News
10, Mar 2011
AUK Writing Center Staff Attend Conference in UAE
AUK's Writing Center Senior Staff Consultant, Hanouf Aljuhail, and Kheiriyeh Ahmadi, Writing Center Administrative Assistant and Staff Consultant attended The Middle East and North Africa Writing Center Alliance Conference titled, 'Situating, Sustaining and Serving' on February 17th, 2011 at the American University of Sharjah. Aljuhail discussed the Center's adapted training techniques and consulting strategies that have contributed to its recognizable success. Kheiriyeh Ahmadi, AUK Writing Center Staff Consultant, demonstrated the progressive outcome and results achieved by applying innovative methods. The presented panel paper titled, 'Redefining the Visibility of a Writing Center' generated productive feedback and discussion among writing center directors, coordinators and staff who came from different GCC institutions.
AUK's Writing Center attends the Middle East - North Africa Writing Centers Alliance 2011 conference at the American University of Sharjah
AUK's Writing Center Senior Staff Consultant, Hanouf Aljuhail
Kheiriyeh Ahmadi, AUK's Writing Center Administrative Assistant & Staff Consultant
09, Mar 2011
AUK Host Persian Art Week
The American University of Kuwait hosted a Persian Art Week on February 20-23 where prominent Iranian Painter and Photographer Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam visited the AUK campus. Mr. Meshkinfam participated in several different events and activities including visiting art classrooms, holding a workshop for AUK art students and had a permanent photography and painting exhibition in AUK's 5th floor of the Liberal Arts building.
The renowned artist interacted with many AUK art students, who benefit from his great experience when he held a critique of student artwork on February 21st. Mr. Meshkinfam also held a watercolor workshop which was very well received with many student participants. The workshop, which was sponsored by the AUK students' Art Factory Club, was extended an hour to accommodate the influx of student participants.
The highlight of the week was the main lecture on February 23 titled 'Contemporary Persian Art and Design', where Mr. Meshkinfam discussed trends in Persian painting. This lecture, which was open to the public, also included AUK faculty members Professors Maryam Hosseinnia, William Andersen and Dr. Gholam Vatandoust.
Dr. Gholan Vatandoust, Visiting Associate Professor of International Relations & History and one of the organizers of the event, was encouraged by the success of the event and thanked all that helped make the Persian Art Week a great achievement, especially Ms. Helene El Neaman, President of the Art Factory Club and Ms. Sepideh Behbehani Vice President of the Art Factory Club.
Mr. Meshkinfam is a renowned Iranian artist who was educated in Iran and at the Besancon School of Fine Arts in Paris. Since 1981 he has established The Gallery of Modern Art in Shiraz, where he continues to teach painting. His art work and photographs have ornamented numerous national and international galleries. He has also put on display many domestic and international art shows and has published various albums of his works. Among his most outstanding commitment and contributions to art is his creation in 2003 of the first private museum of visual arts in Iran. The Meshkinfam Museum is in his home town of Shiraz and his joint recent volume with AUK's Professor of International Studies Dr. Gholam Vatandoust titled The Meshkinfam Museum of Art: The First Private Museum of Visual Arts in Iran is a tribute to such an effort.
The renowned artist interacted with many AUK art students, who benefit from his great experience when he held a critique of student artwork on February 21st. Mr. Meshkinfam also held a watercolor workshop which was very well received with many student participants. The workshop, which was sponsored by the AUK students' Art Factory Club, was extended an hour to accommodate the influx of student participants.
The highlight of the week was the main lecture on February 23 titled 'Contemporary Persian Art and Design', where Mr. Meshkinfam discussed trends in Persian painting. This lecture, which was open to the public, also included AUK faculty members Professors Maryam Hosseinnia, William Andersen and Dr. Gholam Vatandoust.
Dr. Gholan Vatandoust, Visiting Associate Professor of International Relations & History and one of the organizers of the event, was encouraged by the success of the event and thanked all that helped make the Persian Art Week a great achievement, especially Ms. Helene El Neaman, President of the Art Factory Club and Ms. Sepideh Behbehani Vice President of the Art Factory Club.
