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Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim met with AUK's newly appointed President Winfred "Win" Thompson on July 29. The two presidents compared notes on the challenges - and the rewards - of leading university communities, and talked about the global nature of higher education in the 21st Century.
Thompson, and his wife Carmen, were hosted by Dartmouth-AUK Project Relationship Coordinator Dale F. Eickelman and Executive Director Laurel Stavis during their three day Dartmouth visit (July 28-30). While on campus, they met with senior university officials, including Provost Carol Folt, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Michael Mastanduno, Associate Dean for International and Interdisciplinary Studies Lindsay Whaley, General Counsel Robert Donin, Dean of Libraries Jeffrey Horrell, and George Cybenko, Professor of Engineering at Thayer School of Engineering. Cybenko hosted AUK Fellow and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Amir Zeid in a Thayer School of Engineering research group from June through early August.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to visit AUK's partner institution," Thompson said, "and to speak with so many of the people who have been working with us since the beginning. I was pleased to learn more about the extent of collaboration between our two institutions and delighted to know how much Dartmouth values its relationship with AUK."
Thompson was appointed the fourth President of the American University of Kuwait after a rigorous international search. Previously Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (2002-2008) and President of the University of Central Arkansas (1988-2001), he is completing a temporary post as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul. Thompson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from the University of Chicago and J.D and LL.M degrees from George Washington University. He assumes the AUK presidency on September 1, 2010.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) and Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire (USA), have worked closely together since 2003, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding that facilitated a series of advisory, consultative, and cooperative projects. That initial agreement was renewed in June 2008 to extend through 2013. The two institutions share a commitment to excellence in higher learning, and the agreement between them reflects AUK's growing stature as a premier academic institution in the Gulf region and beyond. With its deep and historic commitment to the liberal arts, Dartmouth recognizes the importance of AUK's mission and works to support the University as it develops a superlative education, based on the principles of critical inquiry, mastery of subject material, depth of curriculum, and a vibrant, out of the classroom experience.
Carol Folt, Dartmouth Provost, and Winfred Thompson, President of AUK
Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim, AUK President Winfred Thompson,
Dartmouth-AUK Relationship Coordinator Dale F. Eickelman, Dartmouth-AUK Project Executive Director Laurel Stavis
Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim, AUK President Winfred Thompson
Dartmouth Associate Dean for International and Interdisciplinary Studies Lindsay Whaley, Dartmouth-AUK Project Executive Director Laurel Stavis, Dartmouth Provost Carol Folt, Dartmouth-AUK Relationship Coordinator Dale F. Eickelman
Courtesy Dartmouth College
American University of Kuwait Chair of the Board of Trustees Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah announced today that the Presidential Search Committee has completed their search for a new AUK president. Dr. Winfred Thompson will begin his tenure as AUK's fourth President starting September 2010. The Presidential Search Committee, which included two members from AUK's American Partner, Dartmouth College, worked diligently to move this process forward, in conjunction with Isaacson, Miller, an internationally known executive search firm specializing in higher education. Dr. Thompson, most recently Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, comes to AUK with a wealth of experience both in the United States as well as the Middle East. He served as Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) for six years. During his time at AUS Dr. Thompson oversaw faculty recruitment, accreditation, initiation of several degree programs, as well as academic and administrative policies and procedures. AUK Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan said, "I am delighted that Dr. Win Thompson has been selected to serve as the new President of the American University of Kuwait. Dr. Thompson is a tested academic leader and will bring the full range of his experience to this fine young university. It is AUK's good fortune that he is ready, willing and able to serve as the University's next President. In the short time I have been here I have come to love this University, and I am very comfortable leaving it in his very capable hands."
Before becoming Chancellor of AUS, Dr. Thompson held a number of increasingly responsible leadership posts in the United States, as chief development officer, chief financial officer, and finally as President of the University of Central Arkansas for thirteen years. He began his career in government service at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. He also served as legislative assistant to a Member of Congress and in the Department of Labor. For a brief period, he was engaged in the private practice of law in Arkansas. Dr. Thompson said, "During my visits to the AUK campus, I was impressed by the strong commitment to the institution on the part of the Board of Trustees, the faculty and the staff. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the university at this critical stage of its growth and development, and my wife and I very much look forward to living and working once again in the Gulf Region. One of the most important tasks facing AUK is to earn accreditation and as part of the accreditation process we will necessarily refine and enhance the mission of the university. I expect this to be a challenging and very rewarding time for the entire university community."
