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"This academic year is very unique for all of us because it marks the 10th Anniversary of the American University of Kuwait. On this day, we would like to renew our commitment to academic excellence in teaching, research and service," said Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Interim President of AUK, speaking to a crowd of 400 students at the AUK Convocation Ceremony for the incoming Class of 2017.
Organized by the Division of Student Affairs, the annual Convocation Ceremony serves as a ceremonial rite of passage for new undergraduate students entering the AUK Community.
The ceremony introduces new students to key components and symbols representative of AUK including the AUK Motto "Learn...Think...Become...", as well as, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors.
AUK embraces a profound belief in life-long learning, which Dr. Rawda Awwad, Interim Dean of the College Arts and Sciences, described as "an honest, self-reflective, and humble endeavor that should be motivated by a passion for knowledge and the desire to pursue that passion." As she addressed the students, Dr. Awwad recalled the story of Wally Taibleson, a 90 year old graduate of California State University San Marcos, who became the icon of life-long learning.
Dr. John Russell, Interim Dean of the College of Business & Economics, spoke to the incoming class about thinking, another higher order value of AUK, which he analogized to "an electric spark or key that unlocks the potential in knowledge."
Become - the last word of the motto and the end goal of AUK - was what Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, VP for Student Affairs, urged the students to achieve. "To BECOME, you must act on the opportunities and possibilities," she said "Your college education is an opportunity to BECOME someone better...For the past decade, AUK students have been on a journey of excellence and this year we celebrate a decade of accomplishments. It is now your turn to BECOME a part of the journey."
As a tradition of the ceremony, AUK faculty representatives, Athmar Al Salem , Neamat Mosaad , Craig Loomis , Mohsen Bagnied, Shoma Munshi, and Chris Ohan, along with the undergraduate and alumni representatives Maryam al-Faudari and Haya Al-Qassar, respectively, took turns in explaining the connotations of the AUK icons and symbols.
The AUK Seal, the most significant symbol of the University, was described in detail reviewing 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 celebration hall 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 campus including the Welcome Back Barbeque and Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings. The Convocation ceremony in particular, is designed to promote community unity and help students in their transition to University life at AUK.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 8th October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The American University of Kuwait (AUK), in collaboration with Marymount University (MU), has created an opportunity for AUK students to participate in a semester-long study abroad program in the United States. Set to begin in the Spring 2014 semester, the program aims to help students to cope successfully with the globalization, migration, increasing economic interdependence, communication, and travel that are increasingly bringing cultures into ever closer contact with one another.
MU is a small private institution of higher learning located just outside Washington, D.C. in Arlington, Virginia. AUK students who have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.7 have the opportunity to go for a semester abroad at Marymount. In consultation with their AUK advisors, they will be able to take 12-15 credit hours (4-5 classes) in a variety of disciplines.
AUK students will benefit from Marymount's reputation for having smaller classes, where instructors are able to provide personalized attention. MU students come from across the United States and around the world, representing a broad array of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. More than 300 international students, representing 67 countries make up an integral part of Marymount. This diversity offers the campus community opportunities to learn about the richness of different cultures around the world.
AUK endeavors to produce well-rounded global citizens who possess the skills to function and communicate in diverse regions of the world, thus becoming ambassadors of Kuwait.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 2nd October 2013
Dr. Mohsen Bagnied, Chair of the Department of Marketing and Management, College of Business and Economics, presented his latest research contribution in the 2013 Inaugural International Conference on Leadership, Management and Strategic Development. The conference was organized by the Global Institute for Leadership and Management Development on May 13-15 at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) in Saint Thomas. In his paper, "Economic Implications of the Arab Spring: A Framework for Future Development", Dr. Bagnied and Dr Mark Speece (the co-author of the paper) proposed a framework which can guide policy in the Arab Spring countries toward sustainable development and economic reform. The paper touches briefly on the implications of the proposed model in Egypt, considered by the authors to be the most important Arab Spring country because of its traditional leading role in the Arab world.
The conference was followed by UVI's 18th Global Leadership Development Course, which included presentations by Scholars from different parts of the world. Representing Kuwait, Dr. Bagnied gave a talk on global leadership as it concerns U.S. involvement in world affairs. Dr. Bagnied stressed the importance of genuine involvement in human sufferings from a global perspective. "We need to fight for peace everywhere not just here," he said "We need to fight for people in Burma and Syria or the same things that are happening there will come here." When asked about the way to establish global awareness among American youth, Dr. Bagnied pointed to education as the gateway to establishing "dynamic leadership among communities."
