News
The 8th Annual International Week at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) was a great success among students, faculty and staff, with several events being held on March 24, 25, and 26, in celebration of the diversity of nationalities that are present at the university and in Kuwait.
International Week is organized each year by the Office of Student Life, which seeks to promote the social engagement and welfare of the students...and to enhance global and social awareness. Student Life strive[s] to engage students in creating a positive attitude towards self, the community, and the world. International Week, then, has become a space to bring these ideals of global and social awareness into existence through a variety of cultural activities and events that foster international understanding and multiculturalism.
The first day of International Week kicked off with the commencement of a two-day Sporcle Country Quiz, which tested students' knowledge of different countries around the world, and their food, language, custom, and culture through an exciting and fast paced computer game. The day continued with an "Amazing Race" modeled after the American television show, with students racing around "the world," or the campus, to answer questions and complete challenges about different countries and continents. The first day also included the kickoff of a three-day soccer tournament designed to get students moving and competing to be in the finals. The Indian street food booth helped energize event participants throughout the day with a sampling of tacos and other Indian "street foods."
Day two of the festivities was predominated by the global diwaniya, which was held outside and included an Arabic barbeque, a face painting stand where students could get different flags painted on their faces, and a henna booth. At night, students and faculty had the opportunity to listen to a lecture and panel discussion organized by the International Relations Club, entitled "Obstacles Facing Human Rights." Through their discussion, the panelists - Maryam Shah, a human rights activist; Bibi Al-Sabah, a representative of the Social Work Society of Kuwait; and Mariam Al Khawaja, the acting president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights - helped attendees consider how they themselves play a role in creating a world where essential human rights are accessible to all.
Photo from the Amazing Race
The final day of multicultural celebration at AUK began with a "Global Village" set up in the main corridor of AUK's campus. There, students worked at tables and booths that represented their nations' cultures - from clothes to food to books to music, students beautifully presented mini cultural showcases of what they find to be the cultural gems of their respective countries. Pakistan won the prize for best student booth based on the students' knowledge of the country, culture, history, etc. as well as their ability to relate their depiction of their country (based on what was on their table) to how they viewed their country.
The Parade of Nations was also a highlight of this last day, as students proudly carried the flags of various countries in a celebratory parade around campus. Students could choose to carry the flag of a nation with which they personally identified, or that of any other nation. This parade culminated in the cultural showcase; as the capstone of the week, the cultural showcase presented the AUK community with performances by students, faculty, and staff meant to show off particular cultures and nationalities. Armenia, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan and Egypt were all represented in this final event.
International Week also included Iranian students' celebration of the Persian New Year "Norooz", which marks the arrival of the spring season. The name "Norooz" denotes "New Day," referring to a new start to the year. Students arranged a decorative table displaying seven specific "Haft Seen" items, a symbolic illustration of the celebration. The Haft Seen table included items starting with the letter "S," and each item corresponded to a specific meaning, such as rebirth, affluence, love, medicine, beauty and health, sunrise, old-age and patience. The ritual is generally celebrated on the day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which usually falls on March 21st. At the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator, night and day become of approximately equal length, signaling the start of spring and the New Year.
Clearly, a variety of events and activities meant to promote multicultural understanding and internationalism took place during AUK's 8th Annual International Week, and the programming was certainly considered a success by the faculty, staff, and students who took part in it. The flags representing the nations of AUK students - 46 in all - served as an excellent symbol of the level of diversity on AUK's campus, and the fun festivities of the week also reminded the community how privileged it is to have such a level of diversity and multiculturalism within it.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd April 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The American University of Kuwait Library showed a film screening of the documentary titled "Gates of Heaven: At the Thresholds". Directed by Mr. Farouq Abdulaziz, the film explores the compatibility of verses from the Holy Quran with modern science, by examining the similarities between them. The film was premiered in the IMAX theatre at the Scientific Center of Kuwait.
