News
14, Apr 2010
Under the Patronage of H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al Sabah Arabian Heritage Project at AUK to hold its Second Annual Al-Kout Festival
The American University of Kuwait's Arabian Heritage Project (AHP) will hold its Second Annual 'Al-Kout Festival' under the Patronage of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, State Minister for Housing Affairs and State Minister of Development Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on April 21-22, 2010, from 12 pm to 7 pm. The Festival is open to the public and will host many prestigious organizations throughout Kuwait, including the National Museum, Youm Al Bahar, Sadu House, Dar al-Athar al-Isalmiya, and leading artisans in the community.
Different units on campus will also have displays or present presentations, including the student clubs and the academic programs. Also, several noted craftspeople will be giving demonstrations and there will be repeated performances by at least two sea bands as well as musicians and bands from Bahrain and India.
Under the motto of "Where Kuwaiti Past Meets Kuwaiti Future" the festival will present a microcosm of old Kuwait where the community visitors and students can see up close what life was like in the past. One can ride a camel, taste Kuwaiti bread cooked on an open fire, watch a carpenter make part of a boom, hear traditional poetry and listen to old sea songs. But also, we will present the Kuwait of the future, with examples of future dara'a clothing, poems by young poets, and the union of Modern and traditional music.
The 'Al-Kout Festival' is sponsored by KIPCO Holding Co., Gulf Insurance Company, Burgan Bank, GulfNet and Kuwait Hotels.
The Arabian Heritage Project (AHP) is a center at AUK dedicated to fostering, documenting, and celebrating the traditional cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. The project is involved with a variety of traditions, including those of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the Yemen, and related Middle Eastern countries and parts of Africa and India. The Project serves the needs of Kuwait and the region through education and outreach pertaining to a myriad of customs including music, crafts, folklore, literature, poetry, ritual, and community traditions.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is a liberal arts institution, based on the American model of higher education. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self-awareness, and personal growth experiences that can enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. AUK seeks to create leaders and life-long learners who aspire to the highest standards of moral and ethical responsibility in their societies.
For more information about Al-Kout Festival, please contact:
Dr. Lisa Urkevich
Director, Arabian Heritage Project
Associate Professor
American University of Kuwait
Tel; +965-2224-8399 Ext. 410
M: + 965 6611 8298
Email:ArabaianHeritage@auk.edu.kw
Images from last year's Al-Kout Festival
Different units on campus will also have displays or present presentations, including the student clubs and the academic programs. Also, several noted craftspeople will be giving demonstrations and there will be repeated performances by at least two sea bands as well as musicians and bands from Bahrain and India.
Under the motto of "Where Kuwaiti Past Meets Kuwaiti Future" the festival will present a microcosm of old Kuwait where the community visitors and students can see up close what life was like in the past. One can ride a camel, taste Kuwaiti bread cooked on an open fire, watch a carpenter make part of a boom, hear traditional poetry and listen to old sea songs. But also, we will present the Kuwait of the future, with examples of future dara'a clothing, poems by young poets, and the union of Modern and traditional music.
The 'Al-Kout Festival' is sponsored by KIPCO Holding Co., Gulf Insurance Company, Burgan Bank, GulfNet and Kuwait Hotels.
The Arabian Heritage Project (AHP) is a center at AUK dedicated to fostering, documenting, and celebrating the traditional cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. The project is involved with a variety of traditions, including those of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the Yemen, and related Middle Eastern countries and parts of Africa and India. The Project serves the needs of Kuwait and the region through education and outreach pertaining to a myriad of customs including music, crafts, folklore, literature, poetry, ritual, and community traditions.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is a liberal arts institution, based on the American model of higher education. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self-awareness, and personal growth experiences that can enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. AUK seeks to create leaders and life-long learners who aspire to the highest standards of moral and ethical responsibility in their societies.
