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The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Awwad, in which she praised the awardees and congratulated them on their academic achievements. Top achieving students from the different categories were then called to accept their awards from the president and college deans.
33 students were awarded a place on the President's Honor Roll—a high distinction exclusively awarded to those who maintained a 4.0 GPA for the semester, while 134 students were recognized for achieving the Dean's Honor List—a distinction awarded to students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.7. AUK President, Rawda Awwad, along with Dr. Ali Charara, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Lee G Caldwell, Associate Dean for Quality Assurance and Accreditation at the College of Business & Economics presented the recipients with their awards.
President’s Honor Roll
Sadeq Taqi
Maryam Kotb
Batool Hasan
Shaymaa Al-Qalaf
Bahja Al-Qaazweeni
Yara Al-Quorashy
Husain AlQudaihi
Lara Jadayel
Noha Mahmoud
Munirah Al-Majdali
Noor Abu Salah
Reham Kablaoui
Naya Kassis
Lolwah AlRoshoud
Noura Bounassif
Dina Al-Sayed
Ali Al-Khuraibet
Reem Qasem
Huseen BuOlayyan
Habiba Anwar
Melissa AbouFarraj
Islam Rezk
Susanna Al-Mufti
Sara Zayed
Sarah Raza
Farah Nabaa
Farah Mobayed
Ghada Al Sahhaf
Nashrah Quraishi
Amal Radhwan
Amer Khosla
Nadia AlAjmi
Nora Al-Bader
Dean’s Honor List-College of Arts and Sciences
Aya Kandil
Nasser Al-Otaibi
Omar Khalil
Amal Singer
Palwasha Shaikh
Khaled Al-Sabah
Hamad Dhaif
Abdulaziz Al-Shammari
Ghadeer Ashkanani
Sara Ayesh
Sharifah AlKhaldi
Marah Al-Kazak
Asmaa Lulu
Pearla Haider
Lelea Abdou
Sarah Behbehani
Abdulazez Karam
Farah Kheder
Khalid Al-Kharafi
Serli Bedirian
Al-Jawhara Al-Sabah
Ghareeb Thiab
Farah Abdullah
Saad Alajmi
Farah Al-Ayoubi
Fay Al-Mazidi
Anwar As'ad
Fatemah Al-Sulaiman
Fatma AlMuhanna
Ali Alfaili
Abdulwahab Al-Musailem
Ayman Kandil
Nosaiba Binnaji
Kaouthar Chebli
Basmah Al-Shami
Hana Nassar
Sedra Al-Tujjar
Noura Allahow
Hawraa Wahid
Ahmad AlAbdeen
Mariam Khalil
Vironika Faragalla
Jumana Khalil
Sarah Al-Ajmi
Abdulaziz Redha
Bashayer Al-Anjeri
Laila Ashkanani
Chloe Ramey
Anwaar Alajmi
Jassim AlGhanim
Ali Mahdi
Madonna Sadek
Shahad Al-Khaldi
Talal Al-Ghunaimi
David Muharib
Stephen Sapp
Ahlam Dashti
Fahad Al-Ibrahim
May Al-Qenaei
Nataly Hamayel
Turki AlAjmi
Zaina AlFadalah
Fawaz Almajed
Faisal Hayat
Nourhan Nour
Malak Hussain
Hussien Hammoud
Rawan Boutaiban
Farah Abu Eid
Lubna Al-Jayyar
Ali Alsarraf
Fadheela Al-Sabah
Deemah AlDawoud
Mohammed Nimer
Mohammad Omar
Aya Abdrabou
Farah Issa
Hala Abou Harb
Ali Abouzeid
Rafah Al-Shohaty
Maya Lawand
Nagam Abu Ghoush
Malak Ahmed
Layan Al Ayoubi
Rawan Behbehani
Aisha Al Saqabi
Dallya Mulla Hwaech
Latifah AlKandari
Rassim Melaab
Ruqayah AlNaqi
Hanna Mansour
Yasmeen AlHasan
Fatima Matook
Rawan Nabaa
Laila Dallol
Habiba Mohamed
Dean’s Honor List-College of Business and Economics
Meshari Al-Baghli
Raghda Zaher
Omar Matar
Farah Al-Shaye
Eman Eldin
Ismail Al-Tahan
Shaikha Al-Hendi
Aisha Al Majed
Arshi Syed
Adel Al-Qallaf
Lynne Ghader
Razan Al Aghbar
Mohammad Alfares
Salwa Al-Enezi
Nazish Quraishi
Nourah Eid
Rawan Abdelrahim
Donia Mohammad
Laila Mohammad
Aisha AlSaqabi
Nour Harb
Dalia Honeine
Rafia Tabaa
Marwa Soliman
Nour Nassar
Urooj Mudassar
Neeshal Rafi
Farhanaz Padpood
Abdulaziz Al-Mayouf
Anas Hasan
Maram Al Turki
Sara El Bab
Lavena Jacob
Nadime Bitar
Bader Al-Majed
Yousef Mustafa
Basil Aboufarraj
Mariana Samir Sadek
