Volume 5, Issue 8 The Student Newspaper of the American University of Kuwait May 2009 CSIS Students Imagine Their Way to Victory By Dina El-Zohairy The AUK team consists of The team of five willingly are using and being offered the 2009, the learning experience “what a software developer group of five CSIS studd Computer Science and/or Infd took on the challenge when potential of earning points, indd gained from the regional compd ever wants”; and “equivalent to A dents and their faculty formation Systems majors Dr. Amir proposed the idea of dividual consumers would be petition alone was, according what [they] learned in the past mentor proudly returned with Abdullah Al-Shaikh, Salman partaking in the competition motivated to reduce their electd to the students, “worth a lot”; two years.” a trophy from the Gulf Imagine Al-Saffar, Ahmad Ashour, Abdd to his CSIS 490 capstone class tricity consumption. In the long Cup Regional Finals competitd delwahab Al-Atiqi, and Ali last semester. Their aim was run, this is expected to lead to tion, which was held in Dubai Dashti. Dr. Amir Zeid, Program to develop a mobile phone appd a reduction in carbon dioxide on 19th April. Their innovative Lead of Computer Science, plication that would somehow emissions into the atmosphere. creation, ElectReduce, had served as their mentor and contribute to long-term envd The deliverables for this won them first place in the Mobd coach. Five other Gulf universd vironmental sustainability in competition included submittd bile Development category that sities participated in this cated the region. Ensuring environmd ting a written paper describing was specifically introduced by egory, including Kuwait Univd mental sustainability is one of the technical aspects of the appd Microsoft for teams in the Gulf versity. The AUK team found the United Nation’s eight Milld plication in addition to develod region in association with du, a Bits-Pilani (Dubai) and UAE lennium Development Goals oping a prototype of the softwd UAE telecommunications servd University to be their strongest (MGDs) for world developmd ware and testing it. The project vice provider. competitors. ment and a major area of focus was finally presented to a panel for Microsoft. of judges. Some of the main The basic idea behind Electd challenges they faced involved tReduce is to keep track of the interfacing software and hardwd electricity consumption level ware, finding the correct gauge, of individual users via live and using a new programming feeds. If it is below the nationad language. Nevertheless, the al average, the person would combination of excellent teamwd earn points which he/she could work skills, individual talent, then redeem for some reward. creativity and dedication, and Another feature of the applicd guidance provided by Dr. Amir cation would make it possible led them to success. to control household lighting Even though the Mobile Devd remotely, thus saving electricid velopment category winners ity. The students believe that may not be invited to take part by constantly being reminded in the Imagine Cup Worldwd of how much electricity they wide Finals in Egypt in July MC Hosts Women in Busines Forum What’s Next for Departing President? By Farah Al-Shamali while back, Sheikha Dana A Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Ameridc can University of Kuwait, andn nounced that President Marina Tolmacheva would be resigndi ing by the end of this year. There is much about President Tolmacheva that we know: her selflessness, drive, passion for learning and the academic estd tablishment, professionalism, poise; the list can never be exdh hausted. However, what is the story behind this dynamic womad an who has been able to steer AUK in a direction of continual progress? What are her motivadt By Dina El-Zohairy and Nada fied the odds by reaching once- esteem, and strike a balance bedt tions and takes on certain isds When asked of the importance her fellow Russian academics Bedir unperceivable goals in a male- tween multiple duties and tasks. sues at AUK and in the Kuwaiti of these respective topics, she what makes American educadt fter the Municipality raided dominated society, such as Dr. Even more successful women community? To answer these stated that it “called upon one to tion important. In the United Athe Marketing Club’s secdo Ma’souma Al-Mubarak, who were invited to the closing cerde questions and much more, the be intellectually disciplinary” States, “only 20% of institutions ond Car Boot Sale last month, was appointed as Kuwait’s first emony, which comprised of a Voice conducted an interview seeing that one deals with “hudm qualify themselves as belongdi its members were keen to make female Cabinet Minister in 2005. panel discussion and a lecture with President Tolmacheva on man society and expressions of ing to the liberal arts.” An imdp it up to their target customers. Other exemplary female figures by Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar, Chief of Tuesday 5th May. culture.” It also “brings the reda portant feature to keep in mind Following weeks of advertisid and entrepreneurs who particidp the Center for Women Empowde It takes a chronological apdp alizations of what distinguishes is that “most research is done at ing, the much-awaited Women pated in the opening ceremony erment. proach by going back to the civilizations.” universities while it has always in Business Conference finally of the conference included the The discussion topic was the interviewee’s very humble bedg President Tolmacheva praised been done at the academies of took place on 30th April and 2nd founder of Optimal Solutions, a “glass ceiling,” which can be dedf ginnings and then delving into the Russian model of higher eddu sciences in Europe.” “This is May, featuring a series of worksd Kuwait-based human resources fined as an imaginary barrier to her educational/occupational ucation when asked about her why,” President Tolmacheva shops—all but one presented by consulting and development further promotion or progression careers and how she ended up educational career. “In the Sodv continued, “80% of institutions women—and prominent female firm and PR Manager at KNPC for members of specific groups at AUK. viet Union, the Russian Federadt are not deemed as belonging to guest speakers at the opening who also owns a legal arbitradt of people. The speakers were Dr. President Tolmacheva stated tion being the largest republic in the liberal arts.” and closing ceremonies. tion consultancy firm. Salwa Al-Sharqawi, Dr. Mohsen that she is a historian and “you it, higher education was great.” Moving into more local terridt According to the Marketing A variety of practical topics Bagnied, Ms. Fatma Al-Hamad, grow into the profession.” She It included “very rigorous, thorod tory, the Voice asked President Club, which prides itself on ordg were presented at the worksd and Mahdi Al-Own, President of began to find fault with historicd ough, and disciplinary training” Tolmacheva what attracted her ganizing the first student-run shops, teaching primarily female the Marketing Club. cal fiction and her perspectives which she also considers to be to AUK, and she smiled as she conference, the purpose behind students how to manage stress Dr. Salwa firmly believes that changed as she developed her the hallmark of AUK. When recollected that particular story. this conference was to celebrate through art, deal with cultural no one can control your ambd own method of teaching. In she was an American consultd Around the time she was lookdi women’s success by bringing to challenges facing female leadde the classroom, she taught culdt tant teaching Russian, President light Kuwaiti women who defd ers, build confidence and self- Continued on page  ture and civilization courses. Tolmacheva was able to inform Continued on page  The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 5, Issue 8  Al-Awadhi: Use Time Productively Oil and Political Mobilization

