News
04, Feb 2010
AUK Hosts Graphic Design Exhibition
The American University of Kuwait's Graphic Design Senior Thesis Exhibition held its Opening Reception on Saturday, January 23rd whereby senior graphic design students displayed their work for the public. The goal of the exhibit was to broaden the reach of the effects and beauty of this undervalued art and have students express what they learned from their experiences. Professor Marcella Kulchitsky, Instructor of the senior design portfolio class, said that students were required to create completely new projects for themselves. She said that they had to produce a project about something they are passionate about and research new topics instead of using old subjects. She continued by saying the project had to present a clear meaning to the public as a form of visual communication, not just a type of advertising language. Graphic design is a broad field and can be invested in greatly with great benefit by any company that wants to rebrand or introduce a new product or idea she concluded. The three students whose work was displayed are Rasha Al-Najar, Amina Al-Azabi and Fajer Khaled.
Senior student Rasha Al-Najar said the project's theme was the number seven, but that it was also an independent study. Students had to work on their own project and the instructor was available for supervision and guidance. Al-Najar expressed her thoughts on the number seven by using the seven colors of the rainbow in a walk through display. Her exhibit captures every color and its relationship with each consecutive color. She added that the art of graphic design is getting more acceptance now than ever before and that job openings seem promising.
Amina Al-Azabi said that she is looking forward to graduating from the graphic design program in a couple of days, adding that what she learned in her classes will stay with her for a long time. Her project took three months and features a simple and elegant interactive method of accumulating visual communication. Her project presents a sarcastic, yet effective solutions to the seven most pressing pollution problems facing our world today.
At the end of the exhibition, both the students and their professors agreed that visual communication and graphic design are strong tools of communication that affects us daily. Kuwait has yet to grasp the true abilities of this field but is well on its way.
By: Abdulla Al-Qattan
Article Courtesy of Kuwait Times
Senior student Rasha Al-Najar said the project's theme was the number seven, but that it was also an independent study. Students had to work on their own project and the instructor was available for supervision and guidance. Al-Najar expressed her thoughts on the number seven by using the seven colors of the rainbow in a walk through display. Her exhibit captures every color and its relationship with each consecutive color. She added that the art of graphic design is getting more acceptance now than ever before and that job openings seem promising.
Amina Al-Azabi said that she is looking forward to graduating from the graphic design program in a couple of days, adding that what she learned in her classes will stay with her for a long time. Her project took three months and features a simple and elegant interactive method of accumulating visual communication. Her project presents a sarcastic, yet effective solutions to the seven most pressing pollution problems facing our world today.
At the end of the exhibition, both the students and their professors agreed that visual communication and graphic design are strong tools of communication that affects us daily. Kuwait has yet to grasp the true abilities of this field but is well on its way.
By: Abdulla Al-Qattan
Article Courtesy of Kuwait Times
Senior student Rasha Al-Najar & her project
Rasha Al-Najar, Amina Al-Azabi with Professor Marcella Kulchitsky
Fajer Khaled and her project
More images from the exhibition "7"
31, Jan 2010
AUK's Fulbrighters
The Gulf Studies Center at AUK is hosting all of the Fulbrighters to Kuwait. The Fulbright program is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced academic research and university teaching. There are two Fulbright Students, Anne Hamilton and Jessica Cussano.
Anne Hamilton
Anne Hamilton is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until October 2010. Anne also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Northeast Thailand from 2003-2006 as a development consultant. In the summer of 2007, Anne received a research grant to work as a consultant to Al-Zahraa Women's Organization in Sakhnin. She holds an MA in Comparative Studies from American University in Washington, D.C. She is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.
Anne's research focus is the political development of Kuwait, in particular, the evolution of the interpellation (istajwab) process as a democratic mechanism by which the National Assembly is able to check executive authority. Her research asks how has the interpellation process evolved overtime and what are the main impediments to its full functioning as a democratic mechanism? She is concerned that little attention has been paid to analyzing successful quasi-democratic experiments in the Middle East, such as that of Kuwait, and that "democracy" is defined too narrowly in U.S. policy circles. Upon her return to the U.S., Anne plans to work in Washington as a consultant for the Democracy and Governance arm of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Jessica Cussano
Jessica Cussano is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until October 2010. Anne was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Boston College in May 2009 with a BA in Islamic Civilizations and Societies. Jessica studied abroad at the American University of Cairo 2007-2008 academic year and received a Critical Language Enhancement Award from the US State Department to study Arabic in Jordan in Fall 2009.