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Dr. Fatima Shibly, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Chapter Faculty Adviser started the induction ritual with an overview of the Chapter and the organization. She noted the Honor Society’s belief in the use of knowledge as an impetus for social and economic good. Dr. Shibly pointed out that this distinction was not a gift but rather a result of the students’ hard work and superior scholastic achievement. Dr. Fatima then called the inductees to the stage in order to recite the pledge which officially declares their membership into the society and their dedication to its values.
Following this, the Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Ralph Palliam, the Associate Dean, Dr. Lee Caldwell and the XI Eta honorary members Dr. Mark Speece and Mr. Rabindranath Bhattacharya delivered the certificates and keys to the inductees.
Group photo of the inductees and CBE professors
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) and Kuwait Technical College (K-Tech) signed a transfer articulation agreement to facilitate credit transfer between the respective institutions to provide a smooth transition for their students from one related program to another.
The articulation covers a large number of diploma programs from K-TECH that are transferable to AUK’s related undergraduate programs.
“The agreement is based on the evaluative rigor and content of courses” said Rawda Awwad, President of American University of Kuwait. “It provides a level of flexibility for students to pursue their higher education goals.”
Dr. Adel Zerai, President of Kuwait Technical College emphasized the significance of such agreements, “Any steps we can take to facilitate our graduates’ path in the pursue of education will benefit the community at large”, he said.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Vice President for Academic Affairs at K-TECH, Prof. Esam Ismail; K-TECH Chair of Information Systems & Technology Department, Dr. Yousif Al-Ridhawi; AUK Executive Vice President, Ms. Amal AlBinali; AUK Vice President for Student Affairs and Chair of the Transfer Articulation Committee, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at AUK, Dr. Ali Charara; and the Dean of the College of Business and Economics at AUK, Dr. Ralph Palliam.
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad and Kuwait Technical College President, Adel Zerai signing the agreement
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad and Kuwait Technical College President, Adel Zerai after the signing ceremony
The American University of Kuwait hosted its Annual Dinner at the Palms Beach Hotel and Spa to celebrate the University’s administrative achievements and accomplishments. The event—organized by the University’s Human Resources Department—was attended by staff, faculty, and members of the president’s cabinet.
Held towards the end of each academic year, the AUK Annual Dinner brings together the University management, faculty, and staff members in appreciation of their dedicated services. During the event, 5, 10, and 15 years of service awards were presented respectively to employees who completed the relevant service years at AUK.
Leading up to the dinner, administrative offices competed in the ‘My Inspiring AUK’ contest to submit a creative photograph that represents their work at the University. All the submissions were displayed during the dinner and attendees were required to vote on the best photo. The Campus Services Department were announced the winners of the competition and were awarded a special prize.
