News
16, Mar 2011
AUK Host 6th Annual International Week
The American University of Kuwait's Office of Student Life organized its 6th Annual International Week from March 6-10, 2011. International Week was a collaborative undertaking which had numerous and diverse events, such as The Diversity Fair, The Women Empowerment Workshop, the Globalization and the Changing World Forum, cultural food, traditional arts and clothing, and a Mini Football World Cup Championship. These events support the mission of the Office of Student Life by celebrating cultural diversity to reflect current issues in the world and by providing personal development opportunities for students.
The program was executed in association with AUK clubs and organizations such as the International Club, Hope Club, L.E.A.D Program, and MUNAUK. A number of volunteer students joined forces with the Office of Student Life on the diverse events that the week offered.
The first day, March 6th, was designated as Diversity day. The day saw a variety of country activities through the diversity fair along with embassy representation. In addition, Traditional Gulf, Egyptian, and African musical performances were enjoyed by the AUK community. The International Club of AUK organized this day's activities in collaboration with the Office of Student Life. On the same evening the AUK Film Club screened a diversity movie outside the Hangout Tent. The first day witnessed the Mini Football World Cup Championship kickoff that went on for the whole week.
The second day, March 7th, was designated Kuwait & the World. The Hope Club of AUK in collaboration with the Office of Student Life organized this day's activities. The day focused on Kuwait's role in the region and its worldwide humanitarian activities where information booths displayed ways of giving hope for Egyptians and Tunisians. Hope Club invited Ms. Fatema Al-Boloushi, a Kuwaiti humanitarian activist as a guest speaker at the AUK Chat Series, to discuss her experience with volunteering in Kuwaiti society and internationally. A discussion was led on how the audience would define the act of volunteering.
The third day, March 8th, celebrated International Women's Day. B.E.L.L.E Club of AUK organized a special event titled "B.E.L.L.E - of - the - Ball" which contained a number of activities for female AUK students. The day witnessed one of L.E.A.D Program workshops titled "Empowering Women". This event's intent was to engage AUK students in leadership experience in international settings and encourage them to develop their leadership abilities and believe in their capabilities. The panel explained the achievements of the speakers, the challenges they went through, and their advice to AUK students in general, and specifically to our female students to empower them. AUK Visiting Associate Professor of International Relations & History, Dr. Gholam Vatandoust, commenced the panel discussion by sharing his published paper "Study of Globalization and Kuwaiti Women". AUK Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Angelica DeAngelis, then spoke on "Self Empowering Women-Young Women Write the Future". Ms. Sahar Shawa, the Programme Analyst of United Nations Development program shared with the audience her life's journey with UNDP focusing on the agency efforts in defending women's rights. The panel also saw AUK Alumni Ms. Jawaher Ali Reda speak on how to empower women to influence the future and AUK student Ms May Omran spoke about women in action.
Wednesday March 9th, was designated as Inter-Cultural Day, and hosted the "Globalization and the Changing World" Forum. It was led by two faculty members; Dr. Gholamreza Vatandoust and Dr. Aly Mansour and AUK student, Ms. Sarah Raji. They spoke of how innovations and progression of technology and the sharing of information have altered the world and how we live through a process called 'Globalization'. Ms. Raji opened the discussion by talking about social networking sites and their influence on society followed by Dr. Vatandoust's informative and enlightening speech on the process of Globalization titled 'Globalization & the Challenge of Democracy'. AUK's Associate Professor of Management, Dr. Mansour concluded the forum by discussing 'Arab Youth Role in Integrated Regional Projects'. The Model United Nations Club at the American University of Kuwait (MUNAUK) moderated this event which was organized by the Office of Student Life at AUK.
On the last day, The Global Village Day, students were encouraged to celebrate cultural diversity. Students represented their culture through traditionally rich elements, such as food, music, and art. A competition was held for the best country representation where the best three student-run groups were awarded prizes. The Global Village Day activities also included a traditional dress competition where the best three winners were awarded prizes.
The Mini Football World Cup Championship which commenced on the first day, concluded with 'Team Argentina' winning the final match. They were presented with medals and the Cup.
The 6th Annual International Week was organized by Mr. Ayman Shouman, Student Engagement Officer of the Office of Student Life and provided various opportunities for AUK clubs, organizations and individual students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. The week highlighted the important role these differences play in the human experience. It also cultivated a sense of social responsibility to others, fostered cultural collaboration, and communication, as well as offered civic, personal, and organizational leadership .
The program was executed in association with AUK clubs and organizations such as the International Club, Hope Club, L.E.A.D Program, and MUNAUK. A number of volunteer students joined forces with the Office of Student Life on the diverse events that the week offered.
