News
The Voice of AUK, AUK's official student newspaper, held its 7th Annual Blood Drive this year. The Kuwait Central Blood Bank set up a location on campus from 10am to 5pm in the Multipurpose Room, where all members of the AUK community we presented with an opportunity to donate blood.
Prior to the event, The Voice of AUK provided a registration booth for two days, in the Liberal Arts building, to encourage members of the AUK community to pre-register to donate blood. Useful information about the donation process was distributed at the booth, such as criteria, tips for a successful donation, and answers to frequently asked. As always, the Kuwait Central Blood Bank was invited to carry out the donations and provided a specialized team of doctors and nurses to ensure a smooth process.
On the day of the Blood Drive, the Multi-purpose room was divided into several areas; a registration booth, where potential donors are required to complete a questionnaire and get registered into the system; a mini-physical test area, where blood tests were conducted by the Blood Bank staff to certify whether an individual's blood is at the right hemoglobin level and thus determining final eligibility as well as their blood pressure levels; and the actual blood donation area. A segregated area for donating blood was made available to provide those who asked for privacy feel comfortable. Additionally, refreshments were available to donors to help revitalize themselves after the donation was complete, as some may experience drowsiness afterwards. Copies of the latest issue of the Voice of AUK issue were available for the donors to read while they were donating.
The idea of holding a blood drive was originally conceived 7 years ago by the AUK alumna, Dina El Zohairy, to raise awareness among the community about the importance of donating blood to help make it readily available for cancer, trauma and post-surgical patients, wherever blood was needed.
The Voice of AUK board members found the blood donation drive an excellent opportunity to recruit students as Voice members, particularly writers, and to increase the organization's visibility on-campus and promote readership.
The Voice of AUK is the university's official student newspaper, operated exclusively by a student board in consultation with an AUK staff advisor. Issues are produced monthly and contain diverse sections such as News, Arts, Health & Science, Opinions/Editorials, and an Arabic Corner.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 20th June 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
"My message to you today is a simple one. Have a plan for your life, but be alert to new opportunities as they arise and be open to altering your path. And then, most importantly, be mindful that your successes are seldom, if ever, solely your own. Be aware of the role that others play in your success, and thank them. And, be sure to call your parents," said the American University of Kuwait (AUK) Interim President and Provost, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh in the AUK 2013 Commencement Ceremony held on June 13th at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds (KIF).
Graduation 2013: Photo Gallery
The ceremony, which celebrated the graduation of 350 students, was attended by the AUK Chair of the Board of Trustees Shaikha Dana N. Al-Sabah, board members, parents and families, and numerous dignitaries and diplomats. The keynote address of the commencement was delivered by Dr. Dale F. Eickelman, Ralph & Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology & Human Relations, Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Dartmouth College, and Dartmouth-AUK Program Relationship Coordinator.
After the Kuwait national anthem and a recitation of the Holy Quran, the event commenced with the student processional, long awaited by the parents and families. Led by the AUK President's party, deans, and faculty members, the graduating class marched through the central aisle of the hall in a ceremonial atmosphere marking the official start of the event.
Delivering his opening speech to hundreds of students, parents, and guests, Interim President Hamzeh urged the graduating class to use their education wisely, believe in the future, and pay gratitude to those who contributed to their success. "As you walk the stage out into the world, I hope you will carry forward the spirit of AUK and the liberal arts education you have received. The future is now in your hands," Said Dr. Hamzeh "For our faculty and staff, this is a day of accomplishment, of knowing you have mentored tomorrow's leaders. And we thank you for your hard work and dedication."
The keynote speaker, Dr. Eickelman, was next invited to the podium, where he spoke to the graduating class about the value of liberal arts education, referring to the historical background of the liberal arts philosophy that contributed to America's "unprecedented growth and expansion" in the early 20th century. "In a like manner to the US, Kuwait entered a period of massive and rapid growth-including in education-since the mid-20th century. Training in the liberal arts and critical thinking, analyzing the unexpected and assessing alternative solutions, offers a critical edge in thinking and acting in both local and global environments," said Dr. Dr. Eickelman.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross-Scott then introduced the Class of 2013 Valedictorians, Huda Al-Rashid and Nada El-Badry who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 Summa Cum Laude (with the greatest honor). On behalf of the valedictorians and the Class of 2013, Al-Rashid delivered a speech calling on her fellow graduates to be "altruistically compassionate," to "treasure the gift of knowledge," and to use it "for passionate innovation and enthusiastic development."