Mr. Meshkinfam is a renowned Iranian artist who was educated in Iran and at the Besancon School of Fine Arts in Paris. Since 1981 he has established The Gallery of Modern Art in Shiraz, where he continues to teach painting. His art work and photographs have ornamented numerous national and international galleries. He has also put on display many domestic and international art shows and has published various albums of his works. Among his most outstanding commitment and contributions to art is his creation in 2003 of the first private museum of visual arts in Iran. The Meshkinfam Museum is in his home town of Shiraz and his joint recent volume with AUK's Professor of International Studies Dr. Gholam Vatandoust titled The Meshkinfam Museum of Art: The First Private Museum of Visual Arts in Iran is a tribute to such an effort.
Photography and painting work on display in the Liberal Arts Building
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam with AUK students during a critique session (far right Dr. Gholam Vatandoust)
Students participating in the watercolor workshop
Mr. Meshkinfam with AUK students during the water color workshop
Mr. Meshkinfam with AUK students during the water color workshop
Professor William Andersen during the water color workshop
Left to right: Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam, AUK faculty members Dr. Gholam Vatandoust , Professors Maryam Hosseinnia and Professor William Andersen
A view of the audience during the lecture
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam presents a lecture titled 'Contemporary Persian Art and Design'
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06, Mar 2011
AUK Library Hosts 2nd Annual Book Fair
The AUK Library celebrated the opening of its 2nd Annual Book Fair in the AUK Multipurpose room on February 20, 2011. The inaugural ceremony was held under the patronage of the Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL) Mr. Ali Al-Youhah. The event was well attended by the AUK community as well as the public, including AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, Cultural Attaché of the Saudi Arabian Embassy, Center of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Director Dr. Fahad Al-Nasser.
The three-day Book Fair, which was organized by the University Library, hosted 19 exhibitors, including international publishers, vendors, local institutions and book distributors. Library Director Ms. Amna Al-Omare thanked the participants and sponsors by handing out appreciation certificates.
As part of the Book Fair activities, the Library also organized a lecture titled "Our Arabic Language, History and Changes" by Dr. Khaled Al-Shayji, Secretary General of the Kuwait Writers Association. This cultural event was organized in coordination with the AUK's Arabic Literature Club and featured poetry recitals by AUK students.
The three-day Book Fair, which was organized by the University Library, hosted 19 exhibitors, including international publishers, vendors, local institutions and book distributors. Library Director Ms. Amna Al-Omare thanked the participants and sponsors by handing out appreciation certificates.
As part of the Book Fair activities, the Library also organized a lecture titled "Our Arabic Language, History and Changes" by Dr. Khaled Al-Shayji, Secretary General of the Kuwait Writers Association. This cultural event was organized in coordination with the AUK's Arabic Literature Club and featured poetry recitals by AUK students.
Mr. Ali Alyouhah, Secretary General of the NCCAL, AUK President, AUK Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Cultural Attaché of the Saudi Embassy cutting the ribbon of the book fair
Dr Winfred handing appreciation gift to Mr. Ali Al-Youhah, Secretary General of the NCCAL
Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences with Library Staff
The dignitaries taking a detailed tour of the stalls at the exhibition
The dignitaries at Cengage Learning booth
The Saudi Embassy booth at the AUK Book Fair
The dignitaries taking a detailed tour of the stalls at the exhibition
AUK BookStore exhibiting in the fair
06, Mar 2011
Faculty Highlight: Dr. Juliet Dinkha & Dr. Nisrine Aboul-Hosn
AUK's Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Juliet Dinkha and Adjunct faculty Dr. Nisrine Aboul-Hosn, along with AUK student Monica Matta presented a paper on December 4th, 2010 titled Gender differences in coping strategies of adolescent students and their impact on self-esteem, at the Third International Conference 'Children and Youth in Changing Societies' in Thessaloniki, Greece.
