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The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Labor Syndicate organizes the annual Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Award for Journalistic Excellence contest to encourage young journalists around Kuwait to display talent and professionalism in their delivery of information to the masses. The American University of Kuwait (AUK) sponsored the contest for the second consecutive year, and as part of the sponsorship, offered award recipients an opportunity to attend a 3-day media workshop offered by the AUK Department of Communication and Media (COMM). The purpose of the contest is to encourage good practices in the media and to support young Journalists. As a premier private educational institute in Kuwait, AUK is keen to support educational initiatives and share the knowledge and skills of its experienced instructors with the community.
The 3-day workshop was created and conducted by AUK professors of communications, Dr. Mohamed Satti and Dr. Mohammad Akbar. The first day of the workshop covered Broadcast Journalism, while the second day focused on Integrated Marketing Communications. On the last day of the workshop, attendees participated in an open discussion and performed practical exercises.
"AUK has consistently been supportive of this competition, which aims to promote best practices within the different fields in journalism and mass communications and to develop the skills of young Kuwaiti journalists." expressed Mr. Ayman Al-Ali, Chairman of KUNA Labor Syndicate and Chairman of the Award Organizing Committee. "After a second successful year of AUK's sponsorship of our winners, we look forward to further collaboration opportunities with AUK this year, and in the years to come," he added.
The Department of Communication and Media was pleased to provide training to these journalists. "It is also always gratifying to interact with practicing reporters. Our hope is that our relationship with Sheikh Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah Award for Journalistic Excellence continues for many years to come," Dr. Satti explained, stressing that this year's collaboration with the competition was mutually beneficial to all.
Following the workshop, a ceremony was held to present the attendees with certificates of participation. Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Rawda Awwad, along with Mr. Ayman Al Ali, distributed the certificates to the participants.
Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Award for Journalistic Excellence was founded 7 years ago and took the name of the late, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, with the support and blessing of the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, Prime Minister, who has spared no effort in the development of this award, which aims to encourage excellence journalist and for the first time the Kuwaiti youth, also create a spirit of competition to take them to the ranks of the highest levels of the global media.
The new cycle for this year's contest has been launched last October, 2014. Contestants can make their submissions in the various areas of mass communications until 23 January, 2015. For more details, please refer the contest flyer below.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 13th November 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
This Fall, His Excellency Archbishop Petar Rajic, Vatican Ambassador-Apostolic Nuncio in Kuwait, visited the American University of Kuwait (AUK) to give a talk to students registered in Special Topics: Vatican Diplomacy, a course offered by the Department of International Relations about the Holy See and the role it plays in the region. This marks the second consecutive year in which the Archbishop visited AUK to speak of the history of the Holy See and the strong bond it shares with Kuwait and other countries in the Arabian Peninsula.
Archbishop Rajic began his talk by offering an overview of the Holy See, the universal government of the Catholic Church, as an active participant in international diplomacy. Rajic explained that his mission in Kuwait serves 2 purposes; to serve as the Pope's emissary to the State of Kuwait, and to attend to the pastoral care of the Catholic community in the country. As an ambassador to the Vatican, he also spoke of the relationship between the Holy See and the countries of the Arabian Peninsula, explaining that, in October 1968, Kuwait became the first country in the Gulf with whom the Holy See established diplomatic relations.
Associate Professor George Emile Irani, the instructor of the Special Topics course, explained that the purpose of the course is to explore and analyze the diplomacy and role played by the Holy See; an influential actor in international relations. "Archbishop Rajic's talk shed the light on the mission and goals of the Holy See and his role with both the government and the Catholic Church in Kuwait. Students who attended the talk had the opportunity to engage with the Archbishop following his talk, which they found very useful and pertinent to the term papers they are planning to work on," Dr. Irani said.