By Walah Al-Sabah n 22nd April, 2009, O in a lecture hosted by the Gulf Studies Centd ter, visiting Fulbright scholar Gregory Gause spoke about “Oil price and political mobilization in Kuwait.” Moderated by Professor Hesham Al- Awadhi, the lecture comdm menced when Dr. Marina Tolmacheva introduced professor Gause to the audd dience. Professor Gause, a sedn nior Fulbright scholar and fan of liberal arts, is an expert on the politics of the Gulf and the Middle East in general. He is curdr rently an associate profd By Dina El-Zohairy dhi to give a lecture next to nanorods that can bind to fessor of political science hile driving around the soccer field after sunset cancer cells. Once the cells at the University of Verdm WKuwait, you may prayer on Wednesday, 6th are bound to the gold, they mont, and is the director have noticed the billboards May. This marked the club’s light up like bulbs, making of the university’s Middle showing a faceless young final event of their first year them easy to detect. Using East Studies program. He man clinging to a clock. in operation, and in recognd a laser, they can selectiveld has published two books This is none but the markd nition of their hard work ly destroy the cancer cells by the titles of Oil Monaa keting symbol for Rekaaz’s and contribution, the club’s without harming the healthy archies: Domestic and Seca tenth regional campaign (fāz founders and members were cells. curity Challenges in the man hayātah injāz), which presented with certificates. As outlined in the Fāz Arab Gulf States and Sauda stresses the importance of Al-Awadhi was also awarded guide, which was being disdt di-Yemeni Relations: Doma living a life full of accompd ed a plaque. tributed in addition to other mestic Structures and Forea plishments. The campaign A person’s accomplishmd promotional materials, some eign Influence. His third that oil builds patronage crises occur when a state was promoted at schools, ments are inseparable from of the ingredients of success book, on international reld networks, and then price cannot pay its bills, but universities and shopping his morals and sincere intd include entrusting one’s lations of the Gulf, will be declines put pressure on the state of Kuwait can malls during the period betd tention for goodness, as Al- soul to Allah, utilizing one’s published by Cambridge those networks, which in pay its bills due to its oil tween 5th March and 20th Awadhi first noted. These skills and abilities only in University Press and is turn leads to mobilizadt wealth whereas countries May. could include anything from what satisfies Allah, having scheduled to be released tion and regime crises. such as Algeria, Venezued The idea for this campaign acts of worship and self- a clear vision of what you in the end of 2009. Gause Although her test case is ela and Indonesia sometd arose from the widely held development techniques to want, considering what is reicieved his PhD in politdi Venezuela, she argues that times cannot. And lastly, perception that many youth community projects and and beneficial in this world and ical science from Harvard this situation is applicable fiscal crises lead to politicd waste their free time on scientific breakthroughs. the hereafter in goal-setting, University in 1987. He is everywhere, not only that cal change. Hence, Gause pointless activities. In fact, A real-life embodiment doing your part to the best a fluent Arabic speaker, country. reasons that Kuwait’s situd a study by an Arab Foundatd of perseverance, willpowde you could, and thanking having studied the landg Gause goes on to explain uation confirms the logic tion that studies social valud er and achievement is the Allah for any desired outcd guage at the American that Kuwait is a pure oil of Terry Karl’s theory. ues revealed that free time Egyptian-American chemid comes. University of Cairo. Prodf rentier state and that over But, her theory cannot expd represents a problem for istry professor Mustafa El- It is rather challenging to enudm fessor Gause is currently 90% of its government plain why the periods of 43% of youth. Therefore, Sayyed, who sought to find a merate the diverse values and teaching, PLSC 207: Inat revenues come from oil. political mobilization in the Fāz (Arabic: ‘won’) more effective treatment for pieces of advice that the audide ternational Relations of However, it has a long hisdt Kuwait have taken place campaign was created to cancer after losing his wife ence left with that night because Arab States at AUK for tory of activism. But Kuwd when they have; the Diwd help solve this problem by to it around 20 years ago. they were neatly packaged in one semester and will be wait still does not follow waniya movement, and stressing the importance of In 2007, he was awarded the speaker’s unique combinadt returning to the U.S. after the pattern because there the Nabiha 5 movement time and of using it to channd the U.S. National Medal of tion of an unrivaled sense of the Spring semester. is no significant mobilizadt of 2006 which changed nel the skills and energy of Science for his phenomenal humor, candidness, and use of In his presentation, Kudw tion during oil downturns. Kuwait’s electoral system youth into positive accompd contribution in the field of vivid anecdotes that captivated wait was used as an exad In fact, important political both took place when the plishments. nanotherapy as a molecular the audience for the whole two ample of how the oil of mobilization occurs when economic situation was In an effort to bring to targeting approach to overcd hours. Following a short Q&A a country affects its podl the oil prices are up. He positive. light the values called for come side effects of convd session, members of the audide litical system. The issue defined political mobilidz Gause’s presentation by this campaign, the Cooped ventional cancer therapy. In ence were encouraged to share is between oil wealth and zation as being, “activid poses the question of why eration Club at AUK invited specific, he is working on individual or group accomplishdm political outcomes. He redf ity beyond the ordinary there is political mobilidz Dr. Mohammed Al-Awadd developing cylindrical gold ments with everyone else. ferred to Michael Ross, and outside established zation in Kuwait. The ansd whose theory was that oil channels” and identified swer is that these political discourages democracy two indicators of politidc mobilizations do not take because the state prodv cal mobilization: public place due to economics. vides free services withod demonstrations and petidt But movements arise when Editorial Board Members out taxing its citizens, and tion movements. He mentd the ruling elite seeks to therefore, the idea of “no tioned Kuwait’s economic expand its power, or when Dina El-Zohairy representation without downturns which include it appears to be in crisis. Nur Soliman taxation” comes along. the Souk Al-Manakh crisd So, political crises, not Farah Al-Shamali But the recurrent quesdt sis of the early 1980’s, economic crises, mobilize Walah Al-Sabah tion throughout the presd the Iraqi invasion when Kuwaitis. Towards the Salma Tayeh Copyright ©2009 The Voice of AUK sentation was, “What is it oil prices went up but end of the lecture, Gause about oil that discourages were a complete disaster, concluded that Kuwait indd he Voice of AUK welcd The views expressed in opindi tober, and in a single issue for democracy?” According to and the early 1990’s when directly confirms part of Tcomes contributions ion columns represent strictly the months of July and August. Thomas Freedman’s first there was a downturn oil Terry Karl’s theory, but from all registered students, the views of the author, and do Special non-news supplements law of petropolitics, oil price but with a positive deviates from it in that the faculty and staff members of not necessarily reflect those of may be published from time to depoliticizes the citizens GDP. Therefore, periods government could reduce the American University