Prior to showing the film, Abdulaziz gave an introductory word highlighting the theme of the film and the idea behind creating it. According to Abdulaziz, the film intends to give an analysis of the sacred text in the light of scientific discoveries such as the Big Bang and expansion of the universe. After two years' worth of research, Abdulaziz attempted to understand the meaning of the words in the Holy Quran and its interpretations in order to explore science-related verses. Based on the documentary, the Big Bang theory goes in line with how the Holy Quran describes the origin of the universe "Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one Unit of Creation), before we clove them asunder?" 21:30.
Through his documentary, Abdulaziz aims to demystify theological beliefs and finds that certain verses allude to scientific discoveries. As humans we are driven by curiosity, and there is a great impetus to discover and question our existence and place in the universe. Farouq stressed that it is important to "believe correctly, what you choose to belief."
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd April 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
For the 9th consecutive year, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) is participating as a sponsor and exhibitor in EDUCAREER 2013. This year, AUK is the sole platinum sponsor of the education section of the exhibition, marking the event as an important one each year in the growth of AUK as an integral part of Kuwait's private education sector. The annual education and career development exhibition will be held at the Mishref Kuwait International Fair (KIF) fairgrounds from April 8-11, 2013.
The AUK booth at EDUCAREER 2013 has historically drawn a wide range of visitors including recent school graduates, parents, young professionals, and local media. AUK President, Dr. Winfred Thompson, the Vice President for Administrative and Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, and Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs, Amal Al-Binali, will be present at the event to welcome the patron Mr. Mohammed Hamad Al Roumi, Undersecretary of the Civil Service Commission, who will inaugurate the exhibition.
The AUK Admissions team will be present to meet with prospective students and visitors and respond to inquiries about the admissions process, campus life, and the different academic programs available at the University. In addition, representatives from the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK will be on hand to speak with visitors about the extensive catalog of courses and programs the university offers. Staff from the Intensive English Program (IEP), which prepares non-native English speakers for the academic tasks required of them in their first and successive years of university education, will also be available to discuss their department and its offerings.
The exhibition will be held in hall number (6) and is open to visitors at the following hours:
Morning hours: 9:30am to 1:00pm
Evening hours: 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 3rd April 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The faculty recital entitled "My Favorite Things," held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) on March 20th featured critically acclaimed AUK Assistant Professor of Music Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng on the newly acquired Yamaha C7XPE grand piano.
The concert was Dr. Cheng's debut performance in Kuwait after she joined the AUK music faculty in the fall of 2012. Dr. Cheng commenced the recital for the faculty with Bach's Prelude in B minor, and subsequently played Mozart's Twelve Variations on "Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman," before moving to Chopin's iconic Nocturne, Op.9 No. 2, Debussy's famous Claire de Lune, Liszt's Liebestraume, No. 3, Rodgers' "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, and finally Moszkowski's Caprice Espagnol, Op. 37.
This semester's recital was met with particular success; the auditorium was near capacity, the musical selection was popular with the audience, and Dr. Cheng's talent on the piano was recognized and appreciated. Previously, Dr. Cheng has performed around the world in renowned locales including but not limited to Carnegie Hall in New York City, the National Concert Hall of Taipei, and the Opera City Hall of Tokyo. Her critics have referred to her performances as "memorable and sumptuous affairs" (New York Concert Review) and "fearless, with a graceful ease" (Courier-Post).
Before arriving at AUK, Dr. Cheng was on the faculty of City University of New York, and Manhattan School of Music. Her most recent CD, a collaborative effort entitled License to Thrill, was released by Summit on March 12, 2013. More information about Dr. Cheng and her musical offerings are available at www.stephanie-cheng.com.
The Department of Music and Drama at AUK 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 performing arts courses. 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 1st April 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The Office of Admissions at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held its 3rd Annual High school Football Tournament (HSFT). This year, nine schools participated with their boys and girls teams. The four finalists were The English Academy, The American School of Kuwait, Gulf English School (GES), and Lycée Français de Koweït (LFK).
For the second consecutive year, the GES boys team was crowned the champion of the 3rd Annual Football Tournament. Also winning the tournament for the second year in a row was the ASK girls team.