AUK shares an excellent relationship with Archbishop Rajic and the Holy See. The Archbishop has visited AUK on numerous occasions and has given lectures and participated in forums organized by the Department of International Relations.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 13th November 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
The Department of Music and Drama at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held an open talk and documentary screening of "Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt" led by Dr. Virginia Danielson, an ethnomusicologist, and Director of Libraries at New York University, Abu Dhabi Campus. As a specialist in Middle Eastern music, Danielson served as principal advisor to the film, which was one of two documentary films premiered at the New York Film Festival in 1996.
Danielson noted that "A Voice Like Egypt" is the first documentary filmed about Umm Kulthum with the aim of introducing the chanteuse to an American audience. The documentary does not only show glimpses of Umm Kulthum's life as a peasant child who became a legendary singer of wealth and fame, but also connects her life and music to the history and politics of Egypt during a period of great change. When Umm Kulthum died in 1975, 4 million mourners flooded the streets of Cairo to pay tribute. During her illustrious career, she visited and performed in Kuwait twice. According to the documentary producers, the recordings of Umm Kulthum outsell every other Arab female vocalist to date.
Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Chair of the Department of Music and Drama noted the significance of the event to both students and outside guests. "The discussion and film viewing were a real revelation to so many students, some of whom had never heard of Umm Kulthum. She wasn't just a singer from Egypt; she was an icon that represented the entire Arab world during a period of cultural change and political revolution. Following the viewing, students wanted to know more and engaged Dr. Danielson in a lively discussion. Parents and outside guests, who knew of Umm Kulthum and her powerful songs, were moved in a different fashion as the evening brought back a flood of memories. Many left warm-hearted, but teary-eyed following the scenes of Umm Kulthum's funeral," explained Dr. Urkevich.
Dr. Virginia Danielson is the former Richard F. French Librarian of the Loeb Music Library at Harvard University and the Curator of the University's Archive of World Music. Danielson is the author of the award-winning monograph 'The Voice of Egypt: Umm Kulthum, Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the 20th Century' (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997) and co-editor of The Middle East, volume 6 of 'The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music' (New York: Routledge, 2002). She has authored numerous articles on music of the Middle East, women in Middle Eastern music, and Muslim devotional music.
The Department of Music and Drama explores music and drama in the context of a liberal arts education through both academic study and active participation in performances. By educating students in theory and history and providing training in applied skills, 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 10th November 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) holds a bi-annual art competition, the President's Exhibition, which showcases artwork selected from among the best art pieces created during the previous semester. Each of the pieces was judged for creativity, originality, and technique when submitted for consideration to AUK ART and Graphic Design professors Sharon Orleans Lawrence, George Bauer, and William Andersen.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 6th November 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
30 students won the competition, and their names are listed below in no particular order: Maha Abdullah, Zahraa Hamadi, Rola Gharib, Al-Anoud Al-Khataf, May Boodai, Yousra Marouf, Maryam Saadat, Aya Kandil, Noura Al-Shammari, Alaa Dashti, Nader Makki, Fahad Al Omar, Hawraa Al Saffar, Yousef Al Fadhli, Antony Lawrence, Amnah Al-Sarraf, Natasha Al-Houti, Maymoonah Toubeh, Rita Yamout, Esraa Al Kandari, Noor Ahmad, Sherifa Al Khulaifi, Fatima Al Shobbar, Diana N Bedrossian, Zeina Al-Rez, Manal Adra, Naser Al Qadiri, Sara Al Qahtani, Eman Khalil, and Ailiyah A. Behbehani.
The current exhibition will be displayed in the President's Office until May 2015, on view for the University, as well as dignitaries and other honored visitors to the University.
"It is a continuing pleasure to present the best work of our talented students in the AUK Art and Graphic Design Department. It's always good to honor students who excel, but the President's Exhibition is especially close to my heart, because the faculty chooses the best work from their classes to enter in the competition. Usually, the students don't know their work is being considered until they are notified that they have won. In addition, we sincerely appreciate the enthusiastic support we have received from our President, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh," expressed Assistant Professor Sharon Lawrence, Chair of the Art and Graphic Design Department.
