News
30, Sep 2019
American University of Kuwait Student Wins Award for the Kuwait Program at Sciences Po
The Kuwait Program at Sciences Po and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) hosted a student paper competition whereby students from every university in Kuwait can submit a paper that discusses issues related to the Arab world or the Gulf region.
American University of Kuwait (AUK) senior English-major Hussam Helmy submitted a paper entitled, (En)gendering Orientalism: The Representation of Women in Amin Maalouf’s Samarkand. The paper argues that the representation of women in Maalouf's ostensibly postcolonial novel actually reinforces the very same imperialism and colonialism that it sets out to condemn.
Helmy expressed his gratitude, “I am honored to receive the SciencesPo Student Paper Award for my senior thesis paper, and I am very grateful for the opportunity afforded by KFAS and the Kuwait Program at SciencesPo. I am also deeply indebted to AUK and to my supervisor, Dr. Angelica DeAngelis who provided strong guidance, endless encouragement, and indefatigable support throughout the research and writing process.”
Chosen among six winners, Helmy was awarded a cash prize along with publishing his paper in the Sciences Po Kuwait Program website.
The Kuwait Program is a partnership between the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and Sciences Po—a social sciences university in France.
The American University of Kuwait also has a standing student exchange program with Sciences Po that allows students to study at one of the school’s seven urban campuses.
American University of Kuwait Student Hussam Helmy
23, Sep 2019
AUK Welcomes New Interns and Exchange Student from Dartmouth
AUK welcomed the new academic year with two new interns from Dartmouth College—Katelyn Zeser and Maryam Iqbal, and an exchange student from Dartmouth—Delaney Marshall.
Katelyn Zeser joins the American University of Kuwait (AUK) as an intern for the International Relations Department, the Intensive English Program, and Learning Support Services. She is a second-year student at Dartmouth and is a double major in anthropology and Middle Eastern studies. At Dartmouth, she has a fellowship at the Center for Social Impact, is part of the Arabic Club, and also plays the cello.
She joins AUK after spending 10 weeks studying in Morocco as part of a study abroad program, and wrote her thesis on Moroccan rap and social reform. “When I was leaving Morocco, I cried on the plane because I was going to miss it so much, but now that I am in Kuwait I am able to take advantage of many interesting and beneficial things. I am so lucky to be part of the campus community where I have met a lot of amazing people whose friendliness has exceeded my greatest expectations,” added Zeser.
Maryam Iqbal joins AUK as an intern for the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Economics. She is a junior at Dartmouth and is majoring in neuroscience. She is a self-taught pianist and henna artists, and recently spent three months in Argentina studying Spanish as part of a study abroad program. “Everyone here is so hospitable and friendly. I absolutely love AUK and the culture in Kuwait, I love how welcoming everyone is,” commented Iqbal.
Delaney Marshal joins AUK as an exchange student and is enrolled in Arabic, History, and International Relations classes, and is taking part in the Gulf Studies Certificate Program. She is a junior at Dartmouth and is a double major in government and Middle Eastern studies. At Dartmouth, she is very involved in her sorority Sigma Delta, which works to empower women at Dartmouth.
“A lot of people back home have many misconceptions about the Middle East. I am glad that I have gotten to experience the people and the culture firsthand,” stated Marshall.
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Katelyn Zeser joins the American University of Kuwait (AUK) as an intern for the International Relations Department, the Intensive English Program, and Learning Support Services. She is a second-year student at Dartmouth and is a double major in anthropology and Middle Eastern studies. At Dartmouth, she has a fellowship at the Center for Social Impact, is part of the Arabic Club, and also plays the cello.
She joins AUK after spending 10 weeks studying in Morocco as part of a study abroad program, and wrote her thesis on Moroccan rap and social reform. “When I was leaving Morocco, I cried on the plane because I was going to miss it so much, but now that I am in Kuwait I am able to take advantage of many interesting and beneficial things. I am so lucky to be part of the campus community where I have met a lot of amazing people whose friendliness has exceeded my greatest expectations,” added Zeser.
Maryam Iqbal joins AUK as an intern for the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Economics. She is a junior at Dartmouth and is majoring in neuroscience. She is a self-taught pianist and henna artists, and recently spent three months in Argentina studying Spanish as part of a study abroad program. “Everyone here is so hospitable and friendly. I absolutely love AUK and the culture in Kuwait, I love how welcoming everyone is,” commented Iqbal.
Delaney Marshal joins AUK as an exchange student and is enrolled in Arabic, History, and International Relations classes, and is taking part in the Gulf Studies Certificate Program. She is a junior at Dartmouth and is a double major in government and Middle Eastern studies. At Dartmouth, she is very involved in her sorority Sigma Delta, which works to empower women at Dartmouth.
“A lot of people back home have many misconceptions about the Middle East. I am glad that I have gotten to experience the people and the culture firsthand,” stated Marshall.
