News
30, May 2018
Interview with Dartmouth Intern Devon Kurtz at AUK
AUK has welcomed Dartmouth student Devon Kurtz to intern on campus during the Spring, 2018 semester. Devon has worked in the PR and Marketing Department, The Writing Center, and Admissions Department.
Devon is a member of the class of 2020 at Dartmouth College and is studying economics, classical literature, and English. He was an intern for State Senator Donald Humason and was later appointed to the Massachusetts Governor's Statewide Youth Council advising Governor Charlie Baker and other top state officials on the opioid addiction crisis plaguing the state. On Dartmouth's campus, he is a managing editor at The Dartmouth Review, the college's conservative newspaper. He is also a part of the First-Year Student Enrichment Program, a group for first-generation college students.
Upon successful completion of his internship, an interview was conducted to get his feedback on living in Kuwait and working at AUK:
1) Please describe briefly your role at the different departments you worked with during your internship at AUK. And what accomplishments are you most proud of?
My internship was split among Public Relations (PR), the Writing Center (WRC), and Admissions. In PR, I wrote press releases and covered events around campus. In the WRC, I worked as a writing consultant, helping students improve their writing assignments. In Admissions, I did a variety of tasks, but the most valuable was speaking to high school students who were visiting the campus.
2) Your jobs involved interactions with students, professors, and staff members at AUK, how did you find this experience in terms of learning about the people and the culture?
Since most students are from the GCC region, meeting students was the best way to learn about the culture of Kuwait. Staff and professors were helpful in learning about the experiences of ex-patriates living in Kuwait and other Gulf countries. I have made lifelong friends-including students, staff, and professors-during my time here.
3) Was this your first visit to Kuwait? What is your impression of it, and how does it compare to other countries in the Middle East (if visited)?
This was my first time in Kuwait, and I found the country to be quite different from America. Kuwaitis take a unique approach to life and family, and I think that Americans could learn a lot from that; the U.S. privileges the identity of individuals, whereas family retains its place as a significant facet of identity in Kuwait. I have only been to one other country in the Middle East-Lebanon. Kuwait and Lebanon are quite different from one another. American media tends to portray this region as homogenous, but my time here has definitely shown how richly diverse the Middle East is.
4) During your stay in Kuwait, you happened to witness the holy month of Ramadan, one of the most important events of the year for the Arab and Muslim world. How did you find these days in Kuwait?
I was grateful for my opportunity to be here during Ramadan. Fasting was challenging, but it was a humbling experience. The month of Ramadan required me to be carefully disciplined about an area of my life that I typically did not pay as much attention to.
5) In a few days you will be concluding your internship at AUK and in Kuwait, what were the highlights of your visit?
Despite how most people feel about the weather here, the heat and sun was the major pro of this internship. Leaving New England just days after a horrendous snow storm, Kuwait seemed like a paradise. While most of my experience was positive, I found it very difficult to not drink water during Ramadan. With the intense heat, I struggled with this a lot.
6) What experience will you take back home after finishing the internship at AUK?
I think that it will be difficult to be impressed by American malls and shopping centers after seeing The Avenues. The Avenues is a true testament to Kuwait's architectural prowess.
7) What was one thing you would have done if your internship duration was longer?
If I had a few additional weeks, I would have liked to travel around the region more. I would've liked to see Oman, Egypt, and UAE.
8) What are your plans after completing this internship?
This summer I will be back at Dartmouth taking classes and doing research. This autumn, I will be in London to study English Literature at King's College London.
9) Any final comments you'd like to share with us?
I am thankful to have been accepted into the AUK family!
Devon is a member of the class of 2020 at Dartmouth College and is studying economics, classical literature, and English. He was an intern for State Senator Donald Humason and was later appointed to the Massachusetts Governor's Statewide Youth Council advising Governor Charlie Baker and other top state officials on the opioid addiction crisis plaguing the state. On Dartmouth's campus, he is a managing editor at The Dartmouth Review, the college's conservative newspaper. He is also a part of the First-Year Student Enrichment Program, a group for first-generation college students.
Upon successful completion of his internship, an interview was conducted to get his feedback on living in Kuwait and working at AUK:
1) Please describe briefly your role at the different departments you worked with during your internship at AUK. And what accomplishments are you most proud of?
My internship was split among Public Relations (PR), the Writing Center (WRC), and Admissions. In PR, I wrote press releases and covered events around campus. In the WRC, I worked as a writing consultant, helping students improve their writing assignments. In Admissions, I did a variety of tasks, but the most valuable was speaking to high school students who were visiting the campus.
2) Your jobs involved interactions with students, professors, and staff members at AUK, how did you find this experience in terms of learning about the people and the culture?
Since most students are from the GCC region, meeting students was the best way to learn about the culture of Kuwait. Staff and professors were helpful in learning about the experiences of ex-patriates living in Kuwait and other Gulf countries. I have made lifelong friends-including students, staff, and professors-during my time here.
3) Was this your first visit to Kuwait? What is your impression of it, and how does it compare to other countries in the Middle East (if visited)?
This was my first time in Kuwait, and I found the country to be quite different from America. Kuwaitis take a unique approach to life and family, and I think that Americans could learn a lot from that; the U.S. privileges the identity of individuals, whereas family retains its place as a significant facet of identity in Kuwait. I have only been to one other country in the Middle East-Lebanon. Kuwait and Lebanon are quite different from one another. American media tends to portray this region as homogenous, but my time here has definitely shown how richly diverse the Middle East is.
4) During your stay in Kuwait, you happened to witness the holy month of Ramadan, one of the most important events of the year for the Arab and Muslim world. How did you find these days in Kuwait?
I was grateful for my opportunity to be here during Ramadan. Fasting was challenging, but it was a humbling experience. The month of Ramadan required me to be carefully disciplined about an area of my life that I typically did not pay as much attention to.
5) In a few days you will be concluding your internship at AUK and in Kuwait, what were the highlights of your visit?
Despite how most people feel about the weather here, the heat and sun was the major pro of this internship. Leaving New England just days after a horrendous snow storm, Kuwait seemed like a paradise. While most of my experience was positive, I found it very difficult to not drink water during Ramadan. With the intense heat, I struggled with this a lot.
6) What experience will you take back home after finishing the internship at AUK?
I think that it will be difficult to be impressed by American malls and shopping centers after seeing The Avenues. The Avenues is a true testament to Kuwait's architectural prowess.
7) What was one thing you would have done if your internship duration was longer?
If I had a few additional weeks, I would have liked to travel around the region more. I would've liked to see Oman, Egypt, and UAE.
8) What are your plans after completing this internship?