Jessica's research is on the role of the four recently elected women in Parliament and the effects of the women's subcommittee in the Parliament. She is also interested in studying the reaction to the four female members' participation in Parliament from other members.
During the Fall semester, the GSC hosted a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Souad Ali, and three Fulbright Students; Justin Dargin, Ayesha Bakali and Christina Koningisor.
Dr. Souad Ali
Dr. Souad Ali is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar based at the American University of Kuwait until June 2010. She is Head of Classics and Middle Studies, Professor of Arabic, Middle East & Islamic Studies in the School of International Letters and Cultures at Arizona State University. She is currently a Fulbright Scholar conducting research and lecturing "Arab Society and Culture". One of her publications include her recent book, A Religion, Not A State: Ali 'Abd al-Raziq's Islamic Justification of Political Secularism (University of Utah Press, 2009).
Justin Dargin
Justin Dargin is a Research Fellow with The Dubai Initiative and a Fulbright Scholar of the Middle East. Justin joined AUK in July and stayed until August, 2009. He is a specialist in International Law and Energy Law, and a prolific author on energy affairs. He specializes in carbon trading, the global oil and gas market, the legal framework surrounding the Gulf energy sector, and Middle Eastern geopolitics. He is the author of "The Dolphin Project: The Development of a Gulf Gas Initiative" (OIES Press Jan. 2008), and the author of a forthcoming book, entitled "Desert Dreams: The Quest for Gulf Integration from the Arab Revolt to the Gulf Cooperation Council" (forthcoming early 2010).
Ayesha Bakali
Ayesha Bakali is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until April 2010. Ayesha graduated from Georgetown University in 2008, earning a B.A. in Arabic & Islamic Studies. Her research focuses on Kuwait's awqaf system, the traditional Islamic endowment system, which once played a major contributing role to societies in early Islamic Civilization. She is interested in how awqaf systems developed vibrant civil societies and supported various institutions such as schools, mosques, hospitals, orphanages, etc. from all major sectors of society.
Christina Koningisor
Christina Koningisor is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until June 2010. She graduated in May, 2007 from Brown University, where she majored in International Relations. Christina is currently working on a research project investigating the political role of women in Kuwait, focusing more specifically on the way in which recent legislative advances have affected perceptions of women as both voters and political leaders.
Anne Hamilton
Anne Hamilton is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until October 2010. Anne also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Northeast Thailand from 2003-2006 as a development consultant. In the summer of 2007, Anne received a research grant to work as a consultant to Al-Zahraa Women's Organization in Sakhnin. She holds an MA in Comparative Studies from American University in Washington, D.C. She is originally from Memphis, Tennessee.
Anne's research focus is the political development of Kuwait, in particular, the evolution of the interpellation (istajwab) process as a democratic mechanism by which the National Assembly is able to check executive authority. Her research asks how has the interpellation process evolved overtime and what are the main impediments to its full functioning as a democratic mechanism? She is concerned that little attention has been paid to analyzing successful quasi-democratic experiments in the Middle East, such as that of Kuwait, and that "democracy" is defined too narrowly in U.S. policy circles. Upon her return to the U.S., Anne plans to work in Washington as a consultant for the Democracy and Governance arm of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Jessica Cussano
Jessica Cussano is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until October 2010. Anne was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Boston College in May 2009 with a BA in Islamic Civilizations and Societies. Jessica studied abroad at the American University of Cairo 2007-2008 academic year and received a Critical Language Enhancement Award from the US State Department to study Arabic in Jordan in Fall 2009.
Jessica's research is on the role of the four recently elected women in Parliament and the effects of the women's subcommittee in the Parliament. She is also interested in studying the reaction to the four female members' participation in Parliament from other members.
During the Fall semester, the GSC hosted a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Souad Ali, and three Fulbright Students; Justin Dargin, Ayesha Bakali and Christina Koningisor.
