News
27, May 2021
Trustees' Resolution Commends 'Tremendous Resolve' Of AUK Community
Convened and presided over by Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, founder and chair of the Board of Trustees at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), the Board held their biannual meeting where members of the board discussed the University’s efforts to address the challenges imposed by the pandemic since March, 2020 as well as the academic and administrative developments.
During the virtual meeting the AUK Board of Trustees resolved to unanimously commend the senior administration of the American University of Kuwait—and its faculty and staff—for facilitating a decisive team-based response to address the pandemic situation and devise a robust business continuity plan.
“I would like to start the meeting by extending gratitude and appreciation to the AUK faculty and staff for their ability to respond and adjust during a time of mounting uncertainty,” said Shaikha Dana Al-Sabah. “The pandemic has brought about challenges that the world had never encountered before—some that require efficient mitigation at all levels. The AUK community has demonstrated exceptional resilience during this rapidly evolving situation. Their agility, proactive approach, and commitment to the AUK mission reflects the true spirit of a liberal arts community”, she continued.
Within its agenda, the AUK Board of Trustees also discussed the report generated by the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board, the institutional development plans for the coming period, and post-pandemic plans and procedures.
The Board of Trustees is AUK's governing body. The Board's terms of reference are outlined in the AUK By-Laws. The self-perpetuating and self-governing Board is currently composed of 11 members, in addition to the university president and the Dartmouth College Relationship Coordinator (Director) as an ex-officio member. The Board of Trustees meets twice a year in AUK's Salmiya campus.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of the following members: Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Founder and Chair of AUK; Mr. Meshal Ali, Co-Founder; Mr. Wael Abdul-Ghafoor, Board Member; Mr. Faisal Al-Ayyar, Board Member; Mr. Samer Khanachet, Board
Member; Thomas Bartlett, Ph.D., Board Member; Dale F. Eickelman, Ph.D. Director of the Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Program (Ex-officio Member); H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Y. Bishara, Board Member; Mohammad Jawad Behbehani, DMD, D.M.Sc.OB, FICD, Board Member; and Saeeda M. H. Jaffar, Ph.D., Board Member; Rawda H. Awwad, Ph.D., University President.
During the virtual meeting the AUK Board of Trustees resolved to unanimously commend the senior administration of the American University of Kuwait—and its faculty and staff—for facilitating a decisive team-based response to address the pandemic situation and devise a robust business continuity plan.
“I would like to start the meeting by extending gratitude and appreciation to the AUK faculty and staff for their ability to respond and adjust during a time of mounting uncertainty,” said Shaikha Dana Al-Sabah. “The pandemic has brought about challenges that the world had never encountered before—some that require efficient mitigation at all levels. The AUK community has demonstrated exceptional resilience during this rapidly evolving situation. Their agility, proactive approach, and commitment to the AUK mission reflects the true spirit of a liberal arts community”, she continued.
Within its agenda, the AUK Board of Trustees also discussed the report generated by the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board, the institutional development plans for the coming period, and post-pandemic plans and procedures.
The Board of Trustees is AUK's governing body. The Board's terms of reference are outlined in the AUK By-Laws. The self-perpetuating and self-governing Board is currently composed of 11 members, in addition to the university president and the Dartmouth College Relationship Coordinator (Director) as an ex-officio member. The Board of Trustees meets twice a year in AUK's Salmiya campus.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of the following members: Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Founder and Chair of AUK; Mr. Meshal Ali, Co-Founder; Mr. Wael Abdul-Ghafoor, Board Member; Mr. Faisal Al-Ayyar, Board Member; Mr. Samer Khanachet, Board
Member; Thomas Bartlett, Ph.D., Board Member; Dale F. Eickelman, Ph.D. Director of the Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Program (Ex-officio Member); H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Y. Bishara, Board Member; Mohammad Jawad Behbehani, DMD, D.M.Sc.OB, FICD, Board Member; and Saeeda M. H. Jaffar, Ph.D., Board Member; Rawda H. Awwad, Ph.D., University President.
Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
Founder and Chair, Board of Trustees, American University of Kuwait
Founder and Chair, Board of Trustees, American University of Kuwait
23, May 2021
German Ambassador Visits AUK To Discuss Education In Kuwait
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad and Executive Vice President, Amal Al-Binali welcomed the German Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Stefan Möbs and the Head of Cultural Affairs of Press and Protocol, Ruth Brodesser to the University’s campus to explore elements related to education in Kuwait.
Academic, research, and outreach-related opportunities of mutual interest were discussed, in addition to the current and future of education in Kuwait was highlighted in these discussions. Moreover, the importance of a continued and broader dialog regarding students’ intellectual and emotional needs was emphasized, including its incorporation to the social and cultural growth of Kuwait and the region.
Referring to the German Ambassador’s visit to AUK, Dr. Rawda stated, “Broader foreign language choices and a more holistic approach to foreign language acquisition through curriculum, internships and student exchange strengthen students’ understanding of culture and the importance of diversity and encourages—in the long-term—a globally-informed approach to local and regional development. We are excited to move forward with our institutional agenda, one step at a time.”
Over the years, AUK has been working closely with embassies and committed to consistent meetings to sustain the relationships and support mutual scholastic opportunities.
Academic, research, and outreach-related opportunities of mutual interest were discussed, in addition to the current and future of education in Kuwait was highlighted in these discussions. Moreover, the importance of a continued and broader dialog regarding students’ intellectual and emotional needs was emphasized, including its incorporation to the social and cultural growth of Kuwait and the region.
Referring to the German Ambassador’s visit to AUK, Dr. Rawda stated, “Broader foreign language choices and a more holistic approach to foreign language acquisition through curriculum, internships and student exchange strengthen students’ understanding of culture and the importance of diversity and encourages—in the long-term—a globally-informed approach to local and regional development. We are excited to move forward with our institutional agenda, one step at a time.”
Over the years, AUK has been working closely with embassies and committed to consistent meetings to sustain the relationships and support mutual scholastic opportunities.
German Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Stefan Möbs and Head of Cultural Affairs of Press and Protocol, Ruth Brodesser receiving a gift from AUK Executive Vice President, Amal Al-Binali and President Dr. Rawda Awwad
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23, May 2021
Indian Ambassador Visits AUK
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad welcomed Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Sibi George and First Secretary, Dr. Vinod Gaikwad to the University’s campus to discuss the diverse educational needs of students on a local and international level in the post-pandemic world. Outreach opportunities for the Indian community in Kuwait were also thoroughly discussed.
“The pandemic has compelled post-secondary institutions to re-imagine their priorities. The educational welfare of all our local communities, therefore, continue to matter. As such, AUK will remain committed to extending its reach to support the academic and intellectual needs and development of all segments of our society here in Kuwait,” stated Dr. Rawda.
Over the years, AUK has been working closely with embassies and committed to consistent meetings to sustain the relationships and support mutual scholastic opportunities.
“The pandemic has compelled post-secondary institutions to re-imagine their priorities. The educational welfare of all our local communities, therefore, continue to matter. As such, AUK will remain committed to extending its reach to support the academic and intellectual needs and development of all segments of our society here in Kuwait,” stated Dr. Rawda.
Over the years, AUK has been working closely with embassies and committed to consistent meetings to sustain the relationships and support mutual scholastic opportunities.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Sibi George receiving a gift from AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad
20, May 2021
AUK Holds 16th Annual Career Fair
AUK held its 16th Annual Career Fair in collaboration with Khibra. The event was held virtually and provided an array of employers from leading companies across Kuwait to interact and discuss future employment opportunities with AUK students and alumni. This initiative is part of AUK's commitment to providing its students with opportunities to meet with future employers and explore possible career options.
