News
18, May 2010
The American Corner at AUK: ARAB AMERICANS AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
The American University of Kuwait's American Corner held a lecture titled "Arab Americans and Mental Health Issues" on Tuesday, May 11, from 12-1 pm at the AUK Library. Increasing the individuals understanding of the interplay of mental health issues and culture is critical to enhancing one's sense of identity, as well as essential to promoting self growth. The lecture provided students and community members with the opportunity to gain knowledge from two psychologists, Dr. Juliet Dinkha and Dr. Nisrine Aboul Hosson, who are specialized in working with diverse populations.
Dr. Dinkha and Dr. Aboul-Hosson highlighted important aspects in the field of clinical psychology, shedding light on the role of clinical psychologists, the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, and the importance of cultural sensitivity when providing psychotherapy.
The presenters provided an interactive forum for the audience, by inviting them to pose questions and share input.
Dr. Dinkha is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Professor of Psychology at AUK. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, as well as many other international psychological organizations. She earned her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Aboul-Hosson is an Adjunct faculty at AUK and is a US trained psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association, as well as the Lebanese Psychological Association. She earned her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University/Florida School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Dinkha and Dr. Aboul-Hosson highlighted important aspects in the field of clinical psychology, shedding light on the role of clinical psychologists, the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, and the importance of cultural sensitivity when providing psychotherapy.
The presenters provided an interactive forum for the audience, by inviting them to pose questions and share input.
Dr. Dinkha is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Professor of Psychology at AUK. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, as well as many other international psychological organizations. She earned her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Dr. Aboul-Hosson is an Adjunct faculty at AUK and is a US trained psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association, as well as the Lebanese Psychological Association. She earned her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University/Florida School of Professional Psychology.
left to right: Dr. Dinkha and Dr. Aboul-Hosson
A view of the Audience who attended the lecture
17, May 2010
Gulf Studies Awards its Third Certificate
Gulf Studies Program Director Dr. Marjorie Kelly presented Robert Donahue, an anthropology major at George Mason University in the U.S., with AUK's Gulf Studies Certificate for completing a minimum of 12 hours of courses on the region. Mr. Donahue is the third recipient of the certificate and has been in Kuwait since last fall. He is the first student to attend AUK through the new AMIDEAST program which brings Americans to the Middle East to improve their Arabic and to learn about Arab history, politics, and culture. He has traveled throughout the region during his year at AUK and accompanied several AUK faculty members this spring on trips to Qatar and Syria.
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Gulf Studies Program Director Dr. Marjorie Kelly & Robert Donahue
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16, May 2010
AUK Holds 6th Annual Career Fair
Almost 30 local and international companies were present at AUK's 6th Career Fair this past Tuesday, an event put on annually by the Student Success Center, where 400 AUK students and Alumni came to benefit from this opportunity.
Students were strongly encouraged to dress in business attire and bring their CV to present to the lineup of companies which included many of Kuwait's most prestigious establishments. The participating companies set up booths to meet and greet the 400 students and alumni who attended the event held at AUK's auditorium in the Liberal Arts building.
The participating companies include, Gulf Bank as Platinum sponsor, International Financial Advisors and Al-Sayer Group as the Gold sponsor, Kuwait Energy Company, Wataniya Telecom and National Bank of Kuwait as Silver sponsors. Also present, Microsoft , Ernst & Young, Wataniya Airways, AAIM International for Training & Development, KPMG Safi Al-Mutawa & Partners, Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), Kuwait United Company for Advertising, Publishing & Distribution, Grant Thornton- Al-Qatami, Al-Aiban & Partners, Deloitte, Alghanim Industries, Ali Abdulwahab & Sons, TBWA/RAAD/BCOMAD, Unilever Gulf, LoYAC, Al Seef Hospital, Al Bazie & Company, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK), Hotel Missoni Kuwait, Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP), National Takaful Insurance Co., Hisba Business Solutions, Kuwait Automotive Imports Co.
Students were strongly encouraged to dress in business attire and bring their CV to present to the lineup of companies which included many of Kuwait's most prestigious establishments. The participating companies set up booths to meet and greet the 400 students and alumni who attended the event held at AUK's auditorium in the Liberal Arts building.