This study investigated differences in coping strategies adopted by adolescent students in Kuwait. The paper aimed to explore the extent in which coping strategies affect self-esteem and the impact of coping strategies within gender. The literature suggests that gender differences do exist in coping strategies of undergraduate students which may in turn impact self-esteem. The literature also indicates that there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of engagement in coping strategies and academic attainment. (Lawrence, 2006)
The current study utilized a survey methodology to collect data from adolescent attending various schools in Kuwait. The data was collected from approximately 300 students, 150 males and 150 females. Gender Differences in Coping Strategies of Adolescents and their Impact on Self Esteem survey was administered for the previously stated purpose. We hypothesized that (1) Religion will be utilized by both sexes given the collectivist and religious nature of the Kuwaiti society, (2) Females will select seeking social support for emotional reasons (3) Denial, as a coping strategy, will be utilized by males due to restrictions of society and personal expression. (4) Coping strategies imposed by collectivist society such as religion and social support for instrumental or emotional reasons, would decrease self esteem since the coping strategies that suit an individual personally will be inhibited. The findings suggested that both genders used mental disengagement, focus on emotional venting, use of instrumental social support, religious coping and emotional support systems as coping strategy mechanisms.
The paper presented was well received, generating substantial interest in the social and cultural contexts of adolescence living in Kuwait. A wealth of feedback was received and several positive directions are noted. Furthermore, the paper led to potential research collaborations with few university faculties in Greece, specifically, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
This study investigated differences in coping strategies adopted by adolescent students in Kuwait. The paper aimed to explore the extent in which coping strategies affect self-esteem and the impact of coping strategies within gender. The literature suggests that gender differences do exist in coping strategies of undergraduate students which may in turn impact self-esteem. The literature also indicates that there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of engagement in coping strategies and academic attainment. (Lawrence, 2006)
The current study utilized a survey methodology to collect data from adolescent attending various schools in Kuwait. The data was collected from approximately 300 students, 150 males and 150 females. Gender Differences in Coping Strategies of Adolescents and their Impact on Self Esteem survey was administered for the previously stated purpose. We hypothesized that (1) Religion will be utilized by both sexes given the collectivist and religious nature of the Kuwaiti society, (2) Females will select seeking social support for emotional reasons (3) Denial, as a coping strategy, will be utilized by males due to restrictions of society and personal expression. (4) Coping strategies imposed by collectivist society such as religion and social support for instrumental or emotional reasons, would decrease self esteem since the coping strategies that suit an individual personally will be inhibited. The findings suggested that both genders used mental disengagement, focus on emotional venting, use of instrumental social support, religious coping and emotional support systems as coping strategy mechanisms.
The paper presented was well received, generating substantial interest in the social and cultural contexts of adolescence living in Kuwait. A wealth of feedback was received and several positive directions are noted. Furthermore, the paper led to potential research collaborations with few university faculties in Greece, specifically, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Right to left: AUK's Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Juliet Dinkha and Adjunct faculty Dr. Nisrine Aboul-Hosn, along with AUK student Monica Matta
01, Mar 2011
The American University of Kuwait Celebrates Independence and Liberation Days
The American University of Kuwait commemorated Kuwait's 50 years of independence and 20 years of liberation, by holding a week of festivities on campus on February 20-23. The week-long celebrations included several different student design and art exhibits, sand sculpting workshops, live music, lectures and much more. Several student clubs and organizations participated in these festivities by working alongside the University in organizing several of their own events celebrating Kuwait's history and culture. AUK's Patriots Club hosted an event titled 'Kuwait Flag on Canvas' where they created the Kuwaiti flag with individual hand prints. Each person selected a color from the Kuwaiti flag and, using paint, stamped the appropriate section. The end result being a large canvas depicting the Kuwaiti flag made of hand prints from the AUK community of students, staff and faculty.