The Career Fair was organized by AUK's Office of Alumni Affairs & Career Development (AACD), under the Division of Student Affairs. This year’s event was attended by STC Telecom, TAP Payments, PwC, EY, Floward, Intro30.com, The Taken Seat, CODED, and many more. A total of 90 ‘Meet the Employer’ sessions that included group as well as one-on-one meetings were created. With more than 1,250 minutes of live video streaming, students and alumni had a chance to engage with employers despite the pandemic.
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad, shared her welcome remarks via Khibra. In her remarks, Dr. Awwad explained what distinguishes AUK’s education and its students, “We are driven by a mission that places our students at the center of this institution while placing this institution at the center of this nation and region when it comes to national and regional development and change.” She recognized the importance of participating organizations at the virtual career fair in mutually benefitting the development of both the students and the organizations, saying, “Our students will thrive with you, and in turn your organizations will thrive with them. Give them an opportunity, and they will make a difference.”
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar thanked the support of employers who have shared opportunities with AUK students and alumni, “In connecting you to our students, we are certain that they will prove exceptional in their dedication and work ethics, and valuable in the knowledges and skills they gained through their years at AUK.”
23 local and multinational companies in Kuwait discussed their various full-time employment and internship opportunities with AUK students and graduates.
The Career Fair was organized by AUK's Office of Alumni Affairs & Career Development (AACD), under the Division of Student Affairs. This year’s event was attended by STC Telecom, TAP Payments, PwC, EY, Floward, Intro30.com, The Taken Seat, CODED, and many more. A total of 90 ‘Meet the Employer’ sessions that included group as well as one-on-one meetings were created. With more than 1,250 minutes of live video streaming, students and alumni had a chance to engage with employers despite the pandemic.
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad, shared her welcome remarks via Khibra. In her remarks, Dr. Awwad explained what distinguishes AUK’s education and its students, “We are driven by a mission that places our students at the center of this institution while placing this institution at the center of this nation and region when it comes to national and regional development and change.” She recognized the importance of participating organizations at the virtual career fair in mutually benefitting the development of both the students and the organizations, saying, “Our students will thrive with you, and in turn your organizations will thrive with them. Give them an opportunity, and they will make a difference.”
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar thanked the support of employers who have shared opportunities with AUK students and alumni, “In connecting you to our students, we are certain that they will prove exceptional in their dedication and work ethics, and valuable in the knowledges and skills they gained through their years at AUK.”
23 local and multinational companies in Kuwait discussed their various full-time employment and internship opportunities with AUK students and graduates.
Images from the Event
19, May 2021
AUK Alumna Rafia Tabaa Receives Kuwait Program At Sciences Po Student Paper Award
From a collection of over 300 eligible papers, AUK alumna from the class of 2020, Rafia Tabaa’s entry was selected for the Kuwait Program at Sciences Po Student Paper Award due to its excellent and outstanding quality.
Rafia’s paper, titled “The Legacy of Endowments in Higher Education: The Case of AlQarawiyyin University and Merton College, Oxford,” was praised by the program’s joint committee. Her paper explores the influence of waqf—Islamic endowment of property—on the quality of educational institutions. The paper aimed to achieve that by comparing and contrasting the waqf-based AlQarawiyyin University in Morocco and endowment-based Merton College in England. It has since been published on the Kuwait Program at Sciences Po’s webpage where it can be accessed.
AUK dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam reflected upon Rafia’s research paper and its content, stating, “Islam’s holistic view of human development recognizes and emphasizes the central role of education and knowledge.”
While pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics, Rafia’s paper was nominated by her former economics professor, Dr. Ali Aljamal by virtue of its exemplary nature as it was one of the best papers written in the course.
Dr. Ali Aljamal referred back to Rafia’s paper and the importance of implementing the concept of waqf within the academic sector, as he elaborates, “To harness its potential in higher education, waqf for higher education institutions needs to be reformed and reestablished as a bedrock for sustainable economic and social development. Such reform could potentially involve reinvigorating the waqf system so it can assume its original role in sustaining innovative, autonomous and self-governed higher education institutions.”