The first day, March 6th, was designated as Diversity day. The day saw a variety of country activities through the diversity fair along with embassy representation. In addition, Traditional Gulf, Egyptian, and African musical performances were enjoyed by the AUK community. The International Club of AUK organized this day's activities in collaboration with the Office of Student Life. On the same evening the AUK Film Club screened a diversity movie outside the Hangout Tent. The first day witnessed the Mini Football World Cup Championship kickoff that went on for the whole week.
The second day, March 7th, was designated Kuwait & the World. The Hope Club of AUK in collaboration with the Office of Student Life organized this day's activities. The day focused on Kuwait's role in the region and its worldwide humanitarian activities where information booths displayed ways of giving hope for Egyptians and Tunisians. Hope Club invited Ms. Fatema Al-Boloushi, a Kuwaiti humanitarian activist as a guest speaker at the AUK Chat Series, to discuss her experience with volunteering in Kuwaiti society and internationally. A discussion was led on how the audience would define the act of volunteering.
The third day, March 8th, celebrated International Women's Day. B.E.L.L.E Club of AUK organized a special event titled "B.E.L.L.E - of - the - Ball" which contained a number of activities for female AUK students. The day witnessed one of L.E.A.D Program workshops titled "Empowering Women". This event's intent was to engage AUK students in leadership experience in international settings and encourage them to develop their leadership abilities and believe in their capabilities. The panel explained the achievements of the speakers, the challenges they went through, and their advice to AUK students in general, and specifically to our female students to empower them. AUK Visiting Associate Professor of International Relations & History, Dr. Gholam Vatandoust, commenced the panel discussion by sharing his published paper "Study of Globalization and Kuwaiti Women". AUK Assistant Professor of English, Dr. Angelica DeAngelis, then spoke on "Self Empowering Women-Young Women Write the Future". Ms. Sahar Shawa, the Programme Analyst of United Nations Development program shared with the audience her life's journey with UNDP focusing on the agency efforts in defending women's rights. The panel also saw AUK Alumni Ms. Jawaher Ali Reda speak on how to empower women to influence the future and AUK student Ms May Omran spoke about women in action.
Wednesday March 9th, was designated as Inter-Cultural Day, and hosted the "Globalization and the Changing World" Forum. It was led by two faculty members; Dr. Gholamreza Vatandoust and Dr. Aly Mansour and AUK student, Ms. Sarah Raji. They spoke of how innovations and progression of technology and the sharing of information have altered the world and how we live through a process called 'Globalization'. Ms. Raji opened the discussion by talking about social networking sites and their influence on society followed by Dr. Vatandoust's informative and enlightening speech on the process of Globalization titled 'Globalization & the Challenge of Democracy'. AUK's Associate Professor of Management, Dr. Mansour concluded the forum by discussing 'Arab Youth Role in Integrated Regional Projects'. The Model United Nations Club at the American University of Kuwait (MUNAUK) moderated this event which was organized by the Office of Student Life at AUK.
On the last day, The Global Village Day, students were encouraged to celebrate cultural diversity. Students represented their culture through traditionally rich elements, such as food, music, and art. A competition was held for the best country representation where the best three student-run groups were awarded prizes. The Global Village Day activities also included a traditional dress competition where the best three winners were awarded prizes.
The Mini Football World Cup Championship which commenced on the first day, concluded with 'Team Argentina' winning the final match. They were presented with medals and the Cup.
The 6th Annual International Week was organized by Mr. Ayman Shouman, Student Engagement Officer of the Office of Student Life and provided various opportunities for AUK clubs, organizations and individual students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. The week highlighted the important role these differences play in the human experience. It also cultivated a sense of social responsibility to others, fostered cultural collaboration, and communication, as well as offered civic, personal, and organizational leadership .