Dr. Souad Ali
Dr. Souad Ali is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar based at the American University of Kuwait until June 2010. She is Head of Classics and Middle Studies, Professor of Arabic, Middle East & Islamic Studies in the School of International Letters and Cultures at Arizona State University. She is currently a Fulbright Scholar conducting research and lecturing "Arab Society and Culture". One of her publications include her recent book, A Religion, Not A State: Ali 'Abd al-Raziq's Islamic Justification of Political Secularism (University of Utah Press, 2009).
Justin Dargin
Justin Dargin is a Research Fellow with The Dubai Initiative and a Fulbright Scholar of the Middle East. Justin joined AUK in July and stayed until August, 2009. He is a specialist in International Law and Energy Law, and a prolific author on energy affairs. He specializes in carbon trading, the global oil and gas market, the legal framework surrounding the Gulf energy sector, and Middle Eastern geopolitics. He is the author of "The Dolphin Project: The Development of a Gulf Gas Initiative" (OIES Press Jan. 2008), and the author of a forthcoming book, entitled "Desert Dreams: The Quest for Gulf Integration from the Arab Revolt to the Gulf Cooperation Council" (forthcoming early 2010).
Ayesha Bakali
Ayesha Bakali is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until April 2010. Ayesha graduated from Georgetown University in 2008, earning a B.A. in Arabic & Islamic Studies. Her research focuses on Kuwait's awqaf system, the traditional Islamic endowment system, which once played a major contributing role to societies in early Islamic Civilization. She is interested in how awqaf systems developed vibrant civil societies and supported various institutions such as schools, mosques, hospitals, orphanages, etc. from all major sectors of society.
Christina Koningisor
Christina Koningisor is a U.S. Fulbright Fellow based at the American University of Kuwait until June 2010. She graduated in May, 2007 from Brown University, where she majored in International Relations. Christina is currently working on a research project investigating the political role of women in Kuwait, focusing more specifically on the way in which recent legislative advances have affected perceptions of women as both voters and political leaders.
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20, Jan 2010
Spanish Embassy Donates to AUK Library
The American University of Kuwait held a special event on Sunday, January 17, where the Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait, his Excellency Manuel Gomez de Valenzuela, in conjunction with the Spanish Ministry of Education, kindly donated a collection of Spanish books to the AUK library. The selection ranged from geography and history books, to masterpieces of Spanish literature.
Students, faculty and staff will benefit from the books' inclusion in the growing library collection and most importantly, these texts will encourage the growing interest at AUK in the language and culture of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.
The event was attended by AUK President, Dr. Tim Sullivan, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, the Director of the Library, Mrs. Amna Al Omare, the Spanish instructors Florence Gillier-Pagenaud and Teresa De Quesada as well as a number of faculty and staff of the AUK community.
Students, faculty and staff will benefit from the books' inclusion in the growing library collection and most importantly, these texts will encourage the growing interest at AUK in the language and culture of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.
The event was attended by AUK President, Dr. Tim Sullivan, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, the Director of the Library, Mrs. Amna Al Omare, the Spanish instructors Florence Gillier-Pagenaud and Teresa De Quesada as well as a number of faculty and staff of the AUK community.
Students, faculty and staff attended the event
Left to Right: Mrs. Amna Al Omare, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Spanish Ambassador to Kuwait, his Excellency Manuel Gomez de Valenzuela, Dr. Tim Sullivan, Miss Florence Gillier-Pagenaud and Miss Teresa De Quesada
17, Jan 2010
La Francophonie at AUK
AUK's Instructor of French Language, Joseph Fiannaca, and his students organized an event titled La Francophonie on January 14th, 2010 from 2 pm -5 pm at AUK's multipurpose room and the auditorium.
The aim was to give students the opportunity to practice French outside of the classroom with guests from francophone countries, and also to promote the French language and francophone cultures.
The event included a speech by the Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy, video presentations showing the influence of French cultural trademarks in Kuwaiti society, a poem recital, a French cultural quiz and an exhibition of Francophone countries. Even though most students are beginners in the French language, they put lots of effort, enthusiasm and creativity into making the exhibition interesting and entertaining. They wore traditional costumes, offered food samples, informed visitors on tourist sites and presented famous people from francophone countries.
