News
31, Mar 2022
AUK Hosts Largest Alumni Reunion
AUK Office of Alumni Affairs and Career Development (AACD) hosted its largest on-campus alumni reunion which saw over 700 graduates from the classes of 2006 to 2021. The reunion emanated nostalgia; reconnecting the University community and serving as a link between AUK’s past and present in an annual celebration filled with entertainment, socializing, and networking.
Attended by AUK faculty, staff, and president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, alumni had the opportunity to reconnect with the campus community and reminisce. AACD director, Abir Tannir gave a speech during the event where she expressed, “Let’s tread down memory lane to when you joined AUK and made amazing connections, relationships, and unforgettable memories. This was the place which helped shape your character and career. You can carry on with the memories and make new ones tonight.”
The entertainment for the evening featured live music by Rita Malek and Mario Helmy along with various activities rounded out with a raffle draw for a wide array of gifts. Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, alumnus Nawaf Najia (Class of ‘07) said, “Thank you for the amazing event. What a great setup and management, and such a good turnout. I was very happy to be back after several years. And hopefully I will be attending many more alumni events.”
The reunion was fully organized and catered by alumni-owned businesses—organized by Eslam Mousa (Class of ’15) and Aliaa Jamal (Class of ’17) through their event-planning business EMiNDS; Ameen Al-Ahmad (Class of ‘07) catered the event’s beverages with Frullato Juice; and Kareem Abu Ghareeb (Class of ’10) provided complimentary giveaways.
The AACD organizes the alumni reunion on an annual basis and continuously recruits alumni-owned businesses to service the event—a testament to AUK’s ongoing support of its graduates and their endeavors.
Attended by AUK faculty, staff, and president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, alumni had the opportunity to reconnect with the campus community and reminisce. AACD director, Abir Tannir gave a speech during the event where she expressed, “Let’s tread down memory lane to when you joined AUK and made amazing connections, relationships, and unforgettable memories. This was the place which helped shape your character and career. You can carry on with the memories and make new ones tonight.”
The entertainment for the evening featured live music by Rita Malek and Mario Helmy along with various activities rounded out with a raffle draw for a wide array of gifts. Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, alumnus Nawaf Najia (Class of ‘07) said, “Thank you for the amazing event. What a great setup and management, and such a good turnout. I was very happy to be back after several years. And hopefully I will be attending many more alumni events.”
The reunion was fully organized and catered by alumni-owned businesses—organized by Eslam Mousa (Class of ’15) and Aliaa Jamal (Class of ’17) through their event-planning business EMiNDS; Ameen Al-Ahmad (Class of ‘07) catered the event’s beverages with Frullato Juice; and Kareem Abu Ghareeb (Class of ’10) provided complimentary giveaways.
The AACD organizes the alumni reunion on an annual basis and continuously recruits alumni-owned businesses to service the event—a testament to AUK’s ongoing support of its graduates and their endeavors.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad
General photos from the event
General photos from the event
28, Mar 2022
AUK Participates in PRME MENA Conference and Forum
AUK participated in the 2022 Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) MENA Conference and Forum which aimed to connect higher education PRME signatories with government agencies, businesses, and NGOs to create a connection for networking and ideas. This forum investigated the opportunities of leveraging change through academia, management, and leadership, with a particular focus on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) within curricula, establishing best practices, and providing a roadmap for improved partnerships. It also sought to be a medium for the expansion of SDG projects and papers through formed partnerships to expand the PRME MENA network and collaboration with the UN Global Compact networks.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE), Dr. Ralph Palliam, and assistant dean, Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi attended several of the conference’s online sessions. Additionally, Dr. Shihanah serves as the secretary general of the PRME MENA chapter that worked and planned for the 9th Annual Forum and Conference. She currently serves as CBE’s PRME director and liaison for PRME initiatives and Sharing of Progress (SIP) report.
AUK is a signatory of the PRME United Nations Program for Responsible Business Education which seeks to bring together the UN and business schools worldwide to inspire and support responsible management education, research, and thought leadership globally. AUK’s participation in this conference is a testament to its dedication towards sustainability, ethics, and social governance.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE), Dr. Ralph Palliam, and assistant dean, Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi attended several of the conference’s online sessions. Additionally, Dr. Shihanah serves as the secretary general of the PRME MENA chapter that worked and planned for the 9th Annual Forum and Conference. She currently serves as CBE’s PRME director and liaison for PRME initiatives and Sharing of Progress (SIP) report.