(From left to right) Delaney Marshall, Katelyn Zeser, Maryam Iqbal
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22, Sep 2019
AUK Introduces New College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Announces Founding Dean
AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad announced the opening of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) in the start of the new 2019/2020 academic year. Commending the efforts of the university staff and faculty in establishing the College, Dr. Awwad said, “The establishment of CEAS culminates the extensive efforts of the two departments over the last few years and is in line with the University’s continued endeavor at streamlining its academic administration with a focus on enhancing its strategic plan and program development.”
Dr. Awwad also announced the appointment of Dr. Amir Zeid as the founding dean of CEAS. Dr. Zeid joined AUK in 2007 as Assistant Professor of Computer Science and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2013. He received his Ph.D. in 2000 in Computer Science from Carleton University, Canada. He comes to this position with over 20 years of experience and distinct competencies drawn from providing strategic and technical leadership within the industrial, academic, and research domains. Since 2008, Dr. Zeid held a range of positions that contributed significantly to AUK’s liberal arts philosophy through supporting student engagement and innovation. In 2014, Dr. Zeid founded the Center for Research in Informatics Sciences and Engineering (RISE), AUK’s first scientific center for research and outreach, which brought major international innovation events, including NASA Space Apps Challenge, TEDx AUK, and Microsoft Imagine Cup Kuwait, to AUK. He is the recipient of notable international awards and grants, the latest of which was the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) grant by the US Department of State. With a combination of over 75 publications, conference papers, and grants, Dr. Zeid is a renowned keynote speaker and interdisciplinary researcher. His research interests include global software engineering, cloud computing, STEM education gender gap, and adaptive learning systems.
Commenting on the opening of the new college, Dr. Zeid said, “We never slow down in our quest for innovation and advancement, and today we are again reminded that this quest is worth all our efforts and teamwork. One of the founding principles of the newly-established College of Engineering and Applied Sciences is a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Built on a liberal arts model, the CEAS will advocate a multidisciplinary approach to education and research through its three major bodies: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS), and Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE).”
The College houses two departments that were previously part of the College of Arts and Sciences—Department of Engineering that offers the following programs: Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Engineering, and BE in Electrical Engineering which are both accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology; and the Department of Computing which offers the following programs: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science which is accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology; and a BSc degree program in Information Systems. The College also introduced the BE degree program in Systems Engineering as the newest major in the university under the Engineering Department.
Dr. Awwad also announced the appointment of Dr. Amir Zeid as the founding dean of CEAS. Dr. Zeid joined AUK in 2007 as Assistant Professor of Computer Science and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2013. He received his Ph.D. in 2000 in Computer Science from Carleton University, Canada. He comes to this position with over 20 years of experience and distinct competencies drawn from providing strategic and technical leadership within the industrial, academic, and research domains. Since 2008, Dr. Zeid held a range of positions that contributed significantly to AUK’s liberal arts philosophy through supporting student engagement and innovation. In 2014, Dr. Zeid founded the Center for Research in Informatics Sciences and Engineering (RISE), AUK’s first scientific center for research and outreach, which brought major international innovation events, including NASA Space Apps Challenge, TEDx AUK, and Microsoft Imagine Cup Kuwait, to AUK. He is the recipient of notable international awards and grants, the latest of which was the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) grant by the US Department of State. With a combination of over 75 publications, conference papers, and grants, Dr. Zeid is a renowned keynote speaker and interdisciplinary researcher. His research interests include global software engineering, cloud computing, STEM education gender gap, and adaptive learning systems.
Commenting on the opening of the new college, Dr. Zeid said, “We never slow down in our quest for innovation and advancement, and today we are again reminded that this quest is worth all our efforts and teamwork. One of the founding principles of the newly-established College of Engineering and Applied Sciences is a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Built on a liberal arts model, the CEAS will advocate a multidisciplinary approach to education and research through its three major bodies: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS), and Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE).”
The College houses two departments that were previously part of the College of Arts and Sciences—Department of Engineering that offers the following programs: Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Engineering, and BE in Electrical Engineering which are both accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology; and the Department of Computing which offers the following programs: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science which is accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology; and a BSc degree program in Information Systems. The College also introduced the BE degree program in Systems Engineering as the newest major in the university under the Engineering Department.
Dr. Amir Zeid, Founding Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS)
15, Sep 2019
AUK Students Secure Seats in Youth Assembly of Kuwait
Two students from the American University of Kuwait (AUK) have successfully secured seats in the inaugural round of the Youth Assembly of Kuwait. International relations students Hessah Saket Al-Enezi and Wed Saad Al-Daihani will be among 37 Kuwaiti youths representing the six governates, who plan to elevate the voice of their constituents to officials at the state level.
The Youth Assembly of Kuwait is a pioneering step in promoting youth needs and potential in the country. This platform will be organized and conducted yearly under the auspices of the Youth Public Authority where it will serve as an official channel to deliver concerns and recommendations from youths to relevant decision makers.
