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Organized by the German Embassy and the AUK Visual Performing Arts Program under the direction of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, the concert featured works by Mozart, Klughardt, and Ibert and was open to the public. Arirang Quintet's master class, a few days before the concert, especially welcomed students, as the quintet offered coaching and answer questions from the musical audience. Dr. Urkevich said, "The attendance was wonderful. We had over 150 students and teachers from the community participating. The students were very involved, asking questions, and performing alongside the professionals."
During the week they also performed at the German Ambassador's residence during the reception on the occasion of the Day of German Unity. "I am very happy that we could attract such talent to Kuwait" says the German Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Michael Worbs. "Because the concert at AUK is public, many people in Kuwait will get a chance to enjoy the performance of Arirang Quintet."
Arirang Quintet members Friedrich Haberstock (flute), Jorg Schneider (oboe), Steffen Dillner (clarinet), Sebastian Schindler (French horn), and Monika Schneider (bassoon) presented a short demonstration of their virtuosity on their respective instruments. They also shared their perspectives on practicing, performing, and the empowering nature of music in the hopes of inspiring these young musicians.
"This is the first time for us to play in Kuwait and in the Gulf region," says bassoonist Monika Schneider, "and we are really excited." Dr. Urkevich added, "These wind quintet musical events at AUK provide an especially good opportunity for our students and the community since wind instrument performers, who play the instruments that are featured by the Arirang Quintet, are quite rare in Kuwait, indeed, in the Gulf region in general."
Matthew Forman, a music major at Dartmouth College in the US interning at AUK through the University's partnership with Dartmouth, said, "Collaboration between students and professionals is critical for the students' development as musicians and reaffirms the musicians' commitment to their craft."
The Arirang Wind Quintet was formed in 2002 and is comprised of members from the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, which is one of the leading orchestras in Germany. The musicians of the Arirang Quintet were chosen from over 25,000 students from German music conservatories, and they manifest the highest performance standards. The repertoire of the ensemble consists of Classical, Romantic, and contemporary pieces, including several works which the group debuts.
Front row: AUK student and AUK intern from Dartmouth College with musicians
The lecture is in line with AUK's several safety measures taken to ensure the security and safety of everyone on Campus. AUK is working towards making the Campus as healthy as possible, by working closely with the Kuwait Ministry of Health to monitor flu conditions as well as decide on the best way to proceed. As a precaution the University provides hand sanitizers and face masks are available upon request. Provisions will also be made for students who are sick and provide medical documentation. The University has also issued a list to students, faculty and staff on what each individual can do to help keep AUK's Campus safe and healthy for everyone. As well as some tips on what to do should an individual experience flu-like symptoms.
Below are extra measures currently being taken by AUK to safeguard the University Campus:
- AUK formed a working group to coordinate campus-wide efforts related to H1N1, to work with the relevant Ministries, and to develop contingency plans.
- AUK's website currently contains H1N1 information regarding preventative measures, useful resources, and will include further details on AUK's efforts to handle this pandemic.
- Posters and flyers are posted around AUK's campus to inform all members of the AUK community.
- Hand washing signs have been placed in wash rooms, and wash rooms are being checked even more regularly for stock and cleaning needs.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers & disposable wipes are being made available in public areas.
- Regularly scheduled cleaning of high traffic surface areas (door handles, elevator panels, labs, etc.) is underway.
- E-mails have been sent out to students giving instructions on ways to stay healthy and how to be academically responsible if you feel unwell.
The ceremony hosted a number of keynote addresses regarding AUK's Motto Learn.Think.Become. These keynote addresses were given by AUK President Marina Tolmacheva, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross. In addition, members of the Dean's Council and Faculty and SGA President were part of the ceremony and each represented and described key components and symbols representative of AUK including, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors. The AUK Seal, as the significant symbol of the University, was described in even more detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including a Book, the Dhow, a Falcon, and the Torch. The ceremony concluded with the representation of the Torch, which stands for freedom and the passing of the light of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next, and a candle lighting ceremony was held with AUK's First Year students participating.
The Convocation Ceremony served as the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week Festivities mainly catering First Year students. During this week, many events were put on to welcome all students to campus including a Welcome Back Barbeque and a Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings including Convocation, "Meet Your Professor" Reception, Class Photo, and an off-campus event. This program promotes the unity of the AUK community and helps students in their transition into University life at AUK.