The participating companies include, Gulf Bank as Platinum sponsor, International Financial Advisors and Al-Sayer Group as the Gold sponsor, Kuwait Energy Company, Wataniya Telecom and National Bank of Kuwait as Silver sponsors. Also present, Microsoft , Ernst & Young, Wataniya Airways, AAIM International for Training & Development, KPMG Safi Al-Mutawa & Partners, Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK), Kuwait United Company for Advertising, Publishing & Distribution, Grant Thornton- Al-Qatami, Al-Aiban & Partners, Deloitte, Alghanim Industries, Ali Abdulwahab & Sons, TBWA/RAAD/BCOMAD, Unilever Gulf, LoYAC, Al Seef Hospital, Al Bazie & Company, Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait (BBK), Hotel Missoni Kuwait, Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP), National Takaful Insurance Co., Hisba Business Solutions, Kuwait Automotive Imports Co.
Gulf Bank representatives with the President of the AUK Dr. Tim Sullivan and the Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross
Images of campanies who sponsored the 6th Annual Career Fair
AUK students met with representatives from different companies that participated in the career fair
12, May 2010
Former Indian Minister lectures at AUK
Dr. Subramanian Swamy Ph.D (Harvard), former Cabinet Minister of Commerce in India and prominent Harvard scholar delivered two lectures at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) on May 6, 2010.
The first lecture hosted by the Division of Business and Economics and Gulf Studies Center at AUK, was titled "Globalization and Financial Disorder: Was the Global Financial Crisis Inevitable?" Dr. Swamy emphasized that globalization is both inevitable and irresistible. He suggested that the global economy needs a financial architecture consisting of prudent norms, institutions to enforce the norms, transparency, and governance rules. He made an interesting reference about the World Bank's publication titled "The East Asia Miracle" that praised the East Asian Economies for having got their "basics right" and later publishing the article, "Rethinking East Asia's Miracle" after the 1997 financial crisis. He concluded that even with healthy macroeconomic fundamentals, financial crises is inevitable if there is a policy mismatch such as the "unholy policy trinity". Many AUK professors and students attended the lecture.
The second lecture, titled "India's Role in the Asian Framework" was organized by the Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in association with AUK's Finance Department. Dr. Swamy insisted that if India has to play a leading role in the Asian economic arena, then it has to improve its relationship with China as well as other East Asian countries. Dr. Swamy explained the need for bringing major structural changes in Indian agriculture in order to benefit from its capability to cultivate all through the year as opposed to other countries where the cultivation is limited to certain seasons of the year. Mr. M S Mathew, Chairman of the Kuwait Chapter presided over the lecture. Dr. Swamy presented a memento to the secretary of the Kuwait Chapter, Mr. Sriram Goplakrishan.
The first lecture hosted by the Division of Business and Economics and Gulf Studies Center at AUK, was titled "Globalization and Financial Disorder: Was the Global Financial Crisis Inevitable?" Dr. Swamy emphasized that globalization is both inevitable and irresistible. He suggested that the global economy needs a financial architecture consisting of prudent norms, institutions to enforce the norms, transparency, and governance rules. He made an interesting reference about the World Bank's publication titled "The East Asia Miracle" that praised the East Asian Economies for having got their "basics right" and later publishing the article, "Rethinking East Asia's Miracle" after the 1997 financial crisis. He concluded that even with healthy macroeconomic fundamentals, financial crises is inevitable if there is a policy mismatch such as the "unholy policy trinity". Many AUK professors and students attended the lecture.
The second lecture, titled "India's Role in the Asian Framework" was organized by the Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in association with AUK's Finance Department. Dr. Swamy insisted that if India has to play a leading role in the Asian economic arena, then it has to improve its relationship with China as well as other East Asian countries. Dr. Swamy explained the need for bringing major structural changes in Indian agriculture in order to benefit from its capability to cultivate all through the year as opposed to other countries where the cultivation is limited to certain seasons of the year. Mr. M S Mathew, Chairman of the Kuwait Chapter presided over the lecture. Dr. Swamy presented a memento to the secretary of the Kuwait Chapter, Mr. Sriram Goplakrishan.
Dr. Subramanian Swamy
A view of the audience
Dr.Swamy during the second lecture
10, May 2010
AUK Students Visit US Capital
During Spring Break, Business Division Head, Dr. Mohsen Bagnied, assisted by Professor Marcia Denny and Mrs. Loubna Bagnied, led 41, mostly senior, marketing students on a study abroad trip to Washington DC. The trip had at its core a three-day MBA-level seminar in international marketing presented by Drs. Saad Laraqui and Husein Abdul-Hamid, both professors at the University of Maryland University College and executive officers of the Hancock International Institute. The seminar focused on a team case analysis and project presentation involving regional economic integration in the MENA region. The seminar culminated in visits to the International Monetary Fund and the United States Chamber of Commerce offices as well as a visit to the Albright Stonebridge Group, an international marketing-strategy consulting firm for global businesses.