A raffle draw was also held during the event with exclusive gifts from Air France, KLM, Boodai Aviation, Burgan Bank, Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait, and Gait-Apple Premiere Reseller. The night also included a special musical performance by the band, Maddah Al-Amar.
AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad gave a speech during the dinner where she praised the University’s staff and faculty who, “…have profoundly touched the lives of thousands of students... [and] created a synergy that is hard to beat. And for that, I thank each and every one of you for that single extra mile that you walk every day of the week, month after month, and year after year.”
The list of honored faculty and staff include:
5 Years of Service at AUK:
| Name | Department |
| Dr. Mohammed Al-Sawafta | Department of Maths and Natural Sciences |
| Mohammed Maral | Information Technology |
| Nada Baalbaki | Admissions |
| Nour Jaber | Admissions |
| Omar Mehdi | Office of Student Life |
| Robin Saba | Intensive English Program |
| Sally Saleh | Learning Support Services |
| Agnieszka Fajga | Department of Music and Drama |
10 Years of Service at AUK:
| Name | Department |
| Abed Al-Rahman Al-Mahani | Information Technology |
| Dr. Aly Mansour | Department of Marketing, Management & Economics |
| Dr. Angelica DeAngelis | Department of English |
| Dr. Ayman Haddad | Department or Accounting & Finance |
| Dr. George Irani | Department of International Relations |
| Dr. James Rose | Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences |
| Lama Kablaoui | Office of the Executive Vice President |
| Louay Rashid | Admissions |
| Dr. Mohamed Satti | Department of Communication and Media |
| Mohammed Navas | Finance Department |
| Dr. Pellegrino Luciano | Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences |
| Ramy Khair | Arts and Graphic Design |
| Dr. Wafaa Sbeiti | Department or Accounting & Finance |
15 Years of Service at AUK:
| Name | Department |
| Ashoor Moussa | Office of Corporate Relations |
| Dr. Athmar Al-Salem | Department of Marketing, Management & Economics |
| Dr. Craig Loomis | Department of English |
| Dr. Ghazi Nassir | Department of English |
| Hana Kouri | Library |
| Hussein Diab | Information Technology |
| Kalimullah Bhuiyan | Campus Services |
| Liaqat Yasin | Campus Services |
| Norma Badran | Office of Corporate Relations |
| Dr. Rawda Awad | Office of the President |
| Dr. Sahreef Abu Al-Maati | Computer Science & Info Systems |
| Syed Rahamthulla | Finance |
| Dr. Ali Charara | Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences |
| Don Prades | Intensive English Program |
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Sheikha Dana recounted her journey in philanthropy as an inspiration derived from the example set by her grandfather, His Highness the Amir. She stressed the importance of giving back to one’s community to contribute to the greater development of their country towards prosperity. In her pursuit of advancing the Kuwaiti society, Shaikha Dana believed that education is at the forefront of knowledge and social progress. She pioneered the project of introducing a Liberal Arts approach to learning by founding the American University of Kuwait (AUK)—the first liberal arts institution in Kuwait. The University enables students to think and learn through a curriculum that is specially designed to allow them to explore the many facets of education while allowing them the freedom to critically think and analyze the world from their own perspectives.
Throughout her talk, Shaikha Dana aimed to inspire the habit of giving without seeking anything in return as everyone’s efforts are serving the greater good of Kuwait’s future generations, “While some may classify philanthropy as an example of women’s leadership in societal contributions, I believe that it is a shared and equal duty for both men and women to invest in the development of Kuwait’s society,” she said.
Al-Sabah is the chairwoman of United Education Co. (UEC), Kuwait’s leading company in the education sector. UEC consolidates seven K-12 schools with over 12,500 students. The United Education network includes some of the leading American, Indian, and Pakistani schools in Kuwait.
She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Futooh Holding Co., the major stakeholder in Kuwait Project Co. (KIPCO), a multi-sector operating holding company with a diversified portfolio spanning the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah during the panel discussion
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is proud to announce that it has earned its accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its College of Business and Economics. This signals that the College has met the most rigorous standards of excellence in business education and has demonstrated that it is committed to upholding and advancing the quality of their programs.