This summer I will be back at Dartmouth taking classes and doing research. This autumn, I will be in London to study English Literature at King's College London.
9) Any final comments you'd like to share with us?
I am thankful to have been accepted into the AUK family!
Devon Kurtz, Dartmouth Intern at AUK
30, May 2018
AUK Learning Support Services Staff Present in BETT Summit, UAE
Director of the Learning Support Services (LSS), Hanouf Aljuhail, and Academic Support Specialist at the Writing Center, Hala Botros at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) presented at the BETT Summit-in partnership with the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The presentation was titled, Redefining Learning Support Services for Higher Education; Aljuhail and Botros shared their experience in developing and diversifying digital platforms for learning support at AUK. The Writing Center introduced platforms such as TutorTrac, Timestation and Zoom to enable further communication with students off campus, and offer personalized tutoring sessions via video sessions online. Aljuhail and Botros further shared the students' feedback and the progress seen when these digital platforms were implemented within the LSS conventional practices. Since these services are only offered exclusively to AUK students, the response has been positive as it is seen as an additional service that facilitates their learning experience, even after official working hours.
Aljuhail also facilitated a roundtable discussion for the topic of Special Education Needs & Inclusive Education. She was joined by academics from different institutions where they explored the benefits of implementing digital platforms for students with special needs and ways it can assist them in their learning processes.
The Summit was held for the first time in 2016 and brought together the leading decision makers and buyers within the education technology space from across the Middle East and beyond. It is a great networking opportunity that allows the delegates to share in their experiences and learn about the effective implementation of technology in the classroom.
Hala Botros, Academic Support Specialist at the Writing Center, and Hanouf Aljuhail, Director of Learning Support Services at AUK attending the BETT Summit
Hanouf Aljuhail and Hala Botros during their presentation, Redefining Learning Support Services for Higher Education
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21, May 2018
AUK Celebrates Top Students during Student Academic Achievement Awards
The American University of Kuwait held a Student Academic Achievement Awards ceremony where top students were honored for excellence in their studies and extracurricular activities. Students from all departments were nominated by faculty and department chairs, and one student was chosen from each department for the award.
The awards were split into two categories, the Outstanding Student Award which is given to students from each department for their excellence in academia, and the Competition Recognition Award which recognizes a student or team who participated and won in a regional or international competition during the current academic year.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the President and Dean's Honor Roll, and was attended by the honored students' families and friends. The chosen students were announced for the first time during the ceremony where department heads called the students to the stage and awarded them with crystal plaques. AUK Provost Dr. Rawda Awwad closed the ceremony with a speech in which she elaborated on the outcome of a liberal arts education-which the awarded students have mastered during their time at AUK, "Our liberal arts tradition will prepare you emotionally, intellectually, and academically. Our liberal arts tradition, therefore, expects that you will have the strength and the frame of mind to do exactly that: figure out how you can be that transformative agent for the betterment of society: in other words, making a difference as an individual or as a collective that is real and sustainable."
The awardees are:
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Department of Arabic & Foreign Languages
Bashayer Abdulhadi
Department of Art & Graphic Design
Leena El Hawary
Department of Communication & Media
Layal Boulos
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Ali Kelkawi
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
Samy AbdelAal
Department of English
Abdulaziz Al-Mahmeed
Department of International Relations
Moudhy Al-Khalaf
Department Mathematics & Natural Sciences
Noha Mahmoud
Department of Music & Drama
Dana Al-Zuraiqi
Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Sumaya Al Hunayan
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Department of Economics, Management & Marketing
Shehryar Ali - Management
Tasneem Darkhabani - Marketing
Ismail Al-Tahan - Economics
Department of Accounting & Finance
Farah Nabaa - Finance
Dania Moftah - Accounting
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (IEP)
Turki Al Ajmi - Gold Track
Al Hawraa Al Baghli - Gold Track
Nour Allaho - Silver Track
Mohammed Saad - Silver Track
Competition Recognition Awards - 2017-2018
Department of Electrical & computer Engineering
Batool Hasan
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
Abdulazez Karam
Department of International Relations
Ali Al-Qallaf
Department of Accounting & Finance
Raunak Singh
The awards were split into two categories, the Outstanding Student Award which is given to students from each department for their excellence in academia, and the Competition Recognition Award which recognizes a student or team who participated and won in a regional or international competition during the current academic year.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the President and Dean's Honor Roll, and was attended by the honored students' families and friends. The chosen students were announced for the first time during the ceremony where department heads called the students to the stage and awarded them with crystal plaques. AUK Provost Dr. Rawda Awwad closed the ceremony with a speech in which she elaborated on the outcome of a liberal arts education-which the awarded students have mastered during their time at AUK, "Our liberal arts tradition will prepare you emotionally, intellectually, and academically. Our liberal arts tradition, therefore, expects that you will have the strength and the frame of mind to do exactly that: figure out how you can be that transformative agent for the betterment of society: in other words, making a difference as an individual or as a collective that is real and sustainable."
The awardees are:
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Department of Arabic & Foreign Languages
Bashayer Abdulhadi
Department of Art & Graphic Design
Leena El Hawary
Department of Communication & Media
Layal Boulos
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Ali Kelkawi
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
Samy AbdelAal
Department of English
Abdulaziz Al-Mahmeed
Department of International Relations
Moudhy Al-Khalaf
Department Mathematics & Natural Sciences
Noha Mahmoud
Department of Music & Drama
Dana Al-Zuraiqi
Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Sumaya Al Hunayan
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Department of Economics, Management & Marketing
Shehryar Ali - Management
Tasneem Darkhabani - Marketing
Ismail Al-Tahan - Economics
Department of Accounting & Finance
Farah Nabaa - Finance
Dania Moftah - Accounting
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (IEP)
Turki Al Ajmi - Gold Track
Al Hawraa Al Baghli - Gold Track
Nour Allaho - Silver Track
Mohammed Saad - Silver Track
Competition Recognition Awards - 2017-2018
Department of Electrical & computer Engineering
Batool Hasan
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
Abdulazez Karam
Department of International Relations
Ali Al-Qallaf
Department of Accounting & Finance
Raunak Singh
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20, May 2018
Dr. Bilal Orfali Lectures at AUK on Hijâ' Al-Mudun (Against Cities) in Arabic Poetry
The Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages at AUK organized a lecture on Hijâ' al-Mudun (Against Cities) in Arabic Poetry, delivered by Professor of Arabic Studies at the American University of Beirut, Dr. Bilal Orfali, author of several studies in the field of Arabic literature, with emphasis on literature, Sufism, and Qur'anic studies.
