularly organizing a variety of public academic events such as lectures, roundtable discussions, and conferences.
Al Akhdar Environmental Club, led by Rasha Abdelhamid, is a student organization that aims to implement schemes that enrich appreciation for the environment, demonstrating the link between environmental and social relations and enhancing environmental sustainability within Kuwait and the Arab Vicinity. Under the supervision of its Academic Advisors, Dr. Ali Al Jamal and Dr. Aly Mansour, Al Akhdar Environmental Club aspires to precede its reputation as a non-profit environmental organization and to become a leading figure in accordance to ecosystem conservation and ecology.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th December 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
The American University of Kuwait announced the winners of the student competition for The President's Exhibition, Fall 2011. The winning art work was selected from the "best of the best" student class work from the previous semester, which was submitted to the competition by the AUK ART and Graphic Design (GDES) professors. The Exhibition includes painting, drawing, graphic design, cut paper, mixed media and photography work juried for creativity, originality, and technique. The 28 winners of the competition are:
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Marhab Al-Loughani
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Arwa Mulla Ali
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Shahad Al Asfour
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Aisha Al Jiran
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Noura Anwar AlMansour
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Helene El Neaman
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Yousef Shaban
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Farah Madi
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Ahmed Al Turkait
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Fatma Al-Tamimi
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Sara Mohammed
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Salwa S. Al-Qattan
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Abdurrahman Al-Essa
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Ramy Saboungui
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Hassan Abdozzahraei
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Fawaz Al-Yagout
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Anwar Behbehani
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Noura Al-Sharhan
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Hessa Al-Enezi
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Dalal Mohammad
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Abdulaziz Yateem
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Shahad A. Abdullah
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Mishary Al-Munayes
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Fatma Marafie
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Jenan Al-Alban
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Lamis M. Al-Nazer
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Sarah Khalid Al-Bloshi
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Sundes Al-Boloushi
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Students with winning artwork received a certificate signed by AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson; they and their parents were honored at a reception opening the exhibition. They will also enjoy having their work displayed in the President's office for the coming six months, which insures that their work will be viewed by dignitaries and other honored visitors to the University.
The AUK President's Exhibition is an excellent opportunity for students, as it works to increase student pride in execution, reward excellent work, and provide a valuable accomplishment on their resumes as they graduate and go out from AUK to graduate school or the workplace.
Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence, Assistant Professor of Art History and Studio Arts is Chair of the AUK President's Exhibition; Professor Marcella Kulchitsky, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, is Co-Chair.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw.
President Thompson with Exhibition Organizers Professor Marcella Kulchitsky and Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence
Graphic Design majors Ramy Saboungui and Hassan A Abdolzzahraei, President Winfred Thompson, Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence
Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence, Farah Madi and Farah's mother
Graphic Design student Helene Neaman with her Monochromatic Study, Cut Color Theory Paper
A selection of art work from the Exhibition: (left to right) An oil painting by Marhab Al-Loughani; inked positive/negative studies from Hassan Abdolzzahraei and Hessa Al-Enezi; graphic design tryptich by Fawaz Al Yagout; inked positive/negative studies from Ramy Saboungui and Arwa Mulla Ali; pastel painting from Fatma Al-Tamimi, and (above) photography and mixed media from Art professors William Andersen and Dr. Antonia Stamos
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st December 2011
The Human Rights Club at the American University of Kuwait organized a discussion titled "Civil Engagement & Democracy" in the AUK Auditorium to explore the challenges and strategies for building greater citizen participation and social engagement in Kuwait. The speakers included Dr. Mohammad Al-Wuhaib, Professor of Philosophy at Kuwait University and the Director of the Kuwait Center for Activate Citizens, as well as Mr. Slobodan Milic, Deputy Director of the Gulf Program of the National Democratic Institute Regional Office in Dubai.
Dr. Al-Wuhaib began the discussion with a brief history of the formation of the modern Arab regional States. "In order to understand Kuwaiti civil societies towards democracy one must recall the history," he said. Dr. Al-Wuhaib explained the legacy of the Ottoman rule over the Arab world and the subsequent European colonial context that helped create the current dictatorships. According to Dr. Al-Wuhaib, the colonial legacy in particular left the Arab world struggling with many dualism such as secularism or sharia, tribal identity or national identity, democracy or authoritarianism. "People," he said, "end up doubting both value systems." He went on to discuss the current legal climate of civil associations in Kuwait. He said that as long as the state has the power to dissolve any association for any reason, the only associations that will develop are those that strictly support the status quo or religious institutions.