The highlights of the celebrations included a remembrance of the legacy of Kuwaiti poet and singer Abdullah Al-Fadhalah through an exhibition and live music organized by AUK's Arabian Heritage Project (AHP). An ensemble played Al-Fadhalah's music for the AUK community accompanied, on the Violin, by AUK student Salem Al-Mathkour. AUK's Finance Club held an exhibit detailing Kuwait's economic history from 1886 to the present with a display of rare pictures and artifacts from Kuwait's history including a model of a Boom, representative of Kuwait's long tradition of trade and pearl diving. The exhibit also included all of Kuwait's old currencies dating back to the Rupee. One of several art exhibits titled 'Celebrate Kuwait' allowed AUK students to express their celebrations through different mediums of art. Students sculptures, drawings and paintings were on display all week. AUK's Assistant Professor of Studio Arts/Graphic Design William Andersen said of the exhibit, "This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for students to examine as well as celebrate their countries history and achievements." Another entertaining event saw Internationally known Sand Sculptor Raymond Wirick hold workshops where students learned about the techniques of sand sculpting and commemorated Kuwait's celebrations by creating a large sculpture that includes the Kuwait Towers as well as other landmarks and a banner with the words 'Celebrating 50 Years of Independence' all made of sand.
On the last day of celebrations AUK hosted two live music performances. The first, Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers, a collaborative effort between AUK's AHP and the American Embassy. The audience enjoyed the sound of Jazz combined with classical Kuwaiti drums. AUK also hosted famous Kuwaiti singer Faisal Al-Sa'ad for a live concert open to the public. AUK students, staff and faculty along with friends and family enjoyed a night of live Kuwaiti music followed by dinner to conclude the week long celebrations.
AUK Graphic Design Students, encouraged by Professor Marian Hosseinnia, participated in a logo design competition, "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition" where they had to design a logo that reflects Kuwait's 50 years of independence and 20 years of liberation to be used by AUK in all publications pertaining to the week-long events as the official logo. A panel of judges from AUK's staff and faculty voted for the winners, AUK students Maryam Ghomsha and Farnaz Heidari.
Abdullah Al-Fadhalah
Students' work from 'Celebrate Kuwait' exhibition
Sand sculpting workshop
Old Traditional Kuwaiti games corner
Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers
Faisal Al-Sa'ad Concert
The highlights of the celebrations included a remembrance of the legacy of Kuwaiti poet and singer Abdullah Al-Fadhalah through an exhibition and live music organized by AUK's Arabian Heritage Project (AHP). An ensemble played Al-Fadhalah's music for the AUK community accompanied, on the Violin, by AUK student Salem Al-Mathkour. AUK's Finance Club held an exhibit detailing Kuwait's economic history from 1886 to the present with a display of rare pictures and artifacts from Kuwait's history including a model of a Boom, representative of Kuwait's long tradition of trade and pearl diving. The exhibit also included all of Kuwait's old currencies dating back to the Rupee. One of several art exhibits titled 'Celebrate Kuwait' allowed AUK students to express their celebrations through different mediums of art. Students sculptures, drawings and paintings were on display all week. AUK's Assistant Professor of Studio Arts/Graphic Design William Andersen said of the exhibit, "This exhibition is an excellent opportunity for students to examine as well as celebrate their countries history and achievements." Another entertaining event saw Internationally known Sand Sculptor Raymond Wirick hold workshops where students learned about the techniques of sand sculpting and commemorated Kuwait's celebrations by creating a large sculpture that includes the Kuwait Towers as well as other landmarks and a banner with the words 'Celebrating 50 Years of Independence' all made of sand.
On the last day of celebrations AUK hosted two live music performances. The first, Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers, a collaborative effort between AUK's AHP and the American Embassy. The audience enjoyed the sound of Jazz combined with classical Kuwaiti drums. AUK also hosted famous Kuwaiti singer Faisal Al-Sa'ad for a live concert open to the public. AUK students, staff and faculty along with friends and family enjoyed a night of live Kuwaiti music followed by dinner to conclude the week long celebrations.
AUK Graphic Design Students, encouraged by Professor Marian Hosseinnia, participated in a logo design competition, "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition" where they had to design a logo that reflects Kuwait's 50 years of independence and 20 years of liberation to be used by AUK in all publications pertaining to the week-long events as the official logo. A panel of judges from AUK's staff and faculty voted for the winners, AUK students Maryam Ghomsha and Farnaz Heidari.