of the Voice of AUK, nor those time. because they have everydt of Kuwaiti economic dedc economic hardships withdo Kuwait. Submissions should of the American University of For advertising information, thing they want. Howeved cline were not periods of out fiscal crises. Kuwait be emailed to stories@voiceodf Kuwait. send email to ads@voiceofd er, Gause explained that intense political mobilizadt also challenges the logic fauk.com All submissions become fauk.com. Advertisements for countries such as Iran, tion. of the theory because its All submissions must be apdp property of the Voice of AUK. a given issue must be received Venezuela, Indonesia and But Gause asks, what political mobilization is proved by the Editorial Board, The Editorial Board reserves on or before the published Algeria all have oil but can we learn about Kuwd unrelated to economic crids in accordance with the Editodr the right to edit all submisds deadline for that issue. The are certainly not depolitidc wait’s mobilization and ses. In this, Kuwait is a rial Policy. The Voice of AUK sions, including for grammar, Editorial Board reserves the cized. Terry Karl, another oil declines? Well, first, unique case. offers no guarantee that any spelling, style, and clarity. right to accept or reject any professor of political scide Kuwait uses counter-cycd Sincere thanks goes to Profd submission will be published. Writers have the right to withdd advertisement. Opinions and/ ence whom Gause referred clical spending to lessen fessor Gause for this informadt To be considered for pubdl draw submissions at any time or attitudes expressed in addv to in his lecture, wrote a the effects of oil price tive lecture, as well as to the lication in the Voice, submisds prior to publication. vertisements do not necessarid book by the name of The declines and other crises. Gulf Studies Center and its sions for a given issue must be The Voice of AUK is pubdl ily reflect those of theVoice of Paradox of Plenty: Oil Second, Kuwait can deficd director, Professor Hesham received on or before the pubdl lished in ten monthly issues AUK nor those of the Ameridc Booms and Petro states. cit spend but avoid fisdc Al-Awadhi for organizing lished deadline for that issue. from September through Ocdt can University of Kuwait. The test case of her book is cal crises that can lead this lecture for both students Venezuela, and she argues to political crises. Fiscal and staff to benefit from. NEWS The Voice of AUK  May 2009 SGA Unveils General Assembly Plan at Town Hall Meeting

By Student Government had been questioned. Association The Northwest Comdm s the 2008 – 2009 mission had questions A SGA’s term comes that focused on gender to a close, there is equity and academic enough time for one freedom in Kuwait and more Town Hall Meetdi information was prodv ing. The 3rd Town Hall vided based on Kuwaiti Meeting was a perfect constitution and existdi opportunity for SGA to ing regulations. The present the newly dedv application for internadt vised structure for the tional accreditation will student government indc be looked into again in cluding the addition of July of this year—AUK the General Assembly. has been informed that This was the first topic they are not expected to of discussion which codi provide additional indf incided with the SGA/ formation. There may GA elections. be a perception that they Dalal, Vice President are not coming because of the SGA, moderated of academic freedom. the event and began by AUK hopes that, with introducing the General constitutional guarandt Assembly: a body repdr tee of intellectual freedd resentative of the variod dom in Kuwait, AUK ous constituencies of will stand a chance of the AUK community acquiring international (Intensive English Prodg accreditation. What will gram, Freshmen, Sophod be decided in July will omore, Junior, Senior, determine if AUK can SGA Alumni, Clubs and proceed in that process. Organizations, Sports, When it comes to acadd Division of Social Scide demic freedom granted ences, Division of Scied to professors, President ences and Engineering, Tolmacheva stated that Division of Business there may be confusion and Economics, and as to what academic Division of Humanidt freedom means. Acadd ties and Arts). If a studd demic freedom of speech dents feel that their according to the Ameridc concerns are not being can model is guided by addressed, they can apdp guidelines written by the proach their representd American Association of tative, informed of the University Professors. concerns, and it would ly the body of individuda to vote for the SGA uals are treated specialdl accreditation is blocked This is where the paraldl be the representative’s als that steers the SGA; Board; with the GA, ly, but that this should and that professors are lel is drawn for AUK: responsibility to comdm the GA representatives they vote for their repdr be not taken as demeandi not academically prodt it functions as a relidg municate them in the have voting power and resentatives. A series of ing to parents who are tected; in other words, giously affiliated institd General Assembly. can freely voice student questions, answers, and not treated specially. whatever they say tution restricted by Kuwd Representatives of the concerns. The Presidd explanations ensued. A Ms. Amal Al-Benali in class may be used waiti law; for instance, Intensive English Prodg dent serves as the Chair conclusive statement added it is protocol in against them. Presidd if a professor wishes to gram, Freshmen, Clubs and the Vice President was given by Dean of Kuwait to observer such dent Marina Tolmachevd teach Islam, there are and Organizations, and as the Parliamentarian Student Affairs Carol hierarchies, regardless va chose to respond to limitations that Kuwaiti Sports are elected in during GA meetings; Ross: the SGA constidt of how students and this question stating law imposes; therefore, the Fall. The represendt the Secretary is given tution is available to parents receive it. that accreditation had only Sharia-trained facud tative for the Intensive the task of keeping acdc students to review and A student then brought not been blocked and ulty can teach a course English Program must curate meeting minud propose changes or addd up how he believes that no student activities on Islam. be enrolled in the prodg utes. What is important ditions; if students fail gram during his or her to note is that the Pardl to exercise that right, it tenure. The same goes liamentarian would enfd will continue to stand as for the Freshmen, Clubs force Robert’s Rules of is. Norah, the President and Organizations, and Order or parliamentary of the SGA, has condf Sports representatives. procedure, as is impledm firmed that ample time Spring 08 Student Government Clubs and organizations mented is such bodies was given to AUK studd always change at the as the United Nations. dents to provide feedbd beginning of every acadd It ensures that meetdi back on the SGA Consd Election Results demic year as do sports ings are conducted with stitution before it was teams. That is the logic fairness and impartialdi ratified and made effecdt behind having elections ity with reference to tive. Assistant Dean of for these two groups in speaking lists, speaking Student Affairs Theodd the fall. The SGA Alumdn time, and what not. Fidn dore Kruse stated that 2009 – 2010 SGA Board ni representative serves nally, the SGA election the development of this as an advisory, non-votdi timetable was displayed GA had been discussed President Abdullah Al-Sharrad ing member. to illustrate the electorda for years with regards Vice President Mohammad Al-Mutairi A visual representadt al process to the audied to quorums, voting tion of the new SGA ence. regulations, two-thirds Treasurer Essa Al-Matar structure was displayed When the floor was majority, and what not. for the audience to opened to questions, It must not be forgotdt Secretary To be filled as per the SGA Constitution view: the SGA Board Dr. Nizar