Rafia expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful to have been provided access to such a unique opportunity and to receive this generous award. My gratitude extends to AUK and my supervisor Dr. Ali Aljamal for his unwavering mentorship throughout the process of researching this topic.”
AUK advocates for students to be active members of their campus and external community and encourages them to pursue competitions that cultivate innovation, creativity and originality, in addition to pursuing research and development projects.
Rafia’s paper can be read below under Fall 2019:
https://www.sciencespo.fr/kuwait-program/student-activities/paper-award/#1613670576004-c94546cd-1e03
Rafia’s paper, titled “The Legacy of Endowments in Higher Education: The Case of AlQarawiyyin University and Merton College, Oxford,” was praised by the program’s joint committee. Her paper explores the influence of waqf—Islamic endowment of property—on the quality of educational institutions. The paper aimed to achieve that by comparing and contrasting the waqf-based AlQarawiyyin University in Morocco and endowment-based Merton College in England. It has since been published on the Kuwait Program at Sciences Po’s webpage where it can be accessed.
AUK dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam reflected upon Rafia’s research paper and its content, stating, “Islam’s holistic view of human development recognizes and emphasizes the central role of education and knowledge.”
While pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics, Rafia’s paper was nominated by her former economics professor, Dr. Ali Aljamal by virtue of its exemplary nature as it was one of the best papers written in the course.
Dr. Ali Aljamal referred back to Rafia’s paper and the importance of implementing the concept of waqf within the academic sector, as he elaborates, “To harness its potential in higher education, waqf for higher education institutions needs to be reformed and reestablished as a bedrock for sustainable economic and social development. Such reform could potentially involve reinvigorating the waqf system so it can assume its original role in sustaining innovative, autonomous and self-governed higher education institutions.”
Rafia expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am very grateful to have been provided access to such a unique opportunity and to receive this generous award. My gratitude extends to AUK and my supervisor Dr. Ali Aljamal for his unwavering mentorship throughout the process of researching this topic.”
AUK advocates for students to be active members of their campus and external community and encourages them to pursue competitions that cultivate innovation, creativity and originality, in addition to pursuing research and development projects.
Rafia’s paper can be read below under Fall 2019:
https://www.sciencespo.fr/kuwait-program/student-activities/paper-award/#1613670576004-c94546cd-1e03
AUK Alumna from the class of 2020, Rafia Tabaa
22, Apr 2021
AUK Set To Launch Faculty Speaker Series
AUK will be launching the Faculty Speaker Series whereby faculty’s expertise will be showcased through their research and scholarly discourse to both the AUK community and the broader public. The new initiative serves as a platform for faculty who have received local or international grants to share their findings, discuss their most recent research interests, and review current topics within the academic circles.
Professor Fatima Shibly and Professor Salime Smadi, the organizing faculty of this series, discuss what they hope to achieve through this program as they explain in a joint statement, “The aim of the series is to enrich the intellectual life of the University and to provide a platform for university-community dialog and debate. Through this initiative, we hope that the wider community will engage in the conversation, and we will be able to foster a sense of unity and shared learning.”
The first session of the AUK Faculty Speaker Series will be held on the 26th of April, 2021 at 6pm by AUK assistant professor of English and National Endowment for the Humanities Research Fellow, Dr. Katherine Hennessey. In her talk, Hennessey will discuss the thought-provoking achievements of contemporary theater-makers from our region. Focusing on the socio-political content of three recent plays from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, this presentation will explore how and why theater matters in the Arabian Peninsula.
This series is not only an opportunity for students to further engage with their professors and learn more about their discipline through these sessions, but is also a chance for anyone wanting to learn more about a particular field in which they are interested in; as expressed by AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, “Our faculty’s scholarly pursuits are central to teaching excellence and service to the profession. The Series is an opportunity for our academic community at AUK and our broader constituents to engage with our faculty experts on matters of research that is of significance and that contributes toward constructive progress and change,” she said.