La Francophonie usually refers to a group of people who speak French. It is also an international organization known as the OIF, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, composed of 63 states and governments where French is the mother or customary language, where a significant proportion of people are francophones (French speakers) and where there is a notable affiliation with the French language or culture. Every year in March, the OIF organizes an international day called La journee de la Francophonie to celebrate the French language. Last year the official celebration was held in Beirut.
For more information please contact Joseph Fiannaca at:
Tel: (965) 1802040 Ext. 414
Fax: (965) 2573 7039
E-mail: jfiannaca@auk.edu.kw
Useful Links:
www.francophonie.org
www.TV5.org
www.France24.org
The aim was to give students the opportunity to practice French outside of the classroom with guests from francophone countries, and also to promote the French language and francophone cultures.
The event included a speech by the Cultural Counselor of the French Embassy, video presentations showing the influence of French cultural trademarks in Kuwaiti society, a poem recital, a French cultural quiz and an exhibition of Francophone countries. Even though most students are beginners in the French language, they put lots of effort, enthusiasm and creativity into making the exhibition interesting and entertaining. They wore traditional costumes, offered food samples, informed visitors on tourist sites and presented famous people from francophone countries.
La Francophonie usually refers to a group of people who speak French. It is also an international organization known as the OIF, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, composed of 63 states and governments where French is the mother or customary language, where a significant proportion of people are francophones (French speakers) and where there is a notable affiliation with the French language or culture. Every year in March, the OIF organizes an international day called La journee de la Francophonie to celebrate the French language. Last year the official celebration was held in Beirut.
For more information please contact Joseph Fiannaca at:
Tel: (965) 1802040 Ext. 414
Fax: (965) 2573 7039
E-mail: jfiannaca@auk.edu.kw
Useful Links:
www.francophonie.org
www.TV5.org
www.France24.org
Mr Olivier Deseez, the cultural counselor of the French Embassy in Kuwait
Mr Olivier Deseez, Mrs. Farida Omar, attache for academic affairs and Joseph Fiannaca with AUK students at the the exhibition of Francophone countries
AUK's Instructor of French Language, Joseph Fiannaca, and his students
Miss Dominique Mallarde and Mr. Francois Teillet
Images from the exhibition of Francophone countries that was held at the AUK auditorium
13, Jan 2010
Arabian Heritage Project Gives Back to the Community
The Arabian Heritage Project (AHP), in partnership with the Dar Al-Athar Al-Islammiya, presented workshops on traditional Kuwaiti music and dance in December at the Al-Americani Cultural Center. Dozens of young people and children from the community participated as Arabian Heritage Project staff, students, and volunteers, worked with Dr. Lisa Urkevich, the Director of the AHP, to introduce these important age-old customs. The participants learned how to play Kuwaiti sea instruments, how to clap Kuwaiti "sharbuka," the young men danced the traditional "zeffan," and the young women learned about Bedouin celebration practices.
"It was wonderful to take part in teaching Kuwaiti youth and others from a variety of backgrounds about our heritage. This was a new experience for me, and I enjoyed it so much!" said Noura Al-Shaya, one of the workshop leaders who worked closely with the participants. Manwa Yacoub an AHP volunteer concurred, "At first everyone was so shy, but then they came to life and we had so much fun. It was a pleasure for me to be able to help teach about our culture, especially because it was so appreciated." Sara Al-Hobail, added, "Everyone left with a smile. We look forward to helping with future AHP events." For more information, contact Dr. Urkevich at LUrkevich@auk.edu.kw or ArabianHeritage@auk.edu.kw
"It was wonderful to take part in teaching Kuwaiti youth and others from a variety of backgrounds about our heritage. This was a new experience for me, and I enjoyed it so much!" said Noura Al-Shaya, one of the workshop leaders who worked closely with the participants. Manwa Yacoub an AHP volunteer concurred, "At first everyone was so shy, but then they came to life and we had so much fun. It was a pleasure for me to be able to help teach about our culture, especially because it was so appreciated." Sara Al-Hobail, added, "Everyone left with a smile. We look forward to helping with future AHP events." For more information, contact Dr. Urkevich at LUrkevich@auk.edu.kw or ArabianHeritage@auk.edu.kw
Images from the workshops
The team who presented the workshops at Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyya
07, Jan 2010
AUK Welcomes New President
The American University of Kuwait began the New Year by welcoming the new Interim President Dr. Tim Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan came to AUK from the American University of Cairo (AUC) where he served in a wide variety of leadership roles including Provost from 1998 to 2008, and AUC's Acting President in 2001-2002. He is the author or co-author of several books, including The New Dynamics of Multilateralism (forthcoming in 2010 from Westview Press), Social Background and Bureaucratic Behavior in Egypt (American University of Cairo Press, 1990), Women in Egyptian Public Life (Syracuse University Press, 1986), and Women and Work in the Arab World (American University of Cairo Press, 1981). Sullivan's scholarly articles and monographs on a wide range of subjects, including multinational diplomacy and the foreign policy of U.S. President Bill Clinton, gender roles in the Middle East, and the United Nations in the post Cold War era, appear in numerous journals and publications.