Images from the diversity fair
Haban band
African Drums
Egyptian folklore
Ms. Fatema Al-Boloushi, a Kuwaiti humanitarian activist, with Mr. Ayman Shouman Hope Club of AUK advisor & Club Members
"Empowering Women" L.E.A.D Workshop facilitators, organizer & panel speakers
"Globalization and the Changing World" forum organizer, moderator, & panel speakers
Images from the Global Village
Images from the Global Village
AUK Female student Sarah Raji representing Palestine
AUK students representing Lebanon
AUK Female student Lujain AbuZaid representing Tunisia
AUK students representing France
AUK female students representing France
"1st Place Best Country Representation contest" Palestine booth serving traditional food to AUK community during the Global Village Event
Presentation of Palestinian traditional wedding during the Global Village Event
Presentation of Palestinian traditional wedding during the Global Village Event
Presentation of Pakistani traditional outfit
Armenian booth during the Global Village Event
Presentation of Egyptian Birth celebration - Egyptians at AUK along with AUK community celebrated the birth of "January 25th Liberty"
Presentation of Egyptian Birth celebration - Egyptians at AUK along with AUK community celebrated the birth of "January 25th Liberty"
2nd Place Best Country Representation contest Pakistani booth during the Global Village Event
3rd Place Best Country Representation contest Egyptian booth during the Global Village Event
Best Traditional Outfit contest
15, Mar 2011
Faculty Highlight: Dr. Issam Damaj
AUK Assistant Professor and Program Lead of Computer Engineering Dr. Isaam Damaj attended The 2011 IEEE GCC Conference and Exhibition for Sustainable Ubiquitous Technology in Dubai on February 19-22. The conference provided a forum for professional engineers, scientists and academicians engaged in research and development to convene and present their latest scholarly work and applications in industry. It also provided engineers with an opportunity to interact and share their experiences in technology applications, new developments in industry and their benefits to the GCC countries.
Dr. Damaj presented two papers at the conference; the first was a technical paper on the "Sustainability of Engineering Education in the Gulf Cooperation Council Region". The presented research was done in collaboration with the American University of Beirut. Based on the challenges facing the institution of sustainable engineering education in the GCC region, the paper presented an exploratory investigation to determine what could be learned by studying an existing model of collaboration between a well-established University (The American University of Beirut) and a newly-established one (Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman) that included the creation of engineering programs. The study also investigated what could be learned from the practices of the newly-established University in terms of sustainability. The investigation built on an internal University-wide self-study and an external review by a formal accreditation council. In addition, the investigation critically presented good practices within the College of Engineering and at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The second investigation presented by Dr. Damaj was a technical paper on the "The Design and Implementation of Electrically Small Reconfigurable Patch Antennas". The presented research is done in collaboration with Beirut Arab University and addressed the need for smaller, power efficient, and electrically small wireless devices. The paper focused on key characteristics of future generation wireless communication systems that include the ability of antenna reconfiguration to meet different standards. The paper presented the design and implementation of electrically small reconfigurable patch antennas. Different designs were developed and simulated and the designed antennas were fabricated and tested. The performance of the fabricated antennas was critically evaluated and analyzed.
Dr. Damaj also chaired a session on "Engineering Education" and served as a member of the Technical Program Committee of the conference.
Dr. Damaj presented two papers at the conference; the first was a technical paper on the "Sustainability of Engineering Education in the Gulf Cooperation Council Region". The presented research was done in collaboration with the American University of Beirut. Based on the challenges facing the institution of sustainable engineering education in the GCC region, the paper presented an exploratory investigation to determine what could be learned by studying an existing model of collaboration between a well-established University (The American University of Beirut) and a newly-established one (Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman) that included the creation of engineering programs. The study also investigated what could be learned from the practices of the newly-established University in terms of sustainability. The investigation built on an internal University-wide self-study and an external review by a formal accreditation council. In addition, the investigation critically presented good practices within the College of Engineering and at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The second investigation presented by Dr. Damaj was a technical paper on the "The Design and Implementation of Electrically Small Reconfigurable Patch Antennas". The presented research is done in collaboration with Beirut Arab University and addressed the need for smaller, power efficient, and electrically small wireless devices. The paper focused on key characteristics of future generation wireless communication systems that include the ability of antenna reconfiguration to meet different standards. The paper presented the design and implementation of electrically small reconfigurable patch antennas. Different designs were developed and simulated and the designed antennas were fabricated and tested. The performance of the fabricated antennas was critically evaluated and analyzed.
Dr. Damaj also chaired a session on "Engineering Education" and served as a member of the Technical Program Committee of the conference.
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15, Mar 2011
SGA Aid Students Through Book Fair
AUK's Student Government Association (SGA) hosted a book fair at the beginning of the Spring 2011 Semester where used books were sold in an effort to alleviate the financial cost of text books for AUK students who cooperated in this academic event. Eligible students participated in a raffle draw where 100 winners were announced. Each winner received a 30 KD voucher to be used at the AUK bookstore which stimulated students to register and be part of this event.
SGA congratulated all the winning students and SGA's Financial Officer Mohamed Al-Fares said, "the event was a great success with many students who took advantage of this opportunity. We hope to continue with such activities in the future that benefit our students."
SGA congratulated all the winning students and SGA's Financial Officer Mohamed Al-Fares said, "the event was a great success with many students who took advantage of this opportunity. We hope to continue with such activities in the future that benefit our students."