Orfali started his lecture by defining the genre of Madîh al-mudun (On Praising Cities). He notes that in the premodern Muslim world, it was customary for a poet to praise his homeland. The definition of home, however, and the poet's relation to it, developed with the changing topography of organized social and political life. Regardless of the nature of the poet's homeland, its praise utilized themes of nostalgia (hanîn), alienation and/or estrangement (ghurba), and lament (rithâ').
Some poets, however, did the opposite-they attacked their homeland or the cities in which they dwelled. This negative attitude to the homeland was often the flip side of praising a certain place. Orfali noted for example the Arabic compilations of al-mahâsin wa-l-masâwi' (merits and faults) couple censure of homeland with its praise. In these books the homeland is redefined as "the place where you land." All friends, neighbors, lovers, and towns are replaceable. Lands are equal and the same and it is the seeking of livelihood, profit, money, fortune, success, riches, and abundance that is encouraged. Travel brings renewal, while remaining in one's homeland becomes a sign of laziness. Travel is a means of escaping debasement, humiliation, hardship, oppression, and tyranny. It is freedom, a way to pursue virtue and to satisfy curiosity.
Orfali observed that the notion of home was expanded in the Umayyad period to include cities in response to the recent sociopolitical changes seen throughout the Islamic world. The city became equivalent to the patron, the caliph or the emir himself. Entry and exit to and from the city were basically entry and exit to and from the patron's presence and favors. Moreover, the proliferation of courts in the fourth and fifth century of Islam and the rise of the phenomenon of the career poet are factors that made the relationship of poets to the cities they visited transitory.
The bitter attacks on cities, as Orfali stressed, reveal what one might describe as a rivalry between poets and cities. A poet would relate to a city on an individual level, and as such, it was possible to win over a city. This is also why attacking a city, or even insulting it, would carry a direct and almost personal tone. The poet here still envisions his persona and that of the city as equals. That relationship, however, dramatically changes with time. The poet's persona shrinks in comparison to that of the city, which transforms from a situation that can be entered and exited into a prevailing state of mind, persistent and insurmountable.
What was notable is that Orfali's examples came from all periods of Arabic literature, ranging from pre-Islam to the modern period and from all geographical locations, from Al-Andalus in the west to Bukhāra in the eastern part of the Islamic world. Students then asked questions and engaged with what they described as a mind-blowing and eye-opening lecture.
Orfali started his lecture by defining the genre of Madîh al-mudun (On Praising Cities). He notes that in the premodern Muslim world, it was customary for a poet to praise his homeland. The definition of home, however, and the poet's relation to it, developed with the changing topography of organized social and political life. Regardless of the nature of the poet's homeland, its praise utilized themes of nostalgia (hanîn), alienation and/or estrangement (ghurba), and lament (rithâ').
Some poets, however, did the opposite-they attacked their homeland or the cities in which they dwelled. This negative attitude to the homeland was often the flip side of praising a certain place. Orfali noted for example the Arabic compilations of al-mahâsin wa-l-masâwi' (merits and faults) couple censure of homeland with its praise. In these books the homeland is redefined as "the place where you land." All friends, neighbors, lovers, and towns are replaceable. Lands are equal and the same and it is the seeking of livelihood, profit, money, fortune, success, riches, and abundance that is encouraged. Travel brings renewal, while remaining in one's homeland becomes a sign of laziness. Travel is a means of escaping debasement, humiliation, hardship, oppression, and tyranny. It is freedom, a way to pursue virtue and to satisfy curiosity.
Orfali observed that the notion of home was expanded in the Umayyad period to include cities in response to the recent sociopolitical changes seen throughout the Islamic world. The city became equivalent to the patron, the caliph or the emir himself. Entry and exit to and from the city were basically entry and exit to and from the patron's presence and favors. Moreover, the proliferation of courts in the fourth and fifth century of Islam and the rise of the phenomenon of the career poet are factors that made the relationship of poets to the cities they visited transitory.
The bitter attacks on cities, as Orfali stressed, reveal what one might describe as a rivalry between poets and cities. A poet would relate to a city on an individual level, and as such, it was possible to win over a city. This is also why attacking a city, or even insulting it, would carry a direct and almost personal tone. The poet here still envisions his persona and that of the city as equals. That relationship, however, dramatically changes with time. The poet's persona shrinks in comparison to that of the city, which transforms from a situation that can be entered and exited into a prevailing state of mind, persistent and insurmountable.
What was notable is that Orfali's examples came from all periods of Arabic literature, ranging from pre-Islam to the modern period and from all geographical locations, from Al-Andalus in the west to Bukhāra in the eastern part of the Islamic world. Students then asked questions and engaged with what they described as a mind-blowing and eye-opening lecture.
Dr. Bilal Orfali during his lecture in the AUK auditorium
Chair of the Arabic and Foreign Languages Department, Dr. Raymond Farrin and Dr. Bilal Orfali
20, May 2018
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK launched the Leadership Development Certificate Program with Al-Amiri Hospital
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK and Al-Amiri Hospital launched a series of programs that will be conducted throughout the year, starting with the Leadership Development Certificate Program. The Leadership Development Certificate Program concluded with a graduation ceremony held by AUK President, Dr. Tim Sullivan, and attended by Al-Amiri Hospital Director, Dr. Ali Al-Alanda, and CCE Director, Buthaina Al-Khubaizi.
The Leadership Development Certificate Program for Al-Amiri Hospital is the first of its kind for any hospital in Kuwait. This innovative program takes an integrated, interactive approach to provide participants with distinct but interrelated skill sets. The program has been designed specifically for Al-Amiri Hospital and will cater to all of their high potential managers and supervisors.
Throughout the program, participants learned the practical and analytical skills to manage a team of employees, exploring various leadership themes while simultaneously learning, understanding, and implementing the values of Al-Amiri Hospital.
The holistic nature of the CCE leadership development program goes in line with Al-Amiri Hospital's vision that emphasizes integrity, communication, and excellence. Mr. Sadeq Taqi – Director of Human Resources at Al-Amiri Hospital – said, "These programs are one of a kind, where Al-Amiri's main focus is on investing in the employees for efficiency and development purposes. We can't satisfy clients without knowledgeable leadership and reliable staff. Our aim is to create a leadership that is customer-care oriented."
"I am pleased to celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Development Certificate Program; a program designed specifically for Al-Amiri Hospital managers, in line with their professional development goals. Al- Amiri hospital is one of the leading government hospitals in Kuwait, as new Kuwait 2035 plans unfold and come to reality, Al-Amiri Hospital's expansion will require different ways of working to accommodate the change." said Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, CCE Director. "The Leadership Development Certificate Program has been designed with change and leadership skills in mind, inspired by the combined vision of Al-Amiri Hospital and the Center for Continuing Education, the program will help contribute to the creation of the 'I Care' culture throughout the hospital. The journey of learning will continue by Al-Amiri Hospital's management team leading by example, what you do is so much more important than what you say."