Despite the lengthy application process, both persisted in their applications due to their confidence in the potential of this platform in bridging the communication gap. Al-Daihani explained, “I applied to the Youth Assembly to ease the conversation between the government and the youths of Kuwait. This opportunity to be one of the voices that represent the Kuwaiti youths is a great and challenging one. This Assembly is the first of its kind in Kuwait and the problems we have vary.”
In particular, Al-Daihani, who will be representing Farwaniya, plans to focus on education and gender biases; whereas Al-Enezi, who will be representing Jahra, plans to focus on education and youth unemployment. Further, Al-Enezi explained, “I believe in bringing greater care about the youths' abilities and empowering them to utilize those abilities in a creative way that helps them and helps our country. Our youth have many skills that allow for possibilities to excel in different fields.”
Both Al-Enezi and Al-Daihani expressed their gratitude to AUK for preparing them for this role, particularly highlighting support from faculty members, dynamic internship and club opportunities, as well as participations in international conferences, all of which embody the core of the University’s liberal arts approach.
Al-Enezi explains, “AUK has a great faculty, they all paved the way for me to succeed in this role”, adding that they, “taught me about politics and history and spent most of their time empowering me and my fellow classmates to excel!”
Al-Enezi and Al-Daihani will be joining their fellow youth representatives for a month of training under the Youth Public Authority where they will be equipped with the rules and regulations of this assembly and engage with their fellow members.
The Youth Assembly of Kuwait is a pioneering step in promoting youth needs and potential in the country. This platform will be organized and conducted yearly under the auspices of the Youth Public Authority where it will serve as an official channel to deliver concerns and recommendations from youths to relevant decision makers.
Despite the lengthy application process, both persisted in their applications due to their confidence in the potential of this platform in bridging the communication gap. Al-Daihani explained, “I applied to the Youth Assembly to ease the conversation between the government and the youths of Kuwait. This opportunity to be one of the voices that represent the Kuwaiti youths is a great and challenging one. This Assembly is the first of its kind in Kuwait and the problems we have vary.”
In particular, Al-Daihani, who will be representing Farwaniya, plans to focus on education and gender biases; whereas Al-Enezi, who will be representing Jahra, plans to focus on education and youth unemployment. Further, Al-Enezi explained, “I believe in bringing greater care about the youths' abilities and empowering them to utilize those abilities in a creative way that helps them and helps our country. Our youth have many skills that allow for possibilities to excel in different fields.”
Both Al-Enezi and Al-Daihani expressed their gratitude to AUK for preparing them for this role, particularly highlighting support from faculty members, dynamic internship and club opportunities, as well as participations in international conferences, all of which embody the core of the University’s liberal arts approach.
Al-Enezi explains, “AUK has a great faculty, they all paved the way for me to succeed in this role”, adding that they, “taught me about politics and history and spent most of their time empowering me and my fellow classmates to excel!”
Al-Enezi and Al-Daihani will be joining their fellow youth representatives for a month of training under the Youth Public Authority where they will be equipped with the rules and regulations of this assembly and engage with their fellow members.
Hessah Al-Enezi
Wed Al-Daihani
Wed with the governor of Farwanyia, his excellency Sheikh Faisal AlSabah
09, Sep 2019
AUK Kicks Off New Academic Year with Orientations and Welcome Week Activities
AUK began the 2019/2020 academic year by welcoming the new and returning students and faculty to its campus and held a series of orientations and activities to acclimate them to university life.
During the general university faculty & staff meeting, AUK President Rawda Awwad credited the staff and faculty’s hard work as the foundation for all that the University has achieved, as she explains, “Our commitment towards the success of this institution is more than often unflinching and unquestionably solid. And this is not simply mere talk or hearsay: our accreditors think the same in that they have given us a clean bill of health with the understanding that we become sturdier and more effective at what we do with a keen sense of purpose.”
AUK continued with the series of orientations with sessions for newly admitted students. Held at the university auditorium, the students were welcomed by President Awwad and the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar who introduced the students to the dynamic environment on campus that involves both academic and recreational events.
Addressing the new students, Dr. Muzaffar said, “We extend a very warm welcome to our new students and encourage them to take advantage of all the available resources on campus so they may have a holistic collegiate experience. We look forward to seeing your growth and accomplishments in the coming years.”
Part of the student orientation were informational sessions as well as ice-breaker activities that helped ease nerves and jumpstart friendships. Following the orientation, the students were broken up into smaller groups and taken on a campus tour led by peer mentors who have been assigned to guide them through their first few weeks at university.
The start of the fall semester saw a series of festivities such as an outdoor barbeque, sports competitions, an ice cream social, and an involvement fair where students familiarized themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus.
During the general university faculty & staff meeting, AUK President Rawda Awwad credited the staff and faculty’s hard work as the foundation for all that the University has achieved, as she explains, “Our commitment towards the success of this institution is more than often unflinching and unquestionably solid. And this is not simply mere talk or hearsay: our accreditors think the same in that they have given us a clean bill of health with the understanding that we become sturdier and more effective at what we do with a keen sense of purpose.”