Images from the Event
10, Mar 2011
AUK Writing Center Staff Attend Conference in UAE
AUK's Writing Center Senior Staff Consultant, Hanouf Aljuhail, and Kheiriyeh Ahmadi, Writing Center Administrative Assistant and Staff Consultant attended The Middle East and North Africa Writing Center Alliance Conference titled, 'Situating, Sustaining and Serving' on February 17th, 2011 at the American University of Sharjah. Aljuhail discussed the Center's adapted training techniques and consulting strategies that have contributed to its recognizable success. Kheiriyeh Ahmadi, AUK Writing Center Staff Consultant, demonstrated the progressive outcome and results achieved by applying innovative methods. The presented panel paper titled, 'Redefining the Visibility of a Writing Center' generated productive feedback and discussion among writing center directors, coordinators and staff who came from different GCC institutions.
AUK's Writing Center attends the Middle East - North Africa Writing Centers Alliance 2011 conference at the American University of Sharjah
AUK's Writing Center Senior Staff Consultant, Hanouf Aljuhail
Kheiriyeh Ahmadi, AUK's Writing Center Administrative Assistant & Staff Consultant
09, Mar 2011
AUK Host Persian Art Week
The American University of Kuwait hosted a Persian Art Week on February 20-23 where prominent Iranian Painter and Photographer Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam visited the AUK campus. Mr. Meshkinfam participated in several different events and activities including visiting art classrooms, holding a workshop for AUK art students and had a permanent photography and painting exhibition in AUK's 5th floor of the Liberal Arts building.
The renowned artist interacted with many AUK art students, who benefit from his great experience when he held a critique of student artwork on February 21st. Mr. Meshkinfam also held a watercolor workshop which was very well received with many student participants. The workshop, which was sponsored by the AUK students' Art Factory Club, was extended an hour to accommodate the influx of student participants.
The highlight of the week was the main lecture on February 23 titled 'Contemporary Persian Art and Design', where Mr. Meshkinfam discussed trends in Persian painting. This lecture, which was open to the public, also included AUK faculty members Professors Maryam Hosseinnia, William Andersen and Dr. Gholam Vatandoust.
Dr. Gholan Vatandoust, Visiting Associate Professor of International Relations & History and one of the organizers of the event, was encouraged by the success of the event and thanked all that helped make the Persian Art Week a great achievement, especially Ms. Helene El Neaman, President of the Art Factory Club and Ms. Sepideh Behbehani Vice President of the Art Factory Club.
Mr. Meshkinfam is a renowned Iranian artist who was educated in Iran and at the Besancon School of Fine Arts in Paris. Since 1981 he has established The Gallery of Modern Art in Shiraz, where he continues to teach painting. His art work and photographs have ornamented numerous national and international galleries. He has also put on display many domestic and international art shows and has published various albums of his works. Among his most outstanding commitment and contributions to art is his creation in 2003 of the first private museum of visual arts in Iran. The Meshkinfam Museum is in his home town of Shiraz and his joint recent volume with AUK's Professor of International Studies Dr. Gholam Vatandoust titled The Meshkinfam Museum of Art: The First Private Museum of Visual Arts in Iran is a tribute to such an effort.
The renowned artist interacted with many AUK art students, who benefit from his great experience when he held a critique of student artwork on February 21st. Mr. Meshkinfam also held a watercolor workshop which was very well received with many student participants. The workshop, which was sponsored by the AUK students' Art Factory Club, was extended an hour to accommodate the influx of student participants.
The highlight of the week was the main lecture on February 23 titled 'Contemporary Persian Art and Design', where Mr. Meshkinfam discussed trends in Persian painting. This lecture, which was open to the public, also included AUK faculty members Professors Maryam Hosseinnia, William Andersen and Dr. Gholam Vatandoust.
Dr. Gholan Vatandoust, Visiting Associate Professor of International Relations & History and one of the organizers of the event, was encouraged by the success of the event and thanked all that helped make the Persian Art Week a great achievement, especially Ms. Helene El Neaman, President of the Art Factory Club and Ms. Sepideh Behbehani Vice President of the Art Factory Club.
Mr. Meshkinfam is a renowned Iranian artist who was educated in Iran and at the Besancon School of Fine Arts in Paris. Since 1981 he has established The Gallery of Modern Art in Shiraz, where he continues to teach painting. His art work and photographs have ornamented numerous national and international galleries. He has also put on display many domestic and international art shows and has published various albums of his works. Among his most outstanding commitment and contributions to art is his creation in 2003 of the first private museum of visual arts in Iran. The Meshkinfam Museum is in his home town of Shiraz and his joint recent volume with AUK's Professor of International Studies Dr. Gholam Vatandoust titled The Meshkinfam Museum of Art: The First Private Museum of Visual Arts in Iran is a tribute to such an effort.