Sheikha Dana thanked Dr. Sullivan for his invaluable time and effort in his short stay at AUK where his guidance and experience has helped the University move forward while in this transitional period.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational 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. Established by Amiri Decree 139 in 2003, AUK was accredited in 2006 and re-accredited in 2008, by the Private Universities Council, Ministry of Higher Education - State of Kuwait.
Founded in 1982 Isaacson, Miller is an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations, including institutions of higher education. Isaacson, Miller has successfully engaged in several prominent searches for presidents of leading universities in the United States and worldwide, including Dartmouth College, Gallaudet University, the University of Pennsylvania, Williams College, Central European University and the American University of Bulgaria. Other, non-university clients include the Smithsonian Institution, Amnesty International, the Ford Foundation, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Tim McFeeley and Sean Farrell led the AUK Presidential search for the firm.
Released by the PR & Marketing Department on the 18th July 2010
Photography by the AUK Public Relations & Marketing Department (C)2010
In his opening remarks Dr. Sullivan reminded everyone that life after AUK is only the beginning. "Graduation signifies that students have completed an important phase of their formal education. Graduation ceremonies are also referred to as commencement exercises, signifying that they are also commencing or starting a new phase of life, the life of educated men and women. Tonight marks a beginning even more than it marks an ending." Dr. Sullivan continued by reflecting the hopes of all AUK faculty and staff that, "As students leave us, we want them to become leaders in their professional lives and also in the countries and communities in which they will live and work."
The President then introduced the keynote speaker MP Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, one of the first female Parliamentarians. During her tenure as of yet, she has made numerous efforts in restructuring and reassessing the education sector in Kuwait. Prior to entering the world of politics Dr. Al-Awadhi served as Professor of Philosophy at Kuwait University. She spoke of her career and the challenges she faces and continues to face as an edcuator and a politician. Dr. Al-Awadhi ended her speech by imparting valuable advice to the Class of 2010 saying, "Please take time to have some fun, but when the fun is over think about what lays ahead. Set your goals and achieve them, only then will you succeed and only then will you be happy."
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Hamzeh recommended the conferral of degrees to President Sullivan who then conferred upon the 350 graduates their respective degrees. Graduates were then presented with their bachelor's degree diploma by President Sullivan, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi and Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, 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.
Class of 2010 Valedictorian, Nuha Al-Fadli, rose to the podium to deliver her speech, which was both inspiring and encouraging. She spoke of the power of knowledge saying, "While individuality can lead to success, alone, it cannot become a potent instrument for growth and advancement. However, when fortified with knowledge, experience and wisdom, individuals become the driving force for social transformation. Knowledge is a cornerstone of human development and a means of expanding people's choices and capabilities." Nuha also thanked AUK and the AUK faculty for their dedication, inspiration and for acting as mentors in this stage of the graduates' development. She emphasized the important role she and her fellow graduates must play in society. "Fortified with the real meaning behind our education at AUK, the Class of 2010 is prepared to assume an active role in our society. The most significant message we learned at university is the importance of civic involvement."
Nuha is graduating with a BA degree in English and a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and has earned the highest cumulative grade point average of this graduating class. Nuha is planning to pursue graduate studies in the field of comparative literature in the United States. She aspires to teach comparative literature at a college level, and commit herself toward research and publication in that field.
The end of the ceremony was marked by the traditional cutting of the Class of 2010 cake, and professional photography was provided for all graduates and their families and friends.
The event commenced with a welcoming note from Gretta Al Sawah, HR Generalist Recruitment & Administration followed by an introduction by Mr. Ernest Conklin, Executive Director of Finance and Administration which was followed by a speech from AUK Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan. Three AUK employees were specifically recognized for their outstanding contributions, IEP Director Margaret Combs, Coordinator of the Writing Center, Dr. James McDougall and English Program Lead Dr. Kathryn Kleypas.