For more information about Al-Kout Festival, please contact:
Dr. Lisa Urkevich
Director, Arabian Heritage Project
Associate Professor
American University of Kuwait
Tel; +965-2224-8399 Ext. 410
M: + 965 6611 8298
Email:ArabaianHeritage@auk.edu.kw
Images from last year's Al-Kout Festival
13, Apr 2010
Spanish Ambassador at AUK
On the 6th of April, the Spanish Ambassador, His Excellency Don Manuel Gomez de Valenzuela, gave a lecture in English at AUK about "The Importance of Spanish Language in the World". A large number of students, faculty members and guests were present. The Ambassador, an experienced linguist, explained the hierarchy of languages in the world where Spanish occupies a preponderant rank. Spanish is the official language in 21 countries. This is the second most used language in international communication, and an official language of the UN and its organizations. The Ambassador spoke about how the Spanish language is a powerful communication tool across America, Europe, Asia and Africa, increasingly important in business as well as career matters and that over time the need to learn Spanish will continue to be on the rise.
After the lecture, His Excellency, in conjunction with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, kindly donated, for the second time, a good collection of Spanish books to the AUK library to encourage the growing interest in the language and culture of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.
This is an auspicious start for AUK's Foreign Languages program.
After the lecture, His Excellency, in conjunction with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, kindly donated, for the second time, a good collection of Spanish books to the AUK library to encourage the growing interest in the language and culture of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.
This is an auspicious start for AUK's Foreign Languages program.
The Spanish Ambassador, His Excellency Don Manuel Gomez de Valenzuela
Director of the AUK library Miss Amna Al-Omare receives the second collection of Spanish books from His Excellency, in conjunction with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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01, Apr 2010
Selected Projects from AUK's Graphic Design Program
AUK's Graphic Design Program selected projects from Fall 2009 semester Poster Design course, taught by Professor Hosseinnia. The posters were exhibited in the Sadu House during Dr. Keireine Canavan's lecture "Discovered Through Translation" on March 23, 2010.
Each student's objective was to conceptualize and design a poster for the Sadu lecture and workshop which was held at AUK in November 2009 under the direction and guidance of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director of the Arabian Heritage Project.
This class met once a week for 2.45 hours. Students had four weeks to research, process and take their ideas through competition. Each explored with variety of mediums to investigate the notion of Sadu weaving such as: photography, drawing, making letters out of threads and created a setup to capture the essence of Sadu. Students expressed with their craft through juxtaposition of image and text, exploring with design elements, texture, color, grid, composition, hierarchy.
Each student's objective was to conceptualize and design a poster for the Sadu lecture and workshop which was held at AUK in November 2009 under the direction and guidance of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director of the Arabian Heritage Project.
This class met once a week for 2.45 hours. Students had four weeks to research, process and take their ideas through competition. Each explored with variety of mediums to investigate the notion of Sadu weaving such as: photography, drawing, making letters out of threads and created a setup to capture the essence of Sadu. Students expressed with their craft through juxtaposition of image and text, exploring with design elements, texture, color, grid, composition, hierarchy.
28, Mar 2010
AUK Students to Visit the United States
The American University of Kuwait is announcing its first large scale academic visit by its students to the United States in April 2010. The trip will include 41 AUK students together with three academic advisors. Dr. Mohsen Bagnied, Head of the Business and Economics Division, Dr. Marcia Denny, Assistant Professor of Business Law, and Ms. Loubna Saksak, Coordinator. The trip will include visits to both Washington, DC and New York City. The study abroad trip (Marketing 389) will include a two-day intensive training seminars on International Marketing and International Business. The seminars will be given by two Senior Professors from the University of Maryland University College. The trip will also include visits to the World Bank, the UN International Monetary Fund, the University of Maryland College Park Campus, Congress, The White House, the Library of Congress, US State Department, the Smithsonian Institute, and Wall Street in New York. The Embassy of Kuwait in Washington, DC will host a dinner reception for the Group by H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Salem Abdulla Al-Jabir Al-Sabah. Also the Kuwaiti Consulate in New York City will have a lunch reception for the AUK group.
There are two major sponsors for the trip. MENA Holding Company who paid for all Airfares to the United States, and provided academic supplies to the group. ZAIN who will be covering all the costs of the two-day intensive training programs in Washington DC. The US Embassy in Kuwait will offer an orientation Seminar for the participants.
MRKT 389 is the 3rd study abroad trip organized by the Business and Economics Division during the Spring 2010. The first was to Mexico (FINC 389), and the Second was to Milan, Italy (FINC 389). Such Study Abroad trips will enrich the global business educational experience of AUK students, and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.
There are two major sponsors for the trip. MENA Holding Company who paid for all Airfares to the United States, and provided academic supplies to the group. ZAIN who will be covering all the costs of the two-day intensive training programs in Washington DC. The US Embassy in Kuwait will offer an orientation Seminar for the participants.
