News
Since its establishment in 2009, the American University of Kuwait's College of Business & Economics Advisory Board (CBE - AB) has been working closely with the College Dean to support initiatives that advance the College. The Advisory Board is comprised of business leaders who are interested in quality education and are committed to serving and advocating for the College and offer practical insight to the academic curriculum.
In May 2016, Sara Akbar, Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait Energy Company, was appointed as Chairperson of the Advisory Board, following the departure of the former Chairman, Mr. Robert Drolet, former Senior Vice President of Technology & Media at KIPCO. Mr. Drolet has served as Chair of the CBE Advisory Board since its inception in 2009.
Dean of the College of Business & Economics, Dr. Jin Wang thanked Mr. Drolet for his services and dedication to the advancement of the College and welcomed Ms. Akbar as the new chair saying "Ms. Akbar brings with her 30 years of experience in areas such as strategy development, portfolio management and strategic relationships, which are essential to further developing new plans for the future and earning accreditations".
Wang explained that it is critical for the College to have the Advisory Board, as its members can be supporters of the College and serve as public ambassadors to reach the larger community. "I am enthusiastically looking forward to working with Ms. Sara Akbar and the Board members to develop a new plan for the future, focusing on our AACSB accreditation. The Board's support, guidance, and leadership contribute greatly to our commitment to relevant programs, outstanding opportunities for students, and ethical and impactful graduates. The board members also provide a role model for students," Wang said.
"It is a great privilege to serve on the advisory board of the collage of business and economic. Together with the other members of the board we will work very closely with Dean Jin Wang to achieve the vision of the school and deliver the best in class business education to the students of AUK," said Akbar
Key responsibilities of the Advisory Board include assisting in securing internship and employment opportunities for CBE students, fostering the research efforts of CBE faculty, and generating financial support to implement programs that enhance the overall quality of CBE's students and programs.
Current members of the Advisory Board are Dr. Jin Wang, Dean of the College of Business & Economics at AUK; Mr. Rami Wadie, Partner Enterprise Risk Services at Deloitte & Touche; Mr. Bader Alabduljader, Managing Partner at Bader Al Abduljader & Partners; Ms. Henadi Al Saleh, Chairman of Agility; Mr. Basil AlSalem, Chairman & Managing Director at Kuwait Food Concepts K.S.C.; Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout, Senior Partner in Meysan Partners; and Mr. Faisal M. Sarkhou, CEO of KAMCO.
The Advisory Board members are in the process of creating a list of topics they would offer to classes, providing valuable and high quality internship opportunities for our students, and have donated money to support student entrepreneurship competitions.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 2nd June 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
Director of Center for Gulf Studies, Dr. Farah Al-Nakib presented a lecture on her new book entitled, 'Kuwait Transformed - A History of Oil and Urban Life'. The event took place at the AUK auditorium with members of the AUK community and external visitors present to participate in a discussion of Kuwait's transformation as discussed in Dr. Farah's book.
The book traces the history that connects Kuwait's past and present; bridging the urban, social and cultural patterns to illustrate the development of the city since the discovery of oil.
Dr. Farah was introduced by the International Relations Department Chair, Dr. Roman Kulchitsky saying, "I see tonight's speaker as an arising Kuwaiti historian whose dedicating her career to offering narratives on Kuwait, its past and present, providing a way to imagine the future of Kuwait from a Kuwaiti point of view."
The lecture was followed by questions from the audience and a discussion on Kuwait's future path.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 30th May 2016
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the British Council - Kuwait - that focuses on key areas of assessment and academic quality.
The existing relationship across the last ten years focused on IELTS delivery at AUK. The new Agreement strengthens this by the IELTS Venue Partnership, IELTS Registration Center, and a Loyalty Programme. In addition, the agreement also establishes ties between AUK and other prestigious UK-based qualification providers. There is a plan to bring an Academic Teaching Excellence course, developed by Oxford University Department of Education and British Council, to AUK next academic year to support the professional development programme for university staff. Both parties will also seek collaborative opportunities for future corporate social responsibility initiatives.
"The Center for Continuing Education is a platform for local and global partnerships, and this is what ultimately led to the establishment of this partnership with British Council. This partnership will allow us to create new opportunities and facilitate knowledge transfer from various institutions in the UK to Kuwait, using CCE as a hub for learning, development and networking", said Buthaina AlKhubaizi, Director of the Center for Continuing Education (CCE)
"For ten years we have enjoyed an excellent relationship at AUK. Together we have offered IELTS for admission to universities in Kuwait as well as for those seeking study programs in the USA, UK and elsewhere. Now this Agreement takes us to another level. We have identified new areas of collaboration that will support assessment and learning outcomes at AUK and beyond," said Jim O'Neill Country Exams Manager at British Council in Kuwait.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed by Mrs. Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, Director of CCE, and Mr. Jim O'Neill, Deputy Country Exams Manager at British Council. The partnership will be in effect from June 2016 until August 2019.