Eighteen employees were awarded for five years of service:
Fatema Hayat - Senior Coordinator - Campus Life
Theodore Kruse - Assistant Dean - Student Affairs
Roland Lopes - Web Developer - PR & Marketing
Juliet Dinkha - Associate Professor of Psychology - Social Sciences
Nizar Hamzeh - Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Kathryn Kleypas - Assistant Professor of English - Humanities & Arts
Charles Mitchell - Instructor in Journalism - Humanities & Arts
Ralph Palliam - Associate Professor of Business - Business & Economics
Derek Parks - Instructor IEP - Intensive English
Mary Queen - Assistant Professor of English - Humanities & Arts
Hesham Al Awadi - Associate Professor of History & IR - Social Sciences
Kimberly Al Suffi - Senior Instructor IEP - Intensive English
Marjorie Kelly - Assistant Professor of Anthropology - Social Sciences
Abolghassem Alavinejad - Director - Campus Services
Sameera Al Qenna - Assistant to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
Joseph Fiannaca - Instructor in French Language - Humanities & Arts
Mutlaq Al Mutairi - Assistant Professor of Mathematics - Sciences & Engineering
Stephen Jacques - Senior Instructor IEP - Intensive English
Following the awards, guests and awardees were treated to dinner and entertainment including a raffle draw. Winners received gifts from the following vendors: Al Dawliah electronics, Digits, AUK Bookstore, Istikbal for furniture, Quality net, Couture Cut Salon & Spa, Kapico travels.
This event would not have been possible without the efforts of the HR Department, namely Bonita Perry, Director of Human Resources, Lama Abdo, Gretta Al-Sawah, Abdulhussein Zuhairy, Hugh Lauxley, Faten Al Qadiri, Mishaal Hamdo and Norma Badran.
Professors Kulchitsky and Lawrence arranged a lecture and workshop with Mourad Boutros from Pulse House design firm, a master designer, type designer and author of several books on typography.
The series of lectures was designed by Mourad Boutrous, and introduced the young designers to the world of design in different areas. The conference focused on Arabic calligraphy, typography and design. Speakers included Dave Farey who presented on the use of 'Type Families' and how they relate to each other with their benefit for graphic designers and typographers. George Kandalaft, another guest speaker, introduced Arabic Web-Typography. Well-known British artist Robin Hazelwood presented his paintings and discussed his inspiration and the process of creativity in his work, as well as in the work of artists and designers in general. He is currently working on a project with Mourad Boutrous combining his painting and Boutros' calligraphy, and students were treated to an unveiling of the work. Boutros discussed the stages of development of Arabic typography throughout the ages and its relation to the communications world of today. One of this own landmark typeface designs; "Tanseek" was introduced to the students. It is particularly important, since it has been designed to keep the space occupied by Arabic typography equivalent to the Latin; consequently, it is the first and only harmonious range of Arabic-Latin /serif and sans serif/ typefaces yet designed to serve the needs of today's creative industry.
Photographer Anthony Dawton was the last speaker of the conference, and he verified the importance of typography in photography. His presentation included the history of the use of photography with type, and he issued an invitation to typographers and graphic designers to collaborate with him in order to produce images that combine typography with his photography, synergistically producing a whole that is greater than the parts.
Besides the Pulse House lecture series students also visited Holmes Wood, another well-known design studio in London, specializing in environmental design. Alexandra Wood, one of the partners in the firm, and her designers had a discussion session with the students and treated them to a tour of the studio, sharing some of the firm's work-in-progress.
Along with the graphic and environmental design lectures and discussions, the students experienced artwork in real life that they had only seen in books before. At the Royal Academy of Art, for the popular exhibition, "Vincent Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters", where the artist's sketches, letters and paintings were on display.
Students also visited The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, where they saw famous works of art such as Jan Van Eyck's Arnolfini Wedding Portrait, Raphael's The Madonna of the Pinks and paintings by Rubens, Monet, Seurat and many others from the 13th Century.
A day trip to Stonehenge was arranged ad the group stopped at Windsor Castle to view the design and detail of the artwork and the castle itself. The last destination on the day trip was Bath, where the group visited the 2000 year-old Roman Baths.