Photography and painting work on display in the Liberal Arts Building
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam with AUK students during a critique session (far right Dr. Gholam Vatandoust)
Students participating in the watercolor workshop
Mr. Meshkinfam with AUK students during the water color workshop
Mr. Meshkinfam with AUK students during the water color workshop
Professor William Andersen during the water color workshop
Left to right: Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam, AUK faculty members Dr. Gholam Vatandoust , Professors Maryam Hosseinnia and Professor William Andersen
A view of the audience during the lecture
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam presents a lecture titled 'Contemporary Persian Art and Design'
06, Mar 2011
AUK Library Hosts 2nd Annual Book Fair
The AUK Library celebrated the opening of its 2nd Annual Book Fair in the AUK Multipurpose room on February 20, 2011. The inaugural ceremony was held under the patronage of the Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) Mr. Ali Al-Youhah. The event was well attended by the AUK community as well as the public, including AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, Cultural Attaché of the Saudi Arabian Embassy, Center of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Director Dr. Fahad Al-Nasser.
The three-day Book Fair, which was organized by the University Library, hosted 19 exhibitors, including international publishers, vendors, local institutions and book distributors. Library Director Ms. Amna Al-Omare thanked the participants and sponsors by handing out appreciation certificates.
As part of the Book Fair activities, the Library also organized a lecture titled "Our Arabic Language, History and Changes" by Dr. Khaled Al-Shayji, Secretary General of the Kuwait Writers Association. This cultural event was organized in coordination with the AUK's Arabic Literature Club and featured poetry recitals by AUK students.
The three-day Book Fair, which was organized by the University Library, hosted 19 exhibitors, including international publishers, vendors, local institutions and book distributors. Library Director Ms. Amna Al-Omare thanked the participants and sponsors by handing out appreciation certificates.
As part of the Book Fair activities, the Library also organized a lecture titled "Our Arabic Language, History and Changes" by Dr. Khaled Al-Shayji, Secretary General of the Kuwait Writers Association. This cultural event was organized in coordination with the AUK's Arabic Literature Club and featured poetry recitals by AUK students.
Mr. Ali Alyouhah, Secretary General of the NCCAL, AUK President, AUK Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Cultural Attaché of the Saudi Embassy cutting the ribbon of the book fair
Dr Winfred handing appreciation gift to Mr. Ali Al-Youhah, Secretary General of the NCCAL
Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences with Library Staff
The dignitaries taking a detailed tour of the stalls at the exhibition
The dignitaries at Cengage Learning booth
The Saudi Embassy booth at the AUK Book Fair
The dignitaries taking a detailed tour of the stalls at the exhibition
AUK BookStore exhibiting in the fair
06, Mar 2011
Faculty Highlight: Dr. Juliet Dinkha & Dr. Nisrine Aboul-Hosn
AUK's Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Juliet Dinkha and Adjunct faculty Dr. Nisrine Aboul-Hosn, along with AUK student Monica Matta presented a paper on December 4th, 2010 titled Gender differences in coping strategies of adolescent students and their impact on self-esteem, at the Third International Conference 'Children and Youth in Changing Societies' in Thessaloniki, Greece.
This study investigated differences in coping strategies adopted by adolescent students in Kuwait. The paper aimed to explore the extent in which coping strategies affect self-esteem and the impact of coping strategies within gender. The literature suggests that gender differences do exist in coping strategies of undergraduate students which may in turn impact self-esteem. The literature also indicates that there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of engagement in coping strategies and academic attainment. (Lawrence, 2006)
The current study utilized a survey methodology to collect data from adolescent attending various schools in Kuwait. The data was collected from approximately 300 students, 150 males and 150 females. Gender Differences in Coping Strategies of Adolescents and their Impact on Self Esteem survey was administered for the previously stated purpose. We hypothesized that (1) Religion will be utilized by both sexes given the collectivist and religious nature of the Kuwaiti society, (2) Females will select seeking social support for emotional reasons (3) Denial, as a coping strategy, will be utilized by males due to restrictions of society and personal expression. (4) Coping strategies imposed by collectivist society such as religion and social support for instrumental or emotional reasons, would decrease self esteem since the coping strategies that suit an individual personally will be inhibited. The findings suggested that both genders used mental disengagement, focus on emotional venting, use of instrumental social support, religious coping and emotional support systems as coping strategy mechanisms.
