News

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) Founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah received an invitation from Sheikha Fadia Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Chairperson of the Kuwait Union of Women’s Associations to participate in a panel discussion to relate her journey in philanthropy and her vision of women’s roles in developing the Kuwaiti society in the future. The panel took place during a ceremony under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah which honored women’s achievements in Kuwait’s social and professional arenas in celebration of Kuwait’s National Women’s Day.

Sheikha Dana recounted her journey in philanthropy as an inspiration derived from the example set by her grandfather, His Highness the Amir. She stressed the importance of giving back to one’s community to contribute to the greater development of their country towards prosperity. In her pursuit of advancing the Kuwaiti society, Shaikha Dana believed that education is at the forefront of knowledge and social progress. She pioneered the project of introducing a Liberal Arts approach to learning by founding the American University of Kuwait (AUK)—the first liberal arts institution in Kuwait. The University enables students to think and learn through a curriculum that is specially designed to allow them to explore the many facets of education while allowing them the freedom to critically think and analyze the world from their own perspectives.
 
Throughout her talk, Shaikha Dana aimed to inspire the habit of giving without seeking anything in return as everyone’s efforts are serving the greater good of Kuwait’s future generations, “While some may classify philanthropy as an example of women’s leadership in societal contributions, I believe that it is a shared and equal duty for both men and women to invest in the development of Kuwait’s society,” she said.
 
Al-Sabah is the chairwoman of United Education Co. (UEC), Kuwait’s leading company in the education sector. UEC consolidates seven K-12 schools with over 12,500 students. The United Education network includes some of the leading American, Indian, and Pakistani schools in Kuwait.

She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Futooh Holding Co., the major stakeholder in Kuwait Project Co. (KIPCO), a multi-sector operating holding company with a diversified portfolio spanning the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
 

Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah during the panel discussion

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is proud to announce that it has earned its accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its College of Business and Economics. This signals that the College has met the most rigorous standards of excellence in business education and has demonstrated that it is committed to upholding and advancing the quality of their programs.

Dr. Ralph Palliam, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at AUK attributes the College of Business and Economics earning the AACSB accreditation to the University’s commitment to liberal arts education and support in delivering on excellence and the highest of standards in education with a demonstrated focus on quality in teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning.  The AACSB accreditation is a hallmark in business education and is earned by less than 5 percent of the world’s business schools. Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Consequently, the College of Business and Economics is fostering a series of engagements, accelerating design thinking, and notably amplifying its impact in the principles of responsible business education.  

AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad praised the efforts of those involved in obtaining the accreditation, “This accomplishment is reflective of the College’s and Institution’s commitment to teaching and learning, research and service; and obligations toward continuous improvement and development. As with all of our accreditation initiatives, the involvement and support of the University community is critical.  The collaborative effort of the AACSB Steering Committee is commendable.”   

The College of Business and Economics currently has dual accreditation, the first one from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) that was awarded in November, 2010.

More information about AACSB, its member societies, and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at https://www.aacsb.edu/

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. Its College of Arts and Sciences is accredited by The American Academy for Liberal Education's (AALE); and its Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission for Intensive English Program Accreditation (CEA); its Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; and the College of Business and Economics is also accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). For more information on the AUK College of Business and Economics, visit http://www.auk.edu.kw/cbe/home

 

Two AUK sports teams triumphed at the Bogazici Sports Festival 2019, which was held in Istanbul, Turkey. The women’s futsal team won the silver medal, and the men’s soccer team earned the bronze medal while competing in their respective tournaments.

Other participating student teams from AUK included the women’s volleyball team and men’s basketball team. The tournament had participants from all around the world competing in various sports such as Serbia, Greece, Lebanon, and Bulgaria.
 
Omar Mehdi, the Senior Sports Coordinator at the Office of Student Life, praised the teams’ successful efforts, “The AUK sports teams were tremendous on and off the court at the Bogazici Sports Festival 2019 and for that I would like to thank all of our student athletes and sports staff.”

Throughout the academic year, AUK’s sports teams actively participate in national and international tournaments. It provides student-athletes with an opportunity to travel with their team and showcase the Wolfpack’s strength, teamwork, and sportsmanship on an international scale.
 

AUK’s silver medalists women futsal team
 

AUK’s bronze medalists men soccer team
 

Group photo of the AUK athletes at the Bogazici Sports Festival 2019

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted its 15th Annual Awards Night ceremony on campus.

The event began with a welcome speech by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, and was attended by the President’s Cabinet, members of AUK’s staff and faculty, as well as the nominees’ families and friends.

The event brought together exceptional students who were recognized and awarded for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the AUK community.