MRKT 389 is the 3rd study abroad trip organized by the Business and Economics Division during the Spring 2010. The first was to Mexico (FINC 389), and the Second was to Milan, Italy (FINC 389). Such Study Abroad trips will enrich the global business educational experience of AUK students, and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.
A collective photo of the participants
28, Mar 2010
AUK Student Wins Chopin Piano Competition
Faisal G. Al-Bahairi, an AUK sophomore majoring in English, won first prize at the inaugural Gulf International Chopin Piano Competition on March 20, 2010. Al-Bahairi competed against more than eighty talented participants from around the world, including those from the Gulf and other Middle Eastern countries, Poland, Armenia, and several Asian nations.
Al-Bahairi said, "I am so happy to have won. The competition was steep and everyone was intense. My one concern was half of the participants were my friends, all excellent pianists. We were all afraid that one of us would win and the others would be upset. But we agreed beforehand, that no matter what, nothing would change. We would stay friends and support each other."
Along with taking first prize in the over 12 competition, Al-Bahairi also won the Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al-Sabah Special Prize, the Hungarian Embassy Prize for best performance of a Liszt piece, and best Kuwaiti participant prize. Al-Bahairi said, "I am especially proud that I was able to represent my country. I decided for the performance to wear a dishdasha, my national dress. I think it is important to let people know, you can be very interested in international culture, but still be proud of your own country and people."
Al-Bahairi is a piano student of Dr. Elena Tsenkova, and he would "like to thank her greatly for all of her help and support."
15, Mar 2010
AUK hosts 5th Annual International Week
The Office of Student Life at The American University of Kuwait organized its 5th Annual International Week on March 7-11, 2010. International Week was a collaborative effort that included numerous and diverse events including informational booths represented by various countries' embassies, the Global Warming Forum, cultural foods, and traditional arts and clothing. 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 more personal development opportunities for students.
The program was executed in association with AUK clubs and organizations such as the Diplomatic Club, MUN-AUK, Al Akhdar Environmental Club, and the Entrepreneurship and Business Club. A number of volunteer students joined forces with The Office of Student Life to ensure the smooth running of the diverse events that the week offered.
Each day of the week was dedicated to a region of the world. The first day, Africa and the Arab World Day, saw representatives from a variety of African and Arab embassies in Kuwait participate in the Country Recourses Fair. The Participating countries include Niger, Sudan, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Other countries represented by AUK students included Qatar and Lebanon.
The second day was designated as Europe day. This day saw a variety of European countries' embassies partake in the Country Resource Fair. Representatives from countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland and Azerbaijan were all present on campus. Other countries represented by AUK students included Belgium, Spain, Italy and Armenia.
The third day, North and South America Day, witnessed representatives from the embassies of the United States of America, Canada and Argentina take part in the Country Resource Fair. In addition to these countries, Amideast Organization was also present on campus.
The same day was host to The Global Warming Forum. This event involved a fruitful discussion presented by Dr. Lulwa Ali an Environmental Research Scientist from Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Ms. Sandra Al-Saleh Managing Partner of Equilibrium, Prof. Ralph Palliam AUK's Associate Professor of Business Administration, AUK's Prof. Ahlam Alaki -Assistant Professor of English and MUNAUK and Al Akhdar Environmental Club representatives. The discussion panel oversaw the effects of global warming and climate change from a scientific, social and economic stand point.
Asia Day, saw representatives from a variety of countries embassies in Kuwait partake in the Country Resources Fair; countries included Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Japan. During the Country Resources Fair, countries had the opportunity to represent themselves to a diverse body of AUK students, faculty and staff. This AUK body had the opportunity to ask the representatives from the various embassies a large array of questions related to the countries people, their history, culture and tourism. Representatives also offered informational presentations.
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 three winners were awarded prizes.
The 5th Annual International Week provided various opportunities for students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. 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 Diplomatic Club, MUN-AUK, Al Akhdar Environmental Club, and the Entrepreneurship and Business Club. A number of volunteer students joined forces with The Office of Student Life to ensure the smooth running of the diverse events that the week offered.