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.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 30th May 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
AUK held its 11th Annual Academic Showcase in April 2016. This event highlights the achievements of AUK faculty and students across varying disciplines through presentations, performances and displays. The ultimate goals for the showcase are to provide an opportunity for students to further their education and careers, and to expose the entire student body to the various disciplines at AUK.
The showcase covered a variety of presentations, ranging from educational presentations, visual artwork, and academic field trips, in addition to different music and drama performances, including a faculty duet performance. The Intensive English Program concluded the two-day event with a dramatic rendition of Love & Magic: Houdini Unchained, which involved many students.
"The annual academic showcase, provides us with an occasion to celebrate the process of learning, thinking, and becoming: the bedrock of our institution while reminding us as to why we are here and how we all as a "community of learners" continue to make a difference here and outside of the university walls," said Dr. Rawda Awwad, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Dr. Jin Wang, Dean of the College of Business & Economics commented on the event and said, "The 11th Annual Academic Showcase at AUK is a great success. I was very impressed with the talent, creativity, and accomplishments of students and faculty at AUK. Their diligence, dedication, and accomplishments made AUK a proud higher learning community. I am proud to be part of this academic institution that provides opportunities for talent to grow and develop. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to all the participating students and faculty. I also want to extend my appreciation to Ms. Dalia Hassaan, Senior Faculty Support Coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences, and her colleagues for their time and effort that are indispensable for this successful event."
The Academic Showcase is held annually as a celebration of AUK's mission to "foster an environment encouraging critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth, service, and leadership."
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 29th May 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
The Drama Program at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) presented its annual Spring 2016 theatre production, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, in the Black Box Theatre, located on AUK's campus. The play was written by Christopher Durang and the production was directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre/Drama, Dr. Kathleen R. Downs, under the auspice of the Music and Drama Department.
The production included performances by veteran AUK actors: Yousef Al Nayef, Raghda Rustom, and Nezar Al Tabaa. The show also introduced newcomers Lena Al-Hijji, Ali Al-Methan, and Farnaz Darvishi to the University's theatre community. Maryam Hassanein served as Stage Manager/Asst. Director for Vanya, and Sonia, and Masha and Spike. The production crew included veteran cameraman Mohammad Al-Adl and Ken Downs on lights and sound. Poster and set design were done by Ken Downs.
The company consisted of international theatre honor society Alpha Psi Omega members and volunteers who met for eight weeks during the semester. Alpha Psi Omega was founded to recognize students at four-year institutions who make significant contributions to university theatre, not just as actors but in set design and construction, lighting, sound, properties, publicity and promotion, video recording, makeup, costuming and other areas. All of the members helped each other with their various duties as they worked together to produce the show.
Durang's play centers on the universal concern about change. The lead character, Vanya, rants about changes in the climate and in life, the insanity of popular culture, and the loss of personal connections that he feels today. The other characters, Sonia, Masha, Spike, Nina and Cass, struggle with changes in their lives as well. Like most of us, they struggle with one sort of change or another as they navigate an ever-changing world. The interwoven narrative balances slapstick humor with genuine pathos as the characters confront themselves on their difficult journeys. Durang's parody on our world ends on a note of hope, symbolized by the Beatle's classic, Here Comes the Sun.
"The AUK community enjoyed entering the magical world of theatre and actors for four performances. They look forward to the next theatrical event, planned for the Fall semester of 2016," said Dr. Downs
The Department of Music and Drama offers a wide range of opportunities for both beginning and advanced students within the context of a liberal arts education. The Music and Drama faculty of talented professionals work closely with students to prepare them for campus concerts and plays, and to academically challenge them in courses on performing arts. The department fosters artistic proficiency, cultural appreciation, a sense of community, and a lifelong commitment to the arts.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th May 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
The AUK Women's Volleyball team has won the University Athletics Association of Kuwait (UAAK) league after seeing off the American University of the Middle East (AUM) in the final match 3-0. AUK competed in the UAAK versus teams from Australian College of Kuwait (ACK), Gulf Institute of Science and Technology (GUST), AUM, and Arab Open University (AOU). The Volleyball Women's Coach Tala Nehmeh expressed her absolute pride and joy with the team "What can I say? Every girl on the team deserved this win. I was able to show them the way, the right way, but they have actually done all the walking. They grew as a team, on and off the court. They learned not to take any team lightly and most importantly how to come back from a fall down. The team came a long way from desiring to win to actually make it happen and that is enough to make anyone fall in love with Volleyball, our kind of Volleyball." Congratulations to the Women's Volleyball team!
The AUK Women's Soccer team triumphed in the University Athletics Association of Kuwait (UAAK) finals. Playing in the final opposite the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK), they won the title in a close penalty shoot-out. AUK competed in the UAAK versus teams from ACK, Gulf Institute of Science and Technology (GUST), and American University of the Middle East (AUM). Led by Coach Hannah Farmer, the team's efforts did not go unnoticed as she praises their performance throughout the competition, "I am so proud of the ladies this season they worked so hard and truly deserve to be winners, congratulations". The team displayed outstanding commitment and determination throughout the season, and went undefeated in all their games.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th May 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
The International Honor Society in Business, Delta Mu Delta, has established a new chapter at the American University of Kuwait called Xi Eta. A ceremony hosted by the chapter's advisor, Dr. Fatima Shibly was held in the Multipurpose Room on 28 April, 2016 to induct students and faculty. Attendees included AUK President Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics Dr. Jin Wang, among other faculty, staff and inductees' family members.