The event proceeded with the main highlight of the ceremony, where the graduates walked on stage to receive their degrees, greeted with cheers and applause of families and friends. Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Rawda Awwad recommended the conferral of degrees for the graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences, while Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Doug Munro recommended the conferral of degrees for the graduates of the College of Business and Economy, to Interim President Hamzeh, who then conferred upon the 350 graduates their respective degrees. Graduates were then awarded their bachelor's degree diplomas by Dr. Hamzeh, Dr. Doug Munro and Dr. Rawda Awwad.
In keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates were then asked to move their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK. As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduating class celebrated the traditional cutting of the Class of 2013 cake, and took photos with their families and friends.
The AUK 2013 Commencement coincides with important milestones in the history of AUK as it overlaps with the 10th Anniversary of AUK and the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between AUK and Dartmouth College, the USA affiliate of AUK. Building on its academic excellence and leadership, the American University of Kuwait has introduced academic expansion plans for the year 2013-2014, including the initiation of an academic degree in Electronic Engineering.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 13th June 2013
The Media and Communication department (COMM) at the American University of Kuwait held a media forum in May to showcase the achievements of AUK COMM students in advertising and production. The Media Forum hosted experts in the field of media and communication, including Marina FM Announcers, Osama Fouda and Mohammad Dughaishem, in addition to two young successful directors and AUK Alumni, Mubarak Al-Mubarak & Ali Hayati.
The forum started with a welcome note by Dr. Mohammad Akbar, Assistant Professor of Communication at AUK, acknowledging the guests and pointing out the role of media education in contributing to the professional field of TV production. Dr. Akbar gave an example of Mubarak Al-Mubarak, an AUK alumnus who pursued a career in his field of study and now became a successful TV producer. Adding to Dr. Akbar's note, Dr. Iqbal Al Hadad, Assistant Professor of Communication at AUK addressed the students, stressing that education is just the first step towards a successful career in media. "Practice is the real challenge to reach your objective," said Al Hadad "You can start from nothing and reach your goals if you manage to surpass the great challenges of life. Good examples are Mohammad Dughaishem and Osama Fouda who have been striving to reach their goals," she continued.
During the forum, Al Mubarak presented his own production of commercials and talked about how it was like to start his own advertising company and how successful it has become today competing on an international level. Hayati, on the other hand, talked about how the AUK advertising classes supported his career in the field of media communication. Hayati and Al Mubarak currently collaborate on many advertising productions.
Dughaishem, for his part, decided to engage the student audience in the discussion through asking them about their hobbies and interests. According to Dughaishem, hobbies and interests could shape one's goals in life. When he was in high school, Dughaishem remembers, his main interest was in the field of radio anchoring, which was not much appreciated by his peers back then. Nevertheless, he insisted to pursue his dream. By the time he went to college, he was a full-time student and had two jobs, one of which was a radio anchor. His busy schedule affected his social life, but at least, he achieved his goals.
Fouda's story was different as he started in Lebanon, struggling with distance, work, and family impediments until he ended up working in Dubai in the field of dubbing. Looking for a better career move, Fouda came to Kuawit, where he started as a mixerman in Marina FM radio station. He advanced in his career till he became today one of the Marina FM stars awaited by a large audience every day.
The Media Forum was concluded by voting for the best student 3D ad, video ad, and short movie. The audience was actively involved in the voting process.
According to the student audience and participants, the Media Forum has been a very successful ending for the busy semester of the COMM students. The guest speakers provided insightful success stories that gave the students support and assurance about the career prospects of the COMM majors.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 10th June 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The French Language unit at AUK hosted "La Francophone" exhibition and competition to celebrate the diversity of the French language and culture. Under the supervision of Mr. Joseph Fiannaca, senior instructor of French language at AUK, students were given the opportunity to put together this event, which was juried and graded as a substitute for their final course examination.
Over the course of one month, students worked on preparing a comprehensive exhibition to demonstrate the treasures of the French language and culture around the world, and show that the French language is not the sole property of France. According to Fiannaca, "It is important to pay tribute to the countries who contribute to the rayonnement de la langue française, and to the prestige of the French language."