In the evenings, the professors took another approach to the Arts and included three expeditions to London's legendary theater district. Les Miserables , The Lion King, Stomp. Local transportation during the trip was partially sponsored by Al-Soor Financial Consultants.
The AUK students' visit to Pulse House was featured on the following link in Boutrous's webpage. http://www.arabicfonts.com/edu_det.asp?art_id=1
The Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross-Scott said of the ceremony, "AUK Student Awards night celebrates the engagement of students in activities outside the classroom. Activities such as student media, athletics, curriculum related organizations, service clubs and leadership bring the university experience to life. Involvement compels our students to push the boundaries of excellence, academically and in extra-curricular activities. We want our students to be better prepared to serve the competitive, global society and awards night is where we highlight their achievements of the academic year."
The highlights of the evening were the Dean of Student Affair's Award, the Founders' Award and the President's Award. The recipients of these awards are students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and involvement in activities outside of the classroom among other criteria.
Dean of Student Affair's Award: Omar Mehdi
Founders' Award: Nizar Mashal, Nur Soliman
President's Award: Nur Soliman
Categories and Recipients:
Student Employee Awards
Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences: Mariam Chebli, Nourin Tajani
Division of Sciences & Engineering: Salman Al-Saffar
Division of Social Sciences: Ali Atesh
Division of Humanities and Arts: Fatma Al Fadhli, Perihan Al-Tanani
Division of Business and Economics: Sara Al-Rifai
Writing Center: Fatima Ibraheem, Nur Soliman, Sara Juma
Gulf Studies Center: Majdoline Halawy
Intensive English Program: Samih Damerji, Samantha Combs, Lamiya Baz
Arabian Heritage Project: Nora Al-Khuder
Library: Ahmed Dimachkie
Office of the Dean of Student Affairs: Hiba Bazzi, Nada Bedir
Office of Admissions:
Admissions: Dana Banddar, Fatma Mohamad
Registrar: Rasha Al-Jabi
Student Success Center: Laila Al-Daghestani, Mohammed Arif, Batul Tarawala, Yousef Ali, Rania Shaker, Talal Al-Yaseen, Mohammad Al-Sulaiman, Shahed Al-Wadani
Student Life: Shahed Al-Wadani, Omar Mehdi
Outstanding Athlete: Omar Mehdi
IEP Academic Achievement Award
Bashaier Al-Mesbah
Ahmad Al-Refai
Khaled Radwan
University Service Award
Jawdat Khalaf
Mustapha Abou-Houeili
Omar Mehdi
Salma Tayeh
Sandra Aoun
Shahed Al-Wadani
SGA Student Body Awards
Innovative Lecturer Award: Dr. Mourad Dakhli
Most Supportive Faculty Award: Dr. Mohsen Bagnied
Most Supportive Staff Award: Hala Al Abdulrazzaq
Faculty Mentorship Award: Dr. Simon O'Meara
Staff Mentorship Award: Basema Da'na
Most Humorous Faculty Award: Dr. Charles Chiemeke
Most Humorous Staff Award: Munawar Mullaji
Student Life Awards
Organization Member of the Year: Mubarak AlMutairi
Advisor of the Year: Dr. Aly Mansour, Dr. Amir Zeid
Program of the Year: ACM AUK Technology Fair
Organization of the Year: Al-Akhdar Environmental Club:
Outstanding Student Leader of the Year: Fajer Al-Qanai
A tragic-comedy set nowhere and everywhere, Waiting for Godot, is a thought provoking commentary on the human condition. Seen through the eyes of two characters whose lives are spent waiting, the audience is forced to share these characters' unease and alarm at the condition they find themselves in. In true existentialist fashion, the play questions everything at the heart of human existence. Director of the play and AUK Professor Christopher Gottschalk describes the essence of the play soundly in his director's note saying, "Whether or not one chooses to view [Beckett's] work as warnings of literal foreboding destruction brought on by the atomic age or as metaphors for our timeless human penchant for self-annihilation, it is clear that his characters embody the ever present question all humans tend to ask themselves sooner or later, 'why am I here?'".