The graduation of the leadership program marks only the beginning of the journey between CCE and Al-Amiri Hospital with more to look forward to in the upcoming months.
About CCE
CCE was established in 2004 and, in addition to offering language courses in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, offers an array of courses and workshops aimed to assist in the personal and professional development of individuals and groups within the public and private sectors. Course offerings are specifically tailored to meet the needs of their clients, whether they are independent groups or corporations.
The Leadership Development Certificate Program for Al-Amiri Hospital is the first of its kind for any hospital in Kuwait. This innovative program takes an integrated, interactive approach to provide participants with distinct but interrelated skill sets. The program has been designed specifically for Al-Amiri Hospital and will cater to all of their high potential managers and supervisors.
Throughout the program, participants learned the practical and analytical skills to manage a team of employees, exploring various leadership themes while simultaneously learning, understanding, and implementing the values of Al-Amiri Hospital.
The holistic nature of the CCE leadership development program goes in line with Al-Amiri Hospital's vision that emphasizes integrity, communication, and excellence. Mr. Sadeq Taqi – Director of Human Resources at Al-Amiri Hospital – said, "These programs are one of a kind, where Al-Amiri's main focus is on investing in the employees for efficiency and development purposes. We can't satisfy clients without knowledgeable leadership and reliable staff. Our aim is to create a leadership that is customer-care oriented."
"I am pleased to celebrate the graduation of the Leadership Development Certificate Program; a program designed specifically for Al-Amiri Hospital managers, in line with their professional development goals. Al- Amiri hospital is one of the leading government hospitals in Kuwait, as new Kuwait 2035 plans unfold and come to reality, Al-Amiri Hospital's expansion will require different ways of working to accommodate the change." said Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, CCE Director. "The Leadership Development Certificate Program has been designed with change and leadership skills in mind, inspired by the combined vision of Al-Amiri Hospital and the Center for Continuing Education, the program will help contribute to the creation of the 'I Care' culture throughout the hospital. The journey of learning will continue by Al-Amiri Hospital's management team leading by example, what you do is so much more important than what you say."
The graduation of the leadership program marks only the beginning of the journey between CCE and Al-Amiri Hospital with more to look forward to in the upcoming months.
About CCE
CCE was established in 2004 and, in addition to offering language courses in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, offers an array of courses and workshops aimed to assist in the personal and professional development of individuals and groups within the public and private sectors. Course offerings are specifically tailored to meet the needs of their clients, whether they are independent groups or corporations.
AUK President, Dr. Tim Sullivan, and CCE Director, Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, award Al-Amiri Hospital Director, Dr. Ali Al-Alanda
Al-Amiri Hospital participants during their training in the "Leadership Development Certificate Program" at CCE|AUK
Al-Amiri Hospital graduates of the "Leadership Development Certificate Program"
17, May 2018
AUK XI ETA Chapter Holds Third Induction Ceremony
The AUK XI ETA Chapter of the International Honor Society in Business, Delta Mu Delta, held its third annual induction ceremony, officially welcoming 13 top performing students in the College of Business and Economics (CBE) to its chapter. The ceremony was held in the AUK auditorium where the students' families, members of Xi-Eta, and members of the CBE faculty attended to support the students being recognized for their academic excellence.
Dr. Fatima Shibly, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Chapter Faculty Adviser commenced the induction ritual by providing an overview of the chapter and the organization. Here, she signified the Honor Society's belief in the use of knowledge to extend the power for social and economic good. As such, she reaffirmed that this distinction was not a gift, but was instead based on their hard work at the university and their outstanding achievements. Dr. Shibly then called on the new members to recite the pledge which officially affirms their membership into the Society and their commitment to its values.
Following this, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam and XI ETA honorary members Dr. Mark Speece, Associate Dean for Quality Assurance & Accreditation and Associate Professor of Marketing, and Mr. Rabindranath Bhattacharya, Senior Instructor of Finance, presented the members with a certificate and a symbolic key, both representing their official membership to the society. To end the ceremony, AUK alumni Mathew Essa, was invited to reflect on his experience, both as a founder of the AUK XI ETA Chapter and as a member of the society.
This event comes as part of the annual induction ceremony for the AUK XI ETA Chapter, where the CBE awards an honorable distinction to junior and senior students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Delta Mu Delta is an International Honor Society in Business that recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership. The AUK XI ETA Chapter was founded in 2016, and has 44 lifetime members consisting of students and alumni, as well as honorary members consisting of faculty and business leaders who have experienced success in their profession.
The inducted students are:
- Farah Nabaa
- Yasmeen Abdelnaeem
- Farah Abdelmajid
- Lynne Ghader
- Islam Abdelhay
- Joudi Al Khayat
- Jaber Al-Shamry
- Nour Boka
- Tasneem Darkhabani
- Yamamah Obeid
- Nazish Quraishi
- Raunak Singh
- Marwa Soliman
Dr. Fatima Shibly, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Chapter Faculty Adviser commenced the induction ritual by providing an overview of the chapter and the organization. Here, she signified the Honor Society's belief in the use of knowledge to extend the power for social and economic good. As such, she reaffirmed that this distinction was not a gift, but was instead based on their hard work at the university and their outstanding achievements. Dr. Shibly then called on the new members to recite the pledge which officially affirms their membership into the Society and their commitment to its values.
Following this, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam and XI ETA honorary members Dr. Mark Speece, Associate Dean for Quality Assurance & Accreditation and Associate Professor of Marketing, and Mr. Rabindranath Bhattacharya, Senior Instructor of Finance, presented the members with a certificate and a symbolic key, both representing their official membership to the society. To end the ceremony, AUK alumni Mathew Essa, was invited to reflect on his experience, both as a founder of the AUK XI ETA Chapter and as a member of the society.
This event comes as part of the annual induction ceremony for the AUK XI ETA Chapter, where the CBE awards an honorable distinction to junior and senior students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Delta Mu Delta is an International Honor Society in Business that recognizes and encourages academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership. The AUK XI ETA Chapter was founded in 2016, and has 44 lifetime members consisting of students and alumni, as well as honorary members consisting of faculty and business leaders who have experienced success in their profession.