In preparation for the exhibition, each French Level 1 student was asked to select a French speaking country, among the members of the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF), and prepare a comprehensive overview of that country. The selected countries included Switzerland, Egypt, Canada, Morocco, Lebanon and more. The project included the creation of magazines with articles on famous figures and touristic places in the selected countries, an interview with a French speaker from each country, and an oral presentation about each country, all presented in French. In addition, students created short movies, displayed the countries' costumes, and brought food samples.
French Level 2 students created board games using structures that they learned during the semester. The games were composed of sets of questions related to French vocabulary, grammar, culture, and general information on the IOF. The aim was to have the students write at least 50 questions and their answers, and to allow participants to practice French while playing.
Fiannaca stressed the importance of incorporating such task-based projects into coursework since they give students "a clear goal on what needs to be achieved to succeed in the class while working on the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), and developing awareness towards diverse cultures." He also added that students appreciate those opportunities that "allow them to be creative and artistic by planning a project instead of doing a traditional final exam."
The exhibition was an engaging educational and entertainment experience, not only for students, but also for visitors. So while visiting the exhibition, all the senses were engaged "you could see French mimes entertaining guests, drink mint tea in a Moroccan tent, try delicious Greek yogurt or Swiss chocolate fondue, listen to music and of course practice French!" said Fiannaca.
One of the highlights of the event was a school visit by the children of le Lycée Français de Koweït (the French School of Kuwait). Big smiles were drawn on their faces as they played the board games and interacted with the university students.
The exhibition was juried by a panel of judges, including Mr. Julian Clech, the Cultural Attaché at the French Embassy in Kuwait, in addition to selected French-speaking guests. The judges selected the group with the best creative booth and best demonstration of French language skills.
The International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) represents one of the biggest linguistic zones in the world. Its members share more than just a common language. They also share the humanist values promoted by the French language. The French language and its humanist values represent the two cornerstones on which the International Organization of La Francophonie is based. The IOF was created in 1970. Its mission is to embody the active solidarity between its 75 member states and governments (56 members and 19 observers), which together represent over one-third of the United Nations' member states and account for a population of over 890 million people, including 220 million French speakers. Qatar was recently awarded the privilege to be an observing member of the OIF.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 9th June 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
AUK Librarians Ms. Hana Kaouri and Mr. Fadhel Husain have attended a workshop on RDA (Resource Description & Access) at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The week long workshop was jointly organized by the AUB Libraries and the American International Consortium of Academic Libraries (AMICAL) to address the new cataloging standard which is currently being implemented across libraries in the world. The workshop, which was led by two expert trainers from UCLA and the University of Oregon, offered a general overview of the new cataloging rules which will replace the Anglo-American Cataloging rules, second edition (AACR2) standards. The workshop also highlighted new changes, and compared the new cataloging rules with the previous ones through discussions, and hands-on exercises and modules. Participants included librarians from various countries, including Egypt, Bulgaria, Morocco, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
The new cataloging rules possess enough flexibility to incorporate future methods of encoding descriptions of library resources. As of April 1, 2013 the U.S. Library of Congress and the British Library are using RDA as their official descriptive cataloging standard. Several other libraries also plan to implement RDA in 2013.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 5th June 2013
The American University of Kuwait announced the winners of the student competition for the Spring 2013 President's Exhibition. The winning artwork was selected from the "best of the best" student class work from the previous semester. All entries were submitted to the competition by the AUK ART and Graphic Design professors. The Exhibition includes painting, drawing, graphic design, cut paper, and photography work juried for creativity, originality, and technique.
The student work chosen for the current exhibition was made in classes taught by AUK Art and Graphic Design professors Sharon Orleans Lawrence, Maryam Hosseinnia, George Bauer, and William Andersen. In addition, there was work included in the exhibition that was created by Professors Sharon Orleans Lawrence, William Andersen, Maryam Hosseinnia, and Antonia Stamos.
The 19 Students with winning artwork are:
Aisha Jiran, Manal Adra, Batoul Al Mesri, May Yassin, Aya Kandel,Maitha Al Jassmi, Dalal Al-Mahdi, Sayed Hashim Altabtabai, Abdulrahman ben Essa, Assem Malallah, Fajer Al Tifouni, Hassan Abdozzahraei, Noor Al Hamad, Aesha Borahma, Anwar Behbehani, Noor Al-Sabah, Moustafa El Khashab, Nadia Abdullah, and Rawan Al-Hussaini.