AUK is a signatory of the PRME United Nations Program for Responsible Business Education which seeks to bring together the UN and business schools worldwide to inspire and support responsible management education, research, and thought leadership globally. AUK’s participation in this conference is a testament to its dedication towards sustainability, ethics, and social governance.
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27, Mar 2022
AUK College of Arts & Sciences Renews AALE Accreditation
The Board of Trustees of the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE) voted to renew the international program accreditation for the American University of Kuwait (AUK) College of Arts and Sciences for a full term of five years, ending on February 28, 2027. The accreditation affirms the high standards and quality of education offered by the College that stands with the best universities globally.
Dr. Ali Charara, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, recognized the significance of this achievement and thorough efforts of the campus community whose hard work led to the renewal, stating, it is extremely gratifying to receive the 5-year accreditation renewal from the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE). This international accreditation affirms our commitment to liberal arts education and adds critical value to the various liberal arts programs offered in the College where quality of education is of the utmost importance. The successful outcome is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the AUK faculty, administrators, and staff since the process is a collaborative initiative, including many CAS students who were part of the site visit process. I believe it is a sense of personal accomplishment for everyone involved as it is an accreditation shared by the AUK community.”
The process was led by the University’s AALE Steering Committee with the support of administrative units. The renewal complements the University’s mission of offering modern and comprehensive curricula that put its students at the top of their chosen fields. AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad praised the campus community’s dedication to this mission, “Our external and independent review processes are consistent with standards of excellence. Accreditation for AUK is operationally critical and, therefore, strategically important. We continue to take pride in our faculty and staff in striving for excellence in education and in accomplishing yet another institutional milestone,” she said.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) currently offers 16 distinct degree programs in various academic disciplines. AUK is accredited institutionally by the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait. The College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); the Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission for Intensive English Program Accreditation (CEA); the computer engineering and electrical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; the computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET; and the Bachelor of Arts in Design (concentration in graphic design) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
25, Mar 2022
AUK’s HR Director Participates in Iquad Learning Solutions Roundtable Event
The American University of Kuwait’s (AUK) director of human resources, Mr. Paul Bassil participated in a roundtable event entitled, Elevating L&Ds—Learning Strategies that Transform that was hosted by Iquad Learning Solutions—a company that looks at current digital learning challenges and future opportunities to offer learners personalized learning plans that will ensure professional skill enhancement. The event took place in Dubai Ports at the Dubai 2020 Expo.
Mr. Bassil shared AUK’s experience in the creation, development, and implementation of the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) that has been utilized in AUK for the past year. ELDP is a virtual platform that offers AUK staff online courses that facilitate their professional development in various fields.
Guest speakers from different organizations participated in the event, sharing their experiences in professional learning and development with the audience. There were over 10 sessions that included keynotes, featured talks, case studies, and discussions all of which covered a wide variety of industries and topics.
Mr. Bassil described his time at the event, stating, “The experience was great, the organization’s welcoming was up to high standards of hospitality and professionalism, participants were from all the Arab countries and several sectors, including banking, construction, consultancy, and education.”
Mr. Bassil shared AUK’s experience in the creation, development, and implementation of the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) that has been utilized in AUK for the past year. ELDP is a virtual platform that offers AUK staff online courses that facilitate their professional development in various fields.
Guest speakers from different organizations participated in the event, sharing their experiences in professional learning and development with the audience. There were over 10 sessions that included keynotes, featured talks, case studies, and discussions all of which covered a wide variety of industries and topics.
Mr. Bassil described his time at the event, stating, “The experience was great, the organization’s welcoming was up to high standards of hospitality and professionalism, participants were from all the Arab countries and several sectors, including banking, construction, consultancy, and education.”
Images from the event
24, Mar 2022
AUK Student Participates in Dubai Expo
AUK student, Faisal Al-Ghanim, participated in the HealthCon GCC competition during the Dubai 2020 Expo. Al-Ghanim’s participation in this event was led by assistant professor of marketing, Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi who nominated him to be part of this competition.
Some of HealthCon’s objectives include enhancing cooperation within the Gulf region, creating engagements with younger people, and raising awareness on health solutions for several illnesses, all of which contribute to building students’ knowledge and interpersonal skills.