The inducted students are:
- Farah Nabaa
- Yasmeen Abdelnaeem
- Farah Abdelmajid
- Lynne Ghader
- Islam Abdelhay
- Joudi Al Khayat
- Jaber Al-Shamry
- Nour Boka
- Tasneem Darkhabani
- Yamamah Obeid
- Nazish Quraishi
- Raunak Singh
- Marwa Soliman
XI ETA Honorary Members
Group photo with the inducted students
17, May 2018
The American University of Kuwait Hosts 14th Annual Awards Night Ceremony
Organized by the American University of Kuwait's (AUK) Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, the renowned and highly anticipated event is one of the major yearly AUK events, which bring together a large number of students to be recognized and awarded for their outstanding efforts and achievements in extracurricular activities.
The red carpet event saw intense competition this year between the nominees, making it a close tie for many of the nominated and shortlisted students.
The event commenced with a welcome speech by AUK President, Dr. Tim Sullivan and the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, and was attended by the President's Cabinet, AUK's Deans, The Division of Student Affairs, student nominees and awardees, and their families and friends.
The evening was held in the AUK auditorium which was decorated with state-of-the-art lighting and setup giving it a luxurious ambiance, accompanied by live music by the professional violinist Nancy Safady, and ended with a lavish dinner buffet.
"Every year, we come together to celebrate those students who make life at AUK the vibrant color it is known for. This year, we have added our distinguished alumni to the celebration, in recognition of the role they continue to play in our community. Awards Night is a celebration of these students and alumni for all their accomplishments and a chance to recognize those who have gone the extra mile to grow and to give back to the AUK community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners! Earning a nomination, certificate or award is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud of the hard work and dedication that you have displayed at AUK. We are all very proud," said Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, Dean of Student Affairs.
The ceremony honors 5 Student Affairs Awards to one student and one Alumnus each:
Outstanding Accomplishment Award - Omar Khalil | Omar Al-Hussainan '11
Leader of the Year Award - Ali Al-Qallaf | Leen Al-Mandil '17
Humanitarian Award - Ahmad Odeh | Nourah Al-Sulaiman '16
Outstanding Involvement Award - Nathalie Matta | Samer Anou Zeid '16
Lifelong Learner Award - Hadeel AlShemmari | Bashayer Al-Zayed '15
In acknowledging the role of clubs and organizations at AUK, Awards Nights chooses the following:
Club of the Year - Fikir Club
Program of the Year - Al-Koot Week (IRC, AUKMUN, IEEE, AISEC, Billiards, Fikir & Student Council)
Most Improved Club of the Year - Desi Club
Exceptional member of the Year - Fatemah Ahmadi
Favorite Voice of AUK Issue of the Year - Issue # 4, Feb 2018
Best Student Council Program of the Year - Influential Seminars
It is notable that this year, 7 clubs and organizations came together to hold an event during the National Liberation Week that included a beautifully orchestrated week of celebration with traditional music, a flash mob, flying kites with the colors of the Kuwaiti flag, some games and presentations related to the liberation, history and innovation of Kuwait and its talent.
A total of 45 student employees were also honored on stage, from a total of 129 student employees at AUK:
Farah AbdelMajid | Farah Nabaa | Muslim Taha | Omar Khalil | Lara Jadayel | Farah Al-Bader | Mejren Al Loighani | Merna Abdelhamed | Ayman Kandil | Shahad Al-Mousa | Mona Singer | Sumaiya Esnoussi | Jumana Khalil | Tereaz Ghanem | Nadine Krayem | Samaa Al-Hadidi | Dima Jadayel | Joana Shihadeh | Rawan Belal | Dana Kabaloui | Sara AlMallah | Sondos Saoud | Sara Babazadeh | Lubna Amin (2) | Yara Al-Quorashy | Meerna Owaineh | Noor Salah | Nazigh Quraishi | Badir Ali | Reham Kablaoui | Hind Al-Jouhari(2) | Hashim Murtada | Wasmeia Al-Rashidi | Mohammed Alawi | Beshoy Karas | Ahmad Odeh | Vanessa Josaghian | Farah Hilal(2) | Manar Atiyeh| Rawan Al-Fouzan (2) | Mohammad Taqi | Arshi Syed | Dina Zabin | Ameera Akhras | Rafia Tabaa |
This year also saw our athletic excellence when AUK teams won 2nd place in Women's Volleyball, 2nd place in Women's Futsal tournament:
Outstanding Athlete Award for various Sports - Vanessa Josaghian | Mejren Al Loghani | Nouf Al Bahar | Imran Garrouch | Mona Abdou | Youssif Gharrib | Mohammad Aleedan
Male Athlete of the Year - Imran Garrouch
Female Athlete of the Year - Deemah Al Selmi
The event ended with the two most prestigious awards-the Wolfpack Award and the President's Award. The Dean of Student Affairs presented the Wolfpack Award to one student and one alumnus, an award that is given to the student and alumnus who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance academic life with a high degree of involvement in extra and co-curricular activities. In addition to their university involvement and promotion of a positive image of the AUK student within greater society, nominees must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
Yara Al-Quraishy won the student Wolfpack award for her ambitious and intelligent contributions to the AUK community, and for her participation in a competition aimed to improve marine life via technology. She has also participated and led the TEDxAUK program at AUK that aimed to spread inspiration and humility.
Alumnus, Dr. Abdulrahman AlFarhan was honored as the Alumni Wolfpack Award winner for being a true example of the AUK wolf pack spirit. Upon completing his PhD, he returned to AUK to teach while continuing to serve as a role model to students at AUK. Abdulrahman is always there to support clubs, students, athletes and fellow alumni. He is very close to his alma mater and is a true example of the AUK wolf pack spirit, and is the first AUK graduate to earn a PhD.
The President's award was given to one student and one alumnus for their outstanding academic achievements along with leadership and commitment to the greater good of the University, while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.50 during his/her time at AUK.
AUK student Ali Kelkawi received the President's Award for his academic excellence and his many contributions to AUK from starting as a student employee, to running as President for the Student Council. As well as for his humanitarian efforts in Kuwait and internationally, and for his further involvement as an athlete in the volleyball team.
Alumna, Fatmah Al Qadfan also received the President's Award for being the first drama therapist in Kuwait. Through the dramatic arts, she strives to raise awareness about the power of the arts in the healing process. She was recently a speaker at the TEDxAUK talk that was held on campus, where she spoke about her inspiring experience. A graduate of 2008, Fatma continues to give back and support others through her journey of self-discovery, healing and therapy.
The red carpet event saw intense competition this year between the nominees, making it a close tie for many of the nominated and shortlisted students.
The event commenced with a welcome speech by AUK President, Dr. Tim Sullivan and the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, and was attended by the President's Cabinet, AUK's Deans, The Division of Student Affairs, student nominees and awardees, and their families and friends.