Patriot Club Organizes "Kuwait flag on Canvas"
President of AUK Dr. Winfred Thompson participates in painting the Kuwaiti flag
The Kuwaiti flag with AUK students' hands
Students take part in painting the Kuwaiti flag
Students take part in painting the Kuwaiti flag
Patriot Club members and organizers of "Kuwait flag on Canvas"
Abdullah Al-Fadhalah
Abdullah Al-Fadhalah old collection including: Musical Instrument, documents and photos
From left Mr. Mohammed Al Mulla and his wife with Dr. Lisa Urkevich
Mr. Mohammed Al Mulla, owner of the Abdullah Al-Fadhalah Collection, performing some of Abdullah Al-Fadhalah's songs
Traditional Kuwaiti Music Band performing some of Abdullah Al-Fadhalah's famous songs, accompanied, on the Violin, by AUK student Salem Al-Mathkour
AUK's Finance Club
AUK's Finance Club
Group photo of the Finance Club members
Students' work from "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition"
Students' work from "AUK Kuwait 50/20 Logo Competition"
Students' work from 'Celebrate Kuwait' exhibition
Sand sculpting workshop
Internationally known Sand Sculptor Raymond Wirick
Old Traditional Kuwaiti games corner
Chris Byars Jazz Septet performed alongside Kuwaiti drummers
The American Embassy representative speaks at the beginning of the jazz concert
Faisal Al-Sa'ad Concert
21, Feb 2011
AUK Professor Andersen Participates in 50/20 Exhibition
Professor William Andersen, Assistant Professor of Studio Arts/Graphic Design at the American University of Kuwait participated in Sultan Gallery's 50/20, a two-part exhibition featuring a new generation of artists who are challenging the construction of history through visual practice.
Sultan Gallery invited a number of artists, curators and similarly occupied individuals to superimpose their own visions of history in this exhibition commemorating 50 years of sovereignty within the State of Kuwait. The month-long exhibit was held in February of 2011, with one opening on February 1st, and the second on February 15th beginning at 7pm. A range of mediums were utilized by the various artists including video, photography, sound, sculpture, installations, and even the incorporation of design for debate as an aesthetic in art. Works ranged from individual histories, to folk, fiction, and secularist landscapes that combat stereotypes, stigmas, and dogmas.
Professor Andersen's work, titled Kuwait 50, celebrates the 50 years of an independent Kuwait with each individual piece in his installation symbolizing an aspect of Kuwait as seen from an outsider's eyes looking in. His work conflates abstract designs inspired by Islamic floral and geometric patterns with cartography, calligraphy, contemporary pop iconography, and historic photos of Kuwait to represent the constellation of diverse races, religions, histories, architecture, scenery, economies, peoples, and politics that make up Kuwait today.
Professor Andersen stated that it was a great honor to be asked to participate in a professional exhibit like this especially since he was one of the only non-Kuwaiti artists exhibiting.
Sultan Gallery said the body of work being shown in this exhibition acts as a kind of historiographical analysis over the development of the State of Kuwait in relation to the rest of the world. Artists here explore a number of topical, socio-political issues that analyze how argument [tradition] shifts over time in response to the changing conditions of market and state [flux].
Sultan Gallery invited a number of artists, curators and similarly occupied individuals to superimpose their own visions of history in this exhibition commemorating 50 years of sovereignty within the State of Kuwait. The month-long exhibit was held in February of 2011, with one opening on February 1st, and the second on February 15th beginning at 7pm. A range of mediums were utilized by the various artists including video, photography, sound, sculpture, installations, and even the incorporation of design for debate as an aesthetic in art. Works ranged from individual histories, to folk, fiction, and secularist landscapes that combat stereotypes, stigmas, and dogmas.
Professor Andersen's work, titled Kuwait 50, celebrates the 50 years of an independent Kuwait with each individual piece in his installation symbolizing an aspect of Kuwait as seen from an outsider's eyes looking in. His work conflates abstract designs inspired by Islamic floral and geometric patterns with cartography, calligraphy, contemporary pop iconography, and historic photos of Kuwait to represent the constellation of diverse races, religions, histories, architecture, scenery, economies, peoples, and politics that make up Kuwait today.