Al-Ghanim was a member of a team who were assigned to campaign against drug addiction among teenagers and young adults. They created a Virtual Reality (VR) simulator which could be utilized in high schools and universities to educate and inform the youth about the severity of drug addiction and its negative consequences on one’s health.
As a credit to their hard work, communication, and dedication the team was chosen to be in the final round of the competition. Moreover, the team also won the “Best Team Spirit” award. AlGhanim shared that the experience allowed him to connect with individuals from around the region, share different ideas, and make meaningful memories in addition to improving his skills as a marketeer in his field of study, preparing him for post-graduate life in the professional arena. This is the first time an AUK student participated in this initiative with the encouragement and guidance of the University faculty.
Some of HealthCon’s objectives include enhancing cooperation within the Gulf region, creating engagements with younger people, and raising awareness on health solutions for several illnesses, all of which contribute to building students’ knowledge and interpersonal skills.
Al-Ghanim was a member of a team who were assigned to campaign against drug addiction among teenagers and young adults. They created a Virtual Reality (VR) simulator which could be utilized in high schools and universities to educate and inform the youth about the severity of drug addiction and its negative consequences on one’s health.
As a credit to their hard work, communication, and dedication the team was chosen to be in the final round of the competition. Moreover, the team also won the “Best Team Spirit” award. AlGhanim shared that the experience allowed him to connect with individuals from around the region, share different ideas, and make meaningful memories in addition to improving his skills as a marketeer in his field of study, preparing him for post-graduate life in the professional arena. This is the first time an AUK student participated in this initiative with the encouragement and guidance of the University faculty.
AUK student Faisal Al-Ghanim with fellow participants from HealthCon
23, Mar 2022
AUK Recognizes Students on President & Deans’ Honor Roll for Fall 2020
AUK recognized its top student achievers who were included in the president & deans’ honor roll for the fall 2020 semester. Totaling 214, 42 students were awarded a place on the president's honor roll—a high distinction exclusively awarded to those who maintained a 4.0 GPA for the semester, while 172 students were recognized for being on the deans’ honor list—a distinction awarded to students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.7.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad remarked on the academic achievements of the honor roll students, “Our honor roll students have shown dedication, persistence, and love for knowledge. We acknowledge their achievements with the greatest pleasure and look forward to witnessing the differences that they will make in their lives and the lives of others in the future.”
The honor roll ceremony takes place twice a year to celebrate the students who have exemplified the University’s mission to instill in students the passion for lifelong learning, and promote academic excellence.
President's Honor Roll
| Noura Allahow | Amal Kahwaji |
| Rayane Bouhali | Nouran Elbeyaly |
| Dawood Boland | Deema Alsumait |
| Hala Abou Harb | Amer Nathar |
| Mustafa Karkour | Jinan Taqi |
| Dana Buresli | Chloe Ramey |
| Fatima Matook | David Muharib |
| Majed AlDhafeeri | Zaina AlFadalah |
| Ali Darwiche | Nora AlAati |
| Faisal Hassan | Nourhan Nour |
| Ahmad Al-Dulaie | Malak Hussein |
| Nagham Kheder | Habiba Anwar |
| Ali Raies | Danah AlGhadouri |
| Hana Ghonim | Fadheelah AlSabah |
| Tarek Nabaa | Susanna Al Mufti |