Hamzeh ten that there can be Programming Officer Mohammad Al-Shuraij and the General Assemdb asked why the Presidd an evolution of it but it bly both fall under the dent of the SGA would must be given a chance Media Officer Omar Al-Hussainan SGA. In other words, be the Chair of the GA. to work. they both constitute Dalal explained that the After the topic had Public Relations Officer Essa Al-Boloshy the Student Governdm President is not a votdi been exhausted, the audd ment Association and ing member and is there dience was free to addd are both referred to as to chair GA meetings. dress other concerns to such. However, they Mahdi Al-Own, Presidd the AUK administradt General Assembly carry out different roles dent of the Marketing tion. One student wondd that ultimately go back Club, asked how much dered why some parents Business and Economics Division Representative: Noha Aoun to serving the AUK studd voting power the GA get VIP and VVIP seats dent population. Thus, has and whether its say at the graduation while it is not a hierarchy— was equal to that of others are not given the SGA Board and the the SGA Board. Dalal such priority. Dr. Carol SGA Board voting percentage: 42 % GA voting percentage: 38 % GA are somewhat equal. responded that all the explained to him that in The SGA Board is meredl students are allowed Kuwait, certain individdu The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 5, Issue 8  SGA Visits Minister of Education, Ms. Nouriya Al-Subeeh

By Farah Al-Shamali ply the Ministry of Information with their events in Next was the discussion of the lack of support such a law. However, it should be to the private univd n 21st April 2009, the Student Government Assd advance so that it would be able to advertise them. for Bachelor’s programs related to the liberal arts versity’s discretion as to whether or not they wish Osociation paid a visit to the Minister of Higher However, coverage is not guaranteed because there such as the Fine Arts, Law, etc. The issue is that to implement a system of gender segregation. The Education, Ms. Nouriya Al-Subeeh, to discuss a is a shortage of resources (e.g. staff and equipdm new universities, which are private universities, are Minister was wise enough to state that although she range of issues related to private universities. Her ment). Students can attempt to correspond directly reluctant to invest in such programs because there is greatly defiant of gender segregation, it remains modesty was shown throughout the visit and how with TV networks such as Al-Rai or Al-Watan TV is not much demand and hence no profit. The Mindi a law that must be followed. She has had many discd her devout love for her country has caused her to to cover their events. istry is trying to promote the creation of such progd cussions with parliamentarians who are pro-segredg give much. The first topic was opening Magistrate Another contentious issue for students is receivdi grams with the help of the government. She stated gation; even when she is gaining headway, proving and Doctorate programs in private universities: the ing a bi-annual allowance for purchasing books that there are no real obstacles when it comes to a point, and discrediting their assumption about ministry has no barriers for having these programs from the AUK Bookstore: the Minister showed opening these kinds of programs. Business admindi co-education, they always find the same scapegoat: but the problem arises with being dedicated to strong support for the exchange and re-selling of istration has strong representation because there is it is a law and must be implemented. Along with the task. The most important element is the qualdi used books. She mentioned that the university high demand for it. The Minister mentioned that Ali Al-Rashed, the Minister has attempted to draft ity of the professors that are provided for these a proposal to eradicate the law but opposition is programs—this is what the ministry is concerned always very high from the conservative faction in about. Furthermore, most private universities are of the Kuwaiti parliament. Kuwait University already a relatively young age and will need time to develdo provides students with the option of studying in a op the capabilities needed to create this endeavor. segregated environment, so it is not necessary for Another important issue was opening faculties other universities to be segregated. She mentioned of medicine in private universities: there are certd that private universities should appeal to the constidt tain qualifications that a university should meet in tutional court in order to change the law, and stated order to open such a program; however, there are that the segregation law contradicts the Kuwaiti no specific restrictions against private universities constitution. opening a medical program. Private universities Instructor qualification in Kuwait was also are relatively new and are still developing; hence, brought up. The Minister stated that there are guidedl some time is needed before they become qualified lines in place for selecting qualified teaching staff or able to supply such a program. Moving on to in Kuwait and records of private university profesds an issue that is of grave concern to students—the sors are documented at the PUC. With respect to question of monthly allowances—resulted in the setting up councils to ensure the provision of qualidf following: there is an inefficient system at the Mindi fied professors, the Minister mentioned that it is istry of Higher Education. Elements that cause this up to the private universities to interview potential inefficient system are the fact that they have a lot of professors and give in their resumes to the PUC. students from all universities in Kuwait and abroad should cooperate with the students because it is there is a plan to create a post-secondary Academy The Minister mentioned that private universities which causes it to function rather slowly, and the the students’ budget in the end. The request for 100 of Performing and Fine Arts in Kuwait—it will indc are growing in number in Kuwait—presently, there lack of managerial staff to oversee all transactions KD for Kuwaiti scholarship students to buy course clude music, interior design, sculpture, etc. It was are three more that have acquired licenses and are and ensure that the students meet the qualifications textbooks has been submitted and is awaiting apdp meant to raise awareness of the importance of these now in the process of building campuses. Opening for receiving the monthly allowance. They have proval and implementation. The Minister showed professions in Kuwait. Moreover, a high school of foreign universities in Kuwait requires a meeting just recently employed a representative from the the SGA tangible evidence to support this. Hopedf sports will be opened—graduates will be sent on between a delegation of that university and the Private Universities Council within the Ministry fully this will be implemented in the Fall semester. scholarships. Ministry of Higher Education. of Higher Education to handle student allowancde In fact, this was made official by the Office of Regdi Segregation saw strong opposition from the Mindi To end the visit, the SGA asked the Minister if es. This should hopefully facilitate the process. It istrar which emailed Kuwaiti students and students ister for she expressed an endorsement for anti- she would be able to come to AUK in the near fudt should also promote better communication. of Kuwaiti mothers who will be granted 100 KD segregation in private educational institutes. She ture. She showed interest in coming to AUK, but When it came to better advertisements for acadd to buy course textbooks at the beginning of every mentioned that it is understandable for Kuwait Univd indicated that a formal invitation from the Presidd demic events, the Minister requested AUK to supdp semester. versity (that is a government-owned) to implement dent’s Office would be required.