Each day of the week was dedicated to a region of the world. The first day, Africa and the Arab World Day, saw representatives from a variety of African and Arab embassies in Kuwait participate in the Country Recourses Fair. The Participating countries include Niger, Sudan, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, UAE and Saudi Arabia. Other countries represented by AUK students included Qatar and Lebanon.
The second day was designated as Europe day. This day saw a variety of European countries' embassies partake in the Country Resource Fair. Representatives from countries like France, Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland and Azerbaijan were all present on campus. Other countries represented by AUK students included Belgium, Spain, Italy and Armenia.
The third day, North and South America Day, witnessed representatives from the embassies of the United States of America, Canada and Argentina take part in the Country Resource Fair. In addition to these countries, Amideast Organization was also present on campus.
The same day was host to The Global Warming Forum. This event involved a fruitful discussion presented by Dr. Lulwa Ali an Environmental Research Scientist from Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Ms. Sandra Al-Saleh Managing Partner of Equilibrium, Prof. Ralph Palliam AUK's Associate Professor of Business Administration, AUK's Prof. Ahlam Alaki -Assistant Professor of English and MUNAUK and Al Akhdar Environmental Club representatives. The discussion panel oversaw the effects of global warming and climate change from a scientific, social and economic stand point.
Asia Day, saw representatives from a variety of countries embassies in Kuwait partake in the Country Resources Fair; countries included Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Japan. During the Country Resources Fair, countries had the opportunity to represent themselves to a diverse body of AUK students, faculty and staff. This AUK body had the opportunity to ask the representatives from the various embassies a large array of questions related to the countries people, their history, culture and tourism. Representatives also offered informational presentations.
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 three winners were awarded prizes.
The 5th Annual International Week provided various opportunities for students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. It also cultivated a sense of social responsibility to others, fostered cultural collaboration, and communication, as well as offered civic, personal, and organizational leadership.
11, Mar 2010
MP Al-Awadhi Chat with AUK Community
The American University of Kuwait's Division of Student Affairs celebrated International Women's Day by inviting one of Kuwait's first female Parliamentarians for a mid-morning chat with students, staff and faculty. The discussion took place on Thursday, March 11 at 10 am in AUK's multipurpose room in front of a full audience.
MP Al-Awadhi took questions from the crowd regarding some of the challenges she faces as a female in Parliament, the future of education in Kuwait and the current state of politics and policy making in the country. In the spirit of International Women's Day, MP Al-Awadhi advised young females to have confidence in themselves and in their abilities and to be persistent in whatever it is they try to attain in life. She encouraged them to raise society's standards of women and to formulate their own identity.
MP Al-Awadhi ended the lively discussion by thanking the audience and AUK for inviting her and for creating a venue whereby such discussions can take place.
MP Al-Awadhi took questions from the crowd regarding some of the challenges she faces as a female in Parliament, the future of education in Kuwait and the current state of politics and policy making in the country. In the spirit of International Women's Day, MP Al-Awadhi advised young females to have confidence in themselves and in their abilities and to be persistent in whatever it is they try to attain in life. She encouraged them to raise society's standards of women and to formulate their own identity.
MP Al-Awadhi ended the lively discussion by thanking the audience and AUK for inviting her and for creating a venue whereby such discussions can take place.
MP Al-Awadhi with AUK Acting Director of Student Life Miss Fatema Hayat
A view of the audience
08, Mar 2010
AUK Participates in its 7th Educare Exhibition
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is pleased to announce its participation in Educare 2010 for the 7th consecutive year. The annual education and career development exhibition will be held at the Kuwait International Fair (KIF) fairgrounds from 8-11 March, 2010.
The AUK Admissions team will be available at the exhibition to offer information and answer questions about the admissions process, campus life, and the different academic programs available at the University. Currently, the University offers the following degree programs:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and Management.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in: Communication and Media, English, Graphic Design, International Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in: Computer Science, Information Systems.
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in: Computer Engineering
In addition, the Intensive English Program (IEP) at AUK offers courses that are designed to prepare non-native English speakers for the academic tasks required of them in their first and successive years of university education.
Representatives from the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK will also be available at the exhibition to inform visitors about the extensive catalog of courses and programs the Center has to offer.
The American University of Kuwait is a liberal arts institution, based on the American model of higher education, fully accredited by the Private Universities Council. AUK has a memorandum of cooperation and understanding with Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution established in 1769, in New Hampshire (USA).