Winners received certificates signed by AUK Interim President and Provost Dr. Nizar Hamzeh.They and their parents were honored at an opening reception, where Dr. Hamzeh delivered his opening remarks, stressing the importance of holding these gatherings that bring the President, the students and their parents together in a family atmosphere to celebrate the work of the talented students.
The current exhibition will be displayed in the President's Office for six months, on view for the University, as well as dignitaries and other honored visitors to the University.
"As always, it is a pleasure to present the best work of the previous semester in the Art and Graphic Design Department. 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; often the students don't even know their work is being considered until they are notified that they have won. It's always good to honor students who excel, and we appreciate the enthusiastic support we have received from Interim President Nizar Hamzeh," Said Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence, Chair of the Art and Graphic Design Department
The AUK President's Exhibition is an excellent opportunity for students, increasing student pride in execution, rewarding excellent work, and providing a valuable accomplishment on student resumes as they graduate and go from AUK to graduate school or the workplace.
Student visitors examining the artwork presented by graphic designer students
Graphic Design student, Batoul Al-Mesri
Graphic Design student, Moustafa El Khashab with Professor of Art History, Dr. George Bauer
Artwork done by graphic design students and faculty members
A group photo of graphic design students and faculty members, with the AUK Interim President and Provost Dr. Nizar Hamzeh
From Left: Graphic Design student, Aisha Borahma, Professor Maryam Hosseinnia, and Graphic Design student Amel Omar
Artwork done by graphic design students and faculty members
From Left: Senior Graphic Designer students, Batoul Al-Mesri and Anwar Behbehani
Graphic Design student, Rawan Al-Hussaini and Interim President Hamzeh
Professor Sharon Lawrence and Graphic Design student Aya Kandel
Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Art History & Studio Arts, Dr. Sharon Lawrence
Some of the student's artwork
Some of the student's artwork
Some of the student's artwork
The Art & Graphic Design Program (GDES) at AUK has successfully concluded its Spring 2013 Senior Capstone Exhibition on May 23rd. The exhibition, which was one of the largest in AUK history, witnessed a significant visitor turnout and was juried by renowned advertising experts.
Over a course of 3 days, the GDES Capstone Exhibition showcased the creative work of AUK students, reflecting their abilities to design concepts and develop themed campaigns on a wide variety of topics including, social and cultural awareness, corporate identity, health & safety, and national consciousness.
Under the supervision of AUK GDES professors, Maryam Hosseinnia and Rita Merheb Khair, the participating students were able to investigate a topic of their choice, research and analyze it, and come up with interesting communication tools, addressing their target audiences through the medium of Graphic Design. The displayed projects reflected a culmination of semester-long, self-initiated, and largely self-directed ideas implemented through diverse applications. The students were graded based on their creativity and presentation, their ability to conduct and use graphic design research strategy effectively, and their ability to plan and implement a compelling graphic design exhibition.
Held once a year in May, the Capstone exhibition brings together visitors from the field of graphic design, including experts from graphic design studios, publishing houses, film and video production companies, advertising, and multimedia firms. Hosseinnia sees this as an opportunity for Graphic Design majors to showcase their learning, talents and commitment to excellence all at once. "The students have worked hard for four years; this exhibition is their goal and their celebration," Hosseinnia said.
Amongst the projects that attracted visitors during this year's exhibition were project "Constitution Awareness Center" which aims to raise awareness on the constitution of Kuwait; and project "Clinic" that proposed creative ways to facilitate the operation of Kuwait's governmental clinics. Also featured during the exhibition were branding projects for "Failaka" and "The Kuwait Opera House".
As the exhibition concluded, Khair stressed in an interview with Al Watan TV that "the exhibition is an opportunity for students to present themselves, their creative capabilities, and their technical skills through a project in which they have utilized everything they have learned over the past four yours of study at AUK."
As one of the final year courses, the GDES Capstone course is designed to teach graduating students how to visualize the complex intersection between personal voice, conceptual understanding, and the use of research for a graphic design exhibition. According to Sharon Lawrence, Chair of the Department of Art and Graphic Design, "the Capstone is meant to be the culmination of four years of learning for our Graphic Design majors, showcasing their talents, abilities, and learning. I'm very pleased to say I think this is the best one yet. The faculty of Art and Graphic Design is constantly working to improve the learning environment for our students. This Capstone shows the hard work and earned expertise of our students as well."