The evening was held in the AUK auditorium which was decorated with state-of-the-art lighting and setup giving it a luxurious ambiance, accompanied by live music by the professional violinist Nancy Safady, and ended with a lavish dinner buffet.
"Every year, we come together to celebrate those students who make life at AUK the vibrant color it is known for. This year, we have added our distinguished alumni to the celebration, in recognition of the role they continue to play in our community. Awards Night is a celebration of these students and alumni for all their accomplishments and a chance to recognize those who have gone the extra mile to grow and to give back to the AUK community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners! Earning a nomination, certificate or award is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud of the hard work and dedication that you have displayed at AUK. We are all very proud," said Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, Dean of Student Affairs.
The ceremony honors 5 Student Affairs Awards to one student and one Alumnus each:
Outstanding Accomplishment Award - Omar Khalil | Omar Al-Hussainan '11
Leader of the Year Award - Ali Al-Qallaf | Leen Al-Mandil '17
Humanitarian Award - Ahmad Odeh | Nourah Al-Sulaiman '16
Outstanding Involvement Award - Nathalie Matta | Samer Anou Zeid '16
Lifelong Learner Award - Hadeel AlShemmari | Bashayer Al-Zayed '15
In acknowledging the role of clubs and organizations at AUK, Awards Nights chooses the following:
Club of the Year - Fikir Club
Program of the Year - Al-Koot Week (IRC, AUKMUN, IEEE, AISEC, Billiards, Fikir & Student Council)
Most Improved Club of the Year - Desi Club
Exceptional member of the Year - Fatemah Ahmadi
Favorite Voice of AUK Issue of the Year - Issue # 4, Feb 2018
Best Student Council Program of the Year - Influential Seminars
It is notable that this year, 7 clubs and organizations came together to hold an event during the National Liberation Week that included a beautifully orchestrated week of celebration with traditional music, a flash mob, flying kites with the colors of the Kuwaiti flag, some games and presentations related to the liberation, history and innovation of Kuwait and its talent.
A total of 45 student employees were also honored on stage, from a total of 129 student employees at AUK:
Farah AbdelMajid | Farah Nabaa | Muslim Taha | Omar Khalil | Lara Jadayel | Farah Al-Bader | Mejren Al Loighani | Merna Abdelhamed | Ayman Kandil | Shahad Al-Mousa | Mona Singer | Sumaiya Esnoussi | Jumana Khalil | Tereaz Ghanem | Nadine Krayem | Samaa Al-Hadidi | Dima Jadayel | Joana Shihadeh | Rawan Belal | Dana Kabaloui | Sara AlMallah | Sondos Saoud | Sara Babazadeh | Lubna Amin (2) | Yara Al-Quorashy | Meerna Owaineh | Noor Salah | Nazigh Quraishi | Badir Ali | Reham Kablaoui | Hind Al-Jouhari(2) | Hashim Murtada | Wasmeia Al-Rashidi | Mohammed Alawi | Beshoy Karas | Ahmad Odeh | Vanessa Josaghian | Farah Hilal(2) | Manar Atiyeh| Rawan Al-Fouzan (2) | Mohammad Taqi | Arshi Syed | Dina Zabin | Ameera Akhras | Rafia Tabaa |
This year also saw our athletic excellence when AUK teams won 2nd place in Women's Volleyball, 2nd place in Women's Futsal tournament:
Outstanding Athlete Award for various Sports - Vanessa Josaghian | Mejren Al Loghani | Nouf Al Bahar | Imran Garrouch | Mona Abdou | Youssif Gharrib | Mohammad Aleedan
Male Athlete of the Year - Imran Garrouch
Female Athlete of the Year - Deemah Al Selmi
The event ended with the two most prestigious awards-the Wolfpack Award and the President's Award. The Dean of Student Affairs presented the Wolfpack Award to one student and one alumnus, an award that is given to the student and alumnus who have demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance academic life with a high degree of involvement in extra and co-curricular activities. In addition to their university involvement and promotion of a positive image of the AUK student within greater society, nominees must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
Yara Al-Quraishy won the student Wolfpack award for her ambitious and intelligent contributions to the AUK community, and for her participation in a competition aimed to improve marine life via technology. She has also participated and led the TEDxAUK program at AUK that aimed to spread inspiration and humility.
Alumnus, Dr. Abdulrahman AlFarhan was honored as the Alumni Wolfpack Award winner for being a true example of the AUK wolf pack spirit. Upon completing his PhD, he returned to AUK to teach while continuing to serve as a role model to students at AUK. Abdulrahman is always there to support clubs, students, athletes and fellow alumni. He is very close to his alma mater and is a true example of the AUK wolf pack spirit, and is the first AUK graduate to earn a PhD.
The President's award was given to one student and one alumnus for their outstanding academic achievements along with leadership and commitment to the greater good of the University, while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.50 during his/her time at AUK.
AUK student Ali Kelkawi received the President's Award for his academic excellence and his many contributions to AUK from starting as a student employee, to running as President for the Student Council. As well as for his humanitarian efforts in Kuwait and internationally, and for his further involvement as an athlete in the volleyball team.
Alumna, Fatmah Al Qadfan also received the President's Award for being the first drama therapist in Kuwait. Through the dramatic arts, she strives to raise awareness about the power of the arts in the healing process. She was recently a speaker at the TEDxAUK talk that was held on campus, where she spoke about her inspiring experience. A graduate of 2008, Fatma continues to give back and support others through her journey of self-discovery, healing and therapy.
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery
16, May 2018
RISE Center at AUK Hosts its First TEDxAUK Conference
The Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) at AUK was proud to host the first TEDxAUK Conference at the University campus. In May of last year, RISE was granted the TEDx event license to organize a university event within 12 months of receiving the license.
TEDx, an independently organized event, is a curated live experience, bringing speakers, artists and audience members together with the purpose of sharing perspective and deep discussions around ideas that matter.
The theme for this year's event was "RISE"- embracing life's challenges, overcoming adversity, learning, personal growth, and self-actualization. TEDxAUK brought together a diverse group of speakers from Kuwait and around the world including entrepreneurs, media leaders, scientists, innovators, and poets to discuss what RISE means to them. The talks focused on innovative ways to inspire learning and growth in others, whether in traditional educational settings or alterative learning spaces.