Professor Andersen stated that it was a great honor to be asked to participate in a professional exhibit like this especially since he was one of the only non-Kuwaiti artists exhibiting.
Sultan Gallery said the body of work being shown in this exhibition acts as a kind of historiographical analysis over the development of the State of Kuwait in relation to the rest of the world. Artists here explore a number of topical, socio-political issues that analyze how argument [tradition] shifts over time in response to the changing conditions of market and state [flux].
From left to right, Mr. Hossain Afsar, Ms. and Mr. Samer Khanachet from the AUK Board of Trustees, and Professor William Andersen
Professor William J. Andersen's work on display at the Sultan Gallery
Visitors to Sultan Gallery view Professor William Andersen's work
16, Feb 2011
Faculty Highlight: Dr. Lisa Urkevich
American University of Kuwait Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Arabian Heritage Project Dr. Lisa Urkevich, presented a poster session in Boston, USA, at the annual American Historical Association (AHA) Conference on January 8, 2011. The session, titled "Zar Spirit Rituals and Music in the Arabian Peninsula," explored music-trance events from the past as they were practiced in the upper Gulf States and parts of Saudi Arabia. "Zar" rituals, which are rooted in African traditions, encompassed all-night musical events in which participants, who believed themselves possessed by a spirit, partook in specialized practices including dancing in an attempt to communicate with the entity and appease it. The presentation discussed how these customs spread from east Africa through slavery and migration, the musical styles that were used, and the decline of these in modern times. Dr. Urkevich's presentation was one of twenty-four unique poster sessions presented at the large conference.
The American Historical Association (AHA) was founded in 1884 for the promotion of historical studies, the collection and preservation of historical documents and artifacts, and the dissemination of historical research. It is the largest historical society in the United States, and has been holding an Annual Meeting for the past 125 years. Approximately four-dozen affiliated societies meet jointly with the AHA, and attendance at the conferences averages 4,800 to 5,200. This is Dr. Urkevich's third time taking part in the AHA, via traditional paper or poster presentation, and she was pleased to see so many interested scholars visit her session.
The American Historical Association (AHA) was founded in 1884 for the promotion of historical studies, the collection and preservation of historical documents and artifacts, and the dissemination of historical research. It is the largest historical society in the United States, and has been holding an Annual Meeting for the past 125 years. Approximately four-dozen affiliated societies meet jointly with the AHA, and attendance at the conferences averages 4,800 to 5,200. This is Dr. Urkevich's third time taking part in the AHA, via traditional paper or poster presentation, and she was pleased to see so many interested scholars visit her session.
Dr. Lisa Urkevich at the American Historical Association Conference, Boston, Jan. 2011
16, Feb 2011
Renowned Iranian Artist to Visit AUK
The American University of Kuwait will be hosting a Persian Art Week on February 20-23 where prominent Iranian Painter and Photographer Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam will be visiting the AUK campus. Mr. Meshkinfam will have an art and photography display everyday from 10-5 pm on the 5th floor of the Liberal Arts Building. The renowned Iranian artist will also be holding workshops for art students and will also be attending various art classes throughout the week.
The highlight of the week is the main lecture on Wednesday February 23 in the AUK Auditorium from 12:30-3 pm where Mr. Meshkinfam will be discussing 'Trends in Persian Art'. This lecture will be open to the public.
Mr. Meshkinfam is a renowned Iranian artist who was educated in Iran and at the Besancon School of Fine Arts in Paris. Since 1981 he has established The Gallery of Modern Art in Shiraz, where he continues to teach painting. His art work and photographs have ornamented numerous national and international galleries. He has also put on display many domestic and international art shows and has published various albums of his works. Among his most outstanding commitment and contributions to art is his creation in 2003 of the first private museum of visual arts in Iran. The Meshkinfam Museum is in his home town of Shiraz and his joint recent volume with AUK's Professor of International Studies Dr. Gholam Vatandoust titled The Meshkinfam Museum of Art: The First Private Museum of Visual Arts in Iran is a tribute to such an effort.