| Dhuha Al-Behairi | Nagam AbuGhaush |
| Sayed Ali Altabtabai | Farida Mohamed |
| Fatmah AlSarhan | Zahraa Ali |
| Nour Harb | Abdullah AlKhuraibet |
| Yousef Al-Khashem | Basma Khedr |
| Abdullah Jiffry Ghouse | Fatemah Ashkanani |
Dean’s Honor List, College of Business & Economics
| Abdullah Al-Anssari | Danah BoKubar |
| Mohammad AlIdan | Rawan Nabaa |
| Lulwa AlKhatrash | Amnah Derdab |
| Nashrah Quraishi | Marah Khalil |
| Engy Abaza | Shahad Almelhem |
| Nour Nassar | Salma Al-Sharbaji |
| Amer Padpood | Yaraa AlWheeb |
| Raya Hashem | Dana Yousef |
| Farhanaz Padpood | Ibraheem Al-Qallaf |
| Anas Hassan | Khushal Zafar |
| Mohamad Kohel | Joseph Francis |
| Huzaifa Musamuddin | Farah Saad |
| Shogh Farhanian | Nouran Ahmed |
| Maram AlTurki | Yara Abdulmajeed |
| Joury AlMehri | Maen Almutairi |
| Nadin Jamal Eddine | Wasmeyah Buhadidah |
| Sara ElBab | Hamza Abdulaziz Al-Fahad |
| Lavena Jacob | Mohammad Ahmed |
| Latefa Alnassar | Izza Ahmed |
| Nadime Bitar | Ahmad Marouf |
| Abdollah Sayadi |
Dean’s Honor List, College of Engineering & Applied Sciences
| Ajwan Albahar | Haya Al-Korki |
| Abdullatif AlQallaf | David Liang |
| Jasem AlMeer | Laila Dallol |
| ALHnouf AlMutairy | Mohammad AlBayya |
| Habib Badran | Mariam Shehadeh |
| Fager ElNoueiri | Ahmed AboElhiba |
| Ahlam Ali | Adnan Kazi |
| Turki AlAjmi | Khawthar Buhamad |
| Ibrahim Al-Azmi | Ahmad Abdo |
| Joanna Haddad | Abdalla Elgohary |
| Reem Qasem | Shorowq Bukhamsin |
| Yacoub AlJwaied | Moustafa Awadalla |
| Aqeel AlSarraf | Jude AlMoosa |
| Shejon Al-Ebrahim | Fahad Kalloush |
| Mohanned Odeh | Abdullah AL-Dallah |
| Lobna ElGayar | Yousef AlHamad |
| Ali Alsarraf | Mohammed AlSharaf |
| Ali Abouzeid | Khalil Salwout |
| Malak Ahmed |
Dean’s Honor List, College of Arts & Sciences
| Sarah Al-Ibrahim | Aliya Al-Mutairi |
| Reve Charif | Rashid AlBader |
| Faisal Behbehani | Latifah AlKandari |
| Tesneem AlRashed | Leen Mahmoud |
| Jannah AlGhanem | Nadeen Al-Sadek |
| Maisaa Chib AlDin | Fahad AlFahad |
| Sara AlArbash | Malak Hussain |
| Shahed AlToorah | AlZain Al-Sabah |
| Dalal AlFailakawi | Leina Bou Fakhereddine |
| Khaled AlAnsary | Fatemah Al-Qattan |
| Rawan Chalhoub | Sarah Raza |
| Eva Makki | Sarah Taterly |
| Fai AlMutairi | Saja Brejia |
| Danah AlSabah | Omar Hedeya |
| Vironika Faragalla | Husaam AlDoesari |
| Shareefah Bo-Taiban | Hessah AlRuwayeh |
| Moustafa Hassan | Lana Rashed |
| Yousef Al-Otaibi | Joanna ElChanti |
| Noura Bou Nassif | Ahmad Al-Tukhaim |
| Stephen Sapp | Baya Amy Thompson |
| May AlQenaei | Sabah Al-Sabah |
| Aisha Al-Nassar | Janna Al Roomi |
| Ali Albader | Abeer Kablaoui |
| Marah AlTatawy | Laura Elnaggar |
| Johar Ali | Reema Atieh |
| Reem Al-Sabah | Maram Elsayed |
| Nour AlAli | Viola English |
| Roaa Alawneh | Nour Almajed |
| Kawthar AlHamar | Fajer AlSabah |
| Fawaz Almajed | Reyouf Al-Anezi |
| Danah Awada | Khaled AlMadani |
| Hasan Hajiyah | Noora AlSabah |
| Rawan Boutaiban | Salma AlSalem |
| Farah Abueed | Amanda Elnaggar |
| Naser AlHajeri | Sarah Qasem |
| Ahmad AlSarraf | Tameem Altamimi |
| Deemah AlDawoud | Abdulrazaq Al-Khaled |
| Aya Abdrabou | Janiyen Alsaleh |
| Fatema Al-Mutawa | Saleh Jamshir |
| Modi AlAdwani | Adam Cruz |
| Sara Zayed | Batool AlBousabih |
| Farah Issa | Sara Alrodan |
| Maya Lawand | Mohammad Al-Khashti |
| Maryam AlKhadhr | Rawan Behbehani |
| Shams Zahran | Dana Ben Salamah |
| Sarah AlAwwad | Raghad Al-Mustafa |
| Jana Al-Dawoud | Shareedah AlMajdeli |
21, Mar 2022
AUK Office of Research & Grants Organizes Workshop with KFAS
The Office of Research and Grants (ORG) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized a workshop on how to write a data management plan. The workshop was conducted at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and was attended by ORG director, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush along with several members of AUK’s faculty.