Alongside his scholarly contribution, Dr. Bagnied chaired 3 conference sessions on different topics related to leadership development. He was also featured in a morning radio show in Virgin Island, where he discussed his research, and talked about life in Kuwait. "I was proud to follow the reactions on my radio interview and find that some followers have actually expressed interest in visiting Kuwait," said Dr. Bagnied.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
Humanitarian Affairs, a UK based organization that aims to initiate and support humanitarian relief efforts in countries that are poverty-stricken and disaster-prone, held the 4th annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium in August 2013, in Manila - the Philippines, where youth leaders from over 45 countries around the world met at the Philippines International Convention Center (PICC). The American University of Kuwait (AUK) was the only university from the GCC to be present.
To represent AUK and Kuwait, 6 students were selected based on their commitment, involvement, and dedication to community service, through which each displayed leadership characteristics. The Office of Student Life received the invitation due to the success of its volunteer program "Refuse to Be Ordinary", which is a program established in October 2011, to provide AUK students with information and opportunities to be significant contributors to the Kuwaiti community through service. Two AUK chaperones joined the 6 students to form the AUK delegation:
- Fahad Al Khashti
- Fadwa Al Ajeel
- Fajer Ben Nasser
- Shereen Al Bloushi
- Abdulrahman Chowdhury
- Nour Jaber
- Laveena Lobo (Chaperone)
- Abdulwahab Al Khaldi (Chaperone)
The purpose of the symposium is to gather students from all around the world with the aim to train them to become leaders in their own communities through own humanitarian initiatives, to exchange personal experiences, and to recognize the importance of leading sustainable, humanitarian projects.
During the symposium, the participants also had the opportunity of listening to some key humanitarian and motivational speakers. The speakers have dedicated their lives to help others and shared their own personal experiences with the audience.
The AUK delegates were assigned to construction work in the impoverished area of Bistekville Payatas, in the outskirts of Quezon City, where they helped build housing for local teachers. The experience exposed them to what it is like to live harsh conditions, and they witnessed first-hand how the people came together to make their community a happier and healthier place to live in.
At the closing ceremony, AUK's Fadwa Al Ajeel, a Junior majoring in Finance, and Shereen Al Bloushi were selected to participate in the final segment. Al Ajeel acted as a host in presenting the final speeches while Al Bloushi was asked to speak about her week-long experience in Manila.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st October 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The Department of International Relations at AUK organized a lecture discussing chemical warfare (CWF) and methods of protecting oneself against it. The lecture was held by Dr. Hamad Al-Hasawi, an expert in the field of chemical & biological warfare and an ex-Chemical Warfare Defense Advisor for the Kuwait Ministry of Defense. Dr. Al-Hasawi's lecture came as part of a series of lectures designed to educate the society and bring awareness to the hazards associated with CWF and how to prepare for it.
Chemical Warfare Agents are toxic substances that can pass into the human body through inhalation. An example of those agents is Sarin, a colorless, odorless agent that attacks the nervous system resulting in lung muscle paralysis, eventually leading to death in severe instances. He added that Sarin was most recently in Syria, which caused a high death toll among civilians. Dr. Al Hasawi also listed Cyclosarin, Soman, VX, and Novichoks as examples of chemical agents.
The lecture pointed out that the key danger associated with CWF's is that some are extremely difficult to detect. "It is not like traditional weapons. It is a disguised killer that gets into your system without you noticing it," said Dr. Al Hasawi.
The mass killing nature of CWF generates a lot of fear among civilians, which can lead to panic in cases of attacks. Thus, the purpose of this lecture is to educate the public about CWF to clear the myths and misconceptions associated with it. Dr. Al-Hasawi explained that controlling and treating CWF exposed civilians can tremendously decrease fatality rates "The chances of survival in CWF attacks could be a lot higher than the chances of survival in gunshots," said Dr. Al Hasawi.