Finance Students Explore Financial Crisis in Iceland By Salma Tayeh journey, they were taken by bus to their hotel. ing apart. Lunch was after that, and then their next Professor Rutland Professor Patricia took some othed rofessor John Rutland and Professor Patricia On the first day, they started their program journey was under an ice cave. Exploring real life ers to a flea market for some shopping. Others, who PRead-Hunter organized a study abroad trip to along with a tour guide called Elizabeth. Their glaciers was next and was extremely interesting wanted to relax for the day went along with Profesds Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland in fulfillment of first experience of Iceland was a horse riding trip and fun to experience. At the end of the day, the sor Rutland’s wife, Ms. Frances, to one of Iceland’s the requirements of the cross-listed International in a place called Laxves. On the way to Laxves, professors took the students to a fancy dinner to famous tourist spots, the Blue Lagoon spa. Finance (FINC 389) or Cross-Cultural Managedm Elizabeth told the professors and students about end a thoroughly enjoyable day. From that point, students were free to start workdi ment (MGMT 332) course. The course gives studd the history, geography, environment, and geoldo The second day, Elizabeth exposed the whole ing on their research, taking appointments, interdv dents the opportunity to write a research paper on ogy of Iceland. According to Elizabeth, Iceland’s crew to the very unique experience of dog sleddd viewing people, investigating, and at the same an international topic based on a real-life research population is only about 300,000 and the area of ding. Some of the students and Professor Patricia time exploring the country on their own way. For methodology. Iceland is 1300 km2. They speak Icelandic with as well experienced the snowmobile while other safety reasons, students were not allowed to condd Iceland is counted as one of the countries most English widely spoken as a second language in students were taking their turn at dog sledding. duct research interviews on their own. As a result, hardly hit by the current financial crisis. Three of the country. Most villages are close to the sea Although the weather was terribly cold, we all most of the interviews were attended by other studd the country’s banks were forced into bankruptcy side because of the importance of fishing. Iceland enjoying the new activities. We had fun building dents or professors; this was also beneficial to studd and nationalized as a result of the financial crids imports wheat, fruits and, vegetables except for a snowman, playing in the snow, and enjoying dents who were working on similar or related reds sis. The main research topic of the course was to tomatoes, cucumbers, and green pepper. She also the amazing scenery of the huge snowy moundt search topics. Several students took appointments investigate how the financial crisis had affected pointed out that Iceland is known for its volcadn tains surrounding the place. They then all went with Banks such as the Kampthing Bank and the certain businesses, services, and industrial factors noes, adding that four of them are ready to erupt. for lunch. After that, snow hiking was their next Central Bank in Iceland, clinical psychologists, in Iceland. Students chose different topics and difdf Geologists come from all around the world to reds activity on the schedule. Then they explored Icedl businessmen, restaurant managers, super market ferent sectors: banks, supermarkets, an insurance search in Iceland; as geology is the most common land’s Black Sea. After the organized activities, managers, business managers, etc. company, a horse-riding service, high class restd and interesting field study in Iceland. Glaciers are we were free to go our own way and explore the On the last day of the trip, all the students taurants, tourism, and clinical psychology. also common in the country. The students were country. The professors and students had dinner thanked the professors for their great effort in The group started their trip on Friday 10th April. lucky to observe, visit, and experience most of separately. arranging this trip. Most of them agreed that the They departed Kuwait at 9:45am, and after a stopdo these places. After enjoying the fun part of horse On the third day, the students were divided acdc professors were very supportive and considerate over in Qatar, headed off to London and then fidn riding, their next visit was to check out a huge cording to their interests to go along with the profd throughout the trip, and that the trip had been very nally on to Iceland. After the long, sixteen-hour mountain that has split and is continuously driftdi fessors. Students who wanted to ski accompanied fun, enjoyable, and exciting. NEWS The Voice of AUK  May 2009 4th Annual Liberal Arts Conference: Higher Ed in the GCC

By Nur Soliman interesting discussions on educatd tion – Constructing, Measuring, Egypt, Ms. Cinali attempted to defd not a watered-down version of the and Dr. Dinkha, assisted by AUK he 4th annual AUK Liberal tion. Many that Prof. Eickelman and Assessing Curricula fine liberal arts education and what education in the U.S.; they also get freshman Monica Matta, discussed TArts Conference kicked off to quoted often supported a more Jyoti Grewal, Dean of Interdisdc happens when it is introduced. Defd to connect and feel familiar with the classic discussion of gender a good start with the ceremonial professional, vocational education ciplinary Studies at Zayed Universd fining it is important in the GCC American students, where they and its influence on job opportunitd opening at 10:00am, 26t April h, that was ultimately more business- sity, UAE: /MENA, where it is not too well can all freely discuss important, ties, this time bringing it back to 2009. The theme for this year’s oriented, while gradually, others Professor Grewal was a confidd understood, by students, parents, pressing issues that are of interest the Gulf region, more specifically conference was “Higher Education began advocating a more diverse, dent speaker, making the audience and even professors, according to to them. Kuwait. What made it interesting in the GCC: Emerging Trends and liberal arts education. He also discd smile with her humour. As Dean Ms. Cinali. The perception is that it Facilitation of Self-Learning was the incorporation of education Models,” coordinated by Division cussed the concept of liberal arts of Interdisciplinary Programs at encourages “’free-for-all’ chat and by Students in a course on Career levels as a factor. While most studid Head of the Social Sciences, Prof. education within the region, where UAE’s Zayed University, Grewal exchange, flexible disciplines, and Perspective ies to focus on whether men/womed Shoma Munshi. more and more branch—or satelld strongly believes in the importance so on, “but these do not accurately Farouk al-Sabban, Professor of en are happy in their positions, or In her speech, Prof. Munshi indt lite—campuses as well as privateld of the general education (gen-ed) define the system’s ethos. AUC Nutrition and Biology at the Womed whether personal attributes play a troduced the Liberal Arts Confered ly owned for-profit universities are system in a liberal arts education. devotes a year of orientation for its en’s College, Kuwait University, role in this, this research team decd ence by briefly going over its histd being established, far newer than For Grewal, “to construct well- students and faculty, while the admd Kuwait cided that educational attainment tory, explaining that it is “growing the established Gulf state universitd educated, polished, cultured persd ministration undergoes introspectd In a more practice-oriented papd and cultural expectations played in scope and audience,” as well as major factors in Kuwait. Using inviting greater participation from survey methodology to gather colleagues in both local and internd data, the team found that despite national universities. This was also the growing number of successfd the first year where Dartmouth ful women in the “educational and College, AUK’s institutional partnd labor” spheres in the region, as ner, participated in the conference, well as their increased