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The ceremony hosted a number of keynote addresses regarding AUK's Motto Learn...Think...Become... These keynote addresses were given by AUK President Winfred Thompson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross. In addition, members of the Dean's Council and Faculty and a student leader were part of the ceremony and each represented and described key components and symbols representative of AUK including, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors. The AUK Seal, as the significant symbol of the University, was described in even more detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including a Book, the Dhow, a Falcon, and the Torch. The ceremony concluded with the representation of the Torch, which stands for freedom and the passing of the light of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next, and a candle lighting ceremony was held with AUK's First Year students participating.
The Convocation Ceremony served as the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week Festivities mainly catering to First Year students. During this week, many events were put on to welcome all students to campus including a Welcome Back Barbeque and a Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings including Convocation, "Meet Your Professor" Reception, Class Photo, and an off-campus event. This program promotes the unity of the AUK community and helps students in their transition into University life at AUK.
Dr. Sullivan then gave his heartfelt farewell speech where he thanked faculty and staff for making him feel welcome in Kuwait. Dr. Sullivan announced that although he will be leaving AUK as Interim President he has accepted an invitation to become a board member and so will remain as part of the AUK family.
The Kuwait Science Fair, the largest science competition founded by ExxonMobil Kuwait and Kuwait Energy, launched today the competition in its third run with continued support from the public and private sectors, to generate student interest and excitement in math and science and help inspire the scientists and innovators of tomorrow.
The third annual Kuwait Science Fair competition is endorsed by HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Minister of Oil, Minister of Information, and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, for the third year in a row. Supporting the competition for the first time, HE the US Ambassador to Kuwait, Mrs. Deborah Jones, joined as its leading chief ambassador to support the efforts of the competition at large.
Following two consecutive and successful years, the founders of the Kuwait Science Fair are joined by returning sponsors as well as new partners:
Platinum sponsors for the second year in a row:
• Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC)
• Kuwait United Facilities Management Company (KUFM)
Gold sponsors:
• Information Technology Institute (ITI)
Silver sponsors:
• The Scientific Center
• Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
• Asnan Clinic
Partners:
• American University of Kuwait (AUK)
• Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS)
• Schlumberger Kuwait
• Arab International Industrial Projects Company (AIIP)
HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said: "The Kuwait Science Fair continues to encourage students to innovate in math and science, engages them to learn and explore science fields and to apply what they have learned at school under the supervision of the Kuwait Science Fair team of professionals. We look forward to the participation of more students this year and we hope to see these talented students excel in math and science on an international level."
HE The US Ambassador to Kuwait, Mrs. Deborah Jones, said: "The Kuwait Science Fair competition was founded on the vision of encouragement and support to engage students in science and math fields. The competition inspired many students looking forward to becoming innovators in fields of their interest. I've personally witnessed the excitement and anxiousness of these students as winners were announced last March. Many great and innovative projects were honored and recognized and many more were exhibited, showing that these students can excel and give their best when given the opportunity. Students will take our place in the world tomorrow, so it is important that we provide them with a platform to discover innovative solutions, and an opportunity to make their mark. I am proud to be a chief ambassador to the Kuwait Science Fair and I also look forward to support students in their journey to become the scientists of tomorrow."
The Kuwait Science Fair activities:
The third Kuwait Science Fair competition will launch on October 10th, with a continued commitment to encouraging students from over 150 schools in Kuwait to innovate in math and science and to pursue careers in these fields.
ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Kuwait Limited President, Mr. John Hoholick, said: "We launch another great and exciting competition this year, encouraging students to discover fields that witness a decrease in the number of professionals internationally. Back in 2008, ExxonMobil Kuwait and Kuwait Energy came together in a shared commitment to generate student interest in math and science and to encourage them to pursue careers in them. Our mission is to encourage each talented student to get excited about science and mathematics and pursue a long, exciting and rewarding career. What we've seen over the years is proof that students in Kuwait have great ambition and talent, and we need to encourage them to pursue and develop them. These students will be the future innovators of solutions to challenges we face today, and may face tomorrow. We look forward to another science adventure with students and we thank our partners for the support they continue to lend us."
The five-month-long competition, held in both Arabic and English, is divided into two phases: a registration phase and an experimental phase.
The registration phase starts with direct school visits, registration points, and one-on-one student sessions to help guide students through their application process, and the development of ideas for their experiments. After an initial review, the experimental phase starts with the "Best 100" projects continuing the development of their experiments and inventions until the final competition day. During the final days of the competition, projects are assessed by a judging panel comprising engineers, doctors, and science experts from Kuwait's most reputable organizations. Winners are finally announced in the final event ceremony.