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 28th May 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The American University of Kuwait held its 9th Annual Awards Night in the AUK Auditorium. The event commenced with a welcome note from AUK Interim President Dr. Nizar Hamzeh followed by an awards ceremony for AUK staff, faculty and students. Each department awarded their most worthy student employee in an effort to recognize their hard work. The Student Government Association, in return, awarded faculty and staff for their support.
The Vice-President of Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross-Scott commented on the ceremony saying, "AUK Student Awards night celebrates the engagement of students in activities outside the classroom," emphasizing that student programs and activities such as student media, athletics, curriculum related organizations, service clubs, and leadership bring the university experience to life. "Involvement compels our students to push the boundaries of excellence, academically, and in extra-curricular activities. We want our students to be better prepared to serve the competitive, global society and awards night is where we highlight their achievements of the academic year," said Dr. Ross-Scott
The highlights of the evening were the Student Affairs' Award, the Founders' Award and the President's Award. The recipients of these awards were students who have shown exceptional academic achievement and involvement in activities outside of the classroom among other criteria.
Categories and Recipients:
Student Affair's Award: Kevork Awakimian
Founders' Award: Njoud Aweis
President's Award: Nada El-Badry
Student Employee Awards
Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences: Yasser Khalil
Department of Computer Engineering: Kholod Al-Shamry
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences: Carol Ghali
College of Arts & Sciences: Dina Saoud
College of Business and Economics: Farah Al-Toum, May Omran
Writing Center: Eiman Felo, Maymoonah Toubeh
Gulf Studies Center: Fajer Khajah
Intensive English Program: Lulwa Al-Muhanna, Rana Yousef, Sarah Mohammed, Haseeb Shahzad, Sarah Konsoa
Library: Ghada Al-Sayed
Office of Admissions: Ahmed Abdel-Basset
Registrar: Njoud Aweis
Academic Advising Center: Ajab Fakhruddin, Alaa Al-Chalabi, Ahmed Hassanein, Basma Al-Sayed, Ali Al-Meslim, Khalid Al-Buzid, Manit Kaur, Tasneem Rashwan
Student Life: Carol Ghali, May Omran, AbdorRahman Chowdhury, Nour Jaber
IEP Academic Achievement Award
Marjan Ziaei Nafchi
Fatemah Al-Attar
Bader Al-Mansouri
Hala Al-Faisal
University Service Award
Ali A Nawab
Anam Rasheed
Nour Jaber
Manal Adra
Enas Al-Halawani
Abdullah Sabel
SGA Student Body Awards
Innovative Lecturer Award: Dr. Hesham Al Awadi
Most Supportive Faculty Award: Hala Al Najjar
Most Supportive Staff Award: Hala Al Abdulrazzaq
Faculty Mentorship Award: Dr. Angelica DeAngelis
Staff Mentorship Award: Fatema Hayat
Most Humorous Faculty Award: Dr. George Irani
Most Humorous Staff Award: Laveena Lobo
Student Life Awards
Organization Member of the Year: Lulwa Al-Omar (Finance Club), Fadwa Al-Ajeel (Finance Club)
Rising Star of the Year: Batul Sadliwala, Fouz Al Khonzini
Most Improved Organization: Lebanese Cultural Club
Advisor of the Year: Dilara Hafiz
Program of the Year: "Kuwaitna" by the Finance Club
Organization of the Year: The Finance Club
Outstanding Student Leader of the Year: Farah Al-Ajeel
Outstanding Male Athlete: Khaled Al-Hammad
Outstanding Female Athlete: Fatma AbdulHusain.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 21st May 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages at AUK organized a trip to Spain to discover the wonders of Andalusia.
On the night of 28 March, 20 AUK students and faculty, along with some family members, departed Kuwait heading to their first stop, Granada. "We found Granada in a festive spirit, as our arrival there coincided with Good Friday and the beginning of the Easter weekend. Colorful processions filled the streets," said Dr. Raymond Farrin, Chair of the Department of Arabic and Foreign Languages at AUK and the trip chaperon.
The highlight of the Granada stay was the visit to the Palace of Alhambra (Qasr Al-Hamra'). A notable feature of Alhambra is plentiful water, such that its fountains are always supplied by means of aqueducts and pipes. According to Dr. Farrin, the day of the tour was rainy and the group was soaked. "But the rain did not dampen our spirits, and we forgot it as we became increasingly amazed at the wonders of this monument built by the Arabs many centuries ago," said Dr. Farrin.