The paper presented was well received, generating substantial interest in the social and cultural contexts of adolescence living in Kuwait. A wealth of feedback was received and several positive directions are noted. Furthermore, the paper led to potential research collaborations with few university faculties in Greece, specifically, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
This study investigated differences in coping strategies adopted by adolescent students in Kuwait. The paper aimed to explore the extent in which coping strategies affect self-esteem and the impact of coping strategies within gender. The literature suggests that gender differences do exist in coping strategies of undergraduate students which may in turn impact self-esteem. The literature also indicates that there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of engagement in coping strategies and academic attainment. (Lawrence, 2006)
The current study utilized a survey methodology to collect data from adolescent attending various schools in Kuwait. The data was collected from approximately 300 students, 150 males and 150 females. Gender Differences in Coping Strategies of Adolescents and their Impact on Self Esteem survey was administered for the previously stated purpose. We hypothesized that (1) Religion will be utilized by both sexes given the collectivist and religious nature of the Kuwaiti society, (2) Females will select seeking social support for emotional reasons (3) Denial, as a coping strategy, will be utilized by males due to restrictions of society and personal expression. (4) Coping strategies imposed by collectivist society such as religion and social support for instrumental or emotional reasons, would decrease self esteem since the coping strategies that suit an individual personally will be inhibited. The findings suggested that both genders used mental disengagement, focus on emotional venting, use of instrumental social support, religious coping and emotional support systems as coping strategy mechanisms.
The paper presented was well received, generating substantial interest in the social and cultural contexts of adolescence living in Kuwait. A wealth of feedback was received and several positive directions are noted. Furthermore, the paper led to potential research collaborations with few university faculties in Greece, specifically, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Right to left: AUK's Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Juliet Dinkha and Adjunct faculty Dr. Nisrine Aboul-Hosn, along with AUK student Monica Matta
01, Mar 2011
The American University of Kuwait Celebrates Independence and Liberation Days
The American University of Kuwait commemorated Kuwait's 50 years of independence and 20 years of liberation, by holding a week of festivities on campus on February 20-23. The week-long celebrations included several different student design and art exhibits, sand sculpting workshops, live music, lectures and much more. Several student clubs and organizations participated in these festivities by working alongside the University in organizing several of their own events celebrating Kuwait's history and culture. AUK's Patriots Club hosted an event titled 'Kuwait Flag on Canvas' where they created the Kuwaiti flag with individual hand prints. Each person selected a color from the Kuwaiti flag and, using paint, stamped the appropriate section. The end result being a large canvas depicting the Kuwaiti flag made of hand prints from the AUK community of students, staff and faculty.
The highlights of the celebrations included a remembrance of the legacy of Kuwaiti poet and singer Abdullah Al-Fadhalah through an exhibition and live music organized by AUK's Arabian Heritage Project (AHP). An ensemble played Al-Fadhalah's music for the AUK community accompanied, on the Violin, by AUK student Salem Al-Mathkour. AUK's Finance Club held an exhibit detailing Kuwait's economic history from 1886 to the present with a display of rare pictures and artifacts from Kuwait's history including a model of a Boom, representative of Kuwait's long tradition of trade and pearl diving. The exhibit also included all of Kuwait's old currencies dating back to the Rupee. One of several art exhibits titled 'Celebrate Kuwait' allowed AUK students to express their celebrations through different mediums of art. Students sculptures, drawings and paintings were on display all week. AUK's Assistant Professor of Studio Arts/Graphic Design William Andersen said of the exhibit, "This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for students to examine as well as celebrate their countries history and achievements." Another entertaining event saw Internationally known Sand Sculptor Raymond Wirick hold workshops where students learned about the techniques of sand sculpting and commemorated Kuwait's celebrations by creating a large sculpture that includes the Kuwait Towers as well as other landmarks and a banner with the words 'Celebrating 50 Years of Independence' all made of sand.
On the last day of celebrations AUK hosted two live music performances. The first, Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers, a collaborative effort between AUK's AHP and the American Embassy. The audience enjoyed the sound of Jazz combined with classical Kuwaiti drums. AUK also hosted famous Kuwaiti singer Faisal Al-Sa'ad for a live concert open to the public. AUK students, staff and faculty along with friends and family enjoyed a night of live Kuwaiti music followed by dinner to conclude the week long celebrations.
AUK Graphic Design Students, encouraged by Professor Marian Hosseinnia, participated in a logo design competition, "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition" where they had to design a logo that reflects Kuwait's 50 years of independence and 20 years of liberation to be used by AUK in all publications pertaining to the week-long events as the official logo. A panel of judges from AUK's staff and faculty voted for the winners, AUK students Maryam Ghomsha and Farnaz Heidari.