AUK has also launched a comprehensive international search for AUK's third president. The search will be conducted with the assistance of Isaacson, Miller (IM), an internationally known executive search firm specializing in higher education and related fields. Dr. Sullivan will serve as interim President of AUK until the Presidential Search Committee locates a suitable candidate.
AUK has also launched a comprehensive international search for AUK's third president. The search will be conducted with the assistance of Isaacson, Miller (IM), an internationally known executive search firm specializing in higher education and related fields. Dr. Sullivan will serve as interim President of AUK until the Presidential Search Committee locates a suitable candidate.
Dr. Tim Sullivan
23, Dec 2009
AUK forms Business Advisory Board
The Business & Economics Division of the American University of Kuwait is honored to announce the formation of a Business Advisory Board.
The Division Advisory Board has been set-up to advise, promote and proactively support the interests of the Business & Economics Division of the American University of Kuwait. The intention is to improve the visibility and enhance the reputation of the Business & Economics Division in the Kuwaiti business community. The Division Advisory Board will help the American University of Kuwait achieve its mission of continuous improvement in providing quality undergraduate and graduate programming, resulting in graduates who possess the skills and abilities needed to excel as a professional in the Kuwaiti business community.
The Members of the Division Advisory Board are:
- Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout, Managing Partner, DLA Piper
- Mr. Tim Bullock, Managing Partner, Deloitte's.
- Mr. Robert Drolet, Senior Vice President, Technology & Media, KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Co.)
- Mr. Andrew Finch, Director Talent Management, Alghanim Industries
- Mr. Alawi Taqi, Chairman and CEO, IMC Co (Member of the KGL Group of Companies)
The Division Advisory Board has been set-up to advise, promote and proactively support the interests of the Business & Economics Division of the American University of Kuwait. The intention is to improve the visibility and enhance the reputation of the Business & Economics Division in the Kuwaiti business community. The Division Advisory Board will help the American University of Kuwait achieve its mission of continuous improvement in providing quality undergraduate and graduate programming, resulting in graduates who possess the skills and abilities needed to excel as a professional in the Kuwaiti business community.
The Members of the Division Advisory Board are:
- Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Yaqout, Managing Partner, DLA Piper
- Mr. Tim Bullock, Managing Partner, Deloitte's.
- Mr. Robert Drolet, Senior Vice President, Technology & Media, KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Co.)
- Mr. Andrew Finch, Director Talent Management, Alghanim Industries
- Mr. Alawi Taqi, Chairman and CEO, IMC Co (Member of the KGL Group of Companies)
A group photo of the attendees
A view of the meeting that was held to announce the formation of the Business Advisory Board
23, Dec 2009
AUK Library Fair
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) Library celebrated the opening of its "AUK Library Fair: Building Information Bridges" at the campus auditorium. The opening ceremony was well attended by the University President, Dr. Marina Tolmacheva, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, faculty, staff and students.
The Book fair, which was organized by the University Library, hosted 19 exhibitors, including international publishers, vendors, local institutions and book distributors.
Dr. Marina Tolmacheva welcomed the participants and guests stressing on the importance of reading and the role of the library in promoting a culture of reading. She donated some of her valuable books to the library. At the end of the opening ceremony, AUK President and the Library Director Ms. Amna Al-Omare thanked the participants and sponsors by handing out appreciation certificates.
The Book fair, which was organized by the University Library, hosted 19 exhibitors, including international publishers, vendors, local institutions and book distributors.