The gathering was attended by AUK President Dr. Marina Tolmacheva who welcomed the attending faculty and staff and their guests.
Images from the Ghabga:
The delegates will participate in debates in one of three committees:
The Gulf Cooperation Council, which is designated for the more experienced students, as it will entertain a higher level of debates and detail in topics.
The Security Council, which will also be a higher level committee as it covers critical, in-depth issues.
The General Assembly will be hosting more than 100 delegates. The General Assembly is the committee where delegates can best demonstrate their rhetorical and public speaking skills.
The opening ceremony will be attended by high ranking officials, Ambassadors and dignitaries, some of whom will give opening remarks. Following the welcoming note, the gavel will be struck by the Secretary General of the conference signifying the opening of the debate sessions.
The Model United Nations organization at the American University of Kuwait (MUNAUK) has participated in numerous international conferences and received significant awards
The organization also hosted a major political lecture whereby several Parliamentary candidates spoke about their policies and politics prior to the 2009 elections.
This conference is sponsored by platinum sponsors, Zain Telecom, Gulf Bank and Wataniya Airways, as well as gold sponsor, Cinescape.
The Visual-Performing Arts Program at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) in cooperation with the German Embassy in Kuwait are hosting a music recital by the world renowned Arirang Wind Quintet.
The Arirang Wind Quintet will be participating in two events that will be held at AUK. A master class will be offered at AUK's Liberal Arts Auditorium at 1 pm on October 3rd, 2009, where talented students/musicians can bring a wind-quintet instrument to the class, and a chance to be coached by a quintet member. On October 5th, 2009 at 7pm, the Arirang Wind Quintet will perform at AUK's Liberal Arts Auditorium for the general public including the AUK community, local high schools, as well as invited guests.
The Arirang Wind Quintet was formed in 2002 and is comprised of members from the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, which is one of the leading orchestras in Germany. The musicians of the Arirang Quintet have been chosen from over 25,000 students from German music conservatories, and they manifest the highest performance standards. The repertoire of the ensemble consists of Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary pieces, including several works which the group debuts.
Arirang Wind Quintet Members:
Flute: Friedrich Haberstock
Oboe: Jorg Schneider
Clarinet: Steffen Dillner
French Horn: Sebastian Schindler
Bassoon: Monika Schneider
For more information on the Arirang Wind Quinte, please go to: http://www.arirang-quintett.de
For more information on the events, email: lurkevich@auk.edu.kw
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Program Meets International Standards for Academic, Administrative Excellence
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) announced today that the Intensive English Program (IEP) has been granted international accreditation from the U.S.-based Commission on English Language Programs Accreditation (CEA).
"It is a tremendous achievement not only for AUK as the first intensive English program to be internationally accredited in Kuwait, but also for the English as a Second Language profession," stated IEP Director Margaret Combs. "We are honored to have been accredited by the CEA and know that our students will value this esteemed approval from an internationally recognized accrediting organization." Ms. Combs co-founded IEP in 2004 as an integral part of the founding of AUK.
CEA conducts a site visit at AUK February 25, 2009 from Left to Right Teresa O'Donnell, Sarah Klinghammer, Dr. Marina Tolmacheva, the AUK President, Margaret Combs, the IEP Director, Mark Algren.
Over the course of 2007 and 2008, IEP conducted a rigorous examination of the entire University and prepared a self-study report for the CEA. All program materials were sent for review to internationally recognized subject specialists chosen by the CEA. A team of international evaluators conducted an onsite review in February 2009 that included financial audits, student services assessment and a survey of all procedures. Based on this entire process and the teams' report to the CEA Accrediting Commission, IEP was granted international accreditation.
CEA- Site evaluator Sarah Klinghammer meeting with the IEP female students at AUK.
"AUK Intensive English Program deserves praise and tremendous respect for gaining international accreditation from CEA," stated AUK President Dr. Marina Tolmacheva. "CEA was specifically created [in the United States] to assure global application of high academic standards in the teaching of Intensive English. English competence is increasingly necessary to succeed in today's world, and especially to succeed in pursuing university degrees that are internationally recognized."