AUK continued with the series of orientations with sessions for newly admitted students. Held at the university auditorium, the students were welcomed by President Awwad and the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar who introduced the students to the dynamic environment on campus that involves both academic and recreational events.
Addressing the new students, Dr. Muzaffar said, “We extend a very warm welcome to our new students and encourage them to take advantage of all the available resources on campus so they may have a holistic collegiate experience. We look forward to seeing your growth and accomplishments in the coming years.”
Part of the student orientation were informational sessions as well as ice-breaker activities that helped ease nerves and jumpstart friendships. Following the orientation, the students were broken up into smaller groups and taken on a campus tour led by peer mentors who have been assigned to guide them through their first few weeks at university.
The start of the fall semester saw a series of festivities such as an outdoor barbeque, sports competitions, an ice cream social, and an involvement fair where students familiarized themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus.
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad welcomes new students during the student orientation event
Group photo of AUK freshmen during the orientation
New AUK students touring the university library
Students enjoying the barbecue station during welcome week
08, Sep 2019
AUK Art & Graphic Design Students Participate in the 30th Joint Art Exhibition
The Ministry of Education, in association with the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) held the 30th Joint Art Exhibition students from colleges and universities across Kuwait showcased their artistic talents.
Ten students were selected to represent the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and participated under the supervision of Ms. Jasmine Singh, Adjunct Instructor of Graphic Design Department. The projects included three-dimensional sculptures made from polymer clay as well as lighting design using recycled materials.
Participating students are:
Gamila Eid
Mohammed Nimer
Suad Al Khalaf
Nastaran Mohamadi
Nour Al Tukhaim
Retaj Al Khaldi
Joud Ajam Ough
Munirah Al Majdali
Mariam Al Khudhur
Dania Al Marjeh
Ten students were selected to represent the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and participated under the supervision of Ms. Jasmine Singh, Adjunct Instructor of Graphic Design Department. The projects included three-dimensional sculptures made from polymer clay as well as lighting design using recycled materials.
Participating students are:
Gamila Eid
Mohammed Nimer
Suad Al Khalaf
Nastaran Mohamadi
Nour Al Tukhaim
Retaj Al Khaldi
Joud Ajam Ough
Munirah Al Majdali
Mariam Al Khudhur
Dania Al Marjeh
A display of the projects created by AUK students.
Group photo of the participating students.
26, Jun 2019
AUKMUN Participates in Project Aequitas in the Netherlands
The American University of Kuwait Model United Nations (AUKMUN) organized an academic trip to The Hague, Netherlands to participate in a project entitled, Project Aequitas, which was in collaboration with the Kuwait Embassy in The Hague. This project consisted of participation in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by Leiden University and a visit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accompanied by His Excellency, Counsellor Tareq Al-Shumaimry. The project aimed to educate students on the international legal system as well as give greater insight into work in the diplomatic sector.
A total of seven students participated in this trip—Head Delegate and AUKMUN President, Ali Al-Qallaf; Treasurer, Fares Al-Shamry; Vice President, Ali Al-Khuraibet; Judicial Affairs Committee Chair, Hussain Khashab; Secretary, Nada El Gamal; Events Planning & Coordinating Chair, Layan Al-Ayoubi; and AUKMUN member Ridaab Marzuq. The students were accompanied by their advisor, AUK Professor of Near and Middle Eastern Studies and History, Gholamreza Vatandoust.
Throughout their participation in the MUN conference, the delegates played the role of diplomats and represented different states within the simulation. Each student was tasked to represent the policies of their assigned state in various UN commissions and create a resolution regarding the issue at hand. With high competition, AUK delegates managed to gain two awards—the Judicial Affairs Committee Chair received the Best Delegate Award, and Secretary, Nada El-Gamal received the Honorable Mention Award.
During the second leg of the program, Their Excellencies Counsellor Tareq Al-Shumaimry and Counsellor Ali Al-Thayedi of the Kuwait Embassy in The Hague organized a trip to the Peace Palace. In this visit students were given a briefing on the history of the international court as well as its legal functions, and were given a lecture on court hearings and proceedings. The students also participated in an interactive discussion regarding the ICJ which provided a unique opportunity for students to integrate what they have learned in their law courses into the discussion.
To end the program, the delegation visited the Kuwait Embassy in The Hague where they were warmly received by His Excellency Ambassador Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi. Each delegate then gave a detailed presentation on what they had learned from this experience. Following the presentations, each delegate was given a certificate signed by the Ambassador, thus concluding the program.
A total of seven students participated in this trip—Head Delegate and AUKMUN President, Ali Al-Qallaf; Treasurer, Fares Al-Shamry; Vice President, Ali Al-Khuraibet; Judicial Affairs Committee Chair, Hussain Khashab; Secretary, Nada El Gamal; Events Planning & Coordinating Chair, Layan Al-Ayoubi; and AUKMUN member Ridaab Marzuq. The students were accompanied by their advisor, AUK Professor of Near and Middle Eastern Studies and History, Gholamreza Vatandoust.