While in Washington, the students toured the beautiful Library of Congress building, visited the United States Supreme Court Building, the United States Capital Building, and, with the use of passes provided by the office of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, sat in the U.S. Senate Gallery for a first-hand view of the Senate floor. In addition, our participant students toured the huge University of Maryland Campus and visited the University's Smith School of Business where they were addressed by Sam Kang, Associate Director of MBA and MS Recruiting, as well as several other faculty members.
The students then travelled by bus to New York City where they experienced spring in Central Park on foot, a look at the Empire State Building, Wall Street and the Twin Towers Memorial, a view of the Statute of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, and Time Square at night.
Back in Washington DC our group was addressed by Dr. Patricia K. Kabra, Deputy Director of the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. State Department. Our last day, began with a visit to the Middle East Institute and concluded with an exquisite reception graciously hosted by his Excellency Ambassador Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at his residence at the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington DC. In addition, those in attendance at the reception included Dr. Hassan Nasrallah, Embassy Cultural Director, Dr. Hamad Al-Adwani, Cultural Attache, Dr. Abeer Al-Hooli, Cultural Attache, and Ms. Sherouq Sadeqi, Bureau Chief of KUNA.
Air travel for the Washington DC Study Abroad Spring Break course was funded by MENA Holding Company of Kuwait and our sincere thanks goes out to MENA. In addition, MENA kindly provided writing supplies, jackets, T-shirts, bags and umbrellas which were put to good use on a particularly rainy, spring day on the Capitol Mall. ZAIN has offered to cover the seminar expensive and we greatly appreciate that commitment as well.
While in Washington, the students toured the beautiful Library of Congress building, visited the United States Supreme Court Building, the United States Capital Building, and, with the use of passes provided by the office of Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, sat in the U.S. Senate Gallery for a first-hand view of the Senate floor. In addition, our participant students toured the huge University of Maryland Campus and visited the University's Smith School of Business where they were addressed by Sam Kang, Associate Director of MBA and MS Recruiting, as well as several other faculty members.
The students then travelled by bus to New York City where they experienced spring in Central Park on foot, a look at the Empire State Building, Wall Street and the Twin Towers Memorial, a view of the Statute of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, and Time Square at night.
Back in Washington DC our group was addressed by Dr. Patricia K. Kabra, Deputy Director of the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. State Department. Our last day, began with a visit to the Middle East Institute and concluded with an exquisite reception graciously hosted by his Excellency Ambassador Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at his residence at the Embassy of Kuwait in Washington DC. In addition, those in attendance at the reception included Dr. Hassan Nasrallah, Embassy Cultural Director, Dr. Hamad Al-Adwani, Cultural Attache, Dr. Abeer Al-Hooli, Cultural Attache, and Ms. Sherouq Sadeqi, Bureau Chief of KUNA.
Air travel for the Washington DC Study Abroad Spring Break course was funded by MENA Holding Company of Kuwait and our sincere thanks goes out to MENA. In addition, MENA kindly provided writing supplies, jackets, T-shirts, bags and umbrellas which were put to good use on a particularly rainy, spring day on the Capitol Mall. ZAIN has offered to cover the seminar expensive and we greatly appreciate that commitment as well.
A collective image of the AUK students
06, May 2010
AUK Women, Champions of the Gulf Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition For Software Design
"THEY WANT THEY DO" was the final statement of the AUK team as they concluded their presentation before they were announced as the Gulf Microsoft Imagine Cup Champions in Dubai on May 3.
Imagine Cup is the world's premier competition for technology students. It is different in nature from other technology competitions as it focuses on creative solutions that tackle current world issues like poverty, healthcare, education and environment.
The Imagine Cup is one way Microsoft is encouraging young people to apply their imagination, their passion, and their creativity to technology innovations that can help make a difference in the world.
In an intense competition atmosphere between 10 teams from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the UAE, the AUK - all-women team - brought victory to Kuwait and made it through to the world finals to take place in Warsaw, Poland from July 3-8.
AUK's Mariam Al-Najdi, Aisha Al-Rouwaished and Abrar Amin are the first Kuwaiti team to win the Imagine Cup regional competition of software design. Under the mentorship of Dr. Amir Zeid, Program Lead of Computer Science at AUK, they created a software solution (They Want They Do - TWTD) that allows physically handicapped students to use computers for educational purposes. Their project was a winning idea for the value it adds to supporting the disabled and eliminating barriers to their education.
One of the other key factors that made TWTD stand out was its relatively low cost and ease of use in comparison to expensive software and hardware that currently exists for the physically challenged.
AUK has also won the "Mobile Application Development" category of the Gulf Imagine Cup competition last year, with a different team participating under the mentorship of Dr. Zeid.
"We are very proud of our students and excited to represent the university and the Gulf at the world finals in July," said the team's mentor, advisor and coach Dr. Amir Zeid. "We believe Imagine Cup is an excellent platform to provide an outlet for students to explore technological and artistic interests outside the classroom. We commend Microsoft for giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and help them to realize their potential."
Imagine Cup is the world's premier competition for technology students. It is different in nature from other technology competitions as it focuses on creative solutions that tackle current world issues like poverty, healthcare, education and environment.
The Imagine Cup is one way Microsoft is encouraging young people to apply their imagination, their passion, and their creativity to technology innovations that can help make a difference in the world.
In an intense competition atmosphere between 10 teams from Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and the UAE, the AUK - all-women team - brought victory to Kuwait and made it through to the world finals to take place in Warsaw, Poland from July 3-8.
AUK's Mariam Al-Najdi, Aisha Al-Rouwaished and Abrar Amin are the first Kuwaiti team to win the Imagine Cup regional competition of software design. Under the mentorship of Dr. Amir Zeid, Program Lead of Computer Science at AUK, they created a software solution (They Want They Do - TWTD) that allows physically handicapped students to use computers for educational purposes. Their project was a winning idea for the value it adds to supporting the disabled and eliminating barriers to their education.
One of the other key factors that made TWTD stand out was its relatively low cost and ease of use in comparison to expensive software and hardware that currently exists for the physically challenged.
AUK has also won the "Mobile Application Development" category of the Gulf Imagine Cup competition last year, with a different team participating under the mentorship of Dr. Zeid.
"We are very proud of our students and excited to represent the university and the Gulf at the world finals in July," said the team's mentor, advisor and coach Dr. Amir Zeid. "We believe Imagine Cup is an excellent platform to provide an outlet for students to explore technological and artistic interests outside the classroom. We commend Microsoft for giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and help them to realize their potential."
The AUK winning team with Dr. Amir Zeid
06, May 2010
Wataniya Sponsors AUK's project: "Kuwait at 50"
Wataniya is proud to announce the sponsorship of a remarkable project inspired by Kuwaiti people, culture and history. The project, titled "Kuwait at 50", was initiated by Marjorie Kelly, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and the Coordinator of the Gulf Studies program at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). The project aims at documenting Kuwaiti society and culture as it is today. The final product will be available for distribution both in Kuwait and in the United States. For the latter, the goal is to redress stereotypes and present a more accurate image of Gulf society in general and Kuwait in particular "Kuwait at 50" will be organized in four parts: clothing, food and health, architecture and urban development, and recreation and leisure.
"Being given the opportunity to sponsor the "Kuwait at 50" initiative is a very valuable and important asset to us. Our corporate social responsibility strategy is devoted towards supporting such projects and empowering youth in being part of their society's traditions as well as realizing the importance of belonging to a prosperous and giving community," said Wataniya PR Manager Abdol Aziz Al Balool.
A ceremony was held on April 22nd to celebrate the agreement signed by Wataniya and AUK. Mr. Al Balool was present as well as AUK Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan, Dr. Marjorie Kelly, and Ms. Amal Al Binali. Director Public Relations, Marketing and University Government Relations Officer.
Dr. Kelly has been documenting Kuwaiti culture and traditions for the past year using interviews and photographs to produce a time capsule of Kuwait as it is about to celebrate fifty years of independence. President Sullivan said, "It is an honor for this University to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kuwait's independence through this special project. AUK also appreciates Wataniya Telecom's contributions in supporting and aiding this project."
About Wataniya Telecom
Wataniya Telecom was commercially launched in 1999 as the first privately owned operator in Kuwait. In March 2007, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) acquired 51% of Wataniya Telecom shares.
Wataniya is a customer driven company that aims to provide product and service excellence that is leading to a real customer value. The company has been a driving force in increasing the mobile market penetration in Kuwait (over 80%) Wataniya Telecom has grown rapidly through acquisitions and enjoys a remarkable expansion in MENA & ASIA. Driving operations in Kuwait, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and in Palestine.
"Being given the opportunity to sponsor the "Kuwait at 50" initiative is a very valuable and important asset to us. Our corporate social responsibility strategy is devoted towards supporting such projects and empowering youth in being part of their society's traditions as well as realizing the importance of belonging to a prosperous and giving community," said Wataniya PR Manager Abdol Aziz Al Balool.
A ceremony was held on April 22nd to celebrate the agreement signed by Wataniya and AUK. Mr. Al Balool was present as well as AUK Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan, Dr. Marjorie Kelly, and Ms. Amal Al Binali. Director Public Relations, Marketing and University Government Relations Officer.
Dr. Kelly has been documenting Kuwaiti culture and traditions for the past year using interviews and photographs to produce a time capsule of Kuwait as it is about to celebrate fifty years of independence. President Sullivan said, "It is an honor for this University to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kuwait's independence through this special project. AUK also appreciates Wataniya Telecom's contributions in supporting and aiding this project."
About Wataniya Telecom
Wataniya Telecom was commercially launched in 1999 as the first privately owned operator in Kuwait. In March 2007, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) acquired 51% of Wataniya Telecom shares.
Wataniya is a customer driven company that aims to provide product and service excellence that is leading to a real customer value. The company has been a driving force in increasing the mobile market penetration in Kuwait (over 80%) Wataniya Telecom has grown rapidly through acquisitions and enjoys a remarkable expansion in MENA & ASIA. Driving operations in Kuwait, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and in Palestine.
Left to right: Dr. Marjorie Kelly, Dr. Tim Sullivan and Mr. Abdol Aziz Al Balool
26, Apr 2010
AUK students return from Japan where they studied the media and were 'Cultural Ambassadors' for Kuwait
Thirteen students and two instructors from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) came back this week from a special study abroad course that took them to Tokyo, Japan to study Japanese Media and introduced the Japanese to Kuwaiti culture.
The class titled, Comm 389: Special Topics, Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan was the first such trip for the communication and media program, the second largest major at AUK, and allowed the students the opportunity to learn from the Japanese model of conducting and running media enterprises and campaigns in the areas of public relations, advertising and journalism.
"We wanted to give the students something completely foreign to anything they encountered in the field of mass communications. Many had travelled to Europe and North America and we felt Japan's reputation for being pioneers and for innovation was the perfect case study for our first such course," said Charles Mitchell, instructor of journalism at AUK.
Mitchell further added that the students were also ambassadors for Kuwait and AUK. The scenario of Middle East meets Far East was something the University, the instructors and the students were acutely aware of. Not only did the students learn about the Japanese media, they were acting as representatives for education and for Kuwaiti culture. Many of the major media enterprises in Tokyo had never encountered anyone from Kuwait or the Gulf region before and many companies expressed their delight at the fact that they too learned great things about Kuwait, education in the country and about the media through the eyes and opinions of the students.
"I thought they were a curious, intelligent, promising group. They asked a lot of good, honest questions and seemed pretty open-minded and eager to learn. I do perceive that journalism is still young in the Gulf, and it would be great to see the students being part of establishing a vibrant press
presence there," said one local journalist from Tokyo.
Many major Japan-based advertising, public relations firms and news outlets echoed this sentiment. All going on to say how thoroughly impressed they were with the graciousness and expertise the Kuwait students showed while in Japan.
"The trip was very academic and productive. To say we learned a lot is an understatement. However, the fact that many of the Japanese learned so much from us was a pleasant surprise. We really took our roles as ambassadors for Kuwait and our University quite seriously. And we represented both country and University professionally and proudly," said Fatima Al-Sabah, a second-year communication and media student at AUK.
The class titled, Comm 389: Special Topics, Study Abroad in Tokyo, Japan was the first such trip for the communication and media program, the second largest major at AUK, and allowed the students the opportunity to learn from the Japanese model of conducting and running media enterprises and campaigns in the areas of public relations, advertising and journalism.
"We wanted to give the students something completely foreign to anything they encountered in the field of mass communications. Many had travelled to Europe and North America and we felt Japan's reputation for being pioneers and for innovation was the perfect case study for our first such course," said Charles Mitchell, instructor of journalism at AUK.
Mitchell further added that the students were also ambassadors for Kuwait and AUK. The scenario of Middle East meets Far East was something the University, the instructors and the students were acutely aware of. Not only did the students learn about the Japanese media, they were acting as representatives for education and for Kuwaiti culture. Many of the major media enterprises in Tokyo had never encountered anyone from Kuwait or the Gulf region before and many companies expressed their delight at the fact that they too learned great things about Kuwait, education in the country and about the media through the eyes and opinions of the students.
"I thought they were a curious, intelligent, promising group. They asked a lot of good, honest questions and seemed pretty open-minded and eager to learn. I do perceive that journalism is still young in the Gulf, and it would be great to see the students being part of establishing a vibrant press
presence there," said one local journalist from Tokyo.
Many major Japan-based advertising, public relations firms and news outlets echoed this sentiment. All going on to say how thoroughly impressed they were with the graciousness and expertise the Kuwait students showed while in Japan.
"The trip was very academic and productive. To say we learned a lot is an understatement. However, the fact that many of the Japanese learned so much from us was a pleasant surprise. We really took our roles as ambassadors for Kuwait and our University quite seriously. And we represented both country and University professionally and proudly," said Fatima Al-Sabah, a second-year communication and media student at AUK.
AUK students with Charles Mitchell, instructor of Journalism at AUK & Kumi Sato (lady on the far left), President and CEO of Cosmo PR
25, Apr 2010
AUK Host 2nd Al-Kout Festival
The American University of Kuwait campus was converted into an elaborate fair introducing the students and community to the wonders of Kuwaiti heritage for two full days, April 21-22. Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Housing Affairs and Development Affairs, the AUK Arabian Heritage Project (AHP) 2010 Al Kout Festival opened with a great start. Among the attendees were Chair of the Board of AUK Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Vice Chair Mr. Meshal Ali, President of AUK Dr. Tim Sullivan, Board Member Wael Abdulghafour as well as several Ambassadors and dignitaries. The Arabian Heritage Project, under the directorship of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, is a center devoted to promoting and fostering culture in the Peninsula, and the annual Al Kout Festival is a way to bring that heritage alive. "Although the academic lectures, research and scholarship that the Arabian Heritage Project engages in are at the forefront," says Dr. Urkevich, "it is important to invigorate the community and especially students and the youth of Kuwait with events like our Al Kout Festival. As our Al Kout motto states, this is: 'Where Kuwaiti past meets Kuwaiti future." In a speech given by Sheikh Ahmad on Wednesday evening, he noted how delighted he was to see the students engaged in the Al Kout Festival, "This brings back warm memories of my own college days and the activities I was involved in. I am pleased to see our youth so involved in this important heritage project. And I am happy for your happiness."
This was the second Al Kout Festival held at AUK, and the campus was replete with exhibits, events, and a grand bazaar. There were over 14 traditional craftspeople, including boom ship makers, Sadu weavers, and bisht embroiderers. The National Museum provided an elaborate display. Camel rides were offered all day, and Bedouin artisans were available to introduce their craft in a traditional tent surrounded by tools of Bedouin life. A bazaar with dozens of booths and tables lined the central campus, and a car show with antique vehicles was also enjoyed by all. Nearby, one could sit in a traditional tent as AUK students taught the guests how to play old Kuwaiti games and offered traditional food. One hall of the campus was prepared with a fashion runway, and each day, creative young designers of Kuwait presented a fashion show of Arabian dara'a (gowns), which was a new event introduced this year for female participants.
The stage built in the central campus was the focal point where seven hours of performance took place each day. AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically. Kuwaiti "sawt" musicians had a special place during the performance hours, and on day one, the great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir was featured. Famous Bedouin poets presented their art to fascinated students and guests. This year Al Kout has a more comprehensive flavor, as classical South Indian Karnatic music was added to the program. Moreover, a special guest women's band was brought to the campus from Bahrain. This group performed a reenactment of a Gulf wedding ceremony "jelwa" and a Bahraini genre known as Mrada, along with other Gulf pieces. A highlight was that each evening, the festival closed with a great sea band of Kuwait, night one: Bin Hussein Band and night two Mayouf Band. The festival was generously sponsored by Kipco with much support from Burgan Bank, Kuwait Hotels, Gulf Net, and Gulf Insurance, who all manifested their great pride in Kuwaiti heritage. "The festival provides an opportunity for the community and students to witness those special people who keep the culture alive," added Dr. Urkevich.
For more information please contact Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director ArabianHeritage Program M 6611 8298 Ms Rehab El Bahey, Coordinator, Arabian Heritage Project M 99535660
This was the second Al Kout Festival held at AUK, and the campus was replete with exhibits, events, and a grand bazaar. There were over 14 traditional craftspeople, including boom ship makers, Sadu weavers, and bisht embroiderers. The National Museum provided an elaborate display. Camel rides were offered all day, and Bedouin artisans were available to introduce their craft in a traditional tent surrounded by tools of Bedouin life. A bazaar with dozens of booths and tables lined the central campus, and a car show with antique vehicles was also enjoyed by all. Nearby, one could sit in a traditional tent as AUK students taught the guests how to play old Kuwaiti games and offered traditional food. One hall of the campus was prepared with a fashion runway, and each day, creative young designers of Kuwait presented a fashion show of Arabian dara'a (gowns), which was a new event introduced this year for female participants.
The stage built in the central campus was the focal point where seven hours of performance took place each day. AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically. Kuwaiti "sawt" musicians had a special place during the performance hours, and on day one, the great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir was featured. Famous Bedouin poets presented their art to fascinated students and guests. This year Al Kout has a more comprehensive flavor, as classical South Indian Karnatic music was added to the program. Moreover, a special guest women's band was brought to the campus from Bahrain. This group performed a reenactment of a Gulf wedding ceremony "jelwa" and a Bahraini genre known as Mrada, along with other Gulf pieces. A highlight was that each evening, the festival closed with a great sea band of Kuwait, night one: Bin Hussein Band and night two Mayouf Band. The festival was generously sponsored by Kipco with much support from Burgan Bank, Kuwait Hotels, Gulf Net, and Gulf Insurance, who all manifested their great pride in Kuwaiti heritage. "The festival provides an opportunity for the community and students to witness those special people who keep the culture alive," added Dr. Urkevich.
For more information please contact Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director ArabianHeritage Program M 6611 8298 Ms Rehab El Bahey, Coordinator, Arabian Heritage Project M 99535660
H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Housing Affairs and Development Affairs
left to right: Chair of the Board of AUK Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, the Director of the Arabian Heritage Project Dr. Lisa Urkevich
Dr. Lisa Urkevich
President of AUK Dr. Tim Sullivan
left to right: Vice Chair of the Board of AUK Mr. Meshal Ali, Board Member Wael Abdulghafour, Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al Sabah & the USA Ambassador Deborah K. Jones
Various events took place at AUK campus during the 2nd Al-Kout Festival
Poets presented their art to audience
Poets presented their art to audience
The great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir
The great Salman Al Ammari sawt master and his large backup choir
AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically
AUK students were featured performing both classical western and Kuwaiti traditional pieces that they themselves often arranged musically
Nick Knezek, Dartmouth College intern at AUK performs during the festival
Classical South Indian Karnatic music was presented during the festival
Bin Hussein Sea Band performs on the stage
Traditional Women's band from Bahrain performed during the festival
Traditional Women's band from Bahrain performed during the festival
AUK students took part in organizing Al-Kout festival
22, Apr 2010
IEP Director says goodbye to AUK
Margaret Combs, founding Director of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), is leaving the institution for another opportunity. Ms. Combs has been at AUK since the beginning and has served the institution tirelessly, and with integrity. She laid the foundation of a solid program in Intensive English, recruited qualified and talented faculty, established and put into place policies and procedures. Her leadership of the IEP secured for the institution US accreditation from the Commission on Intensive English Program Accreditation, making AUK's IEP the only accredited Intensive English Program in Kuwait, and second in the region. Her commitment, hard work, and dedication will always remain an intrinsic and fundamental part of AUK's history.
"There won't be a day in my life that I'm not thinking about the American University of Kuwait and the contribution this institution has made in the region. It has been a great honor and an enormous pleasure to serve AUK for the past six years. I realize that I may never again face challenges of the same intensity, nor enjoy the exhilaration of working with such outstanding people," she said.
"There won't be a day in my life that I'm not thinking about the American University of Kuwait and the contribution this institution has made in the region. It has been a great honor and an enormous pleasure to serve AUK for the past six years. I realize that I may never again face challenges of the same intensity, nor enjoy the exhilaration of working with such outstanding people," she said.
Margaret Combs, founding Director of the Intensive English Program (IEP)