Dr. Ralph Palliam, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at AUK attributes the College of Business and Economics earning the AACSB accreditation to the University’s commitment to liberal arts education and support in delivering on excellence and the highest of standards in education with a demonstrated focus on quality in teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning. The AACSB accreditation is a hallmark in business education and is earned by less than 5 percent of the world’s business schools. Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Consequently, the College of Business and Economics is fostering a series of engagements, accelerating design thinking, and notably amplifying its impact in the principles of responsible business education.
AUK President Dr. Rawda Awwad praised the efforts of those involved in obtaining the accreditation, “This accomplishment is reflective of the College’s and Institution’s commitment to teaching and learning, research and service; and obligations toward continuous improvement and development. As with all of our accreditation initiatives, the involvement and support of the University community is critical. The collaborative effort of the AACSB Steering Committee is commendable.”
The College of Business and Economics currently has dual accreditation, the first one from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) that was awarded in November, 2010.
More information about AACSB, its member societies, and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at https://www.aacsb.edu/
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) currently offers 16 distinct degree programs in various academic disciplines. AUK is accredited institutionally by the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait. Its College of Arts and Sciences is accredited by The American Academy for Liberal Education's (AALE); and its Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission for Intensive English Program Accreditation (CEA); its Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; and the College of Business and Economics is also accredited by The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). For more information on the AUK College of Business and Economics, visit http://www.auk.edu.kw/cbe/home
Other participating student teams from AUK included the women’s volleyball team and men’s basketball team. The tournament had participants from all around the world competing in various sports such as Serbia, Greece, Lebanon, and Bulgaria.
Omar Mehdi, the Senior Sports Coordinator at the Office of Student Life, praised the teams’ successful efforts, “The AUK sports teams were tremendous on and off the court at the Bogazici Sports Festival 2019 and for that I would like to thank all of our student athletes and sports staff.”
Throughout the academic year, AUK’s sports teams actively participate in national and international tournaments. It provides student-athletes with an opportunity to travel with their team and showcase the Wolfpack’s strength, teamwork, and sportsmanship on an international scale.
AUK’s silver medalists women futsal team
AUK’s bronze medalists men soccer team
Group photo of the AUK athletes at the Bogazici Sports Festival 2019
The event began with a welcome speech by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, and was attended by the President’s Cabinet, members of AUK’s staff and faculty, as well as the nominees’ families and friends.
The event brought together exceptional students who were recognized and awarded for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the AUK community.
The ceremony honored 5 Student Affairs Awards to current registered students for their exceptional leadership and achievements in extracurricular activities:
Outstanding Accomplishment Award – Amer Khosla
Leader of the Year Award – Ali Al-Qallaf | Razan al-Dehani
Humanitarian Award – Saja AlObaid
Outstanding Involvement Award – Mona Singer | Samaa Al-Hadidi
Lifelong Learner Award – Shafeeqah Al-Turki
In acknowledging the role of clubs and organizations at AUK, the following were honored:
Exceptional Member of the Year – Layan Al Ayoubi
Event of the Year – Grand Opening Finale by Alpha Psi Omega
Outstanding Representation – AUKMUN
Most Improved Club of the Year – SBSA Club
Club of the Year – Fikir Club
This year also saw continuous athletic excellence, and in acknowledging the role of athletics at AUK, the following student athletes were awarded:
Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year – Rakan Al-Hallak
Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year – Zainah Ben Salamah
The final two awards were the Wolfpack Award and the President’s Award. The Wolfpack Award is given to one student and one member of AUK’s alumni for their remarkable ability to balance academic life with a high degree of involvement in extra and co-curricular activities while promoting a positive image of AUK; this was awarded to student Shokry Garada for his various contributions to the AUK community and his devotion to support students in their activities, and alumnus, Abdalla Al-Muzaini for being a true example of the AUK wolfpack spirit, providing continuous support to AUK events while maintaining great relations with AUK faculty and succeeding in his career.