Throughout their participation in the MUN conference, the delegates played the role of diplomats and represented different states within the simulation. Each student was tasked to represent the policies of their assigned state in various UN commissions and create a resolution regarding the issue at hand. With high competition, AUK delegates managed to gain two awards—the Judicial Affairs Committee Chair received the Best Delegate Award, and Secretary, Nada El-Gamal received the Honorable Mention Award.
During the second leg of the program, Their Excellencies Counsellor Tareq Al-Shumaimry and Counsellor Ali Al-Thayedi of the Kuwait Embassy in The Hague organized a trip to the Peace Palace. In this visit students were given a briefing on the history of the international court as well as its legal functions, and were given a lecture on court hearings and proceedings. The students also participated in an interactive discussion regarding the ICJ which provided a unique opportunity for students to integrate what they have learned in their law courses into the discussion.
To end the program, the delegation visited the Kuwait Embassy in The Hague where they were warmly received by His Excellency Ambassador Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi. Each delegate then gave a detailed presentation on what they had learned from this experience. Following the presentations, each delegate was given a certificate signed by the Ambassador, thus concluding the program.
(From left) H.E. Counsellor Tareq Al-Shumaimry, Counsellor at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of the Netherlands; ; Dr. Gholam Vatandoust, AUKMUN Academic Advisor; H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ali K. Al-Qallaf, President of AUKMUN
(From left) Layan Al-Ayoubi, Events Planning & Coordinating Committee Chair of AUKMUN; Fares Al-Shamri, Treasurer of AUKMUN; Ali Al-Khuraibet, Vice President of AUKMUN; H.E. Counsellor Tareq Al-Shumaimry, Counsellor at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Ali K. Al-Qallaf, President of AUKMUN; H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Dr. Gholam Vatandoust, AUKMUN Academic Advisor; Hussain Khashab, Judicial Affairs Committee Chair of AUKMUN; Nada El-Gamal, Secretary of AUKMUN; Ridaab Marzuq, AUKMUN member
17, Jun 2019
The American University of Kuwait Graduates its 2019 Class
AUK held its annual graduation commencement for the Class of 2019 on Thursday 13th of June where 437 students—285 from the College of Arts and Sciences, and 152 from the College of Business and Economics—officially became AUK graduates, amongst whom were 7 graduates with highest honors, 20 with high honors, and 21 with honors. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Hamed Al-Azmi, Minister of Education and Higher Education and represented by Dr. Habib Abul, Secretary General of the Private Universities Council (PUC).
The graduation was attended by Shaikha Dana Naser Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Founder and Chair of AUK's Board of Trustees, Dr. Habib Abul, Secretary General of Private Universities, members of the AUK Board of Trustees, diplomats, dignitaries, and the families and friends of this year's graduates.
Executive Vice President, Ms. Amal Al-Binali welcomed the guests and family members of the graduates to AUK's 14th graduation ceremony and officially inaugurated the event by introducing the traditional processionals of the faculty, graduates, and president’s party.
Following the National Anthem and the Holy Quran recitation, AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad gave an opening speech in which she relayed her confidence in the graduates’ ability to make a positive impact on society. “They have developed an understanding of the value of the liberal arts. Regardless of the degrees they have pursued and the skills they have acquired, this education has sophisticated them into becoming transformative agents,” she said.
Dr. Habib Abul, Secretariat General of the Private Universities Council (PUC) also gave a speech that urged the graduates to continue their journey of learning and exploring in the next phase of their lives, as he explains, “I have no doubt that the knowledge and experience you have gained during your studies will qualify you to start a new professional journey. Success will not come easily, so you must persevere and explore new cultures and creative outlets and continue on a lifelong journey to learn.”
The commencement keynote address was given by the Minister Plenipotentiary, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Americas, Her Excellency, Reem M. Al-Khaled encouraged the graduates to venture into endeavors that would challenge them and benefit others, “Put yourself in other people’s shoes to understand yourselves and them, have big dreams, be brave, share your ideas, have an open mind, embrace cultural diversity, cultivate your minds and souls through art, literature, and music, and do not forget to make time for community service,” she said.
Following the keynote address, the class valedictorian was announced by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar. The AUK class of 2019 valedictorian is Lolwa Anwar Al-Roshoud who majored in English Literature and earned a GPA of 3.97. During her speech, Lolwa stressed on the utilization of skills and hard work to achieve more goals, “Fellow graduates, this journey was through hard work of connecting smaller pieces to get the bigger picture and enduring through hardships to achieve a certain goal. We must take all the skills we have adopted to the real world. Carry your ambitious mindset, open mind, consideration, patience and leadership to the next level, whether you'll attend grad school or start your career, you have already learned to fit into different communities,” she said.
The event then proceeded to the part of the ceremony most anticipated by the graduates—the distribution of their earned degrees. Upon the recommendations of President Awwad, the college deans conferred upon the graduates their respective degrees. The graduates were then awarded their diplomas by President Awwad, Dean Ali Charara for the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dean Ralph Palliam for the College of Business & Economics, and H.E. Reem M. Al-Khaled.
In keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates were requested to shift their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK. As the ceremony drew to its conclusion, the graduating class celebrated the occasion and took commemorative photos with their families and friends.
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery
The graduation was attended by Shaikha Dana Naser Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Founder and Chair of AUK's Board of Trustees, Dr. Habib Abul, Secretary General of Private Universities, members of the AUK Board of Trustees, diplomats, dignitaries, and the families and friends of this year's graduates.
Executive Vice President, Ms. Amal Al-Binali welcomed the guests and family members of the graduates to AUK's 14th graduation ceremony and officially inaugurated the event by introducing the traditional processionals of the faculty, graduates, and president’s party.
Following the National Anthem and the Holy Quran recitation, AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad gave an opening speech in which she relayed her confidence in the graduates’ ability to make a positive impact on society. “They have developed an understanding of the value of the liberal arts. Regardless of the degrees they have pursued and the skills they have acquired, this education has sophisticated them into becoming transformative agents,” she said.
Dr. Habib Abul, Secretariat General of the Private Universities Council (PUC) also gave a speech that urged the graduates to continue their journey of learning and exploring in the next phase of their lives, as he explains, “I have no doubt that the knowledge and experience you have gained during your studies will qualify you to start a new professional journey. Success will not come easily, so you must persevere and explore new cultures and creative outlets and continue on a lifelong journey to learn.”
The commencement keynote address was given by the Minister Plenipotentiary, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Americas, Her Excellency, Reem M. Al-Khaled encouraged the graduates to venture into endeavors that would challenge them and benefit others, “Put yourself in other people’s shoes to understand yourselves and them, have big dreams, be brave, share your ideas, have an open mind, embrace cultural diversity, cultivate your minds and souls through art, literature, and music, and do not forget to make time for community service,” she said.
Following the keynote address, the class valedictorian was announced by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar. The AUK class of 2019 valedictorian is Lolwa Anwar Al-Roshoud who majored in English Literature and earned a GPA of 3.97. During her speech, Lolwa stressed on the utilization of skills and hard work to achieve more goals, “Fellow graduates, this journey was through hard work of connecting smaller pieces to get the bigger picture and enduring through hardships to achieve a certain goal. We must take all the skills we have adopted to the real world. Carry your ambitious mindset, open mind, consideration, patience and leadership to the next level, whether you'll attend grad school or start your career, you have already learned to fit into different communities,” she said.
The event then proceeded to the part of the ceremony most anticipated by the graduates—the distribution of their earned degrees. Upon the recommendations of President Awwad, the college deans conferred upon the graduates their respective degrees. The graduates were then awarded their diplomas by President Awwad, Dean Ali Charara for the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dean Ralph Palliam for the College of Business & Economics, and H.E. Reem M. Al-Khaled.
In keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates were requested to shift their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK. As the ceremony drew to its conclusion, the graduating class celebrated the occasion and took commemorative photos with their families and friends.
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery
11, Jun 2019
AUK Announces President's Honor Roll and Dean's Honor List
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) held its semi-annual President’s Honor Roll and Dean’s Honor List ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of top student achievers. The ceremony was held in the campus auditorium, where AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad and the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business and Economics presented students with awards for their achievements in different categories. The event was attended by parents, faculty members, university staff, and students.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Awwad, in which she praised the awardees and congratulated them on their academic achievements. Top achieving students from the different categories were then called to accept their awards from the president and college deans.
33 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 134 students were recognized for achieving the Dean's Honor List—a distinction awarded to students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.7. AUK President, Rawda Awwad, along with Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Lee G Caldwell, Associate Dean for Quality Assurance and Accreditation at the College of Business & Economics presented the recipients with their awards.