Conducted by Dr. Maitham Safar, the program manager for KFAS Research, the workshop outlined the process of submitting a research grant application and delved deeper into the kind of research data that should be collected and how to manage it during and after the research project.
Dr. Maitham explained the ethical practices behind data collection and shared some resources that are exclusive for data collection and organization. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session and discussion of the importance of having a data management plan that contributes to the success of the research.
Conducted by Dr. Maitham Safar, the program manager for KFAS Research, the workshop outlined the process of submitting a research grant application and delved deeper into the kind of research data that should be collected and how to manage it during and after the research project.
Dr. Maitham explained the ethical practices behind data collection and shared some resources that are exclusive for data collection and organization. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session and discussion of the importance of having a data management plan that contributes to the success of the research.
General photos of the workshop
19, Mar 2022
AUK Office of Research and Grants Hosts Workshop on Journal-Publishing
The Office of Research and Grants at AUK organized a workshop entitled, How to Write and Publish in High-Impact Journals presented by Dr. Mohammed Azmi Al-Betar, head of Artificial Intelligence Research Center (AIRC) and full-time faculty member in the Master of Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program at Ajman University.
The workshop guided faculty through the process of publishing in high-impact journals, explained the publishing process, explored the essentials of scientific writing, good writing and editing skills, and offered tips on publishing in high-impact journals.
The Office of Research and Grants director, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush welcomed the attendees and introduced Dr. Al-Betar who then proceeded with his presentation. Some of the topics that were covered included all the stages related to publishing including paper structure, technical components, and research platforms.
He shared points related to the importance of conducting research which included improving knowledge, helping solve global issues with innovation and technology, and advancing the researcher’s respective university ranking through research and development.
Concluding the workshop, Dr. Al.-Betar elaborated on how to find active research collaborators to further the research’s goals and discoveries. Dr. Al-Betar rounded out the event with a Q&A session with the participants.
The workshop guided faculty through the process of publishing in high-impact journals, explained the publishing process, explored the essentials of scientific writing, good writing and editing skills, and offered tips on publishing in high-impact journals.
The Office of Research and Grants director, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush welcomed the attendees and introduced Dr. Al-Betar who then proceeded with his presentation. Some of the topics that were covered included all the stages related to publishing including paper structure, technical components, and research platforms.
He shared points related to the importance of conducting research which included improving knowledge, helping solve global issues with innovation and technology, and advancing the researcher’s respective university ranking through research and development.
Concluding the workshop, Dr. Al.-Betar elaborated on how to find active research collaborators to further the research’s goals and discoveries. Dr. Al-Betar rounded out the event with a Q&A session with the participants.
Group photo of the workshop attendees
17, Mar 2022
Dr. Lisa Urkevich Speaks at Forum in Germany
Dr. Lisa Urkevich, professor of musicology and ethnomusicology at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) was invited to speak at the Berlin AGYA/Ethnologisches Museum/Humboldt Forum entitled “Access to Waxes” in Berlin, Germany. The event featured leading world experts who presented work surrounding the Arab collections of the Berlin Phonogramm-Archiv, which is part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Program (World Documentary Heritage). The collections consist of historic field recordings of chants, music, and linguistic material from different Arab regions.
Dr. Urkevich discussed the significance of safeguarding intangible heritage like music, especially today in the context of Arabian cultural tourism and economic outlooks. She emphasized the relationship between history and heritage and the need for verification and scholarly rigor when determining ongoing traditions. Dr. Urkevich explored the shared practices between Western and Islamic scholarship, noting that Muslim scholars have always placed great emphasis on textual criticism and therefore have provided a historical precedent for authenticating regional heritage. She concluded by stating that since heritage unites people with a common past, generates community dignity, attracts outside interest, and instills respect within visitors for other cultures, it is important that the intangible traditions of the Arab world be protected, and that the narrative be accurate.