Mr. Slobodan Milic continued the discussion by speaking of possible strategies and solutions for building civil societies and enhancing democratic participation from examples drawn from different parts of the world. Mr. Milic first stated that from world history "democracy means different things to different people." He noted that some of the most repressive autocracies such as the former USSR, Hitler's Germany, Pol Pot's Cambodia, and the Bosnian militias have all called themselves democratic. Drawing from the ancient Greeks Mr. Milic defined Democratic society as "one where the citizens monitor, assess, intervene, and reorganize the system of power." He argued that citizens should take an active role within civil society to make sure that people in power don't fall into their "natural behavior" to monopolize resources and decision making. Mr. Milic emphasized the importance of women in political participation and that empowering women as political candidates should be a priority to building civil societies.
The Human Rights Club at the American University of Kuwait is a student organization that seeks to spread awareness about democracy and human rights.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 30th November 2011
Kuwait -- As part of his visit to Kuwait, Dr. Gilles Kepel , a world-renown expert in Middle Eastern studies, gave a talk at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) on Monday, November 21, 2011. The talk titled "A New Arab World: Implications and Challenges Facing the Gulf Countries" was hosted by the Center for Gulf Studies at AUK and took place at the AUK Salmiya Campus.
Dr. Kepel, who is the author of more than ten books on the Middle East, talked about the present situation in the Arab world in light of the wave of protests and revolutions that started in late 2010, now commonly referred to as the "Arab Spring". In his lecture, Dr. Kepel analyzed the political, social, and strategic dimensions of each revolution taking place in the Arab World, as well as the domestic and international dynamics that are shaping these movements. Dr. Kepel also discussed what he believed to be the major causes for the "Arab Spring", and offered insights on likely scenarios for the future. In his lecture, Dr. Kepel classified the Arab countries being impacted by the "Arab Spring" based on those whose influence on the world system outweighs domestic considerations, and those with less global significance. The speaker concluded his lecture with some thoughts on the challenges and prospects facing the Arab World in the near future. After the lecture Dr. Kepel took several questions from the audience.
The lecture, which lasted for approximately two hours, attracted many students, scholars and public audience, who were keen to share their different experiences and expectations about the political statuses of their countries.
Dr. Kepel is the Academic Director of the Kuwait Program at Sciences Po, a Gulf-focused research and training program established in 2007 and funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). Dr. Kepel is also a Professor of Middle East Studies at Sciences Po University, a Senior Fellow at the Institut Universitaire de France, and a Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics. In addition, Dr. Kepel is the General Editor of the Near East Series at Presses Universitaires de France - PUF - Publishing House.
The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait aims to promote greater cultural understanding of and increased intellectual interest in the Gulf, by facilitating free and open academic discourse on a range of issues that both shape and challenge this critical region of the world. The goal of CGS is to enable scholars as well as political and civil society actors both within and outside the region to contribute and add value to the burgeoning field of Gulf Studies, while at the same time informing and engaging the general public. To this end, the CGS encourages, supports, and cultivates interesting and original research on the Gulf, while regularly organizing a variety of public academic events such as lectures, roundtable discussions, and conferences.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 23rd November 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
The Music Program of the American University of Kuwait (AUK) in collaboration with Dartmouth College, one of the premiere "Ivy League" universities of the USA, presented a stellar music recital at 7pm on Monday 14 November in the AUK Auditorium Liberal Arts Building, Salmiya Campus. Before a packed house of an audience of over 300, advanced student musicians from both distinguished institutions, accompanied by faculty, performed an exciting repertoire of vocal and instrumental solo and chamber works, demonstrating the continued success of AUK's cultural collaboration with Dartmouth.
The concert, which was the fourth AUK-Dartmouth recital, featured great variety, including works by Chopin, Haydn, Fauré, Mozart, and Verdi. Music professionals, Drs. Elena Tsenkova (piano) and Feruza Kadirova (violin), and Professors Anna Karadimitrova (voice), Agnieszka Fajga (cello), and Dagmara Galas (flute) showcased both their and their students' talents. The Dartmouth intern at AUK Shloka Kini, playing guitar, accompanied AUK student Sara Suliman (flute) on two pieces. Ms. Kini went on to perform a Kuhlau solo piano sonatina, and then joined the full ensemble as a singer in the finale Schubert Serenade.