Abdullah Al-Fadhalah
Students' work from 'Celebrate Kuwait' exhibition
Sand sculpting workshop
Old Traditional Kuwaiti games corner
Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers
Faisal Al-Sa'ad Concert
The highlights of the celebrations included a remembrance of the legacy of Kuwaiti poet and singer Abdullah Al-Fadhalah through an exhibition and live music organized by AUK's Arabian Heritage Project (AHP). An ensemble played Al-Fadhalah's music for the AUK community accompanied, on the Violin, by AUK student Salem Al-Mathkour. AUK's Finance Club held an exhibit detailing Kuwait's economic history from 1886 to the present with a display of rare pictures and artifacts from Kuwait's history including a model of a Boom, representative of Kuwait's long tradition of trade and pearl diving. The exhibit also included all of Kuwait's old currencies dating back to the Rupee. One of several art exhibits titled 'Celebrate Kuwait' allowed AUK students to express their celebrations through different mediums of art. Students sculptures, drawings and paintings were on display all week. AUK's Assistant Professor of Studio Arts/Graphic Design William Andersen said of the exhibit, "This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for students to examine as well as celebrate their countries history and achievements." Another entertaining event saw Internationally known Sand Sculptor Raymond Wirick hold workshops where students learned about the techniques of sand sculpting and commemorated Kuwait's celebrations by creating a large sculpture that includes the Kuwait Towers as well as other landmarks and a banner with the words 'Celebrating 50 Years of Independence' all made of sand.
On the last day of celebrations AUK hosted two live music performances. The first, Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers, a collaborative effort between AUK's AHP and the American Embassy. The audience enjoyed the sound of Jazz combined with classical Kuwaiti drums. AUK also hosted famous Kuwaiti singer Faisal Al-Sa'ad for a live concert open to the public. AUK students, staff and faculty along with friends and family enjoyed a night of live Kuwaiti music followed by dinner to conclude the week long celebrations.
AUK Graphic Design Students, encouraged by Professor Marian Hosseinnia, participated in a logo design competition, "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition" where they had to design a logo that reflects Kuwait's 50 years of independence and 20 years of liberation to be used by AUK in all publications pertaining to the week-long events as the official logo. A panel of judges from AUK's staff and faculty voted for the winners, AUK students Maryam Ghomsha and Farnaz Heidari.
Patriot Club Organizes "Kuwait flag on Canvas"
President of AUK Dr. Winfred Thompson participates in painting the Kuwaiti flag
The Kuwaiti flag with AUK students' hands
Students take part in painting the Kuwaiti flag
Students take part in painting the Kuwaiti flag
Patriot Club members and organizers of "Kuwait flag on Canvas"
Abdullah Al-Fadhalah
Abdullah Al-Fadhalah old collection including: Musical Instrument, documents and photos
From left Mr. Mohammed Al Mulla and his wife with Dr. Lisa Urkevich
Mr. Mohammed Al Mulla, owner of the Abdullah Al-Fadhalah Collection, performing some of Abdullah Al-Fadhalah's songs
Traditional Kuwaiti Music Band performing some of Abdullah Al-Fadhalah's famous songs, accompanied, on the Violin, by AUK student Salem Al-Mathkour
AUK's Finance Club
AUK's Finance Club
Group photo of the Finance Club members
Students' work from "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition"
Students' work from "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition"
Students' work from 'Celebrate Kuwait' exhibition
Sand sculpting workshop
Internationally known Sand Sculptor Raymond Wirick
Old Traditional Kuwaiti games corner
Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers
The American Embassy representative speaks at the beginning of the jazz concert
Faisal Al-Sa'ad Concert
21, Feb 2011
AUK Professor Andersen Participates in 50/20 Exhibition
Professor William Andersen, Assistant Professor of Studio Arts/Graphic Design at the American University of Kuwait participated in Sultan Gallery's 50/20, a two-part exhibition featuring a new generation of artists who are challenging the construction of history through visual practice.
Sultan Gallery invited a number of artists, curators and similarly occupied individuals to superimpose their own visions of history in this exhibition commemorating 50 years of sovereignty within the State of Kuwait. The month-long exhibit was held in February of 2011, with one opening on February 1st, and the second on February 15th beginning at 7pm. A range of mediums were utilized by the various artists including video, photography, sound, sculpture, installations, and even the incorporation of design for debate as an aesthetic in art. Works ranged from individual histories, to folk, fiction, and secularist landscapes that combat stereotypes, stigmas, and dogmas.