Winning Students with their Professors, Family, and Friends
The Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences and Engineering (RISE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) launched its lecture series for the 2014-2015 season in October 2014. Mr. Sadeq Qasem, Head of Invention Development for the Sabah Al Ahmed Center for Giftedness & Creativity (SACGS), and winner of the Stars of Science competition, was invited as the first speaker of the season.
In his lecture, Mr. Qasem spoke of the Sabah Al Ahmed Center for Giftedness and Creativity. He explained that the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) is the parent and sponsor of SACGC, whose aim is to provide support and encouragement to young Kuwaitis' creativity and innovations.
He then guided the attendees through the process of bringing ideas into fruition, including steps for inventors to obtain patents for their ideas and products. "Do not underestimate any idea, no matter how simple it may seem. My advice to you is to always ink what you think," he advised.
The lecture was open to the public, and attendees were presented with the opportunity to ask the lecturer about his experience as a contestant and first-place winner in the The Stars of Science TV competition, which earned him the title of "Arab Inventor of the Year".
Professor Amir Zeid, Director of RISE, explained that Mr. Qasem was selected as the first speaker of for this season because he is a great example of the potential that is contained in young Kuwaitis. "He is an example of what young innovators can accomplish with a creative idea and following through with it," Zeid said.
The AUK Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) serves as AUK's primary source for research and development activities, a bridge to industry, and an important venue for community outreach. RISE adapts an integrative model by forging connections between academic disciplines, local & international innovators, academia & industry, as well as technology & society.
RISE's second lecture of the season is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday, 5th November) - 6pm at the AUK Auditorium in Salmiya. It is entitled "State of the Art Assessment of Large Rotating Machines: How Embedded Systems Make the Energy Supply Safer" and will be conducted by Dr. Bernhard Fruth, Chief Executive Officer of Maser Quartzelec Services; a leading international electrical engineering group.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th November 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
You may remember Abdulraham Al Omar. He is a student at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) who pursuing a degree in International Studies. But that is not why you might remember him. He is also one of Kuwait's champion jet-skiers and has managed to earn a number of medals and trophies over the years for his performance in competitions held across the globe. Find out more about his past achievements here.
This year, Abdulrahman was a member of a team representing Kuwait at the Jetribe IJSBA World Finals at Lake Havasu, Arizona. This was his second consecutive year to race in this competition, in which jet-skiers from 39 countries met to compete.
"Preparing for this year's competitions was much harder than last year. Between my classes this semester and finding the time to practice for the competition, I had to observe irregular practice hours. Also, this year has been an especially tough one on me because I have been recovering from a shoulder injury I sustained from a jet-ski related accident," Abdulrahman said.
Abdulrahman competed in the 4 competitions at the World Finals, winning first-place and the gold medal in the Amateur Run About 800 Limited category, "a position occupied by the team from Thailand for the past five years," he explained. He also managed to come in second place in three other categories; Novice Run About Limited, Run About Classic Stock, and Novice Run About Stock.
Next, he is looking forward to compete in the UAE Jet-Skiing Championships, Dubai, in January 2015. You can follow his progress on his Instagram account @Hamantoosh33.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 28 October 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized an information session for approximately 200 government high school students, from five different government schools. During the event, the different University units gave presentations highlighting the world class programs offered at AUK, the diverse student population, as well as student life and campus activities.
The visit was a good opportunity to inform prospective student about future academic and career prospects after they graduate from AUK. Faculty members from the different AUK colleges provided full information on career and graduate study options that graduates can pursue after earning a degree from AUK.
The Center for Continuing education highlighted college preparatory coursework offered to high school seniors prior to college entry exams, while the office of Admissions briefed them about the AUK admissions requirements and took them on campus tours.
Campus life was among the main topics of interest to prospective students. The AUK Office of Student Life highlighted various clubs & organizations, sports programs, and on-campus events that students can take part in during their study term at AUK.
Following the presentations, the visitors had the chance to engage in lively exchange with various members of the AUK community, discussing their inquiries about the government scholarship and Admissions requirements at AUK.