university namely with keynote speaker Prof. enrollment, this doesn’t help with Dale Eickelman, “one of the most upward mobility in careers. respected scholars in the region.” Privatization of Higher Educaat Dr. Munshi thanked the members tion in the Middle East—the Case of the AUK community who suppd of Iran and Kuwait ported and assisted her, from facud Gholamreza Vatandoust, Visitdi ulty and staff to the student assistd ing Associate Professor of History tants. and International Studies, AUK, AUK’s president, Dr. Marina Kuwait Tolmacheva, also took the podiud Prof. Vatandoust spoke from a um, detailing how she found great unique perspective, presenting in pleasure in welcoming all the variod a clear, concise lecture, comparid ous members of the audience. She ing private universities in Iran and emphasized continuing the liberal Kuwait. In comparing the steadily arts tradition of continuing the tradd growing numbers of private (non- dition of dialogue in AUK. She governmental) universities in the suggested an increasing acceptd ties of Kuwait, UAE, Oman, and sons,” the foundation for this is to tion. At the same time, however, per, Professor Al-Sabban spoke of GCC and Iran, there is a similarid tance of the “skills and habits of so on in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. be made of constant assessment, there are occasional clashes betd turning the learning process back ity; however, both the purpose and mind” that a broad Arts & Scienced Prof. Eickelman then brought self-assessment (of the whole tween the traditional “respecting, on students. His simple technique function of these private universitd es education provides its students up many of the real problems that community), and the student’s rote-learning, and conventional involved students taking charge in ties greatly differs between the two in order to lead in their society and people face when trying to incorpd immersion gen-ed courses. She cultural” boundaries that AUC’s their “Career Perspectives” class, (Kuwait and Iran being the prime prove able, adaptive community porate a new system—namely, the pointed out that during the accd community has to learn to either taught by Al-Sabban at least 6 example). The growth in Iran’s members. liberal arts—into an established creditation process, their program let go of or reconcile with if the times. Al-Sabban has established population has caused a pressing The president of Dartmouth culture: society, government, langd was so successful that it “received liberal arts are to flourish. an emailing system through which need for educational facilities to College, Dr. James Wright, then guage, as well as religious beliefs, the best accreditation” among the Globalizing the Classroom he distributes coming material. accommodate all. In 1984, Ayatolld spoke to the audience through a all factor into changes or tensions university’s programs. Educators – Lessons Learned from EC Teleca Students, individually or in groups, lah Khomeini declared that private special video greeting, emphasizid with the introduction of the systd need to be conscious of the implicd classes are responsible for presenting the universities would be introduced ing how proud the college was of tem. Prof. Eickelman drew on the cations, risks, or opportunities in Benjamin Reilly, Visiting Asds material in class using a variety of all over Iran, under the strict supd its affiliation with AUK, its founded case of AUK and the imposition of their programs and curricula, re- sistant Professor, Carnegie Mellon techniques. All of these are left up pervision of the government who er Sheikha Dana Al-Sabah, and its segregation, for instance. He discd evaluating these for improvement. University of Qatar Foundation to the students, where Al-Sabban would ensure that the material esteemed body of faculty, staff, cussed the possible implications, This, Grewal concluded, leads to Prof. Reilly, an enthusiastic provides only support, but minimd taught in the universities was in and students who all seek to keep or at least the potential effects of “a knowledge-based society,” one speaker, delivered a lecture on the mal instruction or guidance. In addd accordance with accepted doctrine. alive “and shape … as well as be governmental laws on the universd where there is both the “dissemind great advantages that Teleclassed dition, the students regularly visit This starkly contrasts with private shaped by” the institution that is sity environment, and so on. He nation and generation” of knowled es—classes using Digital Video a variety of work-places relevant universities in Kuwait, where they still in its earlier years. also proceeded to discuss how a edge circulating a community. Equipment (DVC, also used betd to their focus, and write up repd provide more liberal education to Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, Dean of students who no longer place confd the College of Arts & Sciences, fidence in the more out-dated systd also spoke, detailing three brief, tems of the state-run universities. insightful remarks on the institutd Mourad Dakhli, Assistant Prodf tionalization of liberal arts educd fessor of Business and Economics cational institutions in the region, and Dina El-Zohairy (‘09), AUK, among these being that with the Kuwait introduction of a new educational Comparing Public and Private system to a culture or a region, in Education—A Student-Centered place of an older, more established Perspective one, there is sure to be cultural tensd The final paper for the first day sion of sorts, all of which comes was also by Dr. Dakhli, this time with the discussion of many new, co-authored by senior Managedm interesting models of introducing ment student Dina El-Zohairy. new educational systems into a Starting with information from region which he hoped would be the World Bank’s famous 2007 discussed during the two days of MENA Report The Road Not the conference. Traveled, and an important study Prof. Dale Eickelman, the Ralph by the McKinsey report on the and Richard Lazarus Professor of GCC’s new approach to educadt Anthropology and Human Reld tion, the pair presented research lations took to the stage for his on the role that both private and keynote speech. Dr. Eickelman’s liberal arts education has a real Liberal Arts Education in the tween Dartmouth and AUK, facd ports on these visits. Midterms are public universities play in Kuwait. speech, entitled The Liberal Arts and positive effect on the students GCC cilitated by IT Dept). He divided short, take-home research papers, They examined what factored a Are Local: The Arabian Peninsa who engage in it, where liberal Gina E. Cinali, Executive Didr these benefits into two main new for most students. Upon the student’s evaluation of their unidv sula, was both thought-provokid arts and critical thinking are ways rector of Institutional Planning, branches: gaining knowledge retroactive evaluation conducted versity. KU students had differed ing, stimulating, and entertaining, in which the community is finally Assessment, Research & Testing through lectures, and connecting by Al-Sabban, 66% preferred this ent expectations and priorities to drawing on real and interesting able to engage in a “real, vigorous at American University in Cairo, with students 6,000 miles away. relatively new way of teaching to say, AUK and GUST students. anecdotes from experiences in public dialogue” about their own Egypt Reilly discussed the technological the traditional approaches. Both speakers acknowledged that countries like Oman, Qatar, the environment as well as textbook Ms. Cinali began by saying that facilities of Education City, housid Educational Attainment and primary and higher education has UAE, and even briefly in Kuwait. theory, and finally “translate this there is a “liberal arts proliferatd ing the “cherry-picked” U.S. prodg Career Success in the GCC – does many weaknesses in the Gulf, He began by suggesting that liberad into action.” tion” in the world, bringing with it grams. Comparing the use of DVC Gender Matter? sticking to conventional methods al arts educational systems in and The remainder of this article prodv “labels, values, ethos.” The questd among campuses, Reilly discussed Mourad Dakhli, Juliet Dinkha, that no longer have positive efdf of themselves are a relatively new vides brief synopsis of the papers tion still remains as to “how well which universities used DVC more Assistant Professors, and Monica fects, but at the same time, there concept, even in the United States, presented at the panel sessions on is it understood? What about the often than others. He pointed out Matta (‘12), student, AUK, Kuwd were changes made. They also where the dramatic changes in the the first day of the conference. liberal arts education system?” that DVCs allows students to feel wait made recommendations for soludt early 19th century brought forth The University and Accreditaat Drawing on her experiences in that the education they receive is In this joint paper, Dr. Dakhli tions based on their findings. The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 5, Issue 8 

Halim Choueiry conducts 3-day GDES Workshop

By Nur Soliman assignment they were going to images, if they’re there, and the since the ninth century, from the famous Thomas Milo and word. After a rough draft, the ver the course of three be given the next day. Through meaning, and give all of these the addition of diacritical marks his development of tasmeem, remainder of the day was spent Odays, from May 7 to 9, what can only be called pasds good readability. to the development of the difdf whereby the Arabic script was in painstaking tweaking and refd Halim Choueiry conducted a sionate, mesmerizing delivery, All of this means much to ferent scripts, from Kufic to perfectly assimilated into comdp formulating the whole new draft workshop for junior and senior before telling the students that Halim, who has spent years Naskhi, Thuluth to Diwani, and puter typeface programs, and in order that the two words were GDES students, entitled Latin before thinking about the Latin exploring various techniques so on. He also mentioned the is now used as artistic decoradt visually intimate, or harmoniod into Arabic. Invited by Prof. and Arabic scripts, Halim bedg of harmonizing the Latin and inter-connectedness of the varido tion in various mosques, and so ous, and didn’t seem disjointed Maryam Hosseinnia, who first gan by saying that we all “live Arabic scripts so as to make ous Semitic languages, Aramaid on. That said, he also asserted in any way. On the third day, met him two years ago, Halim by narrative, by stories, by the both harmonious and meaningdf ic, Hebrew, and Syrianic, also that what they were doing was they made some final refinedm made a real difference into the semiotics of things,” by the ful. Born in Beirut, Halim has mentioning as the turning point consciously immersing their tydp ments and adjustments to their experiences of these students way things are transformed, had over 16 years of profesds in the synthesis of scripts, Kashd pographic work into something work before printing and mountid who had done Typography I and changed, and magnified, manidf sional experience and teaching huni, Arabic written in Aramaic that was human, spontaneous, ing it on black board for presentd II. A famous graphic designer, festing themselves “typographdi of graphic design. With two letters. From this, Halim said, and ultimately more personal, tation to the class. Also, Mark, Assistant Professor of Graphic ically, as the symbols of the Masters degrees in Typographidc the students would create their harmonious with its context. the creator and founder of the Design, and Vice-President of story.” It’s not just the narrative cal and Graphic Design Studdi own synthesized creations of For the remaining two days famous Kuwaiti blog, 2.48 am, Icograda (International Coundc of the artistic product, however, ies from London and Brighton, script that flowed well together. of the workshop, the students was present to view and judge cil of Graphic Design Associadt that Halim is talking about: it is as well as a Post-Graduate Didp The discussion moved on to worked very hard on their own their work alongside Halim. tions), Halim has a tremendous the act of writing in and of itds ploma in 3D/Furniture Design language and type, as Halim small projects. Every student In discussing the real art and energy and passion for the work self. Like the chalky handprints from the Notre Dame University began to relate the intriguing brought parts of their portfolios progress that one achieves in he does, and very effectively— of Neanderthal settlers in the of Lebanon, Halim has had even discussion to the GDES assignmd for one-on-one sessions with experimenting with different almost magically—transmitted caves of Lascaux, or the rocky further extensive experiences ment, where there are two chaldl Halim before starting on their forms of expression, Halim that excitement on to the studd desert of the Libyan Sahara, the and academic knowledge of his lenges to traditionally designed Latin to Arabic project. Each quoted from Antoine de Sainte- dents involved, helping them act of epigraphy and making work, infusing all of this into his Arabic typefaces, or even typedf student chose their own brand Exupéry’s beloved fable of The through every painstaking step one’s mark in the world is what conversation and lecture. faces in general. Halim maintd name and logo in English. Aftd Little Prince, speaking to what of the process. Halim finds so fascinating. The lecture detailed the histodr tained that the crudely painted ter typing out all the different was by now an enchanted audide The first day of the d works “When designing something,” ry of the Arabic script, script of sign by a young worker in Beirut symbols in English, students ence that “you can always see shop was more of a lecture and Halim pointed out, “you need to lughat a-Dad, or the language is ultimately more “honest” and investigated how these could things clearly with your heart; orientation for the students to guide your viewer to find a relatd of a-Dad detailing briefly the “human” than the image printed be manipulated and altered to what is essential is invisible to understand the purpose of the tionship between the words, the evolution of the Arabic script onto vinyl. Halim also discussed fit the Arabic translation of the the eyes.” SGA hosts the Kuwait Multiple Sclerosis Association

By Farah Al-Shamali that they are not alone, internadt n Monday 6th April, the tional cooperation with internadt OStudent Government Assd tional organizations dedicated to sociation hosted the Kuwait the cause to achieve objectives, Multiple Sclerosis Association and the establishment of a spedc who gave a lecture about their cialized center to provide rapid purpose and the nature of their treatment to patients. work. The lecture, delivered in A lot of hope, love, and dedicadt Arabic and English, was held tion go into the work done by the in AUK’s Liberal Arts Auditord marvelous personnel at KMSA. rium and was open to the publd Besides the specialized treatment lic. Members of the Multiple that is designated for patients, afdf Sclerosis Association, including fection is what will help them the director, Mona Al-Mosairi to surpass the physical pain that and other members, Ameera they are experiencing. It may Al-Mashhood, Bazighah Al-Suld sound tacky but it could not be laiman, and Fahd Al-Sulaiman, more true. In hosting KMSA at spoke about the possibilities of AUK, the SGA hoped to present preventing this disease from perds a model of what Kuwaiti men and sisting in Kuwaiti society. women are doing to give back to Founded in 2005, KMSA their community and which is thrives on the goal of providing not always given much appreciadt lectures, symposia, and group tion. We must not forget the misdf psychological treatment that has fortunate of Kuwaiti society, and greatly assisted many in overdc they must not be shunned. We coming the disease. Surprisingly might be lucky enough to retain enough, multiple sclerosis afdf full health but we must not forget fects women more than it does stood that it is not diagnosed as ficulty in swallowing, recurrent does not allow for the enjoyment ness about the nature of the disde those who are lacking it. On behd men; those between the age of a mental illness and symptoms fatigue, problems with urination of some pleasures. Although ease, its symptoms, the importd half of the SGA, I would like to 20 and 45 are the most affected vary from one patient to another. and excretion, sexual dysfuncdt they are mentally aware of their tance of getting early treatment, thank Abdulla Aziz Al-Anezi for by the disease. Generally, symptoms include the tion, and emotional instability. surroundings, self-expression is assisting patients and helping to linking us to KMSA, Mona Al- What is multiple sclerosis? It is following: problems with vision, On the whole, it is difficult for a strenuous task. facilitate their daily lives, the Mosairi, Ameera Al-Mashhood, a neurological disease that causes imbalance and inconsistency multiple sclerosis patients to KMSA has set the following creation of channels of commudn Bazighah Al-Sulaiman, and Fahd the patient to lose control of his of movement, changes in the lead normal, productive lives. short- as well as long-term goals nication between patients of this Al-Sulaiman for representing or her nerves. It must be underds nerves, speech impediments, difdf The way their body functions in sight: raising societal awaredn diseases so that they each discern KMSA at AUK. NEWS The Voice of AUK  May 2009