Outstanding AUK instrumental students included Faisal Al-Bahairi (piano), who opened the evening with a charming Chopin waltz. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar (guitar) next mesmerized the crowd with a classical Spanish piece. Featured on three works, including a duet with Professor Dagmara Galas, was the advanced student Sara Suliman (flute). Sarah Al-Ajmi (piano) presented a lovely Nielsen composition, and Alaa Buqammaz joined Dr. Tsenkova in a fiesty piano duet version of Mozart's Symphone 40, 1st movement. A show-stopper of the evening was the impressive Bach Double Violin Concerto performed by talented AUK student Salem Almathkour along with Dr. Feruza Kadirova, accompanied by Dr. Tsenkova on piano.
A highlight of the evening included vocal students Bashayer Al-Saad, Khaldah Al-Rowdan, Sarah Al-Arbeed, and Zainab Al-Sammak. Their spirited rendition of an American folksong thrilled all. The "Kuwaiti Three Tenors"--Ali Atesh, Nader Abdullah, Yousef Al-Jenai--took the stage next with a crowd-pleasing version of Verdi's "La donna e mobile."
Political science professor Dr. George Irani joined lead soprano Prof. Anna Karadimitrova in a Penella duet, rousing great cheer from the students in the audience. The grand finale piece included all professional instrumentalists and student singers, leaving the audience wanting more.
"This may have been our best concert yet," said Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Coordinator of the Music Program. "The quality of the performances gets better and better each year. The AUK Music Program is certainly making an impact, not just on campus, but in the community. In fact, I was delighted to see so many students in attendance who came from other universities and high schools, all interested in the quality of our program."
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The lanuage of instruction is English.
AUK and Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire (USA) have worked closley together since 2003, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding that facilitated a serios of advisory, consultative and cooperative projects. Dartmouth College is a member of the group of universities in the United States known as the "Ivy League", more information on Dartmouth College can be found at www.dartmouth.edu.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 17th November 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
For the seventh year, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted the Annual Health Fair in its Salmiya campus on November 15th. The full day popular exhibition was sponsored by the Career Services and Wellness Center and hosted a variety of health and wellness participating companies including, gyms, healthy restaurants, organic product companies, clinics, spas, hospitals, and health related societies.
During the event, participating companies provided health education literature and information about mental health issues. Clinics provided free checkups for teeth, eyes, skin, blood pressure, and diabetes. Food companies provided free samples of healthy foods and drinks. Gyms provided free trials of exercise equipment. In addition, doctors and nutritionists on site provided free consultations.
The Health Fair provided students with knowledge of how to utilize resources in Kuwait to create and maintain a healthier lifestyle. The five sponsoring companies, Al-Yasra Foods, Firin Gluten-Free Bakery, Fit Football, Hassan's Optics, and Maidan Clinic, presented memberships, vouchers, and other interesting prizes in an effort to encourage and promote such lifestyle choices.
The fair provided a great opportunity for the AUK community to learn about the various health & wellness companies in Kuwait. Other participating companies included Casper & Gambini's, Health Stop Café and Grill, Kuwait Counseling Center, Media Committee from Kuwait Dental Association, Paintball Kuwait, Six Senses Spa, Kefan Optics, Kuwait United Medical Projects Company, Diet Center, and Landmark Group.
"This year's health fair was a huge success" said Mr. Jason R. Sullivan, the Assistant Director of the Career Services and Wellness center at AUK. "We had a great student turnout and each company was very well represented by eager and friendly staff. We are already looking forward to next year's event and all the opportunities to work with such professional companies".
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The lanuage of instruction is English.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 17th November 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
The Graphic Design Program at the American University of Kuwait hosted a design exhibition featuring the works of Stefan Kirov Kanchev on October 24-27, 2011. The exhibition, which presented a large variety of trademark and logo designs from Kanchev's extensive career, was appreciated by students, staff and faculty alike who enjoyed the works of one of the worlds most prominent logo designers. Kanchev's designs are inspiring, educational and continue to be significant to graphic design practice and history.