President’s Honor Roll
Sadeq Taqi
Maryam Kotb
Batool Hasan
Shaymaa Al-Qalaf
Bahja Al-Qaazweeni
Yara Al-Quorashy
Husain AlQudaihi
Lara Jadayel
Noha Mahmoud
Munirah Al-Majdali
Noor Abu Salah
Reham Kablaoui
Naya Kassis
Lolwah AlRoshoud
Noura Bounassif
Dina Al-Sayed
Ali Al-Khuraibet
Reem Qasem
Huseen BuOlayyan
Habiba Anwar
Melissa AbouFarraj
Islam Rezk
Susanna Al-Mufti
Sara Zayed
Sarah Raza
Farah Nabaa
Farah Mobayed
Ghada Al Sahhaf
Nashrah Quraishi
Amal Radhwan
Amer Khosla
Nadia AlAjmi
Nora Al-Bader
Dean’s Honor List-College of Arts and Sciences
Aya Kandil
Nasser Al-Otaibi
Omar Khalil
Amal Singer
Palwasha Shaikh
Khaled Al-Sabah
Hamad Dhaif
Abdulaziz Al-Shammari
Ghadeer Ashkanani
Sara Ayesh
Sharifah AlKhaldi
Marah Al-Kazak
Asmaa Lulu
Pearla Haider
Lelea Abdou
Sarah Behbehani
Abdulazez Karam
Farah Kheder
Khalid Al-Kharafi
Serli Bedirian
Al-Jawhara Al-Sabah
Ghareeb Thiab
Farah Abdullah
Saad Alajmi
Farah Al-Ayoubi
Fay Al-Mazidi
Anwar As'ad
Fatemah Al-Sulaiman
Fatma AlMuhanna
Ali Alfaili
Abdulwahab Al-Musailem
Ayman Kandil
Nosaiba Binnaji
Kaouthar Chebli
Basmah Al-Shami
Hana Nassar
Sedra Al-Tujjar
Noura Allahow
Hawraa Wahid
Ahmad AlAbdeen
Mariam Khalil
Vironika Faragalla
Jumana Khalil
Sarah Al-Ajmi
Abdulaziz Redha
Bashayer Al-Anjeri
Laila Ashkanani
Chloe Ramey
Anwaar Alajmi
Jassim AlGhanim
Ali Mahdi
Madonna Sadek
Shahad Al-Khaldi
Talal Al-Ghunaimi
David Muharib
Stephen Sapp
Ahlam Dashti
Fahad Al-Ibrahim
May Al-Qenaei
Nataly Hamayel
Turki AlAjmi
Zaina AlFadalah
Fawaz Almajed
Faisal Hayat
Nourhan Nour
Malak Hussain
Hussien Hammoud
Rawan Boutaiban
Farah Abu Eid
Lubna Al-Jayyar
Ali Alsarraf
Fadheela Al-Sabah
Deemah AlDawoud
Mohammed Nimer
Mohammad Omar
Aya Abdrabou
Farah Issa
Hala Abou Harb
Ali Abouzeid
Rafah Al-Shohaty
Maya Lawand
Nagam Abu Ghoush
Malak Ahmed
Layan Al Ayoubi
Rawan Behbehani
Aisha Al Saqabi
Dallya Mulla Hwaech
Latifah AlKandari
Rassim Melaab
Ruqayah AlNaqi
Hanna Mansour
Yasmeen AlHasan
Fatima Matook
Rawan Nabaa
Laila Dallol
Habiba Mohamed
Dean’s Honor List-College of Business and Economics
Meshari Al-Baghli
Raghda Zaher
Omar Matar
Farah Al-Shaye
Eman Eldin
Ismail Al-Tahan
Shaikha Al-Hendi
Aisha Al Majed
Arshi Syed
Adel Al-Qallaf
Lynne Ghader
Razan Al Aghbar
Mohammad Alfares
Salwa Al-Enezi
Nazish Quraishi
Nourah Eid
Rawan Abdelrahim
Donia Mohammad
Laila Mohammad
Aisha AlSaqabi
Nour Harb
Dalia Honeine
Rafia Tabaa
Marwa Soliman
Nour Nassar
Urooj Mudassar
Neeshal Rafi
Farhanaz Padpood
Abdulaziz Al-Mayouf
Anas Hasan
Maram Al Turki
Sara El Bab
Lavena Jacob
Nadime Bitar
Bader Al-Majed
Yousef Mustafa
Basil Aboufarraj
Mariana Samir Sadek
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Awwad, in which she praised the awardees and congratulated them on their academic achievements. Top achieving students from the different categories were then called to accept their awards from the president and college deans.
33 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 134 students were recognized for achieving the Dean's Honor List—a distinction awarded to students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.7. AUK President, Rawda Awwad, along with Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Lee G Caldwell, Associate Dean for Quality Assurance and Accreditation at the College of Business & Economics presented the recipients with their awards.