The final award of the night was the President’s Award which highlights one student and one member AUK’s alumni’s outstanding academic achievement along with leadership and commitment to the greater good of the University. Senior computer science student Omar Khalil was awarded for his highly interdisciplinary approach to academics and extracurricular activities. He continuously seeks out ways by which he can advance a good cause. Alumna, Hessa AlMukhled was awarded for her energetic, honest, positive attitude that represents what the University stands for.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Muzaffar commended winners and nominees, “Awards Night is a time to celebrate those outstanding members of our community: students and alumni, and to show our appreciation to those individuals who have contributed to making life at AUK the exceptional one that it is. Those honored are not just high achievers, they are always ready to help when help is needed and rush to assist in the planning of AUK activities: from the ones we open to the public, to the ones we host for our community, from orientation to graduation, to everything that falls in between, and this continues even after they graduate. Our alumni provide us with continuous support and are always there when needed. Awards Night is a celebration of students and alumni for all their accomplishments and an opportunity to recognize those who have gone the extra mile. Congratulations to all nominees and winners!”
The event concluded with a special dinner on campus to celebrate all the nominees and winners.
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This workshop was held at the AUK campus and was attended by 60 CSIS and electrical and computer engineering (ECE) students and faculty members. The Account Manager of CISCO in Kuwait and the Middle East facilitated this workshop and explored various technological trends and disciplines where artificial intelligence and machine learning contribute to our daily lives. CISCO also explained their contributions to this field as a leading IT company.
Other workshops held during this academic year included: White Hat Hacking, User Experience Design, and Fundamentals of MATLAB Programming which was facilitated by representatives from Germany.
Dr. Ahmad Rabaa’i, Associate Professor of Information Systems and the CSIS Department Chair, explained that the workshops had been organized in an effort to enhance student as well as faculty engagement. They have also been effective in showing students the real-life applications of the theories they learned in class. Dr. Rabaa’i revealed that this series will continue in the next academic year, with plans to explore topics on robotics, C++ workshops, IOT, and cyber security.
General photo of the workshop
General photo of the workshop attendees
In her talk, Ms. Al-Awadhi introduced the students to KIPCO—Kuwait’s largest holdings company. She discussed the four pillars of the Pearl Initiative Pledge which promotes themes of accountability and transparency within corporate culture and competitiveness. These include setting targets for sustainable and responsible growth, creating a more inclusive workplace, promoting integrity, and developing collaborations and partnerships. According to Ms. Al-Awadhi, KIPCO has formed both internal and external partnerships that include both business and social collaborations. In fact, KIPCO contributes to New Kuwait Vision 2035 by investing in the creativity and innovativeness of the younger generation through platforms such as the Tmkeen Award for Young Entrepreneurs. This particular initiative enables young entrepreneurs to compete to win KIPCO’s support for their startup ideas.
Ms. Al-Awadhi’s presentation contributed to the students’ understanding of the motive behind different partnerships and collaborations, different ways of implementation, and the impact that this has on different stakeholders. In the example of the KIPCO Tmkeen Award, Ms. Al-Awadhi explained how the support offered by KIPCO Group helped the startups expand their businesses through market studies, marketing plans, advertising, and other services. Examples of successful businesses that won the award over the years included Ajar Online, MyHome, Baims and NutriBox.
The presentation was informative and provided much insight to the students about how to forge professional partnerships that are productive and how to utilize the best modern tools to provide consumers with the best services.
Ms. Al-Awadhi is responsible for coordinating the KIPCO Group’s overall communications strategy and for KIPCO’s corporate communications, media relations, branding and marketing activities. She has an extensive career in public relations, media and journalism. She was previously a member of the ‘Newsweek Arabic’ production team and the foreign correspondent at Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait’s official news wire.
Eman Al-Awadhi, Group Communications Director at Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO)