Through experienced faculty discussing and sharing interdisciplinary research, audiences inside and outside of the AUK community can engage in discussions and exchange knowledge in multiple areas of interest.
To receive the Zoom link to attend this lecture, please sign up by sending an email to Facultyspeakerseries@auk.edu.kw
Professor Fatima Shibly and Professor Salime Smadi, the organizing faculty of this series, discuss what they hope to achieve through this program as they explain in a joint statement, “The aim of the series is to enrich the intellectual life of the University and to provide a platform for university-community dialog and debate. Through this initiative, we hope that the wider community will engage in the conversation, and we will be able to foster a sense of unity and shared learning.”
The first session of the AUK Faculty Speaker Series will be held on the 26th of April, 2021 at 6pm by AUK assistant professor of English and National Endowment for the Humanities Research Fellow, Dr. Katherine Hennessey. In her talk, Hennessey will discuss the thought-provoking achievements of contemporary theater-makers from our region. Focusing on the socio-political content of three recent plays from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, this presentation will explore how and why theater matters in the Arabian Peninsula.
This series is not only an opportunity for students to further engage with their professors and learn more about their discipline through these sessions, but is also a chance for anyone wanting to learn more about a particular field in which they are interested in; as expressed by AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, “Our faculty’s scholarly pursuits are central to teaching excellence and service to the profession. The Series is an opportunity for our academic community at AUK and our broader constituents to engage with our faculty experts on matters of research that is of significance and that contributes toward constructive progress and change,” she said.
Through experienced faculty discussing and sharing interdisciplinary research, audiences inside and outside of the AUK community can engage in discussions and exchange knowledge in multiple areas of interest.
To receive the Zoom link to attend this lecture, please sign up by sending an email to Facultyspeakerseries@auk.edu.kw
21, Apr 2021
US Ambassador Visits AUK Campus
President of AUK, Dr. Rawda Awwad welcomed United States Ambassador, Her Excellency, Ms. Alina Romanowski, and Cultural Officer, Mr. Nelson Wen to the University’s campus to discuss institutional advancements of American education and foundational developments of the liberal arts systems in Kuwait.
Dr. Rawda Awwad, Ambassador Alina Romanowski, and Mr. Nelson Wen discussed the current global circumstances whereby the adaptation of academic institutions and development of online operations are imperative. There was emphasis on collaborative initiatives related to faculty and student engagement in areas of teaching, research, and community outreach opportunities. Another focal point of the meeting was AUK’s online operations and management of civic participation through the enhancement of academic, physical, and digital infrastructure.
Dr. Rawda outlined the value of AUK’s partnership with the Embassy of the United States and its importance, “Our close ties with the Embassy of the United States are significant to our institutional mission and remain strategic in advancing American style quality education in Kuwait. AUK is grateful to Ambassador Romanowski and her team and looks forward to a continued association.”
The Ambassador was provided with a tour of AUK’s campus and its new academic building which houses the brand-new state-of-the-art communication and media center, art and graphic design classrooms, and the latest open computer laboratories. The new Center for Continuing Education (CCE) offices and the University library were also part of this tour.
AUK’s partnership with the Embassy of the United States has been substantially secure since the beginning of its inception in 2004. Over the years, AUK has been working closely with embassy partners, and future meetings combined with regular follow ups sustain this relationship to support and respond to the needs of AUK’s students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Rawda Awwad, Ambassador Alina Romanowski, and Mr. Nelson Wen discussed the current global circumstances whereby the adaptation of academic institutions and development of online operations are imperative. There was emphasis on collaborative initiatives related to faculty and student engagement in areas of teaching, research, and community outreach opportunities. Another focal point of the meeting was AUK’s online operations and management of civic participation through the enhancement of academic, physical, and digital infrastructure.