TEDxAUK Speakers discussed experiences with the purpose of sharing perspective, sparking deep discussions, and inspiring positive networks and impactful actions around ideas that matter. Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation and creativity at Disney touched on the importance of creativity in everyone's life-everyone is capable of being creative, but not everyone always has access to the right tools to be creative. Monique Morrow, president and co-founder of the Humanized Internet addressed the potential consequences of the new era of digital identity. Nicolla Hewitt, a seasoned US media executive and former producer shared her journey as an underdog who beat all odds against her to get to where she is now. Jacob Gordon, a rocket scientist from MIT spoke about the importance of not rationing your passion. Bahareh Azizi, a consultant at Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) & Oxford fellow, shared how she learned life's most important lessons from science throughout her career. Engy Ibrahim, an AUK student and Vice President of Kuwait Poets Society, spoke about clichés and how they can guide us to be more authentic. Fatmah Qadfan, the first drama therapist in Kuwait, shared her journey of discovering the power of drama therapy and bringing it home to Kuwait. Hussain Mushtaq, a carpet weaving artist and business owner opened the eyes of the audience to the importance of cultivating new markets for the ancient tradition of carpet weaving and sustaining the old ways to preserve cultural heritage. Fashion Designer Deana Shaaban led the audience to reflect on how our choice of clothing is one of the most important and obvious forms of self-expression as it allows us to decide who we want to be.
Director of RISE Center and TEDxAUK Curator, Dr. Amir Zeid described the TEDxAUK experience as a journey for people to reflect upon their own ups and downs in life with inspiration from the speakers who "will help us RISE above challenges, perhaps through seeing things with new eyes...or by connecting ideas that we never thought are related, or maybe, by reviving an old dream that was once forgotten." The significance of the event was evident in the positive response received from audience members, as Dr. Amir elaborates, "Several TEDxAUK talks have been uploaded to the TEDx Youtube page and have already gained a collective total of over 30,000 views. This is a testament to our speakers' engaging tales and positive takeaway on the importance of RISEing."
SPEAKERS LINE-UP:
Duncan Wardle - Former Head of Innovation & Creativity @ Disney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8MwiGYzlyg&t=27s
Engy Ibrahim - AUK Student and Vice President of Kuwait Poets Society
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzbJqjC-nJM&t=5s
Fatmah Al-Qadfan - Drama Therapist and AUK Alumni (Class of 2008)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l44lSx5yPsA&t=75s
Monique Morrow - President and Co-Founder of the Humanized Internet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SbFWKELvag&t=5s
Nicolla Hewitt - Seasoned US Media Executive & Former Producer at ABC, CBS, NBC & Yahoo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDxhjgiwWn0
Jacob Gordon - Rocket Scientist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl59t-qi2Zw&t=2s
Bahareh Azizi - Consultant at Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) & Oxford Fellow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_1KX2QyGWo
Hussain Mushtaq - Carpet Weaving Artist, Business Owner, and Humanitarian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfukoPasURE&t=36s
Deana Shaaban - Fashion Designer and Performance Training Specialist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo9VSfCBqEE
For further updates and announcements on the event, please follow the account @tedxauk on Instagram.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today's leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED's annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available, free, on TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
TED's open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from thousands of volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; the annual million-dollar TED Prize, which funds exceptional individuals with a "wish," or idea, to create change in the world; TEDx, which provides licenses to thousands of individuals and groups who host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED or Instagram at https://instagram.com/ted.
TEDx, an independently organized event, is a curated live experience, bringing speakers, artists and audience members together with the purpose of sharing perspective and deep discussions around ideas that matter.
The theme for this year's event was "RISE"- embracing life's challenges, overcoming adversity, learning, personal growth, and self-actualization. TEDxAUK brought together a diverse group of speakers from Kuwait and around the world including entrepreneurs, media leaders, scientists, innovators, and poets to discuss what RISE means to them. The talks focused on innovative ways to inspire learning and growth in others, whether in traditional educational settings or alterative learning spaces.
TEDxAUK Speakers discussed experiences with the purpose of sharing perspective, sparking deep discussions, and inspiring positive networks and impactful actions around ideas that matter. Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation and creativity at Disney touched on the importance of creativity in everyone's life-everyone is capable of being creative, but not everyone always has access to the right tools to be creative. Monique Morrow, president and co-founder of the Humanized Internet addressed the potential consequences of the new era of digital identity. Nicolla Hewitt, a seasoned US media executive and former producer shared her journey as an underdog who beat all odds against her to get to where she is now. Jacob Gordon, a rocket scientist from MIT spoke about the importance of not rationing your passion. Bahareh Azizi, a consultant at Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) & Oxford fellow, shared how she learned life's most important lessons from science throughout her career. Engy Ibrahim, an AUK student and Vice President of Kuwait Poets Society, spoke about clichés and how they can guide us to be more authentic. Fatmah Qadfan, the first drama therapist in Kuwait, shared her journey of discovering the power of drama therapy and bringing it home to Kuwait. Hussain Mushtaq, a carpet weaving artist and business owner opened the eyes of the audience to the importance of cultivating new markets for the ancient tradition of carpet weaving and sustaining the old ways to preserve cultural heritage. Fashion Designer Deana Shaaban led the audience to reflect on how our choice of clothing is one of the most important and obvious forms of self-expression as it allows us to decide who we want to be.
Director of RISE Center and TEDxAUK Curator, Dr. Amir Zeid described the TEDxAUK experience as a journey for people to reflect upon their own ups and downs in life with inspiration from the speakers who "will help us RISE above challenges, perhaps through seeing things with new eyes...or by connecting ideas that we never thought are related, or maybe, by reviving an old dream that was once forgotten." The significance of the event was evident in the positive response received from audience members, as Dr. Amir elaborates, "Several TEDxAUK talks have been uploaded to the TEDx Youtube page and have already gained a collective total of over 30,000 views. This is a testament to our speakers' engaging tales and positive takeaway on the importance of RISEing."
SPEAKERS LINE-UP:
Duncan Wardle - Former Head of Innovation & Creativity @ Disney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8MwiGYzlyg&t=27s
Engy Ibrahim - AUK Student and Vice President of Kuwait Poets Society
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzbJqjC-nJM&t=5s
Fatmah Al-Qadfan - Drama Therapist and AUK Alumni (Class of 2008)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l44lSx5yPsA&t=75s
Monique Morrow - President and Co-Founder of the Humanized Internet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SbFWKELvag&t=5s
Nicolla Hewitt - Seasoned US Media Executive & Former Producer at ABC, CBS, NBC & Yahoo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDxhjgiwWn0
Jacob Gordon - Rocket Scientist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl59t-qi2Zw&t=2s
Bahareh Azizi - Consultant at Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) & Oxford Fellow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_1KX2QyGWo
Hussain Mushtaq - Carpet Weaving Artist, Business Owner, and Humanitarian
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfukoPasURE&t=36s
Deana Shaaban - Fashion Designer and Performance Training Specialist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo9VSfCBqEE
For further updates and announcements on the event, please follow the account @tedxauk on Instagram.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today's leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED's annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available, free, on TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.