Dr. Urkevich discussed the significance of safeguarding intangible heritage like music, especially today in the context of Arabian cultural tourism and economic outlooks. She emphasized the relationship between history and heritage and the need for verification and scholarly rigor when determining ongoing traditions. Dr. Urkevich explored the shared practices between Western and Islamic scholarship, noting that Muslim scholars have always placed great emphasis on textual criticism and therefore have provided a historical precedent for authenticating regional heritage. She concluded by stating that since heritage unites people with a common past, generates community dignity, attracts outside interest, and instills respect within visitors for other cultures, it is important that the intangible traditions of the Arab world be protected, and that the narrative be accurate.
AUK Professor of musicology and ethnomusicology, Dr. Lisa Urkevich, in Berlin
15, Mar 2022
AUK Explores Art in Faculty Speaker Series
AUK hosted a new session of the Faculty Speaker Series entitled, Interdisciplinary Art Practice: An Artistic Journey of 15 Years, presented by assistant professor of art and graphic design, Dr. Clark Stoeckley, from the College of Arts and Sciences. Attendees included AUK president Dr. Rawda Awwad, faculty members, students, and members of the general public.
Professor Clark shared his experience in interdisciplinary art by displaying his body of work from the past 15 years including LOVE to VOTE murals; Average World Abstract global data visualization; courtroom illustrations from his graphic novel The United States vs. Private Chelsea Manning; an interactive social practice intervention, Chess Draw; Feral Felines, street cat photography; and his latest geometric painting series, Thoughts & Prayers.
The inspiration behind Professor Clark’s projects were different life events that he went through since his senior year in college back in 2005. Some of the influences included war, election year, and romanticizing military propaganda. A common type of art that was witnessed in the projects was street mural designs using different art mediums.
The project, Feral Felines was the first photography project that Professor Clark worked on that included photographing street cats in different countries. He explained that the inspiration behind the project involved finding meaning and purpose in what is commonly considered mundane or in matters that are ignored; as he stated, “These cats are a metaphor to me, of resiliency, of migration, they are the survivors.” Additionally, Professor Clark touched on the adaptability of art, using his teaching techniques during the pandemic as an example where he started doing video timelapses of his drawings to teach his classes during distance learning.
The talk concluded with a Q&A session with the attendees where Professor Clark was asked about the reason behind the diversification of his art and why he doesn’t choose one medium to work with, he responded, “I think to be truly creative you have to allow yourself to be free from everything that you made prior and be willing to reinvent yourself and remember that you only live once.”
The Faculty Speaker Series is a platform that enables faculty members to showcase their research and scholarly accomplishments. The event also allows AUK to make a difference in the community both in Kuwait and beyond by spreading knowledge and awareness about various topics while offering an opportunity to the general public to take part in the AUK experience.
Professor Clark shared his experience in interdisciplinary art by displaying his body of work from the past 15 years including LOVE to VOTE murals; Average World Abstract global data visualization; courtroom illustrations from his graphic novel The United States vs. Private Chelsea Manning; an interactive social practice intervention, Chess Draw; Feral Felines, street cat photography; and his latest geometric painting series, Thoughts & Prayers.
The inspiration behind Professor Clark’s projects were different life events that he went through since his senior year in college back in 2005. Some of the influences included war, election year, and romanticizing military propaganda. A common type of art that was witnessed in the projects was street mural designs using different art mediums.
The project, Feral Felines was the first photography project that Professor Clark worked on that included photographing street cats in different countries. He explained that the inspiration behind the project involved finding meaning and purpose in what is commonly considered mundane or in matters that are ignored; as he stated, “These cats are a metaphor to me, of resiliency, of migration, they are the survivors.” Additionally, Professor Clark touched on the adaptability of art, using his teaching techniques during the pandemic as an example where he started doing video timelapses of his drawings to teach his classes during distance learning.
The talk concluded with a Q&A session with the attendees where Professor Clark was asked about the reason behind the diversification of his art and why he doesn’t choose one medium to work with, he responded, “I think to be truly creative you have to allow yourself to be free from everything that you made prior and be willing to reinvent yourself and remember that you only live once.”
The Faculty Speaker Series is a platform that enables faculty members to showcase their research and scholarly accomplishments. The event also allows AUK to make a difference in the community both in Kuwait and beyond by spreading knowledge and awareness about various topics while offering an opportunity to the general public to take part in the AUK experience.
Group photo of the lecture attendees