The group's next stop was Cordoba, former capital of Al-Andalus, site of the Great Mosque (now converted into a cathedral), and scene of the famous, high-drama love affair between Princess Wallada and the poet Ibn Zaydun. As the hotel was conveniently located right next to the Great Mosque, the group enjoyed numerous strolls in the old city. They also spent an afternoon visiting the ruins of Madinat Al-Zahra' and got invited for lunch by a Muslim family at their farm "that seemed more like a little paradise". An interesting discussion followed about the state of Muslims today in Christian Spain. "Memorable as well was a lively and colorful Flamenco performance witnessed one night in Cordoba," said Dr. Farrin.
From Cordoba, the group also took a day-trip to Seville, former home of the poet king Al-Mu'tamid ibn 'Abbad, where they toured the palace and the large cathedral, and then took the opportunity to see more of the city by way of horse-drawn carriage. "Particularly beautiful was Seville's park, which might remind one of an orange grove," said Dr. Farrin.
On the last day in Spain, the group rode the bus north to Toledo, once a center for translation of Arabic books into Latin. Many of the group then chose to spend the afternoon and evening in Madrid. In that city, some of the group members visited the Santiago Bernabeu and even descended to the field where the Real Madrid players sit during matches. The tour ended at the press room and led into the team's store. There, and also in the fashionable shops of Madrid, and likewise elsewhere during the visit, shopping opportunities were not missed by the group; "our suitcases came back fully packed," said Dr. Farrin.
On Friday morning, April 5, it was time to return to Kuwait. The group left Madrid, excited and happy to be seeing family and friends again but sad to be leaving Spain, and filled with memories of a unique educational experience.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 19th May 2013
Photo Courtesy of Abdullah Al-Shaheen
On May 6, 2013, the final ceremony of the League of Debates of Higher Education Institutions was held at Kuwait University under the auspices of Kuwait University President, Dr. Al- Abdul Latif Al- Bader, and American University of Kuwait (AUK) Interim President Dr. Nizar Hamzeh. The ceremony was attended by many academic personnel, in addition to a delegation from the State of Qatar represented by the Executive Director of the Qatar Debate Center, Dr. Hayat Abdullah Ma'arafi. During the event, AUK Interim President Dr. Hamzeh received a superiority award on behalf of the AUK team that reached the finals. The AUK finalists were also honored by Kuwait University and the corporate sponsors of the ceremony.
The League of Debates announced the April 27-30 debate competition at a press conference mid-April in the presence of the media. At the conference, Assistant Professor of Arabic Dr. Khitam Al-Khouli represented AUK, and discussed the importance of these debates in developing students' personalities, and expanding their cultural knowledge of all political, economic, and social topics so that they might be effective leaders in the future. Dr. Khitam highlighted the fact that AUK students already have much of this knowledge, in addition to the oratory freedom needed to express it, and the understanding of the importance of respecting people's opinions.
The AUK team participated in all workshops that took place at Kuwait University, Kuwait International Law College, the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, the Arab Open University, and also conducted intensive training here at AUK on Saturdays and Tuesdays from 2-4pm.
The League of Debates of Higher Education Institutions brought together teams from ten participating institutions including, The American University of Kuwait (AUK), Kuwait University (KU), Kuwait International Law College, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, and the Arab Open University. Each institute competed with one male and one female team.
The AUK team competed with all of the other teams from different institutions, and both the male and female teams won in the quarterfinals, which was divided into three rounds. Winning advanced them to the semifinals, which was divided into two rounds, and again, the male team won and advanced to the finals. Dr. Khitam Al-Khouli participated on the arbitral committee during both the first and the second rounds. Moreover, Ahmad Al Refai earned commendations for giving/delivering the best response speech and being the best speaker for four consecutive times, and Fayez Al Moasherji was declared the best speaker during one round, which only added to the success of the AUK teams. The male AUK team lost narrowly to KU in the finals, but performed wonderfully and had much to be proud of.
Winning second place in the finals, the male team proved themselves as outstanding competitors with good confidence, convincing arguments, and a strong knowledge base. As a result of the AUK success in the debate, AUK qualified to participate in various Arab debate competitions next year, such as the Qatar League Debates.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 16th May 2013