President’s Honor Roll
Sadeq Taqi
Maryam Kotb
Batool Hasan
Shaymaa Al-Qalaf
Bahja Al-Qaazweeni
Yara Al-Quorashy
Husain AlQudaihi
Lara Jadayel
Noha Mahmoud
Munirah Al-Majdali
Noor Abu Salah
Reham Kablaoui
Naya Kassis
Lolwah AlRoshoud
Noura Bounassif
Dina Al-Sayed
Ali Al-Khuraibet
Reem Qasem
Huseen BuOlayyan
Habiba Anwar
Melissa AbouFarraj
Islam Rezk
Susanna Al-Mufti
Sara Zayed
Sarah Raza
Farah Nabaa
Farah Mobayed
Ghada Al Sahhaf
Nashrah Quraishi
Amal Radhwan
Amer Khosla
Nadia AlAjmi
Nora Al-Bader
Dean’s Honor List-College of Arts and Sciences
Aya Kandil
Nasser Al-Otaibi
Omar Khalil
Amal Singer
Palwasha Shaikh
Khaled Al-Sabah
Hamad Dhaif
Abdulaziz Al-Shammari
Ghadeer Ashkanani
Sara Ayesh
Sharifah AlKhaldi
Marah Al-Kazak
Asmaa Lulu
Pearla Haider
Lelea Abdou
Sarah Behbehani
Abdulazez Karam
Farah Kheder
Khalid Al-Kharafi
Serli Bedirian
Al-Jawhara Al-Sabah
Ghareeb Thiab
Farah Abdullah
Saad Alajmi
Farah Al-Ayoubi
Fay Al-Mazidi
Anwar As'ad
Fatemah Al-Sulaiman
Fatma AlMuhanna
Ali Alfaili
Abdulwahab Al-Musailem
Ayman Kandil
Nosaiba Binnaji
Kaouthar Chebli
Basmah Al-Shami
Hana Nassar
Sedra Al-Tujjar
Noura Allahow
Hawraa Wahid
Ahmad AlAbdeen
Mariam Khalil
Vironika Faragalla
Jumana Khalil
Sarah Al-Ajmi
Abdulaziz Redha
Bashayer Al-Anjeri
Laila Ashkanani
Chloe Ramey
Anwaar Alajmi
Jassim AlGhanim
Ali Mahdi
Madonna Sadek
Shahad Al-Khaldi
Talal Al-Ghunaimi
David Muharib
Stephen Sapp
Ahlam Dashti
Fahad Al-Ibrahim
May Al-Qenaei
Nataly Hamayel
Turki AlAjmi
Zaina AlFadalah
Fawaz Almajed
Faisal Hayat
Nourhan Nour
Malak Hussain
Hussien Hammoud
Rawan Boutaiban
Farah Abu Eid
Lubna Al-Jayyar
Ali Alsarraf
Fadheela Al-Sabah
Deemah AlDawoud
Mohammed Nimer
Mohammad Omar
Aya Abdrabou
Farah Issa
Hala Abou Harb
Ali Abouzeid
Rafah Al-Shohaty
Maya Lawand
Nagam Abu Ghoush
Malak Ahmed
Layan Al Ayoubi
Rawan Behbehani
Aisha Al Saqabi
Dallya Mulla Hwaech
Latifah AlKandari
Rassim Melaab
Ruqayah AlNaqi
Hanna Mansour
Yasmeen AlHasan
Fatima Matook
Rawan Nabaa
Laila Dallol
Habiba Mohamed
Dean’s Honor List-College of Business and Economics
Meshari Al-Baghli
Raghda Zaher
Omar Matar
Farah Al-Shaye
Eman Eldin
Ismail Al-Tahan
Shaikha Al-Hendi
Aisha Al Majed
Arshi Syed
Adel Al-Qallaf
Lynne Ghader
Razan Al Aghbar
Mohammad Alfares
Salwa Al-Enezi
Nazish Quraishi
Nourah Eid
Rawan Abdelrahim
Donia Mohammad
Laila Mohammad
Aisha AlSaqabi
Nour Harb
Dalia Honeine
Rafia Tabaa
Marwa Soliman
Nour Nassar
Urooj Mudassar
Neeshal Rafi
Farhanaz Padpood
Abdulaziz Al-Mayouf
Anas Hasan
Maram Al Turki
Sara El Bab
Lavena Jacob
Nadime Bitar
Bader Al-Majed
Yousef Mustafa
Basil Aboufarraj
Mariana Samir Sadek
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28, May 2019
XI Eta Chapter of Delta Mu Delta Inducts AUK Students
The AUK XI Eta Chapter of the International Honor Society in Business, Delta Mu Delta, held its fourth annual induction ceremony, officially welcoming 15 students from the College of Business and Economics (CBE) to its chapter. Members of the CBE faculty, inductees’ family members, and members of XI Eta took part in this ceremony to support students who were being recognized for their academic excellence. AUK’s XI Eta Chapter was founded in 2016 and has 59 lifetime members consisting of students and alumni, and faculty as honorary members.
Dr. Fatima Shibly, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Chapter Faculty Adviser started the induction ritual with an overview of the Chapter and the organization. She noted the Honor Society’s belief in the use of knowledge as an impetus for social and economic good. Dr. Shibly pointed out that this distinction was not a gift but rather a result of the students’ hard work and superior scholastic achievement. Dr. Fatima then called the inductees to the stage in order to recite the pledge which officially declares their membership into the society and their dedication to its values.
Following this, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam, the Associate Dean, Dr. Lee Caldwell and the XI Eta honorary members Dr. Mark Speece and Mr. Rabindranath Bhattacharya delivered the certificates and keys to the inductees.
Dr. Fatima Shibly, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Chapter Faculty Adviser started the induction ritual with an overview of the Chapter and the organization. She noted the Honor Society’s belief in the use of knowledge as an impetus for social and economic good. Dr. Shibly pointed out that this distinction was not a gift but rather a result of the students’ hard work and superior scholastic achievement. Dr. Fatima then called the inductees to the stage in order to recite the pledge which officially declares their membership into the society and their dedication to its values.
Following this, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam, the Associate Dean, Dr. Lee Caldwell and the XI Eta honorary members Dr. Mark Speece and Mr. Rabindranath Bhattacharya delivered the certificates and keys to the inductees.
Group photo of the inductees and CBE professors