The highlight of the week is the main lecture on Wednesday February 23 in the AUK Auditorium from 12:30-3 pm where Mr. Meshkinfam will be discussing 'Trends in Persian Art'. This lecture will be open to the public.
Mr. Meshkinfam is a renowned Iranian artist who was educated in Iran and at the Besancon School of Fine Arts in Paris. Since 1981 he has established The Gallery of Modern Art in Shiraz, where he continues to teach painting. His art work and photographs have ornamented numerous national and international galleries. He has also put on display many domestic and international art shows and has published various albums of his works. Among his most outstanding commitment and contributions to art is his creation in 2003 of the first private museum of visual arts in Iran. The Meshkinfam Museum is in his home town of Shiraz and his joint recent volume with AUK's Professor of International Studies Dr. Gholam Vatandoust titled The Meshkinfam Museum of Art: The First Private Museum of Visual Arts in Iran is a tribute to such an effort.
Mr. Hassan Meshkinfam
Click on the image for a PDF download
15, Feb 2011
AUK's Hope Club Hold 'Service is My Joy' Program
The American University of Kuwait's Hope Club organized its second major event on February 6-10, 2011. The four day volunteering program "Service is My Joy" involved helping out various hospitals and handicapped centers across Kuwait. The program was organized in association with Lothan Youth Achievement Center (LOYAC), it aimed at serving, entertaining, and socializing with children and handicapped members of our society.
"Service is My Joy" gave 15 AUK students the opportunity to visit four hospitals; Ibn-seena, Al-Razi, Al-Sabah NBK Pediatrics, Ameeri Hospital, as well as the Handicapped Center. This program was created to offer students the opportunity to volunteer and experience the joy of working with others. The students spent three hours each day with different less-fortuned members of our society. They assisted a wide range of people from children to 30 year olds.
AUK students who participated include Ossamah Farah, Razan Farhat, Rana Abdelhamid, Mohammad Nedal, Halimah El-Husari, Mohammad Abu Mazzen, Nour Jaber, Rand Dannan, Lamiya Baz, Dana Bandar, El-Hussain Berchan, Sara Qadura and Sarah Raji. The Program was organized under the supervision of the Office of Student Life's Student Engagement Officer Ayman Shouman, who is also the Club Advisor.
LOYAC offered two programs; one program with Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) - which dealt with young children who suffered from various illnesses, the other program with the Kuwait Handicapped Center.
These programs aimed at helping establish a bond between AUK members, and people in need. AUK student El-Hussain Berchan said of the experience, "Being with special people like them, made us realize that giving can be in tiny things and that even a smile was enough to make them happy and this was what the volunteering experience was all about."
On February 11th, the Hope Club organized a "Fun Day" as a concluding ceremonial of the program hosted at the Kuwait Handicapped Center. Hope Club members, handicapped residents and staff enjoyed a day of leisure activities and fun games in a joyful atmosphere. All individuals joined to celebrate and enjoy the wonderful event, and the true meaning of volunteering was experienced by AUK students.
"Service is My Joy" gave 15 AUK students the opportunity to visit four hospitals; Ibn-seena, Al-Razi, Al-Sabah NBK Pediatrics, Ameeri Hospital, as well as the Handicapped Center. This program was created to offer students the opportunity to volunteer and experience the joy of working with others. The students spent three hours each day with different less-fortuned members of our society. They assisted a wide range of people from children to 30 year olds.
AUK students who participated include Ossamah Farah, Razan Farhat, Rana Abdelhamid, Mohammad Nedal, Halimah El-Husari, Mohammad Abu Mazzen, Nour Jaber, Rand Dannan, Lamiya Baz, Dana Bandar, El-Hussain Berchan, Sara Qadura and Sarah Raji. The Program was organized under the supervision of the Office of Student Life's Student Engagement Officer Ayman Shouman, who is also the Club Advisor.