The lecture triggered many questions by the audience members who were keen to learn about the ways of protection against CWF, as well as the treatments that can limit its effect. Dr. Al Hasawi explained that special antidotes can limit the effects of CWF if administered quickly to the affected victims. He also assured the attendees that the government of Kuwait has always been taking measures to protect civilians. Shelters, treatments, and protective masks are available for distribution to the public in cases of emergencies. In addition, learning and raising awareness about CWFs can clear any exaggerated misconceptions, and limits panic during emergency situations.
Dr. Al-Hasawi is also an expert in the assessment of chemical and biological warfare protective, monitoring, and decontamination equipment. His expertise includes the design and use of chemical and biological weapons, prediction and control of downwind hazard, the environmental fate of chemical warfare agents, and individual personal protective equipment testing. He has degrees in Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering: Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, as well as a Ph.D. in Management and Organizations.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 26th September 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
As part of Kuwait's celebration of Global Peace Day, an exhibition entitled 'In the Name of Peace' is showcasing interpretations of 'peace' by local and international artists. The exhibition is being held at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) and is featuring pieces by AUK Graphic Design Professors Maryam Hosseinnia and William Andersen, as well as pieces by AUK alumnus Faisal Mohammad.
'In the Name of Peace' was launched on September 15th and will run through to mid-October. Part of the proceeds collected from sold items will be donated to Khair Al-Kuwait, a non-profit foundation devoted to the concept of volunteerism, and Loyac, a non-profit organization working towards the overall development of the youth. The celebration of Global Peace Day also includes live music and activities for children, which will be held at the CAP Kuwait Warehouse on September 21st, starting at 5:30pm, as well as a 'Global Peace Ride' by the Kuwait Riders and Phoenician Riders from Costa Bedai on September 20th at 4:00pm.
The AUK Art and Graphic Department invites you to participate and contribute....in the name of peace.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 19th September 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication & Media at the American University of Kuwait, Dr. Mohammad Akbar, gave his students at the Broadcast Journalism class an opportunity to visit and tour Al-Hadath Studios - a local broadcast studio in Kuwait. During the visit, Mr. Hussein Jamal, the owner of Al-Hadath Studios and Director of the News Department and Political Programs at Kuwait TV, welcomed the students and conducted the tour of the premises while sharing his personal experiences as a journalist.
As part of an applied learning project, the students were given the chance to record a session that they had created inside an actual studio. Students were assigned specific roles to play as a TV crew, such as interviewer, floor manager, director, where they managed the equipment themselves.
Dr. Akbar explained that the students felt comfortable inside the studio. "The students acted professionally and really took the experience in. They put all their energy into creating a full-length live video as a practice for their class", he added.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 28th August 2013
Professor Marcella Kulchitsky, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), has been elected as board member to the inaugural board of the Middle East Design Educators Association (MEDEA).
Founded in 2008, MEDEA serves as an inspirational and information platform for design educators and practitioners in the Middle East. The purpose of MEDEA is the advancement of education by encouraging and supporting excellence in design education and research within the Middle East and being the regional authority on, and advocate for, design education and research.
AUK is very proud of Professor Kulchitsky being elected as board member, and extends its warm congratulations to her.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th August 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
Dr. George Irani, Associate Professor of International Relations, recently published an article entitled Arab World in Throes of a Long-term Change for the Arab Times newspaper (July 19, 2013) which discusses the current state of the Arab world.
Arab World in Throes of a Long-term Change
The Middle East is in upheaval again. Two years ago the uprising that began in Tunis spread across the Arab countries including Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen. This so-called Arab "awakening" or "spring" was interpreted as the dawn of a new era in the Middle East; a period of radical changes resembling the revolutions in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. But two years later the Arab world is in the throes of a long-term change that will know moments of calm and moments of bloodshed. If Tunis was a harbinger of a possible democratization of Arab politics the tragic events in Syria portend towards the region's balkanization.
The civil war in Syria could lead to the country's partition into autonomous regions: a Kurdish zone in the northeast; a Sunni-dominated center and here the jury is out as it is not known who will lead this area. The Syrian opposition is fragmented and there is a risk of an internecine fight between moderate and radical jihadi and salafi elements. Bashar al Assad, the embattled Syrian president, will seek refuge back in his Alawi-dominated region in the country's northwest. The Druze community will end up with a zone adjacent to the Golan Heights in the southeast.
The same pattern has emerged in post-US invasion Iraq. The north is under the control of the Kurds who now enjoy full autonomy in their own region and a possible emergence of a long hoped for Kurdistan.