Stefan Kirov Kanchev, (Aug. 6, 1915 - Aug. 22, 2001) was an applied graphic artist born in Kalofer, Bulgaria. He studied mural painting under Dechko Uzunov at the National Academy of Arts in Sofia. Kanchev is best known for his logo design work and been referred to as the "father of Bulgarian graphic design" and the "master of the trademark". In total, Kanchev has authored around 1,600 logos and his work spanned most varieties of applied art, though he was most productive in his trademark and logo work and as a designer of book covers, posters, greetings cards, print advertisements, stamps, product labels and packaging. As a designer, Kanchev was often inspired by traditional Bulgarian art and folklore. His works are imaginative, with calm and clear composition, felicitous relation between fonts and shapes, clear forms and creative ideas.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 12th October 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
The Office of Student Life launched AUK's Volunteer Program 'Refuse to be Ordinary' on October 18, 2011. This event provided AUK students with the information and opportunity to become significant contributors to the Kuwaiti community through service. Six organizations that perform exemplary service in Kuwait came to AUK. They were Kuwait Red Crescent Society, K's Path, Operation HOPE, PAWS, KACCH and the Kuwaiti Team 4 Global Warming (KT4GW).
The afternoon began with a short address by Dr. Carol, Vice President for Administrative and Student Affairs, where she commended AUK students for their generosity saying, "They will give the shirt off their back and all the money in their pocket." She added that it is now time to take it to the next level and give a helping hand by becoming volunteers. She ended by encouraging them to give their time and effort to help others, to get involved with their hearts and hands because it will make all the difference in the world.
Following Dr. Carol's speech, each organization made a short presentation about what they do, and what volunteers could hope do at their organizations. Once all the presentations were complete, students moved into the hallway where they could go to each organization's table, sign up, ask questions and get more information. Since the organizations were so different, students got an opportunity to select from a wide range of causes that included animals, marine conservation, humanitarian missions, working for the underprivileged, global warming and children in hospital.
The event was attended by over 120 students, as well as others who came to the sign up tables. All those who attended the event were treated to frozen yoghurt from Pinkberry. Overall about 130 students signed up with the six organizations and will soon begin to engage in meaningful service, thus showing that they 'Refuse to be Ordinary'.
The Office of Student Life will continue to serve as a focal point for all those students and staff members who wish to find out more about the participating organizations or to volunteer. For those who missed the event and would like to know how to get involved please stop by the Office of Student Life or email Laveena Lobo at llobo@auk.edu.kw.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 27th October 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
The American University of Kuwait hosted an exclusive art Exhibition featuring the works of internationally famous artist Matt Lamb, as well as held workshops where, students, faculty, staff as well as the general public painted umbrellas to raise awareness for peace.
The Matt Lamb Umbrellas for Peace SM Project is a global art project involving painting and decorating umbrellas by children and adults. The individual will artistically design umbrellas that represent their personal values of world peace. The first day saw approximately 150 AUK students painting umbrellas that were then hung from the ceiling of the AUK Liberal Arts Building. High School students from KES, GES, ACA and KAS also shared in the fun, visiting the AUK campus to take part in this peace initiative and participated in the umbrella painting.
AUK invited Matt Lamb as well as the Matt Lamb Umbrella for Peace SM project to raise awareness among our student body as well as the rest of the country on issues of peace. This event goes hand in hand with AUK's liberal arts values and gives AUK the opportunity to showcase a great artist as well as a great cause.
"The message of peace through art is a great way for AUK to encourage students to be active and socially aware citizens," said AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson.
AUK hosted the Matt Lamb Umbrellas for Peace SM project for the first time to Kuwait. The Project has been conducted in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Slovenia, Russia, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, USA, Thailand and Vietnam.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 16th October 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
The AUK Music Program hosted The German Youth Jazz Orchestra of North Rhine - Wesphalia who performed in the AUK central campus area on October 10th for hundreds of AUK students, staff and faculty. Under the patronage of the German Embassy in Kuwait and the Goethe Institute of Germany the 35-piece wind band with solo singers, performed several intricate American jazz and Latin works that were well received by the crowd. Afterwards, the large band divided into a small ensemble for a workshop.
Band members, all of whom are between the ages of 17 and 24, were delighted by the AUK reception and commented on the spirit of the campus. Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Coordinator of the Music Program said, "The German Youth Jazz Orchestra really struck a chord here. It is the only youth organization like it in all of Germany. Having them perform at AUK provided our students with a wonderful cultural experience that was unique to many."
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 12th October 2011
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2011