Valuable prizes to excelling students:
This year, winners will be categorized by ranking, best in a category and special prizes winners. The first prize winner will receive a full scholarship in the bachelor degree of choice from the American University of Kuwait. AUK is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. AUK and its Ivy League partner Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire (USA) have worked closley together since 2003, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
AUK President, Dr. Winfred Thompson said: "The Kuwait Science Fair is one of the few initiatives that unite students and schools from across Kuwait to excel in math and science. We are glad to present the first prize winner with a full scholarship to complete his, her, or their bachelor degree in one of the leading higher education institutions in Kuwait. We look forward to welcoming the most innovative and brilliant student or students to our university."
The first and second prize winners will also receive an internship opportunity at Schlumberger, the leading oilfield services and technology companies in the world. The first prize winner will have an opportunity to choose from over 50 locations from around the world to complete the internship.
The best projects in each of the four Kuwait Science Fair categories, namely biology, physics, earth studies and environmental studies, will also be awarded.
The Arabic International Industrial Projects (AIIP) will be presenting a cash prize of KD650 to the student with the most creative project in the environmental science field, and KD450 to each student with the most creative project in the physics, biology, and earth science fields.
Registration: The Kuwait Science Fair competition is open to all students in Kuwait between seventh and twelfth grade. Joining can be done online through www.best100.org starting October 10th. The Kuwait Science Fair team will visit schools across Kuwait, welcome students who wish to participate at the official KSF booth in the Marina Mall and can be contacted on the KSF hotline - number found on the website.
Christina Chen, hailing from Irvine, California, is currently in her second year at Dartmouth College. Majoring in Economics modified with Environmental Studies, she is particularly interested in resource management, and the improvement of such to lessen world conflict. This trip to the Middle East offers her a chance to learn about the integral roles natural resources play in some economies, and the effect a depletion of such would have on a country. At Dartmouth, Christina participates in the World Music Percussion Ensemble and studies classical piano independently. Her interests include microfinance and sustainability, thus she participates in Dartmouth's Social Enterprise and Economic Society's Consulting Group and the Environmental Conservation Organization. Christina's trip to Kuwait is an introduction to the region, and area she hopes to have a more permanent connection with in the future.
The gathering was attended by AUK faculty and staff and their families who welcomed new AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson.
Higher education of Kuwait Science Fair first prize winner, fully covered
The Kuwait Science Fair, the largest science competition in Kuwait, today announced that the American University of Kuwait (AUK) will grant the first place winner(s) with the best science project in the competition, a scholarship in their desired field of study.
AUK joins the founders of the competition, ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Kuwait Limited and Kuwait Energy in its effort to empower young students in public and private schools across Kuwait to explore and innovate in the fields of math and science.
The competition, endorsed by the Minister of Oil, Information and Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, will launch its third consecutive year in October 2010 compelling students to pursue future careers in related professions.
AUK President, Dr. Winfred Thompson said: "We are very pleased to have joined the Kuwait Science Fair competition this year. This competition is one of the only - if not the only - competition that engages all students across the country in an educational experience outside school parameters. We are delighted to take part in the Kuwait Science Fair to support Kuwait's young minds in their pursuit towards scientific innovation. We look forward to welcoming young winners inside our classrooms."
The Kuwait Science Fair Managing Director, Ms. Aseel Al-Turkait said: "The American University of Kuwait is one of the most renowned universities in Kuwait, set apart by its science programs such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information System. For that, we extend our deepest gratitude to AUK for providing the first place winner of the Kuwait Science Fair with a full scholarship and an opportunity to continue their education in a reputed university."
The Kuwait Science Fair competition extends over five months and will be divided into two cycles. The first cycle comprises two months consisting of daily visits by the KSF team to public and private schools in Kuwait and a permanent KSF booth at the Marina Mall to encourage students to take part in the competition and help them present their applications.
In its second cycle, the "Best 100" projects will continue in the competition and will start developing their ideas into experimental projects, which will be showcased to a set of judges and experts.
In its second year ending March 2009, more than 220 students from 46 public and private schools in Kuwait competed in the Kuwait Science Fair. The first place winner received a scholarship in the discipline of her choice from the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), in addition to KD750 in cash, as well as an internship at Schlumberger. The winner's school also received a computer lab from Schlumberger and was admitted into Schlumberger's Excellence in Educational Development program (SEED), which works to educate students on global issues influencing their future.
AUK is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. AUK and its Ivy League partner Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire (USA) have worked closley together since 2003, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Katie Mitchell is a graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership Masters program at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Additionally, she serves in a professional capacity as the Assistant Director in the Office of Admissions at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Katie earned her Bachelor of University Studies degree from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo in 2005, with concentrations in psychology and communications. As an undergraduate student, Katie worked in the NDSU Admissions Office as a student worker, was selected as the student intern, and took a semester off to travel around North Dakota, Montana and South Dakota as an admissions representative. After graduation, she worked for two years as an admissions counselor at NDSU, before taking a position at Colorado State University (CSU) as an Assistant Director in charge of scholar outreach, scholarships and high ability recruitment. She enjoys working with students and their families as they navigate through the college selection process, as well as working with budgets, financial allocations and scholarship processes. Katie also is looking for ways to help train and develop new admission counselors at CSU and within the profession.