In the center of Iraq the Sunnis are still beleaguered and trying to envision what kind of future awaits them. In Southern Iraq the Shias are predominant and are headed towards an Iranian-supported autonomous area. There is a lot of speculation that the future of the Palestinians may reside in a possible confederation with Jordan as the two-state solution has so far dismally failed.
Lebanon is a failing state. Like humpty dumpty, outside powers try to unsuccessfully patch the country's various communities together. Lebanon is facing a major upheaval in light of the constant influx of Syrian refugees almost one million by early summer. This is a heavy burden for a country of four million inhabitants. Add to that that Lebanon is being slowly sucked into the Syrian maelstrom.
In Egypt the awakening has been painful and uncertain. The Muslim Brotherhood is trying to impose its vision and will on the majority of the population. This attempt is faced by a stiff resistance from the country's intellectual and bourgeois sectors as well as the military. The military will maintain law and order as it has done throughout the country's history. Naguib, Nasser, Sadat and Mubarak emerged from the ranks of Egypt's military.
In the Arabian Gulf the awakening has been less violent with the exception of Bahrain and Yemen. This whole picture predominates the current struggle between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran giving to the Arab "spring" a strong sectarian flavor. Tensions between the regions Sunnis and Shias have never been so high. Christians of the Middle East are becoming more and more irrelevant and their fate lies more in decisions taken in the Vatican, Moscow, Paris and Washington.
Beyond the local and regional events major powers are dominating a dangerous game of nations. The United States, the EU, with their regional allies Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are hoping for a possible fall of the Assad regime in Damascus. Their attempts are hampered by the fragmented nature of the so-called Syrian opposition now made more dangerous by infighting between moderates and extremists. The US and its friends would like to see Assad leave the scene but their efforts are hampered by Putin's Russia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and its regional proxy Hezbollah and to a lesser extent China.
Putin, as the new Russian czar, believes that Russia ought to regain its place as a respected major power, an empire in the making. Furthermore, Russia would like to maintain its access to the Mediterranean that it currently has in the Syrian port of Tartus where more than 1,000 Russians operate with their families. Russia would like to be at the table when borders in the Middle East take a different shape. In 1916, Britain signed a secret agreement with France dividing the Ottoman-Arab territories into colonies and spheres of influence. France took control of Syria and Lebanon while Palestine, Transjordan and Iraq went to the UK. Are we assisting today to a new carving up of the Middle East into US and Russian spheres of influence complemented and assisted by the three non-Arab regional powers: Turkey, Iran and Israel?
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent those of the American University of Kuwait.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 22nd July 2013
Dr. Hesham Al Awadi, Associate Professor of History and Political Science at AUK was featured a documentary film, entitled Close to the Scene, which focused on the founding of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The film displayed an overview of the history of the GCC, as well as provided an analytical review of its achievements and performance since its establishment in 1981.
In the documentary, Al Awadi explained that the fact that the majority of the citizens of the GCC countries share one language, one religion, and ethnic background, makes the GCC very strong. He compared that to the European Union, whose citizens come from a wider range of linguistic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
The tribal structure of the Gulf societies creates links between families that can be extended beyond geographical boarders, whereby a single tribe could have many family branches based in different countries, says Al Awadi in the documentary, describing the GCC to one body consisting of interconnected veins.
According to Al Awadi, members of the GCC are not capitalizing enough on this natural bond. They seldom come to an agreement on major developmental projects or come up with innovative approaches for improvement. He explained the reason behind this was due to the minimal participation of each country's citizens in the decision making process. "All the decisions are made by the political elites. The voices of those on the streets are not heard in the council," said Al Awadi.
With today's technological advancements, citizens have become well-informed, and highly aware "and can have access to events that the TV cameras may not". This introduces a new potential to include citizens in the decision making process within the GCC.
The European Union has discovered the significant contribution people can make to the overall regional reform. Accordingly, they established the European Parliament as a platform for the people's voice. According to Al Awadi, the GCC needs this kind of revolutionary initiatives that recognize the significant role people can play in political activism and policy change.
The documentary film was produced and aired by Kuwait National and Satellite TV Channel. For the interested reader, the full documentary can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=nztuIugC0lA
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd July 2013