The ceremony featured a piano piece played by Elena Tsenkova as the inductees walked in. The Xi-Eta chapter was initiated by Dr. Perry Moore, the regional representative of Delta Mu Delta for Region 8- International, who was present via Skype.
Dr. Fatima Shibly, Dr. Mark Speece and Mr. Rabindranath Bhattacharya, were inducted as honorary members of the society by Dr. Moore. Each received a medallion, a certificate of membership and a key to the society by Dr. Nizar Hamzeh and Dr. Jin Wang.
Inducted students recited a pledge to affirm their membership and dedication to the honor society and were presented with certificates and keys to the society by Dr. Nizar Hamzeh and Dr. Jin Wang.
The honor society was founded in 1913, and has included accomplished students who have achieved academic excellence in higher education. In order to be inducted as a member, Xi Eta members must be junior or senior students of the College of Business and Economics with a GPA of 3.5 or above. Xi Eta currently has 18 members in total, along with a faculty advisor who is also an honorary member of the honor society.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 22nd May 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
In a formal signing ceremony, The American University of Kuwait (AUK) and The American University in Cairo (AUC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate bilateral collaboration between the two universities on a wide spectrum of academic programs and activities.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by AUK president Nizar Hamzeh, and AUC Provost, Sherif Sedky, to mark the beginning of collaboration between their respective institutions.
AUK President Hamzeh indicated that the purpose of the MOU "is to promote academic collaboration that would allow students and faculty from both institutions exchange knowledge, ideas, and resources contributing to academic excellence". He added, "we are very pleased with this partnership because AUC is one of the few leading universities in the region, and that our mutual goal is to expand this academic collaboration to include development of new programs, including dual or joint degrees in engineering."
"We are delighted to have acquired a new partnership with AUK to share our common goals of academic excellence, said AUC Provost Sherif Sedky. "We are especially pleased because AUK is a sister University in the region and we believe our cooperation will yield benefits to both institutions and reflect positively on the educational experience of students and faculty."
According to the MOU, possible venues of collaboration between the two universities will include, but not limited to: Articulation of course credits, study abroad or student exchange, Collaboration with the AUC Center of Teaching and Learning Collaboration with other potential areas such as executive education programs and dual degrees in engineering, in particular; mechanical, civil, architecture, and environmental
The MOU will enable students and faculty from both institutions to pursue productive academic collaboration through exchange of knowledge, ideas, and resources contributing to academic excellence.
This is not the first time AUK establishes collaboration with academic counterparts; other AUK academic collaborators include Dartmouth College and The George Washington University.
About AUC
The American University in Cairo (AUC) was founded in 1919 and is major contributor to the social, intellectual and cultural life of the Arab Region. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions, and study abroad programs. An independent, nonprofit, apolitical, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 22nd May 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
"AUK students should not only engage in academic, intellectual and public research activities but also should step outside their campus and serve their community," Said Dr. Inas Mahfouz Assistant Professor of English at AUK. Earlier this year, AUK signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lothan Youth Achievement Center (LOYAC) to enhance students' engagement with their community and facilitate their professional development and personal growth. This spring, Dr. Mahfouz and a total of 67 AUK students volunteered with (LOYAC) as part of their ENGL 102: Writing and Information Literacy course. The students volunteered in "Service is my Joy", a LOYAC program that gives the volunteers the chance to help the less fortunate.
ENGL102: Writing and Information Literacy aims at developing students' critical analysis and response to different issues. To give it a more hands-on dimension, Dr. Mahfouz decided this semester to engage her students with their community through community-based writing. Through LOYAC's "Service is my Joy", the students engaged in different activities at different centers around Kuwait. Some students helped mentally disabled children at Abeer2; others supported autistic people at Paradise; a third group cooperated together to clean beaches and the last group volunteered at Kuwait Red Crescent Society. "Despite some concerns at the beginning, the students enjoyed the experience of giving back to their community and also the fact that they would write about their real life experience," said Dr. Mahfouz
Dr. Mahfouz and her students have taken writing outside the typically protected classrooms and placed it in direct contact with the community and its problems. This community-based writing course has culminated in detailed analyses of the LOYAC website, approximately a 15,000-word blog where students record their feelings about service. Finally, the students have written research papers discussing community service and higher education from different perspectives based on their experience with LOYAC. To students, this was a life changing experience as one of them puts it "When I go there and they [the children] hear my voice talking to the nurses, even before they see me, they start calling me!! That is truly the happiest moment of my Sundays and Wednesdays!"
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 19th May 2016