Katie enjoys the expertise of her professors, interacting with colleagues, and continues to enhance her career every chance she gets being recently elected as the University Representative on the executive board of the Colorado Council for High School and College Relations. In her spare time, Katie pursues her interests of reading, attending live music events, enjoying the Rocky Mountains and spending time with family.
Allison (Ally) Fox is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Student Affairs Administration at Michigan State University. There, she serves as a Career Advisor at MSU's business school, works in their International Student Office, and teaches two seminar classes to business students. She recently entered the field of student affairs after working in business for five years, and refining her professional aspirations. Ally enjoyed her previous work in human resources and in finance, but found that while she liked the advising aspects of her jobs, she didn't find the subject matter fulfilling. Ally finds re-entering academia to be incredibly rewarding, and ultimately hopes to find work in international education, helping facilitate experiential learning opportunities for students.
Ally did her undergraduate work at Kalamazoo College, a small liberal arts school in southwest Michigan where 90% of students study abroad. She spent seven months studying and working in Germany, and the international focus of her undergraduate institution helped clarify her interest in global education. She has also been significantly involved in outdoor experiential learning, serving as a leader for the National Outdoor Leadership School and for Kalamazoo College's LandSea program, a wilderness orientation program for incoming students. Ally's personal interests include travel, backpacking, volleyball and other games.
Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim met with AUK's newly appointed President Winfred "Win" Thompson on July 29. The two presidents compared notes on the challenges - and the rewards - of leading university communities, and talked about the global nature of higher education in the 21st Century.
Thompson, and his wife Carmen, were hosted by Dartmouth-AUK Project Relationship Coordinator Dale F. Eickelman and Executive Director Laurel Stavis during their three day Dartmouth visit (July 28-30). While on campus, they met with senior university officials, including Provost Carol Folt, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Michael Mastanduno, Associate Dean for International and Interdisciplinary Studies Lindsay Whaley, General Counsel Robert Donin, Dean of Libraries Jeffrey Horrell, and George Cybenko, Professor of Engineering at Thayer School of Engineering. Cybenko hosted AUK Fellow and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Amir Zeid in a Thayer School of Engineering research group from June through early August.
"It was a wonderful opportunity to visit AUK's partner institution," Thompson said, "and to speak with so many of the people who have been working with us since the beginning. I was pleased to learn more about the extent of collaboration between our two institutions and delighted to know how much Dartmouth values its relationship with AUK."
Thompson was appointed the fourth President of the American University of Kuwait after a rigorous international search. Previously Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (2002-2008) and President of the University of Central Arkansas (1988-2001), he is completing a temporary post as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul. Thompson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in history from the University of Chicago and J.D and LL.M degrees from George Washington University. He assumes the AUK presidency on September 1, 2010.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) and Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire (USA), have worked closely together since 2003, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding that facilitated a series of advisory, consultative, and cooperative projects. That initial agreement was renewed in June 2008 to extend through 2013. The two institutions share a commitment to excellence in higher learning, and the agreement between them reflects AUK's growing stature as a premier academic institution in the Gulf region and beyond. With its deep and historic commitment to the liberal arts, Dartmouth recognizes the importance of AUK's mission and works to support the University as it develops a superlative education, based on the principles of critical inquiry, mastery of subject material, depth of curriculum, and a vibrant, out of the classroom experience.
Carol Folt, Dartmouth Provost, and Winfred Thompson, President of AUK
Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim, AUK President Winfred Thompson,
Dartmouth-AUK Relationship Coordinator Dale F. Eickelman, Dartmouth-AUK Project Executive Director Laurel Stavis
Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim, AUK President Winfred Thompson
Dartmouth Associate Dean for International and Interdisciplinary Studies Lindsay Whaley, Dartmouth-AUK Project Executive Director Laurel Stavis, Dartmouth Provost Carol Folt, Dartmouth-AUK Relationship Coordinator Dale F. Eickelman
Courtesy Dartmouth College
American University of Kuwait Chair of the Board of Trustees Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah announced today that the Presidential Search Committee has completed their search for a new AUK president. Dr. Winfred Thompson will begin his tenure as AUK's fourth President starting September 2010. The Presidential Search Committee, which included two members from AUK's American Partner, Dartmouth College, worked diligently to move this process forward, in conjunction with Isaacson, Miller, an internationally known executive search firm specializing in higher education. Dr. Thompson, most recently Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, comes to AUK with a wealth of experience both in the United States as well as the Middle East. He served as Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) for six years. During his time at AUS Dr. Thompson oversaw faculty recruitment, accreditation, initiation of several degree programs, as well as academic and administrative policies and procedures. AUK Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan said, "I am delighted that Dr. Win Thompson has been selected to serve as the new President of the American University of Kuwait. Dr. Thompson is a tested academic leader and will bring the full range of his experience to this fine young university. It is AUK's good fortune that he is ready, willing and able to serve as the University's next President. In the short time I have been here I have come to love this University, and I am very comfortable leaving it in his very capable hands."