Lead actors Yousef Nayef (Estragon) and Hisham Najem (Vladimir) did a great job in engaging their audience making them laugh at times and other times portraying the confusion and restlessness that is central to human thought. The cast of Waiting for Godot also includes Zaid Al-Kazemi as Pozzo, Abdulaziz Al-Hagan as Lucky and Nader Abdullah as the boy.
Encouraged by the success of the inaugural Dartmouth-AUK recital last fall, this concert featured a variety of stellar vocal and instrumental ensemble pieces. Faisal Al-Bahairi, AUK student and the recent winner of the Gulf International Chopin Competition, opened the concert with his award-winning Chopin Ballade Op. 38 and the challenging Liszt Transcendental Etude #7. Ali Atesh's Italian vocal aria and Sara Soliman's Bach sonata for flute continued to set the tone for a quality evening. One of the instrumental highlights was Salem Al-Mathkour's vibrant violin performance of "Czardas," that received great applause. The second half of the concert featured opera as Nicholas Knezek (bass) and Larry Bowman (tenor) from Dartmouth College joined with AUK students and professionals, Anna Karadimintrova, Elena Tsenkova, Dragan Markovic, and Agnieszka Fajga in a rousing musical celebration of Mozart and Bizet, whose "Carmen" ended the evening with a standing ovation.
For more information on the AUK Music Program, please contact Dr. Lisa Urkevich, lurkevich@auk.edu.kw
Front Row, from left: Dr. Dale Eickelman, Coordinator AUK-Dartmouth Project; Salem Al-Mathkour; Ali Atesh; Sara Soliman; Agnieszka Fajga; Dragan Markovic; Rehab El-Bahey
An unprecedented 306 students were awarded by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh for being on the Dean's List, which requires students to maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. The President's Honor Roll saw 39 recipients awarded by AUK Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan. These exemplary students must maintain a 4.0 GPA to be eligible for this honor.
This year's awards saw a new addition whereby each Division within the College of Arts and Sciences awards a student in recognition of their Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Division of Humanities and Arts: Nuha Al-Fadli
Division of Sciences and Engineering: Salman Al-Saffar
Division of Business and Economics: Jida Cheikh Amin
Division of Social Sciences: Walah Al Sabah
The Al-Akhdar Environmental Club was recognized for promoting environmental awareness. The Club has been promoting environmental lectures and awareness on-campus, as well as, trying to cooperate and coordinate efforts with other environmental clubs on other campuses in Kuwait. The Drama Club was also awarded for their Performance of "Blind" - original play by Yousef Nayef. The English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta was hailed for winning the Regent's Common Reader Award. Two of AUK's students were also recognized for winning 1st and 3rd place in The United Nations Human Settlements Program Writing Competition- "Cities, Climate, Change and Youth", 1st Place went to Shaha Bader Al-Munaif and 3rd Place to Nasser Sharaf Al-Ajmi. Shaha was invited to Rio de Janeiro from March 19-20, 2010 as a guest of the United Nations to attend the United Nations World Urban Youth Assembly.
Another achievement that was recognized was the historic victory of three female Kuwaiti students, Mariam Al-Najdi, Aisha Al-Ruwaished and Abrar Amin, who won first place in the 2010 Microsoft Gulf Imagine Cup, the first Kuwaiti team ever to win first place. AUK will now represent the State of Kuwait and advance to the 2010 Microsoft World Imagine Cup finals to be held in Warsaw Poland, July 3-8 and compete for the grand prize of $25,000. AUKMUN were also award winners at the Bahrain Universities Model United Nations Conference through AUK students Abdulaziz Al Mutawa, Sarah Al Rifaai, Uros Lukic, Adyan Qasem, Majdoline Halawy, Yousef Al Kandari, Amna Ibraheem, Abdullah Al Qatami, Muhannad Darwish.
Click here to view a Full List of Dean's List as well as President's Honor Roll
Ibri is a 3 and a half hour drive southwest of Muscat with a population of thirty thousand. In the heart of the desert, there is a design program with majors in digital media and print design. This year's conference theme was "Design Identity" and the notion of how identity can at times be seemingly neglected in the process of globalization and modernization.
The paper that Professor Hosseinnia and Andersen presented was based on their experience of creating a collaborative art project that had involved the same five students that traveled with them to Ibri. The students also gave presentations at the conference on their graphic design class projects.