The Office of Admissions at AUK is planning a series of other events this year to raise awareness about the academic offerings, and university life at AUK "This is the first of many AUK community events; our next event will host private high schools in Kuwait in late November" says Maher Dabbouseh, Director of Admissions.
The American University of Kuwait, located in the heart of Salmiya, offers 15 distinct programs under the College of Business and Economics and the College of Arts and Sciences. AUK enjoys a diverse student population of over 44 different nationalities. Graduates of AUK pursue careers and continue on in graduate studies in different parts of the world.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 27th October 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
The Muslim Brothers in Pursuit of Legitimacy: Power and Political Islam in Egypt Under Mubarak is the latest book by Dr. Hesham Al-Awadi, Associate Professor of Political Science & History at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). In the book, he discusses the ways in which the Mubarak era served as a platform for the emergence of the Muslim Brotherhood as the most influential political force in Egypt.
Dr. Al-Awadi explains that the Brotherhood's steady growth occurred under Mubarak's leadership through their involvement in syndicates and unions, participation in local elections and social services. The author argues that the period preceding the Arab Spring is portrayed as one of struggle between the Brotherhood and the Mubarak regime, during which the Brotherhood's strive towards legitimacy clashed with the government's illegalization of the movement. He further explains that the Brotherhood's gain of informal social legitimacy in the Mubarak era inspired confidence amongst party leaders and supporters following the Arab Spring, provoking thought on the complex nature of coexistence between religion and the state.
Professor James Piscatori of the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University reviewed The Muslim Brothers in Pursuit of Legitimacy: Power and Political Islam in Egypt Under Mubarak. He described it as "a work of considerable insight...[...which] contributes to knowledge both by presenting exciting new material on the Muslim Brotherhood in particular and by elucidating the choices of an Islamist movement in general."
Article courtesy of AUK student, Maria Bedrossian.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 22nd October 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
Recent statistics have revealed that deaths resulting from breast cancer in Kuwait are higher than the global rate due to late detection of the disease. According to an article published last summer by the Arab Times daily newspaper, "3% of women between 20-29 years in Kuwait have breast cancer, and 5.9% of those between 30-39 years old suffer from the disease." The World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in October of every year, is when efforts are increased to raise awareness about the disease. This month, AUK is joining efforts with Al Sidra Cancer Support Center to promote Breast Cancer Awareness to the AUK female community.
This year, along with supporting breast cancer survivors and their families, Al Sidra is focusing on raising awareness, specifically among young women, on the importance of early detection of breast cancer. On October 21st, and under the patronage of Sheikha Azza Ali Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Al Sidra will be holding a seminar at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bida'a area, to educate the female community in Kuwait about breast cancer. The seminar will feature talks by experts in the field, as well as cancer survivors. In support of this seminar, AUK is inviting all the female members of its community to attend the seminar and join in spreading the awareness and knowledge across Kuwait.
World Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers an opportunity to remind women to take charge of their breasts' health and promote early detection of cancer. According to Karen Webster, Information Officer at Al Sidra, "The survival rates of breast cancer are relatively high if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage." According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer survival rates reach over 90% if detected at stages I or II, over 70% if detected at stage III, and over 20% if detected at stage IV.
Karen Webster points to the importance of psychological support during cancer treatment. Al Sidra Cancer Support Center provides a warm, caring environment where patients could get informed and educated about the disease. It also offers emotional, psychological and complementary therapies to help women with the disease cope better with their illness, enhance the effects of their medical treatment and improve their quality of life.
"Al Sidra Center is open and free to access, to all people in Kuwait who have, or are related to someone who has, cancer. Access to our services can begin at any stage of the disease and our clients come to the Center through a doctor's referral or through "drop in"," Karen said.
Shebina Amlani, Clinic Coordinator at Al Sidra, says that the campaign's slogan, "Be Aware, Show You Care", aims to deliver two important messages to the public. "First, be aware and proactive in taking care of your own breast health, and second, be the ambassador of this campaign and educate people around you," she explained.