LOYAC offered two programs; one program with Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) - which dealt with young children who suffered from various illnesses, the other program with the Kuwait Handicapped Center.
These programs aimed at helping establish a bond between AUK members, and people in need. AUK student El-Hussain Berchan said of the experience, "Being with special people like them, made us realize that giving can be in tiny things and that even a smile was enough to make them happy and this was what the volunteering experience was all about."
On February 11th, the Hope Club organized a "Fun Day" as a concluding ceremonial of the program hosted at the Kuwait Handicapped Center. Hope Club members, handicapped residents and staff enjoyed a day of leisure activities and fun games in a joyful atmosphere. All individuals joined to celebrate and enjoy the wonderful event, and the true meaning of volunteering was experienced by AUK students.
Hope Club members organized a fun day at Kuwait Handicapped Center
Group photo of Hope Club members, Kuwait Handicapped Center residents and staff
08, Feb 2011
AUK Awards Third Visiting Faculty Fellowship at Dartmouth
AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson announced the recipient of the third Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship Award on January 25, 2011. Dr. Mohamad Awad, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Division of Sciences and Engineering, will take up his post at Dartmouth College during Summer 2011.
Dr. Awad will work with the Dartmouth Engineering faculty on his research project, "Practical Resource Allocation for Cooperative Wireless Networks". In cooperative networks, wireless devices (e.g., cellphones, wireless computers, relays, or sensors) cooperate to relay services such as video, voice and data to other wireless devices in poor wireless coverage areas. Cooperative networks provide a low cost and fast deployment solution for extending wireless coverage to deserts and offshore oil/gas platforms. In addition, it is all-wireless which makes it ideal for network disaster recovery. The ultimate question behind Dr. Awad's research is: Given any implementation scenario of cooperative wireless networks with largely unknown dynamics, what is the optimal resource allocation? In particular, he is interested in providing practical algorithms with strong theoretical guarantees for this research problem. This award gives Dr. Awad access to a state of the art research facility, collaboration opportunity with one of the world's leading research groups in the field, and Dartmouth's library that is one of leading research libraries in the US. AUK provides the recipient with generous funds required for the completion of this research project at Dartmouth.
President Thompson thanked all the applicants and wished them success in their research pursuits. The fellowship competition is open to AUK faculty members conducting research that can be facilitated by access to Dartmouth's libraries and museum collections, or to senior administrators pursuing professional development projects that can be guided by Dartmouth mentors.
The selection criteria included the proposal's promise of research outcomes or professional development, alignment with the Strategic Planning Goals of AUK, a project timeline, and appropriate use of Dartmouth resources.
Dr. Awad will work with the Dartmouth Engineering faculty on his research project, "Practical Resource Allocation for Cooperative Wireless Networks". In cooperative networks, wireless devices (e.g., cellphones, wireless computers, relays, or sensors) cooperate to relay services such as video, voice and data to other wireless devices in poor wireless coverage areas. Cooperative networks provide a low cost and fast deployment solution for extending wireless coverage to deserts and offshore oil/gas platforms. In addition, it is all-wireless which makes it ideal for network disaster recovery. The ultimate question behind Dr. Awad's research is: Given any implementation scenario of cooperative wireless networks with largely unknown dynamics, what is the optimal resource allocation? In particular, he is interested in providing practical algorithms with strong theoretical guarantees for this research problem. This award gives Dr. Awad access to a state of the art research facility, collaboration opportunity with one of the world's leading research groups in the field, and Dartmouth's library that is one of leading research libraries in the US. AUK provides the recipient with generous funds required for the completion of this research project at Dartmouth.
President Thompson thanked all the applicants and wished them success in their research pursuits. The fellowship competition is open to AUK faculty members conducting research that can be facilitated by access to Dartmouth's libraries and museum collections, or to senior administrators pursuing professional development projects that can be guided by Dartmouth mentors.
The selection criteria included the proposal's promise of research outcomes or professional development, alignment with the Strategic Planning Goals of AUK, a project timeline, and appropriate use of Dartmouth resources.
Dr. Mohamad Awad