Dr. Marina Tolmacheva welcomed the participants and guests stressing on the importance of reading and the role of the library in promoting a culture of reading. She donated some of her valuable books to the library. At the end of the opening ceremony, AUK President and the Library Director Ms. Amna Al-Omare thanked the participants and sponsors by handing out appreciation certificates.
From left to right: Ms. Amna Al-Omare, Dr. Marina Tolmacheva & Dr. Nizar Hamzeh
The opening ceremony was well attended by faculty, staff and students
15, Dec 2009
Tenth Biannual Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees of the American University of Kuwait met early on Saturday and Sunday the 5th and 6th of December 2009 on the AUK Campus in Salmiya. The Board met to discuss several pressing issues, including the new Presidential Search, program accreditation, end of year academic divisions and departmental reports as well as the Dartmouth-AUK Report.
Official Trustee engagements began early Saturday morning with academic planning and program development, for the new academic year, while reviewing end of the year reports from academic divisions and departments.
On Sunday, December 6, the meeting commenced with the President's State of the University report, followed by the Presidential Search Process, where the Board was updated on the developments taking place in the search. The Board then discussed the logistics of the construction of the new AUK campus in Ardhiya.
Following the Board meeting, AUK President Dr. Marina Tolmacheva was honored by the Chair of the Board of Trustees in a lunch with all faculty and staff. This will be President Marina's last month at AUK and the Chair of the Board, Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah gave a brief speech in honoring the President's commitment and hard work during her tenure.
The Board of Trustees of the American University of Kuwait consists of the following members:
Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
Founder and Chair, Board of Trustees, American University of Kuwait
Chair, United Education Company
Executive Manager, Al-Futooh Investment Company
Board Member, KIPCO Asset Management Company
Mr. Meshal Ali
Co-Founder and Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, American University of Kuwait
CEO, National Offset Company
Mr. Wael Abdul-Ghafoor
Co-Founder, American University of Kuwait
Chair, American School of Kuwait
Mr. Faisal Al-Ayyar
Vice Chairman, Kuwait Projects Company (Holding)
Mr. Jassem Al-Mousa
Vice Chair, Kuwait Financial Center
The Honorable Nabeela Al-Mulla
Honorary Trustee
Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Belgium
Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Head of Mission of the State of Kuwait to the European Union
Jawad Behbehani, DMD, D.M.Sc.OB, FICD
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University
Thomas Bartlett, Ph.D.
Former President, Colgate University and American University of Cairo
Former Chancellor, Alabama, Oregon and New York State
University Systems Member, Board of Trustees, American University in Cairo
Ms. May Y. Ben-Essa
General Manager, Omer Bey Stores, Kuwait
General Manager, Al-Bayan Bilingual School, Kuwait
Ameenah Rajab Farhan, Ph.D.
Vice Dean of Research, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University
Ms. Ann Kerr-Adams
UCLA Coordinator, Visiting Fulbright Scholar Program, Southern California
Member, Board of Trustees, American University of Beirut
Mr. Samer Khanachet
Chief Operating Officer, Kuwait Projects Company (Holding)
Walid E. Moubarak, PhD
Member of the Lebanese President's Steering Committee on National Dialogue
Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Director, Institute of Diplomacy and conflict Transformation
Lebanese American University
Adnan Shihab-Eldin, Ph.D.
Advisor, Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs-State of Kuwait
Former Acting Secretary General of OPEC
Marina Tolmacheva, Ph.D.
President
American University of Kuwait
Official Trustee engagements began early Saturday morning with academic planning and program development, for the new academic year, while reviewing end of the year reports from academic divisions and departments.
On Sunday, December 6, the meeting commenced with the President's State of the University report, followed by the Presidential Search Process, where the Board was updated on the developments taking place in the search. The Board then discussed the logistics of the construction of the new AUK campus in Ardhiya.
Following the Board meeting, AUK President Dr. Marina Tolmacheva was honored by the Chair of the Board of Trustees in a lunch with all faculty and staff. This will be President Marina's last month at AUK and the Chair of the Board, Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah gave a brief speech in honoring the President's commitment and hard work during her tenure.