Dr. Rawda outlined the value of AUK’s partnership with the Embassy of the United States and its importance, “Our close ties with the Embassy of the United States are significant to our institutional mission and remain strategic in advancing American style quality education in Kuwait. AUK is grateful to Ambassador Romanowski and her team and looks forward to a continued association.”
The Ambassador was provided with a tour of AUK’s campus and its new academic building which houses the brand-new state-of-the-art communication and media center, art and graphic design classrooms, and the latest open computer laboratories. The new Center for Continuing Education (CCE) offices and the University library were also part of this tour.
AUK’s partnership with the Embassy of the United States has been substantially secure since the beginning of its inception in 2004. Over the years, AUK has been working closely with embassy partners, and future meetings combined with regular follow ups sustain this relationship to support and respond to the needs of AUK’s students, faculty, and staff.
Ambassador Alina Romanowski receiving a gift from AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad
Exchange of conversation between AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad, Ambassador Alina Romanowski, and Cultural Officer, Mr. Nelson Wen on institutional and academic advancements
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad providing a tour for Ambassador Alina Romanowski and Cultural Officer, Mr. Nelson Wen
20, Apr 2021
AUK Associate Professor of Finance Hosts Webinar on Financial Education for Youth
Dr. Wafaa Sbeiti, Associate Professor of Finance at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), hosted a webinar in collaboration with Kuwait Banking Association to discuss the importance of financial education for youth, including the challenges posed by financial illiteracy and its solutions.
Dr. Wafaa started the webinar by introducing herself and sharing statistics with the audience that highlight the severity of the issue at hand, “Seventy percent of the population is financially illiterate,” she stated. Examples of famous and prominent figures who were great at making money but not at managing it were also given. “It is not enough to have money, it is about how to protect this money, how to keep it, how to manage it, and how to grow it,” she explained.
She discussed how the two main driving forces behind this worldwide financial illiteracy are the “lack of financial education in our educational system” and “lack of financial literacy in families.” Drawing upon her 20 years of experience in the financial field, she commented on how alarming this lack of education is, “I can say with confidence there is no formal education when it comes to financial literacy and personal finance.” She also talks about how “most young people rely on their parents to teach them money skills” and very few parents discuss money with their children.
The webinar concluded by Dr. Wafaa encouraging the audience to be active members of society by seeking to become more financially literate. “I recommend you take responsibility and educate yourself. Take full responsibility for your life.” She reassured everyone listening that they are not alone, “Start having a conversation and get support. Connect with your bank. Attend workshops and try to benefit as much as you can.”
Through her lecture, the audience thoroughly understood the importance of organizing spendings and savings, having financial goals and being consistent. Most importantly, Dr.Wafaa Sbeiti made sure everyone in the audience—which included students and bank employees alike—understood that financial literacy is not impossible because, after all, “you do not have to be a genius to take part in this process, you have to be ready, take action, and be willing to learn.”
Dr. Wafaa started the webinar by introducing herself and sharing statistics with the audience that highlight the severity of the issue at hand, “Seventy percent of the population is financially illiterate,” she stated. Examples of famous and prominent figures who were great at making money but not at managing it were also given. “It is not enough to have money, it is about how to protect this money, how to keep it, how to manage it, and how to grow it,” she explained.
She discussed how the two main driving forces behind this worldwide financial illiteracy are the “lack of financial education in our educational system” and “lack of financial literacy in families.” Drawing upon her 20 years of experience in the financial field, she commented on how alarming this lack of education is, “I can say with confidence there is no formal education when it comes to financial literacy and personal finance.” She also talks about how “most young people rely on their parents to teach them money skills” and very few parents discuss money with their children.
The webinar concluded by Dr. Wafaa encouraging the audience to be active members of society by seeking to become more financially literate. “I recommend you take responsibility and educate yourself. Take full responsibility for your life.” She reassured everyone listening that they are not alone, “Start having a conversation and get support. Connect with your bank. Attend workshops and try to benefit as much as you can.”
Through her lecture, the audience thoroughly understood the importance of organizing spendings and savings, having financial goals and being consistent. Most importantly, Dr.Wafaa Sbeiti made sure everyone in the audience—which included students and bank employees alike—understood that financial literacy is not impossible because, after all, “you do not have to be a genius to take part in this process, you have to be ready, take action, and be willing to learn.”
AUK Associate Professor of Finance, Dr. Wafaa Sbeiti
20, Apr 2021
AUK’s Arabic Debate Club Participates In The Arabic Gulf Debate Tournament
AUK's Arabic debate club participated in the virtual Arabian Gulf Debate Tournament whereby a total of 20 teams competed from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.
In addition to the Arabic debate club reaching the second stage and competing in the semi-finals against 80 fellow competitors, AUK student Sara Edrees won second place as a fluent speaker in the Arabian Gulf.
The following students represented AUK at the tournament: Soud Al Azmi, Sarah Edrees, Dana Buresli, Mohamed Alhumaidhi, and Husain Dashti. The contestants were scored based on the articulation and development of their arguments and fluency in which they spoke.
The Arabic debate club is led by Dr. Khitam Al Khouli, associate professor of Arabic at AUK. As the club’s faculty advisor, she expressed best wishes for the team and success in their future endeavors.
In addition to the Arabic debate club reaching the second stage and competing in the semi-finals against 80 fellow competitors, AUK student Sara Edrees won second place as a fluent speaker in the Arabian Gulf.
The following students represented AUK at the tournament: Soud Al Azmi, Sarah Edrees, Dana Buresli, Mohamed Alhumaidhi, and Husain Dashti. The contestants were scored based on the articulation and development of their arguments and fluency in which they spoke.
The Arabic debate club is led by Dr. Khitam Al Khouli, associate professor of Arabic at AUK. As the club’s faculty advisor, she expressed best wishes for the team and success in their future endeavors.
Saud Alazmi, AUK student and member of the Arabic club debate team
Sarah Edrees, AUK student and member of the Arabic club debate team
Mohamed Saad, AUK student and member of the Arabic club debate team
Danah Buresli, AUK student and member of the Arabic club debate team
11, Apr 2021
French Ambassador Visits AUK Campus
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad welcomed French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Anne-Claire Legendre, and Academic Attaché, Dr. Benjamin Taunay to the University’s campus to exchange views on research, academic and outreach-related opportunities that are of mutual interest. These long-term discussions remain ongoing and assist in the advancement of AUK as a liberal arts institution.
“Our American style education based on the liberal arts lends itself to global and multinational outreach and collaboration. We are excited on continuing these conversations that are integral to our institutional growth and development,” stated Dr. Rawda Awwad.
The Ambassador was provided a tour of the campus and its new building which houses the brand-new state-of-the-art communication and media center, recently developed art and graphic design classrooms, and the latest open computer laboratories. The new Center for Continuing Education (CCE) offices and the University library were also part of the tour.
Over the years, AUK has been working closely with the French embassy with consistent meetings combined with regular follow-ups to sustain the relationship and support mutual scholastic opportunities.
“Our American style education based on the liberal arts lends itself to global and multinational outreach and collaboration. We are excited on continuing these conversations that are integral to our institutional growth and development,” stated Dr. Rawda Awwad.
The Ambassador was provided a tour of the campus and its new building which houses the brand-new state-of-the-art communication and media center, recently developed art and graphic design classrooms, and the latest open computer laboratories. The new Center for Continuing Education (CCE) offices and the University library were also part of the tour.
Over the years, AUK has been working closely with the French embassy with consistent meetings combined with regular follow-ups to sustain the relationship and support mutual scholastic opportunities.
French Ambassador, H.E. Anne-Claire Legendre receiving a gift from AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad providing a tour of the AUK campus for the French Ambassador, H.E. Anne-Claire Legendre
French Ambassador, H.E. Anne-Claire Legendre and delegates during a tour of the AUK library