Before becoming Chancellor of AUS, Dr. Thompson held a number of increasingly responsible leadership posts in the United States, as chief development officer, chief financial officer, and finally as President of the University of Central Arkansas for thirteen years. He began his career in government service at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. He also served as legislative assistant to a Member of Congress and in the Department of Labor. For a brief period, he was engaged in the private practice of law in Arkansas. Dr. Thompson said, "During my visits to the AUK campus, I was impressed by the strong commitment to the institution on the part of the Board of Trustees, the faculty and the staff. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the university at this critical stage of its growth and development, and my wife and I very much look forward to living and working once again in the Gulf Region. One of the most important tasks facing AUK is to earn accreditation and as part of the accreditation process we will necessarily refine and enhance the mission of the university. I expect this to be a challenging and very rewarding time for the entire university community."
Sheikha Dana thanked Dr. Sullivan for his invaluable time and effort in his short stay at AUK where his guidance and experience has helped the University move forward while in this transitional period.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural, and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. Established by Amiri Decree 139 in 2003, AUK was accredited in 2006 and re-accredited in 2008, by the Private Universities Council, Ministry of Higher Education - State of Kuwait.
Founded in 1982 Isaacson, Miller is an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations, including institutions of higher education. Isaacson, Miller has successfully engaged in several prominent searches for presidents of leading universities in the United States and worldwide, including Dartmouth College, Gallaudet University, the University of Pennsylvania, Williams College, Central European University and the American University of Bulgaria. Other, non-university clients include the Smithsonian Institution, Amnesty International, the Ford Foundation, and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Tim McFeeley and Sean Farrell led the AUK Presidential search for the firm.
Released by the PR & Marketing Department on the 18th July 2010
Photography by the AUK Public Relations & Marketing Department (C)2010
In his opening remarks Dr. Sullivan reminded everyone that life after AUK is only the beginning. "Graduation signifies that students have completed an important phase of their formal education. Graduation ceremonies are also referred to as commencement exercises, signifying that they are also commencing or starting a new phase of life, the life of educated men and women. Tonight marks a beginning even more than it marks an ending." Dr. Sullivan continued by reflecting the hopes of all AUK faculty and staff that, "As students leave us, we want them to become leaders in their professional lives and also in the countries and communities in which they will live and work."
The President then introduced the keynote speaker MP Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi, one of the first female Parliamentarians. During her tenure as of yet, she has made numerous efforts in restructuring and reassessing the education sector in Kuwait. Prior to entering the world of politics Dr. Al-Awadhi served as Professor of Philosophy at Kuwait University. She spoke of her career and the challenges she faces and continues to face as an edcuator and a politician. Dr. Al-Awadhi ended her speech by imparting valuable advice to the Class of 2010 saying, "Please take time to have some fun, but when the fun is over think about what lays ahead. Set your goals and achieve them, only then will you succeed and only then will you be happy."
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Hamzeh recommended the conferral of degrees to President Sullivan who then conferred upon the 350 graduates their respective degrees. Graduates were then presented with their bachelor's degree diploma by President Sullivan, Dr. Aseel Al-Awadhi and Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and in keeping with the academic tradition, the graduates were asked to move their tassels from right to left, thereby marking their official graduation from AUK.
Class of 2010 Valedictorian, Nuha Al-Fadli, rose to the podium to deliver her speech, which was both inspiring and encouraging. She spoke of the power of knowledge saying, "While individuality can lead to success, alone, it cannot become a potent instrument for growth and advancement. However, when fortified with knowledge, experience and wisdom, individuals become the driving force for social transformation. Knowledge is a cornerstone of human development and a means of expanding people's choices and capabilities." Nuha also thanked AUK and the AUK faculty for their dedication, inspiration and for acting as mentors in this stage of the graduates' development. She emphasized the important role she and her fellow graduates must play in society. "Fortified with the real meaning behind our education at AUK, the Class of 2010 is prepared to assume an active role in our society. The most significant message we learned at university is the importance of civic involvement."
Nuha is graduating with a BA degree in English and a minor in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and has earned the highest cumulative grade point average of this graduating class. Nuha is planning to pursue graduate studies in the field of comparative literature in the United States. She aspires to teach comparative literature at a college level, and commit herself toward research and publication in that field.
The end of the ceremony was marked by the traditional cutting of the Class of 2010 cake, and professional photography was provided for all graduates and their families and friends.