For more information, please contact Al Sidra Association at:
Telephone: 5155 0689 Weekdays 7:30am - 1:30 pm
Facebook: Al-Sidra KWT
Twitter and Instagram: AlSidra_KWT
Email: info.alsidra@gmail.com
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 15th October 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
Convocation ceremonies mark the official commencements of academic years. This year, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held its 11th Annual Undergraduate First-Year Student Convocation ceremony to welcome the Class of 2018 into the new phase of their lives. The ceremony formally introduced the new students to the University and familiarized them with its seal, traditions and symbols that represent what AUK stands for. Over 300 first-year students attended the ceremony, in which the AUK President, Professor Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, along with the Vice Presidents and Deans of the colleges, welcomed them to AUK.
The convocation commenced with Kuwait's national anthem. Ali Kelkawi, Class of 2017, welcomed the attendees on behalf of AUK's current student body, and invited President Hamzeh to deliver his address.
"This is a big time of year for everyone on campus, but most especially, of course, for our new students, their families and their friends. And it's an important time, for embarking on an education at AUK means more than simply going to classes, studying, taking tests, and perfecting technical skills," President Hamzeh told the attendees. "I realize that each student is unique and, as a university, we strive to maximize that unique potential. I'm pleased that we're embarking on this journey together. Take it from me - you're about to have the time of your life."
Following his address, President Hamzeh invited Dr. Rawda Awwad, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, to explain to the attendees the first component of the AUK motto; "Learn. Think. Become."
"AUK makes available for you the possibility to make your dreams of the future a reality, and learning is certainly an important ingredient," said Dr. Awwad to the attendees. "It is the place and site where opportunities for learning are made available not solely within your courses and classes, but, equally important, in extra-curricular activities and in your interactions with your peers, faculty, staff and administrators," she explained.
Dr. Awwad then introduced Dr. John Russell, Interim Dean of the College of Business and Economics, to discuss the second component of the motto; "Think."
Dr. Russell encouraged the students to think outside the box, and not confine themselves to the walls of the disciplines they are studying and try to understand others and their disciplines. "Make an effort to understand different disciplines, subjects, and people; in doing so, you will understand others and help others understand you." He explained that in practicing this, individuals will be able to communicate more effectively.
The final component of the motto, "Become", was then discussed by Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, Vice President for Student Affairs.
"Your college education is an opportunity to become someone better. It is designed to bring out characteristics in you that you never imagined," explained the VP for Student Affairs. "Take this college opportunity to become self-confident. The more you learn; the more confident you "become". Become someone who will make a difference, absolutely refuse to be ordinary," she advised.
Following Dr. Ross-Scott, alumnus from AUK's first graduating class, Nasser Al-Qallaf, who is currently working as a Marketing Executive at the United Real-Estate Company, shared his experience as a student with the attendees. He explained to them that, as students, their overall experience at AUK depends on them and what they choose to make it. He reminded them that they are surrounded by a strong support team with Student Affairs, and to not forget that they have a voice that will always be heard
Tradition was observed as AUK faculty representatives explained the connotations of the AUK icons and symbols.
The AUK Seal is the most significant symbol of the University. It was explained in detail, covering all four major components of the Circle of Life, including the Book-which represents liberal arts and dedication to knowledge; Dhow-historical Kuwait's aspiration, exploration and tradition; Falcon-representing vision, courage and leadership; and the Torch of Wisdom that represents the freedom to purse the big questions of life.
Concluding the event, the Deans and the VP of Student Affairs ignited the flames of knowledge and wisdom, as a symbol of their significant partnership and commitment to the success of students. Candles were lit along the aisles of the auditorium marking the transfer of knowledge to the next AUK generation.
The Convocation Ceremony is the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week festivities for incoming students. During this week, many events were organized to welcome all students to the AUK community, including the Welcome Back Barbeque and Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were organized to help First Year students become familiar with the campus. The Convocation ceremony in particular, is designed to promote community unity and help students through their transition into University life at AUK.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 15th October 2014
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2014