Sponsored by the AUK Office of Admissions, the Football Tournament is held annually to engage High school students in different activities, and to provide a venue to promote healthy competition among students. According to Maher Dabbouseh, Director of Admissions at AUK, the purpose of such activities is to encourage youngsters to compete against one another in friendly matches while touching base with the "lively, active, and diverse environment of AUK."
The final award ceremony was held on March 19th, whereby the champions of the tournament and the title winners were recognized. AUK President, Dr. Winfred Thompson, was present in the awards ceremony to hand trophies and medals to the winning teams.
This year, the boys title winners included; Rabiea Al-Jerbi, from ASK, as the "Golden Boot" awardee after scoring 10 Goals in the tournament; Sulaiman Al-Attar, from GES, as the "Most Valuable Player"; and Haydar Dashti, from GES, as the "Best Goal Keeper" by conceding 3 goals only through-out the whole tournament. From the girl teams; Emily Halal, from ASK, came as the "Golden Boot" awardee; "Racil Hammine", from LFK, as the "Most Valuable Player"; and Deemah Al-Selmi, from ASK, as the "Best Goalkeeper" by conceding only one goal throughout the whole tournament.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 28th March 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The Arabic Literature Club at the American University of Kuwait hosted "The 2013 Arabic Poetry Competition" as part of Kuwait's national celebrations. The competition featured a variety of Formal Arabic and 'Nabati' (colloquial) poetry and prose recited by student contestants.
Keynote speakers of the event were poets Waleed Al Qallaf, Bedour Al-Bannai and Mariam Fazil, who recited their poetry, in love of Kuwait, before the audience. The event was concluded by an awards ceremony, recognizing the top 3 winners of the contest. Abdulaziz Al Bloushi came in first place, Saleh Al-Hajri came second, and Yousef Nayef came third. The young poets received their award from the President of the Arab Literature Club, Enjood Al-Hasawi. The three distinguished poets were also acknowledged for their dedicated and valuable participation.
The Arabic Literature Club at the American University of Kuwait, currently led by Enjood Al-Hasawi, is a student organization interested in different aspects of the Arabic language and culture such as Arabic poetry and literature. The main purpose of the Club is to reveal the Arab identity and practice Arabic language at AUK. Most of the club events currently focus on Arabic literature and poetry. The Arabic Club aims to host more cultural events that would include Arabic music and hosting of famous experts in the Arabic language to share their experience and thoughts with the students. All events hosted by the Arabic Club are being done in association with the Arabic Department at AUK.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th March 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
A panel discussion on addiction has been organized at AUK as a collaborative effort between the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences and the Department Math & Natural Sciences. The multidisciplinary discussion included AUK faculty panelists in the fields of psychology, Anthropology, and Biology to talk about the causes, consequences, and treatment of drug abuse.
Moderated by Dr. Pellegrino Luciano, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, the panel was composed of Dr. Ali Charara, Associate professor of Biology; Dr. James Rose, Assistant professor of Psychology; Dr. Nicholas Scull, Assistant professor of Psychology; and Dr. Juliet Dinkha, Associate Professor of Psychology.
The discussion started by an explanation of the neurobiology of addiction and potential implications for its treatment. According to Dr. Charara, there are a variety of drugs and addiction comes in all shapes and forms. Dr. Charara distinguished between natural rewards such as food and sex; experiences we have evolved to find rewarding as they contribute to our wellbeing and survival, and artificial rewards such as drugs that have a negative effect on one's health.
Furthermore, Dr. Charara explained that a pathway in the brain is responsible for rewarding behaviors, known as the "reward pathway". Drugs alter the brain's pathway through which pleasurable feelings are activated, indicating that this increases the cravings associated with an addiction. Akin to any rewarding experience, the rewarding feeling of drugs triggers the release of euphoric brain chemicals, informing the brain to repeat the satisfying behavior. This gradually leads to loss of control in limiting intake of the addictive substance.
Thanks to new and advanced imaging technology, neuroscientists are able to study the effects of addiction on the brain. Through brain scans, Dr. Charara demonstrated that there is a reduction in brain activity after drug use. He showed that drugs cause fundamental alterations in brain function, and that the activity of the brain never returns to its normal state even after 10 years of abstinence. Based on the brain scans, it is evident that the brain of an addict is distinctly different from that of a non-addict. He further stressed that drug addiction is a long-lasting disease, and concluded that understanding the mechanisms of the brain will help in developing treatment for addiction.
Dr. Rose, highlighted the causes of addiction through insights from animal research. He emphasized that animal models such as rodents and monkeys help to elucidate the causes of addiction in humans. Dr. Rose discussed at length an experiment in which rats were permitted to self-inject cocaine or heroin. Researchers found that these animals will self-administer drugs much like human addicts. Moreover, the animals demonstrated a variety of health problems similar to human addicts.
Dr. Rose added that certain factors influence drug self-administration in animals. In particular, he discussed the influence of genetics and the effects of stressful environments early in life. Likewise, Dr. Rose discussed the causes of addiction in humans, including the influence of genetics and a variety of early environmental factors, including parental criminality, domestic violence, childhood physical and sexual abuse, and childhood neglect.
Turning to substance use disorders in the Middle East, Dr. Scull looked at the rates of substance usage worldwide. He reviewed research on the use of alcohol among college students in Egypt and Jordan. Dr. Scull also discussed research done with a clinical sample in Saudi Arabia that found that heroin was the most frequently used drug. A limitation in the current body of research in the Middle East, he stated, is that studies are mostly based on clinical samples rather than community sample.
As for Kuwait, there is a need for more research as exact rates are unclear, but some research indicates that rates of substance use disorders are increasing. Dr. Scull also added that there is an absence of preventative programs and public health education, which are likely related to the apparent increase in prevalence. However, adherence to Islam appears to be related to decreased alcohol and drug use. Dr. Scull further identified the reasons for substance abuse in Kuwait. Curiosity, experimentation, international travel, personal problems at home, and excessive unsupervised free time are among the main identifiable reasons that may drive one to substance abuse.
In order to solve addiction problems in Kuwait, there is a need to acknowledge that a problem exists according to Dr. Scull. He also emphasized the need for research based on community samples in order to accurately measure the use of substance abuse in Kuwait. Furthermore, educating the public about the dangers of substance use through public health campaigns is an important step toward minimizing addiction problems. Among other recommendations, Dr. Scull stressed the importance of improving mental health care in Kuwait, especially for the treatment of substance abuse. Along with this, efforts should be made to "destigmatize" drug and alcohol treatment. Without significant changes in these areas, Dr. Scull warned that rates of substance use in Kuwait may continue to rise.
Lastly, Dr. Dinkha pointed to several treatments in the process of rehabilitation. She stated that addiction leads to not only serious physical damage but psychological harm as well. According to Dr. Dinkha, there a number of treatment options, medications, and drug deterrents that can be taken to reduce drug cravings and ultimately recover from substance dependence. Beside Detox treatment, Dr. Dinkha talked about the importance of outpatient treatment which includes Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) support groups, individual therapy, and family therapy. She emphasized that drug abuse patients need a lot of emotional support from friends and family in order to avoid relapsing. Better yet, abstinence should be the goal for anyone with substance addiction. Dr. Dinkha concluded that addiction is hard to battle, as it is a long-recovery process that requires time and a lot of support.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th March 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society Club at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) won its fourth consecutive Regent's Common Reader Award for its reading event held on campus earlier this month.
This year's event focused on the book Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman. The theme of the event was an Arabian picnic style where readers lounged on the grassy area by the Library to read while enjoying snacks and refreshments. Approximately 100 faculty, staff, and students joined the event to enjoy the reading activity.
Every year, the honor society at AUK strives to create a reading for pleasure activity within a traditional Arabian atmosphere. Last year, the club staged a mock poetry competition based on Natasha Trethway's book of poetry titled Bellocq's Ophelia. In 2011, readers engaged in literary translation surrounding the book Black Ice by Lorene Carey. A recording was made of the reading and presented to Carey at the 2011 Honor Society convention in Pittsburgh. In 2010, participants read Chris Abani's Song for Night while gathering under an Arabian tent.
In conferring this year's Regent's Common Reader award on the AUK chapter, Sigma Tau Delta Eastern Regent Dr. Glen Brewster, recognized the group as one of the "most creative and involved chapters."
The Common Reader is an event held annually by Sigma Tau Delta. The organization asks all of the members of its nearly 900 chapters to read a specific book each year and then stage an on-campus event that promotes reading.
Over the years the Common Reader has included a number of genres - poetry, fiction, memoirs, and essays. All have proved to be popular with the AUK readers.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 21st March 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
Under the sponsorship of The Student Government Association (SGA) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), a group of Syrian students and volunteers organized an event titled "Scratches of Syria". The aim of the event was to provide support and raise awareness about Syria's current humanitarian situation through various types of arts including painting, writing, poetry and drama.
The evening featured a variety of events including stage shows and an art gallery representing the Syrian humanitarian distress. Seeing a full-house audience, the stage show started with a documentary film about Syria. A flash mob performance then broke the silence, surprising the audience with the youth production "Explosion". The short play "Hopeful Homeland" was the finale of the event. The play is a student production depicting the painful survival struggles of Syrians, who, despite all the bloodshed and tragedy, still hold a strand of hope.
AUK student Enas Halawani, who conceived the idea of "Scratches of Syria" said, "This event wouldn't have been a success without the restless efforts of the dedicated Syrian youth, who forgot their differences and gathered to show love to their homeland. Syria, our beloved home, really deserves that effort".
Director and coordinator of the event, Mohammed Radwan Naji, expressed gratitude for AUK and for Kuwait for supporting the event. He also extended his appreciation to the crowd and to the "Scratches of Syria" team for contributing to "this great event".
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 19th March 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
The American University of Kuwait held a forum entitled "Christians and Muslims in Dialogue". The forum being the first of its kind was jointly sponsored by the Department of International Relations at AUK and the Islamic Christian Relations Council.
The two-hour event was divided into two panels, each lasting for one hour. Following opening remarks by AUK President, Dr. Win Thompson, the first session entertained a discussion about the perceptions of God in Christianity and Islam. The panelists were Archbishop Petar Rajic, the Vatican Ambassador to Kuwait; and Dr. Khaled Faraj, Imam and Professor at Al Hawza Al Ilmiya in Kuwait. The panel was chaired by Dr.Nizar Hamzeh, Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of AUK.
Archbishop Rajic initiated the forum by explaining the theological tenants which the Christian religion was established upon; such as the Holy Trinity and the miracles of Jesus. He asked the audience to perceive God spiritually, rather than mathematically. From his side, Dr. Faraj began his talk by confirming the existence of God. He said that the different perceptions of God in religions are not a reason to question God's existence.
The second session's tackled the subject of mercy and forgiveness in Christianity and Islam. The panelists were Reverend Harrison Chinnakumar, Pastor of St Paul's Anglican Church in Kuwait and Sheikh Hussein Al Azhari, Al Muzaini Mosque. The panel was chaired by Dr. Andrei Zavally Associate Professor of philosophy at AUK.
Reverend Chinnakumar and Sheikh Al Azhari provided an explanation of mercy in their respective faiths, both of which encouraged men and women to be merciful towards one another just as God is merciful towards us. Reverend Chinnakumar stressed that God's mercy and justice are not contradictory, rather they complement one another. Sheikh Al Azhari reiterated this by stating that mercy and forgiveness exist in every aspect of Islam, including the most sinful of actions. The theologians both agreed that God's mercy is a sign of his love and concern towards us.
Each panel ended with a significant number of questions from the audience to the panelists. The audience included a large number of students, staff and faculty members as well as the Dutch ambassador and the ambassador from Belgium. The forum is part of an ongoing project--the Christian-Muslim Conversation Group-- conducted and facilitated by Dr George E. Irani, Associate Professor of International Relations at AUK.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 19th March 2013
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013