"AUK is a young institution, and gaining international accreditation for our foundational program in English is testimony to the academic rigor, quality curriculum, and our excellent teaching faculty," acknowledged Tolmacheva. "The fact that, from the start, AUK is granted the five-year (Maximum) accreditation term is proof of confidence the Commission has not only in the quality of our program, but also in the ability of AUK to sustain the high quality of instruction and to progress further for the benefit of our students."
AUK is the second institution to achieve CEA accreditation for its Intensive English Program in the region - not only in the Gulf, but in the Middle East.
Based in Alexandria, Virginia, CEA was founded in 1999 by English language professionals as a specialized accrediting agency. Its purpose is to provide a means for improving the quality of English language teaching and administration through accepted standards. CEA conducts accreditation reviews in the U.S. and internationally.
CEA is recognized by the United States Department of Education, whose approval attests to the high quality of CEA as an accrediting agency. The recognition allows English language institutions in the United States to use CEA accreditation for purposes of certification to admit international students.
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emergency number for Kuwait
will change from "777" to
"112" effective 01 January 2010.
Dr. Dakhli was recognized for his excellent work as Editor of the ACBSP 2009 Conference Proceedings. Prof. Cripps was recognized as one of the new ACBSP accreditors and he met with fellow members of the ACBSP Articulation Committee. Prof. Cripps and Dr. Dakhli were photographed with Dr. Jack Egan, President of the ACBSP. After accepting invitations to help with the 2009 International Regional conference Prof. Cripps and Dr. Dakhli were also photographed with Dr. Peter Horn, President of the International Region of ACBSP.
Ashley Edwards was born and raised in Long Beach, California where she lived until 2004 when she started her undergraduate career at Illinois State University, taking advantage of their Minority Academic Scholarship. In May 2008, she received her Bachelor's in Family and Consumer Sciences with a minor in Psychology. A few months later, she started her graduate degree in College Student Personnel Administration, also at Illinois State University. She is currently an academic advisement graduate assistant at the School of Social Work and is looking to work in advising or enrollment management at a community college or a university overseas when she is done with her degree in May 2010.
Ashley will be working in the Student Success Center and in the Office of Student Life. For the Student Success Center, Ashley is working with the SSC staff to update their logistics manuals, student brochures, and information for their website. As for the Office of Student Life, she is working on expanding New Student Orientation and assisting with the coordinator of this year's Convocation. Also, she is preparing the foundation of a service learning program for the university. When asked why she chose to spend her summer at AUK Ashley said, The American University of Kuwait sounded like a can't miss opportunity! A growing university with a dedicated staff in a community full of culture and great people. What more can an intern ask for? I am very pleased with my choice for the summer and glad I took the chance to learn all about the students of AUK.
Kevin D'Arco was born in Florida and raised in Edison, New Jersey. He completed his Bachelor's in History and Sociology at The Ohio State University in 2008 and is currently enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program at Texas A&M University; with graduation scheduled for the Spring of 2010. As an undergrad, he was involved with Homecoming and the Admissions Office, among other activities. At Texas A&M, Kevin works as a graduate advisor in the Memorial Student Center Complex for two committees called Freshman Leadership International and Aggies Reaching Out.
Kevin will be working in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, and in the Office of Student Life. For the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Kevin is working with different departments within the Division to develop policies and create assessment strategies for future use, helping staff learn to strategically implement CAS (Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) Standards, as well as enhancing a Student Affairs staff development program. For the Office of Student Life, Kevin is creating student-leader training modules for club presidents, secretaries and treasurers and is working with students and staff to develop new diversity initiatives. Regarding the reasons why he decide to intern at AUK, Kevin said, " I started the process of searching for student affairs internships last Fall with the hopes of finding a unique experience that would match my career interests, and my placements within AUK have provided me just that. I have enjoyed working with the staff here and I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the student affairs field within the AUK Division of Student Affairs."
Both Ashley & Kevin became interested in a career in Student Affairs as a result of their undergraduate experiences. Ashley served a yearlong internship assisting the advisor in her undergraduate department which sparked her interested in the profession. Ashley found working at a university in Student Affairs rewarding as it gave her the opportunity to help students work towards achieving personal and career goals.
For Kevin it was a positive undergraduate experience through his mentors and participating in various opportunities on campus. The field of Student Affairs was a natural blend of interests; combining his drive to work in education with a broad scope of applications on campus. Ashley and Kevin will be at AUK until the end of July 2009 when they will return to the US and complete the final year of graduate work at their respective institutions.