Professor Andersen's work, titled Kuwait 50, celebrates the 50 years of an independent Kuwait with each individual piece in his installation symbolizing an aspect of Kuwait as seen from an outsider's eyes looking in. His work conflates abstract designs inspired by Islamic floral and geometric patterns with cartography, calligraphy, contemporary pop iconography, and historic photos of Kuwait to represent the constellation of diverse races, religions, histories, architecture, scenery, economies, peoples, and politics that make up Kuwait today.
Professor Andersen stated that it was a great honor to be asked to participate in a professional exhibit like this especially since he was one of the only non-Kuwaiti artists exhibiting.
Sultan Gallery said the body of work being shown in this exhibition acts as a kind of historiographical analysis over the development of the State of Kuwait in relation to the rest of the world. Artists here explore a number of topical, socio-political issues that analyze how argument [tradition] shifts over time in response to the changing conditions of market and state [flux].
Sultan Gallery invited a number of artists, curators and similarly occupied individuals to superimpose their own visions of history in this exhibition commemorating 50 years of sovereignty within the State of Kuwait. The month-long exhibit was held in February of 2011, with one opening on February 1st, and the second on February 15th beginning at 7pm. A range of mediums were utilized by the various artists including video, photography, sound, sculpture, installations, and even the incorporation of design for debate as an aesthetic in art. Works ranged from individual histories, to folk, fiction, and secularist landscapes that combat stereotypes, stigmas, and dogmas.
Professor Andersen's work, titled Kuwait 50, celebrates the 50 years of an independent Kuwait with each individual piece in his installation symbolizing an aspect of Kuwait as seen from an outsider's eyes looking in. His work conflates abstract designs inspired by Islamic floral and geometric patterns with cartography, calligraphy, contemporary pop iconography, and historic photos of Kuwait to represent the constellation of diverse races, religions, histories, architecture, scenery, economies, peoples, and politics that make up Kuwait today.
Professor Andersen stated that it was a great honor to be asked to participate in a professional exhibit like this especially since he was one of the only non-Kuwaiti artists exhibiting.
Sultan Gallery said the body of work being shown in this exhibition acts as a kind of historiographical analysis over the development of the State of Kuwait in relation to the rest of the world. Artists here explore a number of topical, socio-political issues that analyze how argument [tradition] shifts over time in response to the changing conditions of market and state [flux].
From left to right, Mr. Hossain Afsar, Ms. and Mr. Samer Khanachet from the AUK Board of Trustees, and Professor William Andersen
Professor William J. Andersen's work on display at the Sultan Gallery
Visitors to Sultan Gallery view Professor William Andersen's work
16, Feb 2011
Faculty Highlight: Dr. Lisa Urkevich
American University of Kuwait Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Arabian Heritage Project Dr. Lisa Urkevich, presented a poster session in Boston, USA, at the annual American Historical Association (AHA) Conference on January 8, 2011. The session, titled "Zar Spirit Rituals and Music in the Arabian Peninsula," explored music-trance events from the past as they were practiced in the upper Gulf States and parts of Saudi Arabia. "Zar" rituals, which are rooted in African traditions, encompassed all-night musical events in which participants, who believed themselves possessed by a spirit, partook in specialized practices including dancing in an attempt to communicate with the entity and appease it. The presentation discussed how these customs spread from east Africa through slavery and migration, the musical styles that were used, and the decline of these in modern times. Dr. Urkevich's presentation was one of twenty-four unique poster sessions presented at the large conference.
The American Historical Association (AHA) was founded in 1884 for the promotion of historical studies, the collection and preservation of historical documents and artifacts, and the dissemination of historical research. It is the largest historical society in the United States, and has been holding an Annual Meeting for the past 125 years. Approximately four-dozen affiliated societies meet jointly with the AHA, and attendance at the conferences averages 4,800 to 5,200. This is Dr. Urkevich's third time taking part in the AHA, via traditional paper or poster presentation, and she was pleased to see so many interested scholars visit her session.
The American Historical Association (AHA) was founded in 1884 for the promotion of historical studies, the collection and preservation of historical documents and artifacts, and the dissemination of historical research. It is the largest historical society in the United States, and has been holding an Annual Meeting for the past 125 years. Approximately four-dozen affiliated societies meet jointly with the AHA, and attendance at the conferences averages 4,800 to 5,200. This is Dr. Urkevich's third time taking part in the AHA, via traditional paper or poster presentation, and she was pleased to see so many interested scholars visit her session.
Dr. Lisa Urkevich at the American Historical Association Conference, Boston, Jan. 2011