The Board of Trustees of the American University of Kuwait consists of the following members:
Shaikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
Founder and Chair, Board of Trustees, American University of Kuwait
Chair, United Education Company
Executive Manager, Al-Futooh Investment Company
Board Member, KIPCO Asset Management Company
Mr. Meshal Ali
Co-Founder and Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, American University of Kuwait
CEO, National Offset Company
Mr. Wael Abdul-Ghafoor
Co-Founder, American University of Kuwait
Chair, American School of Kuwait
Mr. Faisal Al-Ayyar
Vice Chairman, Kuwait Projects Company (Holding)
Mr. Jassem Al-Mousa
Vice Chair, Kuwait Financial Center
The Honorable Nabeela Al-Mulla
Honorary Trustee
Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Kingdom of Belgium
Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Head of Mission of the State of Kuwait to the European Union
Jawad Behbehani, DMD, D.M.Sc.OB, FICD
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University
Thomas Bartlett, Ph.D.
Former President, Colgate University and American University of Cairo
Former Chancellor, Alabama, Oregon and New York State
University Systems Member, Board of Trustees, American University in Cairo
Ms. May Y. Ben-Essa
General Manager, Omer Bey Stores, Kuwait
General Manager, Al-Bayan Bilingual School, Kuwait
Ameenah Rajab Farhan, Ph.D.
Vice Dean of Research, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University
Ms. Ann Kerr-Adams
UCLA Coordinator, Visiting Fulbright Scholar Program, Southern California
Member, Board of Trustees, American University of Beirut
Mr. Samer Khanachet
Chief Operating Officer, Kuwait Projects Company (Holding)
Walid E. Moubarak, PhD
Member of the Lebanese President's Steering Committee on National Dialogue
Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Director, Institute of Diplomacy and conflict Transformation
Lebanese American University
Adnan Shihab-Eldin, Ph.D.
Advisor, Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs-State of Kuwait
Former Acting Secretary General of OPEC
Marina Tolmacheva, Ph.D.
President
American University of Kuwait
Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah with Dr. Marina Tolmacheva
A view of the audience
23, Nov 2009
AUK Hosts 3rd Annual Alumni Reception
The Office of Alumni Affairs at the American University of Kuwait hosted its Third Annual Alumni Reception at the Liberal Arts Auditorium. The reception commemorated past Alumni and inaugurated the class of 2009 into the Alumni Program. Alumni and guests heard speeches from Mr. Ernest Conklin, Executive Director of Finance & Administration and Dana H. Taqi '07, Coordinator of Alumni Affairs. The speakers concentrated on the importance of Alumni as life-long members, involved in the ongoing life of their institution, Ms. Taqi '07 added, "When you first entered these doors back when you were just starting your college years, you learned that there was much more to University life than books and tests. You thought about the possibilities the future held for you and you sought out to become the well-rounded individuals you are today. You are all AUK members for life and we will always be the family you come home to after a long journey."
The Alumni guest speaker for the evening was Fatmah Al-Qadfan, former Vice-President of SGA and the first Kuwaiti to receive a Fulbright award to teach Arabic in the United States who shared her experience as a Fulbrighter with her alma mater.
The evening concluded with a ceremonial cutting of the cake by members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jawad Behbehani and Mr. Samer Khanachet, followed by a dinner.
The Alumni Reception serves as an opportunity for social networking, highlighting achievements of Alums and maintaining an ongoing relationship between the University and its Alumni.
The Alumni guest speaker for the evening was Fatmah Al-Qadfan, former Vice-President of SGA and the first Kuwaiti to receive a Fulbright award to teach Arabic in the United States who shared her experience as a Fulbrighter with her alma mater.
The evening concluded with a ceremonial cutting of the cake by members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jawad Behbehani and Mr. Samer Khanachet, followed by a dinner.
The Alumni Reception serves as an opportunity for social networking, highlighting achievements of Alums and maintaining an ongoing relationship between the University and its Alumni.
Mr. Ernest Conklin, Executive Director of Finance & Administration
Dana H. Taqi '07, Coordinator of Alumni Affairs
Fatmah Al-Qadfan, former Vice-President of SGA and the first Kuwaiti to receive a Fulbright award to teach Arabic in the United States
A ceremonial cutting of the cake by members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jawad Behbehani and Mr. Samer Khanachet
Group photo of the attendees