The ceremony honored 5 Student Affairs Awards to current registered students for their exceptional leadership and achievements in extracurricular activities:
Outstanding Accomplishment Award – Amer Khosla
Leader of the Year Award – Ali Al-Qallaf | Razan al-Dehani
Humanitarian Award – Saja AlObaid
Outstanding Involvement Award – Mona Singer | Samaa Al-Hadidi
Lifelong Learner Award – Shafeeqah Al-Turki

In acknowledging the role of clubs and organizations at AUK, the following were honored:
Exceptional Member of the Year – Layan Al Ayoubi
Event of the Year – Grand Opening Finale by Alpha Psi Omega
Outstanding Representation – AUKMUN
Most Improved Club of the Year – SBSA Club
Club of the Year – Fikir Club

This year also saw continuous athletic excellence, and in acknowledging the role of athletics at AUK, the following student athletes were awarded:
Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year – Rakan Al-Hallak
Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year – Zainah Ben Salamah

The final two awards were the Wolfpack Award and the President’s Award. The Wolfpack Award is given to one student and one member of AUK’s alumni for their remarkable ability to balance academic life with a high degree of involvement in extra and co-curricular activities while promoting a positive image of AUK; this was awarded to student Shokry Garada for his various contributions to the AUK community and his devotion to support students in their activities, and alumnus, Abdalla Al-Muzaini for being a true example of the AUK wolfpack spirit, providing continuous support to AUK events while maintaining great relations with AUK faculty and succeeding in his career.  

The final award of the night was the President’s Award which highlights one student and one member AUK’s alumni’s outstanding academic achievement along with leadership and commitment to the greater good of the University. Senior computer science student Omar Khalil was awarded for his highly interdisciplinary approach to academics and extracurricular activities. He continuously seeks out ways by which he can advance a good cause. Alumna, Hessa AlMukhled was awarded for her energetic, honest, positive attitude that represents what the University stands for.

Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Muzaffar commended winners and nominees, “Awards Night is a time to celebrate those outstanding members of our community: students and alumni, and to show our appreciation to those individuals who have contributed to making life at AUK the exceptional one that it is. Those honored are not just high achievers, they are always ready to help when help is needed and rush to assist in the planning of AUK activities: from the ones we open to the public, to the ones we host for our community, from orientation to graduation, to everything that falls in between, and this continues even after they graduate. Our alumni provide us with continuous support and are always there when needed. Awards Night is a celebration of students and alumni for all their accomplishments and an opportunity to recognize those who have gone the extra mile. Congratulations to all nominees and winners!”

The event concluded with a special dinner on campus to celebrate all the nominees and winners.
 

 
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery

The Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department at AUK concluded its workshop series by hosting CISCO. The workshop, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - The Latest Technology Trends, was facilitated through AUK’s established membership and collaboration with the CISCO networking academy.

This workshop was held at the AUK campus and was attended by 60 CSIS and electrical and computer engineering (ECE) students and faculty members. The Account Manager of CISCO in Kuwait and the Middle East facilitated this workshop and explored various technological trends and disciplines where artificial intelligence and machine learning contribute to our daily lives. CISCO also explained their contributions to this field as a leading IT company.  

Other workshops held during this academic year included: White Hat Hacking, User Experience Design, and Fundamentals of MATLAB Programming which was facilitated by representatives from Germany.

Dr. Ahmad Rabaa’i, Associate Professor of Information Systems and the CSIS Department Chair, explained that the workshops had been organized in an effort to enhance student as well as faculty engagement. They have also been effective in showing students the real-life applications of the theories they learned in class. Dr. Rabaa’i revealed that this series will continue in the next academic year, with plans to explore topics on robotics, C++ workshops, IOT, and cyber security.
 

General photo of the workshop
 

General photo of the workshop attendees

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) welcomed Eman Al-Awadhi, the Group Communications Director at Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO), for her presentation on Collaboration and Partnerships. She presented to AUK marketing students in a course which examines the patterns and factors influencing both consumer and organizational behavior. The presentation comes as part of a series of student sessions organized by the Pearl Initiative as part of its efforts to raise awareness about sustainability among university students.

In her talk, Ms. Al-Awadhi introduced the students to KIPCO—Kuwait’s largest holdings company. She discussed the four pillars of the Pearl Initiative Pledge which promotes themes of accountability and transparency within corporate culture and competitiveness. These include setting targets for sustainable and responsible growth, creating a more inclusive workplace, promoting integrity, and developing collaborations and partnerships. According to Ms. Al-Awadhi, KIPCO has formed both internal and external partnerships that include both business and social collaborations. In fact, KIPCO contributes to New Kuwait Vision 2035 by investing in the creativity and innovativeness of the younger generation through platforms such as the Tmkeen Award for Young Entrepreneurs. This particular initiative enables young entrepreneurs to compete to win KIPCO’s support for their startup ideas.
 