TED's open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from thousands of volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; the annual million-dollar TED Prize, which funds exceptional individuals with a "wish," or idea, to create change in the world; TEDx, which provides licenses to thousands of individuals and groups who host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED or Instagram at https://instagram.com/ted.
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery
15, May 2018
AUK Library Hosts students from Dasman Bilingual School for a Voluntary Work Experience
AUK and Dasman Bilingual School have created a volunteering program in an effort to further develop collaborations between the two institutions. Students were stationed at the AUK Library to fulfil the requirements of the ASDAN program-a personal development program which intends to provide students with real work experience in order to develop skills for learning, work, and everyday life. The first group of students were received in 2014, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership between the Vocational Department at Dasman Bilingual School and the AUK Library.
This month, students have successfully completed the program where they were each assigned a unique role with specific tasks within the library, ranging from book and materials shelving to answering questions and assisting users with printing and copying. Through these roles, the students developed their communication and organizational skills.
The students exhibited strong work ethics, diligence, and focus in their assigned tasks. In recognition of their efforts, they have been awarded certificates of appreciation by the AUK Library, which has also extended its gratitude to the school for always considering AUK as their primary choice for such beneficial programs.
This month, students have successfully completed the program where they were each assigned a unique role with specific tasks within the library, ranging from book and materials shelving to answering questions and assisting users with printing and copying. Through these roles, the students developed their communication and organizational skills.
The students exhibited strong work ethics, diligence, and focus in their assigned tasks. In recognition of their efforts, they have been awarded certificates of appreciation by the AUK Library, which has also extended its gratitude to the school for always considering AUK as their primary choice for such beneficial programs.
Fares managing the arrangement of the books
Khaled assisting an AUK student with printing
Dasman Bilingual School Khaled and Fares receiving their certificates after completing their assigned work
15, May 2018
AUK's Center for Gulf Studies Hosts Lecture by Republic of Korea's Ambassador
The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at AUK hosted a lecture presented by H.E. Yoo Yeonchul, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait, entitled "Building Bridges: Korea-Kuwait Political-Economic Relations" where the Ambassador gave a brief account of Korea in general, and Kuwaiti-Korean relations in particular.
Before his talk, the Ambassador engaged the audience with a brief background quiz on the Republic of Korea, where he tackled misconceptions such as its official title. Following this, he began addressing the past and present relationship between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Korea, highlighting the high level of cooperation that continues to strengthen their bilateral relationship. Their similar geopolitical circumstances and historical experiences have caused both nations to treasure balanced diplomacy to ensure security and development where they can both be seen greatly involved in mediation and humanitarian assistance. Such common interests have helped develop their shared political and economic relations where Kuwait assisted Korea when facing an oil shock in the 1970s, and in return, Korea assisted Kuwait in facing the Iraqi invasion in 1990/91. Today, they continue to contribute to each other's national development plans.
Currently, their partnership is being visibly materialized through traditional partnerships like the Sheikh Jaber AlAhmad AlSabah Causeway Project, innovative partnerships like the focus on smart and ecofriendly city development through the South Saad Al-Abdullah Smart City, and interactive partnerships which enable cultural exchange through festivals.
In contrast, both countries have several differences in terms of natural conditions, resources, and other socio-economic-political factors. Kuwait's strength lies in its natural resources, whereas Korea's lies in its human resources. This pool of similarities and differences has enabled both countries to turn challenges into opportunities and become perfect partners. Only anticipating greater growth, the Ambassador said, "I am optimistic about the future of Kuwait; and South Korea wants to be a part of that future."
With Kuwait being the only GCC country to host a North Korean embassy, many of the audience's questions focused on the significance of the denuclearization dialogue with North Korea. Here, they asked the Ambassador about his prediction of the outcome of and an alternative for the upcoming summits between North and South Korea, followed by the USA and North Korea, and its direct effects on the peninsula's stability. The Ambassador also assured Kuwait's cooperation throughout the process, mentioning that Kuwait faithfully implemented UNSC Resolutions (regarding North Korea's nuclear test and missile launching). In concluding his talk, he maintained that, "Seeing is believing, so make sure to visit Korea."
CGS Acting Director Shareefa Al-Adwani commented on the significance of this lecture to highlight the partnership between Kuwait and South Korea, and its impact on Kuwait's local development, "This talk is in relation to and a continuance of the Center for Gulf Studies' Subbiya series. With the Jaber Al-Ahmed causeway almost 90 percent finished, I hope that our community may continue to be excited about the vision of Silk City and its impact on Kuwait's future. His Excellency Ambassador Yoo Yeonchul highlighted Kuwait's steps into its future as steps that are not taken alone, but are instead, are taken with historical partners and with continued cooperation with our allies."
H.E. Yoo Yeonchul, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait since May 2016, has served the Korean Foreign Service for more than 30 years. Prior to his appointment in Kuwait, he served as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative at the Korean Permanent Mission in Geneva, Switzerland from 2013 to 2016. Within the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he served as Director of both the Energy and Climate Change Division and the Global Environment Cooperation Division, and he was the Director-General for International Cooperation within the Ministry of Environment. His international assignments have included Vietnam, Canada, Mongolia, and Japan. He received the Service Merit Medal from the Korean Government in December 2012. He received his BA in Political Science & Diplomacy at Yonsei University in South Korea, has completed the Foreign Service Programme at the University of Oxford in the UK, and received his MA in International Relations at the University of Reading in the UK.
The Center for Gulf Studies is a research center under the College of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Kuwait. The center aims to promote greater cultural understanding of and increased intellectual interest in the Gulf, by facilitating free and open academic discourse on a range of issues that both shape and challenge this critical region of the world. Their goal is to enable scholars as well as political and civil society actors both within and outside the region to contribute and add value to the burgeoning field of Gulf Studies. To this end, the center seeks to encourage, support, and cultivate interesting and original research on the Gulf, and to create an environment in which AUK students and faculty can interact and collaborate with researchers and activists from around the world in creative and engaging ways.
AUK Center for Gulf Studies Acting Director, Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani introducing the speaker
H.E. Ambassador Yoo Yeonchul giving his lecture
(from left) CGS Program Coordinator, Mohammad Al-Awadhi; AUK President, Dr.Tim Sullivan; H.E. Ambassador Yoo Yeonchul; CGS Acting Director, Dr. Shareefa Al-Adwani; Second Secretary & Consul at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Yoo Sung Jae