The AUK Admissions team will be available at the exhibition to offer information and answer questions about the admissions process, campus life, and the different academic programs available at the University. Currently, the University offers the following degree programs:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and Management.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in: Communication and Media, English, Graphic Design, International Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in: Computer Science, Information Systems.
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in: Computer Engineering
In addition, the Intensive English Program (IEP) at AUK offers courses that are designed to prepare non-native English speakers for the academic tasks required of them in their first and successive years of university education.
Representatives from the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK will also be available at the exhibition to inform visitors about the extensive catalog of courses and programs the Center has to offer.
The American University of Kuwait is a liberal arts institution, based on the American model of higher education, fully accredited by the Private Universities Council. AUK has a memorandum of cooperation and understanding with Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution established in 1769, in New Hampshire (USA).
Images from the exhibition
04, Mar 2010
AUK Celebrates National and Liberation Day
The American University of Kuwait commemorated Kuwait's National and Liberation Days by holding a three day celebration from February 21-23, where they held plays, competitions among other events for the AUK community. Organized by the Office of Student Life in association with several AUK clubs and organizations that included; SGA, Patriots Club, Cooperation Club and Arabic Literature Club. The three day event saw the Campus decorated with the colors of the flag and hosted several events including a book fair, a poetry reading by Abdulaziz Saud Al-Babtain and a live band performing traditional Kuwaiti music as well as buffet featuring traditional Kuwaiti food. The Cooperation Club at AUK also organized a ceremony honoring Martyr children at AUK in association with the Martyr Office.
Images from the martyrs' children recognition ceremony
SGA: National Q&A Public Competition
Poet Abdulaziz Saud Al-Bubtain with memebers of the Arab Literature Club
Images from the celebrations that took place at the AUK campus
01, Mar 2010
AUK Inaugurates Members of Sigma Tau Delta
Eight American University of Kuwait students were inducted into Sigma Tau Delta on February 18th, the American-based international honor society promoting excellence in the study of English. Joining the ranks of over 750 internationally active chapters, the Alpha Rho Eta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta at AUK became the first chapter to be established in the Middle East.
The induction welcomed family members of the eight students receiving their membership pins and certificates from Sigma Tau Delta and words of encouragement, congratulations and guidance from the AUK administration and faculty. During the course of the ceremony Dr. Tim Sullivan, AUK's Interim President, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Dr. Craig Loomis, Division Head of Humanities & Arts offered brief remarks. After the traditional distribution of pins and certificates, Nuha Al-Fadli, Sigma Tau Delta President, concluded the night by thanking families and instructors for their support and dedication, and for fostering an environment of free critical, cultural, and intellectual exchange. It is through this combined effort that the inductees are prepared to uphold the Sigma Tau Delta's motto of "sincerity, truth and design."
To become honor society members, AUK students had to earn above a 3.1 GPA in upper level courses in English literature and be recommended by their professors as students who represent the best in scholarship and honor at AUK.
As one of the newest chapters in Sigma Tau Delta, the Alpha Rho Eta chapter at AUK is committed to excellence in the discipline of English and takes its responsibility of being a "first" in the Middle East seriously. Seeking to embrace that responsibility, the members plan to host an event that celebrates literature at AUK and to deliver a panel presentation in the United States.
In March, some of the AUK English honor society will present a panel at the 2010 Sigma Tau Delta convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Entitled Sand, Camels, Oil and Shakespeare: Reconciling our Arabian Gulf Identity with Studying English Literature, AUK's panel will take a comparative, intercultural, interdisciplinary approach to our experience as literature majors in the Middle East. In weaving literary theory, anthropological research, and cultural studies, members will demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and leadership skills AUK students manage to acquire while remaining sensitive to regional and cultural restrictions. Through this exciting academic experience, the presenters wish to shatter some of the misconceptions that enshroud Gulf countries and raise greater awareness to the unique position their citizens occupy as both members of the Muslim society and larger global community. Hence, they will seek to modify current academic and political discourse that centers on the Middle East.
In addition to educating convention attendees, the participants will also have the opportunity to meet internationally renowned writers such as Chris Abani, author of Song for Night and Graceland, Judith Ortiz Cofer, author of The Meaning of Consuelo and Li-Young Lee, author of The Winged Seed: A Rememberance and The City in Which I Love You.