Ms. Al-Awadhi’s presentation contributed to the students’ understanding of the motive behind different partnerships and collaborations, different ways of implementation, and the impact that this has on different stakeholders. In the example of the KIPCO Tmkeen Award, Ms. Al-Awadhi explained how the support offered by KIPCO Group helped the startups expand their businesses through market studies, marketing plans, advertising, and other services. Examples of successful businesses that won the award over the years included Ajar Online, MyHome, Baims and NutriBox.

The presentation was informative and provided much insight to the students about how to forge professional partnerships that are productive and how to utilize the best modern tools to provide consumers with the best services.
 
Ms. Al-Awadhi is responsible for coordinating the KIPCO Group’s overall communications strategy and for KIPCO’s corporate communications, media relations, branding and marketing activities. She has an extensive career in public relations, media and journalism. She was previously a member of the ‘Newsweek Arabic’ production team and the foreign correspondent at Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait’s official news wire.
 

Eman Al-Awadhi, Group Communications Director at Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO)

The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) concluded its 2018-2019 lecture series by hosting its current CGS Fulbright scholar, Ms. Hasnaa Mokhtar, a PhD Candidate in International Development at Clark University. The talk, entitled, “Beyond Victims and Villains: Decolonizing Knowledge Production of Gender-Based Violence in the Arab Gulf States,” featured an analysis of gender-based violence against Gulf Arab women in various spheres, including academic literature in multiple fields, primary sources, and everyday life.
 
The evening kicked off with a bilingual poetic prelude by Ms. Sarah Al-Obaid, an English literature major at the Gulf University of Science and Technology and a rising figure in the Kuwait poetry scene.  Ms. Al-Obaid explored themes of identity and representation in her piece, Ode to Stories Untold. Similar themes were unfolded in Mokhtar’s lecture, where she instead referred to generalized gender representation and analyses within historic and contemporary English-language scholarship in the Arab Gulf states.
 
Mokhtar identified and explored three main overarching themes related to knowledge-production and policy-making in the region: the presence of a gender gap in such literature which reflect the gender-structuring of knowledge, western-centric knowledge produced about the Gulf, and gender-based violence which perpetuates the dual reductionist views of either “saving the victimized Arab Gulf woman” or “Islamist misogynistic dogma of protecting the piety of the Arab Gulf woman.” She used these themes to motivate her main research question: how might the de-colonial decentralization of gender violence inform research, knowledge-production, and anti-violence laws and services?
 
Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani, the Director of the Center for Gulf Studies, commented, “Ms. Mokhtar’s research is an incredibly important contribution to the field of Gulf Studies with respect to de-colonialization of the academic literature, enhancing an awareness of reductionism and violence, and being more inclusive of other, intersectional narratives.  While it is clear that Ms. Mokhtar’s dissertation will impact the academic field of Gulf Studies, it is also crucial to note that Ms. Mokhtar has fostered a network of Arab Gulf women who share similar experiences and has developed connections between academics across Kuwait-based universities as a result of her research and innate ability to encourage cooperation and discussion across multiple sectors.”

Hasnaa Mokhtar is a Ph.D. candidate in International Development at Clark University, After graduating in 2015 with an M.A. in International Development and Social Change, Hasnaa developed a passion for transdisciplinary approaches to addressing gender violence in Muslim communities. As a Saudi-American, she focuses her research, journalism, and activism on amplifying the voices of Muslim women and tackling the injustices of gender-based violence. Hasnaa worked as a journalist in Arab News, and her articles appeared in several publications including Fortune, Teen Vogue, Yahoo, and Bustle.com. Prior to arriving in Kuwait for her dissertation research, Hasnaa served as the executive director for the Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester, MA.
 

Hasnaa Mokhtar, CGS Fulbright Scholar

The Art & Graphic Design Department at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held the opening ceremony of its 12th annual Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition which took place at the Promenade Culture Centre at The Promenade Mall in Hawalli. The exhibition offered senior students an opportunity to display their creative work, which covered a range of themes, including social and cultural awareness, corporate identity, and entrepreneurship.

The exhibition ran for one week and was open to the public. During the exhibition, the participating students were evaluated by industry experts based on their creativity and presentation, their ability to conduct and use graphic design research strategy effectively, and their ability to plan and implement a compelling graphic design display.
 
Held on an annual basis, the Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition brings together visitors from the field of graphic design, including experts from graphic design studios, publishing houses, film and video production companies, advertising, and multimedia firms.  

Department Chair of the Art & Graphic Design Department, Professor William Andersen commended the students’ efforts during the exhibition, “I have been involved with AUK’s Graphic Design Capstone Exhibitions for over 10 years now and amazingly it just gets better and better every year. Everyone says this is AUK’s best Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition so far! I wish to thank the students, faculty, and the staff at AUK and the Promenade Culture Centre for making this happen!”
 
AUK’s Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition presents an opportunity for senior students to fully incorporate their design strengths and learning into a focused and extended process of research and visual expression.
 

 
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery