News
16, May 2011
University Championship Cup Playoffs Underway
The American University of Kuwait (AUK), the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) and the Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) are competing in the University Championship Cup (UCC) 2011, a sports tournament for private universities started in 2006. UCC participants compete in five intercollegiate sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and table tennis. Sport venues are provided by participating universities, allowing the UCC to take place on various campuses. This year AUK hosted table tennis, ACK hosted soccer and tennis, and GUST hosted basketball and volleyball. This year's primary sponsor is the National Bank of Kuwait.
UCC 2011 started at the beginning of April with seasonal play. As the season progressed, universities where ranked based on their win/lose recorded in each sport. Seasonal play is now over, the universities are ranked, and the UCC Playoffs will commence.
During the UCC Playoffs, universities' performance will be recognized on a point basis. 1st Place = 5 points; 2nd Place = 3 points; 3rd Place = 2 points. At the conclusion of the playoffs, the points are then tallied up for every sport and the university with the most total points is awarded the UCC trophy. An awards ceremony will be held on May 26th at 9 pm at ACK to honor all the student-athletes and award the UCC 2011 trophy.
Make sure you check out the UCC Playoff Schedule and go support the Wolf Pack!
UCC 2011 started at the beginning of April with seasonal play. As the season progressed, universities where ranked based on their win/lose recorded in each sport. Seasonal play is now over, the universities are ranked, and the UCC Playoffs will commence.
During the UCC Playoffs, universities' performance will be recognized on a point basis. 1st Place = 5 points; 2nd Place = 3 points; 3rd Place = 2 points. At the conclusion of the playoffs, the points are then tallied up for every sport and the university with the most total points is awarded the UCC trophy. An awards ceremony will be held on May 26th at 9 pm at ACK to honor all the student-athletes and award the UCC 2011 trophy.
Make sure you check out the UCC Playoff Schedule and go support the Wolf Pack!
12, May 2011
AUK Celebrates International Labor Day
As part of International Labor Day the American University of Kuwait held a Staff Appreciation lunch and related activities on April 28th. International Labor Day is a day that takes place on the first of May each year, celebrating the many contributions to society made by laborers and honoring their dignity. This day is celebrated around the world and is also known as "International Workers' Day".
The purpose of the event at AUK was to thank the housekeeping, security, technicians, gardening, landscaping and office facilitators for all their hard work in ensuring that AUK remains a safe and pleasant place to both work and learn. AUK community members came together between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to assist in making this event successful and to show their appreciation to AUK's support staff through various activities which included the main event, an appreciation lunch.
At the lunch President Winfred Thompson thanked the AUK support staff for their tireless efforts and ongoing support of our campus and additionally handed each a certificate of appreciation along with a gift from the university and its faculty/staff. The student body, led by the Community Service Club, Entrepreneurship & Business Club, & Hope Club also collected gift items for each support staff member and a student representative, Fatima M. Thunayan, thanked the staff and presented them with a gift bag and other amenities on behalf of the various student organizations and all AUK students. Additionally, AUK faculty and staff did the setup and cleanup for the lunch, greeted and helped seat individuals as they arrived, and even served food and drinks.
The activities throughout the day also included student, faculty, and staff volunteers who were trained and helped supervise the AUK gates for the security personnel, and included picking up and collecting trash from the campus grounds and waste receptacles for the housekeeping personnel in an effort to keep the campus clean.
The purpose of the event at AUK was to thank the housekeeping, security, technicians, gardening, landscaping and office facilitators for all their hard work in ensuring that AUK remains a safe and pleasant place to both work and learn. AUK community members came together between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to assist in making this event successful and to show their appreciation to AUK's support staff through various activities which included the main event, an appreciation lunch.
At the lunch President Winfred Thompson thanked the AUK support staff for their tireless efforts and ongoing support of our campus and additionally handed each a certificate of appreciation along with a gift from the university and its faculty/staff. The student body, led by the Community Service Club, Entrepreneurship & Business Club, & Hope Club also collected gift items for each support staff member and a student representative, Fatima M. Thunayan, thanked the staff and presented them with a gift bag and other amenities on behalf of the various student organizations and all AUK students. Additionally, AUK faculty and staff did the setup and cleanup for the lunch, greeted and helped seat individuals as they arrived, and even served food and drinks.
The activities throughout the day also included student, faculty, and staff volunteers who were trained and helped supervise the AUK gates for the security personnel, and included picking up and collecting trash from the campus grounds and waste receptacles for the housekeeping personnel in an effort to keep the campus clean.
Group photo of the honorees, staff and faculty with AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson
Honorees with AUK's Senior Coordinator of Campus Life Laveena Lobo
AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson with Vice President of Administrative and Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross-Scott along with members of the faculty serving lunch to the honorees
AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson serving lunch to honoree Ali Foyjul
Human Resources Director Ronald McNeill was one of many volunteers helping to keep the AUK campus clean
AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson presents honorees with a certificate of appreciation
AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson presents honorees with a certificate of appreciation
Entrepreneurship and Business Club President Fatima M. Thunayan thanked the honorees and presented each of them with a gift bag and other amenities on behalf of all AUK students
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09, May 2011
US Ambassador Lectures at AUK on "The History and Influence of US Higher Education in the Middle East"
On May 8, 2011, US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones delivered a speech on "The History and Influence of US Higher Education in the Middle East" to students, board members, faculty and staff at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). The presentation was organized by the US Embassy Kuwait Public Affairs Section in coordination with AUK's American Corner. AUK's President Dr. Winfred Thompson introduced the Ambassador.
Ambassador Jones said, "The American liberal arts educational tradition, emphasizing the development of knowledge through critical thinking and analysis, encouraging the formation and articulation of opinions, and teaching the values of mutual respect and tolerance, responsible free speech, resolving conflict through peaceful means and academic freedom, is unparalleled. The goal of US education is to develop a citizenry that is well-informed, analytical, tolerant, engaged and willing to pursue life-long learning to develop fully its skills and talents." In referring to the number of Arab students in the US, Ambassador Jones stated, "We are delighted that currently there are around 3,000 Kuwaitis students pursuing higher education in the US, and that there are tens of thousands of Kuwaiti alumni of US institutions. According to the Institute of International Education, 38,738 students from the Middle East and North Africa studied in the US in 2009-10, a 15 percent increase over the previous year."
AUK's Board of Trustees adopted a resolution honoring the Ambassador for her active involvement throughout her tenure in the State of Kuwait and specifically for her encouragement and support of the academic and extracurricular activities at AUK.
The American Corner at AUK represents a long-standing partnership between the US Embassy and the host institution; it is a valuable platform for Embassy speakers as well as for visiting US speakers including academics, and provides information on US educational opportunities, US history, government and culture.
Ambassador Jones said, "The American liberal arts educational tradition, emphasizing the development of knowledge through critical thinking and analysis, encouraging the formation and articulation of opinions, and teaching the values of mutual respect and tolerance, responsible free speech, resolving conflict through peaceful means and academic freedom, is unparalleled. The goal of US education is to develop a citizenry that is well-informed, analytical, tolerant, engaged and willing to pursue life-long learning to develop fully its skills and talents." In referring to the number of Arab students in the US, Ambassador Jones stated, "We are delighted that currently there are around 3,000 Kuwaitis students pursuing higher education in the US, and that there are tens of thousands of Kuwaiti alumni of US institutions. According to the Institute of International Education, 38,738 students from the Middle East and North Africa studied in the US in 2009-10, a 15 percent increase over the previous year."
AUK's Board of Trustees adopted a resolution honoring the Ambassador for her active involvement throughout her tenure in the State of Kuwait and specifically for her encouragement and support of the academic and extracurricular activities at AUK.
The American Corner at AUK represents a long-standing partnership between the US Embassy and the host institution; it is a valuable platform for Embassy speakers as well as for visiting US speakers including academics, and provides information on US educational opportunities, US history, government and culture.
US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones delivering her speech
AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson presents US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones with an honorary plaque
Chair of AUK's Board of Trustees Shaikha Dana Naser Al-Sabah with US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones, AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson and Members of the AUK Board of Trustees
04, May 2011
AUK Professor Ghazi Nassir Authors New Book on Muslim Representation in English Literature
Associate Professor of English Language & Literature at AUK Dr. Ghazi Q. Nassir's proposal to author a new book entitled Perceptions and \Representations of Islam and Muslims in English Literature: three volumes has been accepted by the Edwin Mellen Press. This is his third book.
Perceptions and Representations of Islam and Muslims in English Literature traces and examines the perceptions and representations of Islam and the Muslims, their civilization as reflected in the works of the English writers from the Middle Ages to the present time. The main aim of this study is not to launch an attempt to identify homogenous representations of the Muslim figures but rather to consider the significance of the variety of works at hand and explore the reasons that informed and motivated the authors' views and presentations.
The book gives a historical overview of English writers' popular misconceptions of Islam which resulted in their often hostile attitude towards Islam, its founder, and its followers. It demonstrates, however, that in including a variety of prominent Muslim figures in their literary works, their treatments of these figures and events bear no trace of the folkloric or theological attacks on Islam and its propagators. It also traces the origins of Muslim (Turks and Arabs) images in English Literature since the Middle Ages to the present time. The works of literature are analyzed and viewed through historical, political, religious, and cultural contexts to show why these images prevail, and what changes, if any, have been presented.
Over sixteen hundred years of English literature under consideration in Perceptions and Representations of Islam and Muslims contains, in Chaucer's phrase, "all God's plenty." In these centuries of literature, readers can trace and observe the interrelation of literature and religion, literature and culture, and literature and politics. It seeks to furnish the students of Orientalism, Oriental scholars, with some useful observations and insights on English Orientalists, as a whole, and as well on particular works in the light of what is now known of perceptions and representations of Islam and Muslims, and the intellectual and literary milieu in which they wrote their literary works.
Perceptions and representations of Islam and Muslims in English Literature will contribute to existing scholarship by, first, documenting and contextualizing Christian English writers' perceptions and images of Muslims, Turks, and Arabs over the course of their entire history of interaction, not just a single period. Second, in doing so it will pay particular attention to continuities and discontinuities that have not been coherently studied in this context, primarily the gradual replacement of "infidels," or "pagans," "Hagarnes," or "Ishmaelites", "Mahometans", "Saracens" by "Turks", "Arab Terrorists," or "Muslim Terrorists" at the center of Englishmen's fantasies about the Islamic World, and the transformation of Christian historical narratives into the secular narratives of the Enlightenment and Modernity and the roles accorded to Muslims, Turks and Arabs in each. Third, this study attempts to show how this history matters today, with particular focus on the relation of the East/Islam and West/Christian.
The book will be divided into three volumes:
The first volume covers literary tour of the following periods: The Middle Ages (1060-1500); the Renaissance (1500-1603); and Restoration (1660-1700).
The second volume covers the following periods: The Enlightenment (1700-1798) and The Romantic Era (1832-1890).
The third volume covers the following periods: The Modern Age (1890-1940) and The Contemporary Scene (Since 1940- to the present time).
The entire book will be delivered in its entirety by the end of December, 2015.
Perceptions and Representations of Islam and Muslims in English Literature traces and examines the perceptions and representations of Islam and the Muslims, their civilization as reflected in the works of the English writers from the Middle Ages to the present time. The main aim of this study is not to launch an attempt to identify homogenous representations of the Muslim figures but rather to consider the significance of the variety of works at hand and explore the reasons that informed and motivated the authors' views and presentations.
The book gives a historical overview of English writers' popular misconceptions of Islam which resulted in their often hostile attitude towards Islam, its founder, and its followers. It demonstrates, however, that in including a variety of prominent Muslim figures in their literary works, their treatments of these figures and events bear no trace of the folkloric or theological attacks on Islam and its propagators. It also traces the origins of Muslim (Turks and Arabs) images in English Literature since the Middle Ages to the present time. The works of literature are analyzed and viewed through historical, political, religious, and cultural contexts to show why these images prevail, and what changes, if any, have been presented.
Over sixteen hundred years of English literature under consideration in Perceptions and Representations of Islam and Muslims contains, in Chaucer's phrase, "all God's plenty." In these centuries of literature, readers can trace and observe the interrelation of literature and religion, literature and culture, and literature and politics. It seeks to furnish the students of Orientalism, Oriental scholars, with some useful observations and insights on English Orientalists, as a whole, and as well on particular works in the light of what is now known of perceptions and representations of Islam and Muslims, and the intellectual and literary milieu in which they wrote their literary works.
Perceptions and representations of Islam and Muslims in English Literature will contribute to existing scholarship by, first, documenting and contextualizing Christian English writers' perceptions and images of Muslims, Turks, and Arabs over the course of their entire history of interaction, not just a single period. Second, in doing so it will pay particular attention to continuities and discontinuities that have not been coherently studied in this context, primarily the gradual replacement of "infidels," or "pagans," "Hagarnes," or "Ishmaelites", "Mahometans", "Saracens" by "Turks", "Arab Terrorists," or "Muslim Terrorists" at the center of Englishmen's fantasies about the Islamic World, and the transformation of Christian historical narratives into the secular narratives of the Enlightenment and Modernity and the roles accorded to Muslims, Turks and Arabs in each. Third, this study attempts to show how this history matters today, with particular focus on the relation of the East/Islam and West/Christian.
The book will be divided into three volumes:
The first volume covers literary tour of the following periods: The Middle Ages (1060-1500); the Renaissance (1500-1603); and Restoration (1660-1700).
The second volume covers the following periods: The Enlightenment (1700-1798) and The Romantic Era (1832-1890).
The third volume covers the following periods: The Modern Age (1890-1940) and The Contemporary Scene (Since 1940- to the present time).
The entire book will be delivered in its entirety by the end of December, 2015.
Dr. Ghazi Nassir
04, May 2011
AUK Receives Best Practice Award
The American University of Kuwait has been awarded the NASPA International Education Knowledge Community 2011 Best Practice Award for International Exchange Programs. The Best Practices committee received a record number of noteworthy nominations from institutions around the world including neighboring Qatar. AUK's Student Affairs Graduate Student Summer Internship Program was selected as this year's winner. Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, Vice President of Administrative & Student Affairs, received for AUK and on behalf of Tadd Kruse the program co-founder and other key colleagues who support the program, during a luncheon on Sunday March 13th at the International Symposium during the NASPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA-USA.
The selective eight-week internship program began in Summer 2009 and was designed to provide current graduate students or recent graduates from master's programs in higher education administration, student personnel or related field, the opportunity to gain essential experiences within professional areas of Student Affairs. The goal is to instill a deeper understanding of higher education, allowing for the acquisition of specific skill sets that will help prepare interns for their career in higher education. Katie Mitchell, a 2010 Intern from the University of Northern Colorado briefly summarized her experience by stating "The cultural experience alone was worth the trip, as was the opportunity to work with a great staff and students." Interns select assignments from Admissions, Registration, Student Life, Parent Relations and Alumni Affairs, Academic Advising Center, or the Dean of Student Affairs Office. The internship program has also provided invaluable learning experiences for the AUK staff. Eman Kamel of the Admissions department said she "learned a lot about how things are done at other institutions, in particular bigger institutions; how we (AUK) can change."
The lack of knowledge about students of Arab decent in higher education has never been more apparent. The AUK program by design intentionally strives to help prepare new professionals for work within a culturally diverse campus, learning firsthand about the student cohort as well as helping them to understand and defuse stereotypes and misnomers about the Middle East and the Arab world. Interns also have the opportunity to travel within the region and visit other postsecondary institutions. Former intern, Kevin D'Arco, landed a position in Qatar upon graduation.
As part of NASPA's continuing efforts of educating individuals for the profession, the organization also provides a mentoring and development program for undergraduates. For the first time, an AUK student-Omar Mehdi, was selected to participate in the Undergraduate Fellows program. The Fellows' program includes yearlong mentoring and career exploration in partnership with an AUK Student Affairs professional, attendance at the annual NASPA conference including participating in programs designed specifically for all undergraduate fellows, and participating in a summer internship program at another college or university. AUK has always been committed to identifying undergraduate students who have the potential to one day serve as fulltime staff members. Currently twenty-two alumni are now employed by AUK. Both accolades signify AUK is on the right track as we endeavor to develop an environment that supports the personal and academic growth of our students.
04, May 2011
AUK's Team 'SWAP' Advances to Microsoft Imagine Cup World Finals in New York
After several hours of intense work, SWAP team of the American University of Kuwait (AUK) presented their creative idea to the Microsoft Imagine Cup panel of judges in Dubai on April 25th to advance to the world finals of Microsoft Imagine Cup to take place in New York in Summer 2011. The team had the highest ranking within all other Kuwaiti teams and placed second in the Gulf Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition for Software Design. By representing the State of Kuwait in the Imagine Cup World Finals for the second year in a row, AUK will set a new record in the region.
Over the past few months, Microsoft Gulf selected 10 teams from around the Gulf to compete in the Imagine Cup Regional Competition. Over 2000 students registered for the competition and only 30 students advanced to the regional finals. The finalists have been chosen from different universities in Kuwait, Oman, and UAE based on their proposed ideas to solve the world's most challenging social issues outlined in the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals. This year Kuwait was represented by four teams in the competition that took place at the American University in Dubai (AUD). Each team had fifteen minutes to present their work to a panel of judges comprising of senior members from the enterprise and government sectors. By announcing the AUK SWAP team among the top three winners, AUK brought victory to Kuwait and established the consistent presence of AUK innovators in the international arena.
The AUK SWAP Team, represented by Ali Taqi (Information Systems Senior), Bader Al Mohammed Ali (Computer Science Senior), and Eissa Al Qadeeri (Computer Science Senior), decided to solve the world's problems through their 'Revolutionary Reporting System'. Their design is based on a simple image reporting software that uses the geographic location tagging on images for reporting any emergencies related to road accidents, environmental hazards, theft, or medical emergencies. Their project was a winning idea, not only for its value to humanity, but also for the way they presented it in the public event. The AUK team made their way to the winning podium by a live demonstration that impressed the audience when their 'Revolutionary Reporting System' reported a humorous situation at the event hall. The system captured the situation, located the AUD Auditorium on the map, and then displayed the incident in front of the judges. The audience rose and clapped for the confident performance.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Amir Zeid, Program Lead of Computer Science & Information Systems, AUK teams have been winning titles in the Annual Imagine Cup Competition since 2009. This year Dr. Zeid managed to lead three AUK teams to qualify to the regional finals in Dubai. Having three AUK teams in the top ten teams in the region sets a new record.
"It has been quite a challenge to coach three teams this year," Dr. Zeid said, "The competition is not only about creative ideas, but also a demonstration of skills in public speech, smart responses, time management, and stress regulation. A slight mistake can risk your chances of winning. I give credit to all three teams for their great performance."
The two other AUK teams this year were: Team Dream, composed of Wael Al-Ahmady, Mejren Al-Hammadi, Faisal Al-Ajmi, and Salem Al-Hammadi; and VOL, composed of Khaled Al-Jassar, Abduallah AlShaya, Mohammed Al-Shatti.
The Imagine Cup, in its fifth year in the Gulf, is Microsoft's initiative to encourage young people to apply their imagination and creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference and address real-world issues.
Over the past few months, Microsoft Gulf selected 10 teams from around the Gulf to compete in the Imagine Cup Regional Competition. Over 2000 students registered for the competition and only 30 students advanced to the regional finals. The finalists have been chosen from different universities in Kuwait, Oman, and UAE based on their proposed ideas to solve the world's most challenging social issues outlined in the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals. This year Kuwait was represented by four teams in the competition that took place at the American University in Dubai (AUD). Each team had fifteen minutes to present their work to a panel of judges comprising of senior members from the enterprise and government sectors. By announcing the AUK SWAP team among the top three winners, AUK brought victory to Kuwait and established the consistent presence of AUK innovators in the international arena.
The AUK SWAP Team, represented by Ali Taqi (Information Systems Senior), Bader Al Mohammed Ali (Computer Science Senior), and Eissa Al Qadeeri (Computer Science Senior), decided to solve the world's problems through their 'Revolutionary Reporting System'. Their design is based on a simple image reporting software that uses the geographic location tagging on images for reporting any emergencies related to road accidents, environmental hazards, theft, or medical emergencies. Their project was a winning idea, not only for its value to humanity, but also for the way they presented it in the public event. The AUK team made their way to the winning podium by a live demonstration that impressed the audience when their 'Revolutionary Reporting System' reported a humorous situation at the event hall. The system captured the situation, located the AUD Auditorium on the map, and then displayed the incident in front of the judges. The audience rose and clapped for the confident performance.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Amir Zeid, Program Lead of Computer Science & Information Systems, AUK teams have been winning titles in the Annual Imagine Cup Competition since 2009. This year Dr. Zeid managed to lead three AUK teams to qualify to the regional finals in Dubai. Having three AUK teams in the top ten teams in the region sets a new record.
"It has been quite a challenge to coach three teams this year," Dr. Zeid said, "The competition is not only about creative ideas, but also a demonstration of skills in public speech, smart responses, time management, and stress regulation. A slight mistake can risk your chances of winning. I give credit to all three teams for their great performance."
The two other AUK teams this year were: Team Dream, composed of Wael Al-Ahmady, Mejren Al-Hammadi, Faisal Al-Ajmi, and Salem Al-Hammadi; and VOL, composed of Khaled Al-Jassar, Abduallah AlShaya, Mohammed Al-Shatti.
The Imagine Cup, in its fifth year in the Gulf, is Microsoft's initiative to encourage young people to apply their imagination and creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference and address real-world issues.
Swap Team (Ali Taqi, Bader Al Mohammed Ali, and Eissa Al Qadeeri) and Dr. Amir Zeid
01, May 2011
Hope Club of AUK Host 'Hope Carnival'
The Hope Club of AUK hosted one of the University's largest events of the year, the Hope Carnival on April 23, 2011. The Hope Club recreated a carnival atmosphere for all to enjoy, and was dedicated to raising awareness for orphans and those less fortunate.
The AUK campus was transformed with bouncy castles, several different children's games and all kinds of different entertainment throughout the day. The large crowds were invited to join in singing, musical chairs and were entertained by a very talented magician. The main hallway had different booths with hair coloring, face painting as well as many other forms of entertainment. At the end a talented clown had children and adults alike smiling at the balloon figures he was making. Party Land were responsible for the numerous activities available on campus. Wasim and Bassil balloons filled the campus with gorgeous helium filled balloons in the form of Minnie mouse and Winnie the Poo. MacDonalds generously sponsored the event with their food and drinks. Overall the Hope Carnival saw many people from the AUK community and the public at large enjoy the all that the Hope Carnival had to offer.
The AUK campus was transformed with bouncy castles, several different children's games and all kinds of different entertainment throughout the day. The large crowds were invited to join in singing, musical chairs and were entertained by a very talented magician. The main hallway had different booths with hair coloring, face painting as well as many other forms of entertainment. At the end a talented clown had children and adults alike smiling at the balloon figures he was making. Party Land were responsible for the numerous activities available on campus. Wasim and Bassil balloons filled the campus with gorgeous helium filled balloons in the form of Minnie mouse and Winnie the Poo. MacDonalds generously sponsored the event with their food and drinks. Overall the Hope Carnival saw many people from the AUK community and the public at large enjoy the all that the Hope Carnival had to offer.
Images from the Hope Club Carnival
26, Apr 2011
The President's Exhibition: A Juried competition of Student Work
Twenty AUK art and design students were honored at a reception at AUK, where President Winifred Thompson greeted and chatted with the students and their families, congratulating them on being singled out for excellence. All around, the student work was showcased on the walls of the AUK President's office.
The competition for the exhibition is held twice yearly; student work is submitted by their professors from ART and Graphic Design classes. The artwork is juried, and the winning paintings, drawings and designs are hung in the President's office, where they will remain for 6 months.
Work included in the President's Exhibition is made during the previous academic semester as part of regular classwork and represents the best results of the courses offered.
Art History and Studio Art Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence and Graphic Design Professor Marcella Kulchitsky manage the competition and the President's Exhibition in conjunction with the Arts and Humanities Division of AUK.
Student Artists Included in the Exhibition:
Aimee Najem
Reem Al-Huwaidi
Alaa Abd Al-Jawad
Reem Marafie
Bashaer Al-Salem
Sara Al-Faraj
Fajer Al-Mulla
Sara Al Terkait
Hassan Ghandanfar
Sara Soliman
Halimah El-Husari
Sundes Al-Blushi
Khoulood Ahnad
Shahad Al-Harban
Maliha Al-Wazzan
Shahad Al-Terkait
Makia Al-Arbash
Wadod Mneimneh
Maryam Ghomsha
Zainab Al-Ansari
The competition for the exhibition is held twice yearly; student work is submitted by their professors from ART and Graphic Design classes. The artwork is juried, and the winning paintings, drawings and designs are hung in the President's office, where they will remain for 6 months.
Work included in the President's Exhibition is made during the previous academic semester as part of regular classwork and represents the best results of the courses offered.
Art History and Studio Art Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence and Graphic Design Professor Marcella Kulchitsky manage the competition and the President's Exhibition in conjunction with the Arts and Humanities Division of AUK.
Student Artists Included in the Exhibition:
Aimee Najem
Reem Al-Huwaidi
Alaa Abd Al-Jawad
Reem Marafie
Bashaer Al-Salem
Sara Al-Faraj
Fajer Al-Mulla
Sara Al Terkait
Hassan Ghandanfar
Sara Soliman
Halimah El-Husari
Sundes Al-Blushi
Khoulood Ahnad
Shahad Al-Harban
Maliha Al-Wazzan
Shahad Al-Terkait
Makia Al-Arbash
Wadod Mneimneh
Maryam Ghomsha
Zainab Al-Ansari
AUK President Winifred Thompson with President's Exhibition organizers Professors Sharon Orleans Lawrence (right) and Marcella Kulchitsky (left)
Head of Humanities and Arts Dr. Craig Loomis inspects artwork by ART and GDES students during the President's Exhibition reception
Communication and Media professor Dr. Anastasia Kononova views "20 Years of Liberation," a graphic design by Rheem Al-Huwaidi
Artist Alaa Abd Al-Jawad discusses her artwork with Professor Sharon Orleans Lawrence at the President's Exhibition
Artist Sara Al-Faraj and her family view Sara's artwork chosen from both Graphic Design and ART classes
Dean of AUK's College of Arts & Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh (right) and Political Science professor Dr. Roman Kulchitsky chat during the President's Exhibition reception
11, Apr 2011
AUK's Hope Club Host 'Yom Al Ard'
The Hope Club of AUK hosted an event titled 'Yom Al Ard' on March 31st, this day was held with respect to the official 'Land Day' celebrated every year throughout the world.
The event took place at AUK's Auditorium where many members of the AUK family performed a live version of the Palestinian National Anthem. Hope Club member Rand Abd- Hamid then introduced Aminah Eida to the stage who gave a moving speech as to what exactly the term Palestine meant to her and also talked about how and when Youm Al Ard began.
Following Aminah speech, a film was screened titled, "What is Land" which was created and filmed by AUK's Film Club. This film offered the points of views of many members of the AUK community as well as a short film which allowed the audience a brief glimpse into the troubles that many Palestinians suffer on a daily basis.
Hope Club President, Mohammad Abu Mazzen gave a speech about the purpose of such an event and why Palestine was such an important topic for the Hope Club. Another short film was then screened to show the audience just what life was like for many Palestinians. The event concluded with a performance of a traditional Palestinian Dabkeh by Lujain AbuZaid, Mohammad Abu Mazzen, Maen Aweis, Njoud Awies, Lamees Njem, Sara Arnaout, Aseel Al-Abed, Ismail Abu- Abdo and Dina Saoud, which had the crowd cheering and on their feet.
Images from the event
The event took place at AUK's Auditorium where many members of the AUK family performed a live version of the Palestinian National Anthem. Hope Club member Rand Abd- Hamid then introduced Aminah Eida to the stage who gave a moving speech as to what exactly the term Palestine meant to her and also talked about how and when Youm Al Ard began.
Following Aminah speech, a film was screened titled, "What is Land" which was created and filmed by AUK's Film Club. This film offered the points of views of many members of the AUK community as well as a short film which allowed the audience a brief glimpse into the troubles that many Palestinians suffer on a daily basis.
Hope Club President, Mohammad Abu Mazzen gave a speech about the purpose of such an event and why Palestine was such an important topic for the Hope Club. Another short film was then screened to show the audience just what life was like for many Palestinians. The event concluded with a performance of a traditional Palestinian Dabkeh by Lujain AbuZaid, Mohammad Abu Mazzen, Maen Aweis, Njoud Awies, Lamees Njem, Sara Arnaout, Aseel Al-Abed, Ismail Abu- Abdo and Dina Saoud, which had the crowd cheering and on their feet.
Images from the event
11, Apr 2011
Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society Members Excel at Pittsburgh Conference
Members of the American University of Kuwait's Alpha Rho Eta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society Fatima Ibraheem, Dana A Al-Failakawi, Noura Al-Ajmi, and Iman Askar, attended the organization 2011 convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA to present their academic work that included a panel entitled "Embracing Arabic Poetry and Poetics" and an individual paper by Fatima Ibraheem entitled, "Retha'a, or Lament for the Most Worthy."
The panel introduced two of the most prominent Arab poets Al-Mutanabee and Al-Khansa'a to the American scholars. The group from AUK discussed the legacy of Arabic poetry which makes it distinct from other poetry. Focusing on their panegyric poems and elegies, the panelists recited some poems in Arabic, read Dr. Raymond Farrin's translations of it into English, and then gave explication of the poetry that provided lessons in structure, theme, and musicality of the verses. Members of the audience were particularly interested in the power of impromptu poems that past Arabs practiced in competitions.
In her individual paper, Fatima Ibraheem applied medieval literary and rhetorical techniques to the "Battle of Karbala," a significant incident in Islamic history to produce a creative piece that introduced the event to a largely uninformed American audience. She emphasized the revolutionary hero, Imam Hussein, whose bravery in the face of fighting injustice still serves as a role-model for contemporary uprisings such as the recent Egyptian Revolution. Her argument was the universality of his vision transcends timeframe and geographic space to reject injustice and oppression.
Dawn Megli-Thuna, one American student who attended both presentations commented, "I have to tell you that I enjoyed both of your presentations immensely and was very moved. I feel like your brand of academic ambassadorship is so important because there is so little awareness of Arabic culture in the West. The beauty of Arabic poetry is sure to be a vital component in bringing others to love that part of the globe. As for your [Fatima's] individual paper; it's such an epic story and dovetails beautifully with the medieval style, You seem like such strong and intelligent women and I wonder at the confluence of events that produced that."
When asked about her conference experience, Chapter President, Fatima Ibraheem said, "I went to Pittsburgh with a specific and significant message in mind to share with the American peers we meet over there. This message was my greatest motivation that drove me to leave school for almost a week and board a 14-hour flight - the longest flight so far. I have to say that the degree of interest some of the American students exhibited in wanting to learn more was very impressive."
As part of the question/answer session, during her individual paper, Fatima was asked about the purpose of her individual paper. She answered, "I was aiming to produce an intellectual, yet creative original piece by intertwining Islamic history with medieval literature, attempting to imitate what most scholars do when producing original pieces. I hope I was able to satisfy, at least, a fraction of that. Part of my aim was also to expose to you the beautiful face of Islam that is unfortunately masked with thick layers."
AUK's chapter earned the most prestigious chapter award offered by the International Honor Society. It was of one of three chapters, out of nearly 800 chapters in the organization to earn the Outstanding Chapter Award. In the report provided by the judges, the chapter was cited for its "amazing variety of exciting projects and special events" and that it displayed "an extraordinary enthusiasm for, and excitement about, the discipline of English."
This Outstanding Chapter Award is particularly important for the chapter because this is the first time in the Society's 87 year history that an international chapter has received this distinction. It also is a testimony to the creativity of the AUK student members who have excelled in English language and literature studies said Dr. William C. Johnson, Executive Director of Sigma Tau Delta. He added that "the Society is very proud of what Dr. Nixon and the AUK students have done to turn the Alpha Rho Eta chapter into one that is a model for English honor students everywhere."
Citing all members of the organization who helped the group earn their distinction, faculty advisor Dr. Kathy Nixon said, "I am so proud of the students Nur Soliman, Nuha Al-Fadli, Fatima Ibraheem, Dana Al-Failakawi, Alia Aref, Kawther Sadeq, Noura Al-Ajmi, Amal Behbehani, Hawraa Ashour, Abdulaziz Al-Hagan, Amnah Ibraheem and Iman Askar for their attention to academics and the dedication to the study of English that it took for them to earn this award. It is an honor for me to work with such wonderful students."
At the convention, the AUK students also earned the Outstanding Chapter Display award for creating a display table that depicted the life of the chapter at AUK. The students were also invited to a private reception with author Lorene Carey to present her a DVD copy of selection from the impromptu translations of her book Black Ice into Arabic. AUK students, staff, and faculty made the recording during the 2011 Common Reader Event at AUK. All members of the honor society are asked to read the book designated as the common reader before convention.
The panel introduced two of the most prominent Arab poets Al-Mutanabee and Al-Khansa'a to the American scholars. The group from AUK discussed the legacy of Arabic poetry which makes it distinct from other poetry. Focusing on their panegyric poems and elegies, the panelists recited some poems in Arabic, read Dr. Raymond Farrin's translations of it into English, and then gave explication of the poetry that provided lessons in structure, theme, and musicality of the verses. Members of the audience were particularly interested in the power of impromptu poems that past Arabs practiced in competitions.
In her individual paper, Fatima Ibraheem applied medieval literary and rhetorical techniques to the "Battle of Karbala," a significant incident in Islamic history to produce a creative piece that introduced the event to a largely uninformed American audience. She emphasized the revolutionary hero, Imam Hussein, whose bravery in the face of fighting injustice still serves as a role-model for contemporary uprisings such as the recent Egyptian Revolution. Her argument was the universality of his vision transcends timeframe and geographic space to reject injustice and oppression.
Dawn Megli-Thuna, one American student who attended both presentations commented, "I have to tell you that I enjoyed both of your presentations immensely and was very moved. I feel like your brand of academic ambassadorship is so important because there is so little awareness of Arabic culture in the West. The beauty of Arabic poetry is sure to be a vital component in bringing others to love that part of the globe. As for your [Fatima's] individual paper; it's such an epic story and dovetails beautifully with the medieval style, You seem like such strong and intelligent women and I wonder at the confluence of events that produced that."
When asked about her conference experience, Chapter President, Fatima Ibraheem said, "I went to Pittsburgh with a specific and significant message in mind to share with the American peers we meet over there. This message was my greatest motivation that drove me to leave school for almost a week and board a 14-hour flight - the longest flight so far. I have to say that the degree of interest some of the American students exhibited in wanting to learn more was very impressive."
As part of the question/answer session, during her individual paper, Fatima was asked about the purpose of her individual paper. She answered, "I was aiming to produce an intellectual, yet creative original piece by intertwining Islamic history with medieval literature, attempting to imitate what most scholars do when producing original pieces. I hope I was able to satisfy, at least, a fraction of that. Part of my aim was also to expose to you the beautiful face of Islam that is unfortunately masked with thick layers."
AUK's chapter earned the most prestigious chapter award offered by the International Honor Society. It was of one of three chapters, out of nearly 800 chapters in the organization to earn the Outstanding Chapter Award. In the report provided by the judges, the chapter was cited for its "amazing variety of exciting projects and special events" and that it displayed "an extraordinary enthusiasm for, and excitement about, the discipline of English."
This Outstanding Chapter Award is particularly important for the chapter because this is the first time in the Society's 87 year history that an international chapter has received this distinction. It also is a testimony to the creativity of the AUK student members who have excelled in English language and literature studies said Dr. William C. Johnson, Executive Director of Sigma Tau Delta. He added that "the Society is very proud of what Dr. Nixon and the AUK students have done to turn the Alpha Rho Eta chapter into one that is a model for English honor students everywhere."
Citing all members of the organization who helped the group earn their distinction, faculty advisor Dr. Kathy Nixon said, "I am so proud of the students Nur Soliman, Nuha Al-Fadli, Fatima Ibraheem, Dana Al-Failakawi, Alia Aref, Kawther Sadeq, Noura Al-Ajmi, Amal Behbehani, Hawraa Ashour, Abdulaziz Al-Hagan, Amnah Ibraheem and Iman Askar for their attention to academics and the dedication to the study of English that it took for them to earn this award. It is an honor for me to work with such wonderful students."
At the convention, the AUK students also earned the Outstanding Chapter Display award for creating a display table that depicted the life of the chapter at AUK. The students were also invited to a private reception with author Lorene Carey to present her a DVD copy of selection from the impromptu translations of her book Black Ice into Arabic. AUK students, staff, and faculty made the recording during the 2011 Common Reader Event at AUK. All members of the honor society are asked to read the book designated as the common reader before convention.
Chapter members with Common Reader author and featured speaker, Lorene Cary
Noura Al-Ajmi preparing the display table that won the AUK chapter the Outstanding Chapter Display award
Chapter President, Fatima Ibraheem casting her ballot for student representative during the election and budget meeting. All chapters receive funds for their participation in the elections
Fatima Ibraheem presenting her individual paper
Students interacting with the panelists after their papers
Panelists Noura Al-Ajmi, Iman Askar, Fatima Ibraheem and Dana Al-Failakawi
AUK panelists interacting with members of the audience