Before traveling to the United States, the Sigma Tau Delta members will share their passion for literature and the arts with the larger AUK community by hosting a read-in in an Arabic setting. They will invite AUK students, faculty and staff to read from Chris Abani, author of Song for Night in a simple tribute to the magical quality of the written word.
While Sigma Tau Delta is a new organization at AUK, it holds great potential for its members and the larger AUK community. When asked about her experience, Nuha Al-Fadli stated, "It is truly a privilege to belong to such a prestigious and intellectually stimulating organization. We all have great hopes for Sigma Tau Delta. I am sure our chapter will bring unique ideas and exciting events to both AUK and Sigma Tau Delta."
Sigma Tau Delta Faculty Advisor
Dr. Kathy Nixon
Sigma Tau Delta Officers:
President: Nuha Al-Fadli
Vice President: Fatema Al-Haji
Secretary: Alia Aref
Treasurer: Amnah Ibraheem
Sigma Tau Delta Members:
Nur Soliman
Kawther Sadeq
Dana Al-Failakawi
Mohammed Hassan
The induction welcomed family members of the eight students receiving their membership pins and certificates from Sigma Tau Delta and words of encouragement, congratulations and guidance from the AUK administration and faculty. During the course of the ceremony Dr. Tim Sullivan, AUK's Interim President, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Dr. Craig Loomis, Division Head of Humanities & Arts offered brief remarks. After the traditional distribution of pins and certificates, Nuha Al-Fadli, Sigma Tau Delta President, concluded the night by thanking families and instructors for their support and dedication, and for fostering an environment of free critical, cultural, and intellectual exchange. It is through this combined effort that the inductees are prepared to uphold the Sigma Tau Delta's motto of "sincerity, truth and design."
To become honor society members, AUK students had to earn above a 3.1 GPA in upper level courses in English literature and be recommended by their professors as students who represent the best in scholarship and honor at AUK.
As one of the newest chapters in Sigma Tau Delta, the Alpha Rho Eta chapter at AUK is committed to excellence in the discipline of English and takes its responsibility of being a "first" in the Middle East seriously. Seeking to embrace that responsibility, the members plan to host an event that celebrates literature at AUK and to deliver a panel presentation in the United States.
In March, some of the AUK English honor society will present a panel at the 2010 Sigma Tau Delta convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Entitled Sand, Camels, Oil and Shakespeare: Reconciling our Arabian Gulf Identity with Studying English Literature, AUK's panel will take a comparative, intercultural, interdisciplinary approach to our experience as literature majors in the Middle East. In weaving literary theory, anthropological research, and cultural studies, members will demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and leadership skills AUK students manage to acquire while remaining sensitive to regional and cultural restrictions. Through this exciting academic experience, the presenters wish to shatter some of the misconceptions that enshroud Gulf countries and raise greater awareness to the unique position their citizens occupy as both members of the Muslim society and larger global community. Hence, they will seek to modify current academic and political discourse that centers on the Middle East.
In addition to educating convention attendees, the participants will also have the opportunity to meet internationally renowned writers such as Chris Abani, author of Song for Night and Graceland, Judith Ortiz Cofer, author of The Meaning of Consuelo and Li-Young Lee, author of The Winged Seed: A Rememberance and The City in Which I Love You.
Before traveling to the United States, the Sigma Tau Delta members will share their passion for literature and the arts with the larger AUK community by hosting a read-in in an Arabic setting. They will invite AUK students, faculty and staff to read from Chris Abani, author of Song for Night in a simple tribute to the magical quality of the written word.
While Sigma Tau Delta is a new organization at AUK, it holds great potential for its members and the larger AUK community. When asked about her experience, Nuha Al-Fadli stated, "It is truly a privilege to belong to such a prestigious and intellectually stimulating organization. We all have great hopes for Sigma Tau Delta. I am sure our chapter will bring unique ideas and exciting events to both AUK and Sigma Tau Delta."
Sigma Tau Delta Faculty Advisor
Dr. Kathy Nixon
Sigma Tau Delta Officers:
President: Nuha Al-Fadli
Vice President: Fatema Al-Haji
Secretary: Alia Aref
Treasurer: Amnah Ibraheem
Sigma Tau Delta Members:
Nur Soliman
Kawther Sadeq
Dana Al-Failakawi
Mohammed Hassan
A group photo of the ceremony attendees