Student Anti-Drug Forum By Dina El-Zohairy ble for many deaths by overdose, Kuwait’s security system is well- he Anti-Drug Student Forum takes the form of a white or beige equipped to detect smuggling atdt Tthat was scheduled to take powder which can be sniffed, or tempts, and severely punish the place in the Multipurpose Room dissolved and injected intraveidn individuals involved. Neverthedl on Tuesday 21st April at 1:30pm nously. Opium is another illegal less, he called on students to stay Iranian Presidential Elections started 45 minutes late, even drug that is derived from the milky alert, and use the knowledge they though the two guest lecturers liquid found in the unripe seeds of have gained to assist them in comdb By Farah Al-Shamali, Sarah arrived and were ready to begin the poppy plant. Morphine, a very bating the distribution of illegal According to the constitudt looking characters, dressed El-Rifaai, Kawther Sadeq, on time. It seems that argument powerful pain reliever and sedadt drugs by reporting any individuals tion the Supreme Leader and up in bow ties and young men Fatemah Boukhadour, Patty arose between the guest lecturers tive, and codeine, a cough suppd or incidents to Kuwait’s Center his representatives exert direct with punkish hairdo are there Marotte, Amnah Ibraheem, and representatives of the Student pressant, are examples of highly for Combating Drugs or the Gende or indirect control over nearly for the fun of it, knowing full Hala Al-Sabah, Dr. Gholam Success Center over the banners addictive medicinal drugs that are eral Attorney. all branches of government: the well that it would be impossible Vatandoust they had set up, nearly leading derived from the same plant. The third and final speaker was executive, legislative, judiciary, to get past the ultra conservadt to the cancellation of the lecture. The effects of recreational SSC Counselor Ms. Cheryl Bunzd n Thursday 7th May, the foreign policy, military, Revodl tive Guardian Council. Howed Displayed on each of the five or drugs like ecstasy and Captagon zenmeyer, whose presentation focd OINST 389 (Iran and the lutionary Guards Corp, Basij ever, there are four candidates so pull-up banners were images were also explained. They appeal cused on the psychological aspects International Community since Militia, Friday Imams and the that stand out among the rest; that are occasionally printed in to youth because they are often of addiction, occasionally drawing WWII), participated in AUK’s radio and television networks. all four are dedicated to the Isld local papers of various ingenious misleadingly marketed as drugs on her professional experience 6th Annual Showcase, presentdi The Islamic Republic of lamic Republic and have served methods used by drug smugglers that boost concentration and help with alcoholics and drug addicts. ing the Iranian Electoral Prodc Iran’s Constitution and its elecdt it faithfully. They are Mahmoud to bring their cargo into Kuwait. enhance academic performance, To begin with, once the addictd cess to the AUK community. toral system is a complex one, Ahmedinejad, Mohsen Rezaee, As a student, those images when in reality they do not and are tion starts, a person’s emotional The presentation began with the tightly controlled by various Mir-Hossein Mousavi, and Mehd showed me just how creative and very dangerous. Consuming Capdt and psychological development Constitutional Revolution of governing bodies, including the hdi Karroubi. Mohsen Rezaee smart those people are, carefully tagon pills, which is especially are diverted to the addiction, 1906, one of the more dramatic Supreme Leader. The Majlis is was the head of the Islamic planting calculated quantities of popular among Arab youth, leads hence hindering normal psychodl events in Iran that managed to the national legislative body of Revolution Guard Corps from drugs in items ranging from cardp to a temporary loss of memory, logical development. Additionad limit and transform the power Iran consisting of 290 members 1981 to 1997 while Mir-Hossd pets, neon candles, electric heated brain cell damage, paralysis, and ally, studies show that those who of the absolute monarchy into elected by popular vote. The sein Mousavi served as Iran’s ers, and water pumps, to watermd possibly death due to the drug’s suffer from anxiety disorder, a constitutional system where deputies are overseen by the Premier during the Iran-Iraq melons, almonds, and grenadines, devastating effects on the nervous OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive the Shah was accountable to Guardian Council which has the War, and is remembered for efdf but most grossly the human body! system. Disorder), depression, or ADHD the Majlis (elected parliament) authority of vetting candidates fectively managing the coundt However, SSC Director Joanne Al-Hajri then moved on to listdi (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity and an independent judiciary. and the legislation passed by the try during eight years of war Hands held a completely different ing some common behavioral and Disorder), among other disordd However the hopes for a consd Majlis. The Guardian Council and economic hardship. Mehdi view. She was worried that AUK physiological signs and symptoms ders, are more prone to resort to stitutional monarchy was short is a controversial, non-elected Karroubi, a cleric and close asds students, upon being exposed to that result from habitual drug use. addiction to escape their probdl lived for soon followed the ravad body which consists of 12 memdb sociate of Ayatollah Khomeini, these images, would learn how A drug addict may not necessardi lems and any unwanted feelid ages of World War I, the famine bers, six appointed by the Supd has served in different capacidt to hide drugs, to the disbelief and ily exhibit all of the symptoms. ings or actions their condition and the pandemic flu of 1918, preme leader and six introduced ties, including being a member amusement of those present. The According to his list, drug addicts may trigger. For example, one and the coup d’état of 1921 that by the Majlis. They are tasked of the Majlis and speaker of the guest lecturers, employees at the usually avoid making eye-to-eye study showed that 75% of alcodh brought a strong military man, with interpreting the constitutd house during Khatami’s first Ministry of Interior, refused to contact with family members; exdp holics were depressed. Reza Khan, to power. By 1925 tion, approving candidates and term in office. He is regarded abide by the wishes of Ms. Hands, perience mood swings; have imdp Another interesting topic surdr Reza Khan had strengthened supervising elections of the Assd a reformer. Mahmoud Ahmadd arguing that this was part of the paired speech and spatial perceptd rounds addictive personalities, his position, seized the throne sembly of Experts, the President, dinejad, president since 2005, presentation they had prepared and tion; show no respect for the law which presumably put a person at and established himself as the and the Majlis. If a problem dedv has been criticized for his isodl the awareness campaign. Followdi or social norms and traditions; and a higher risk of resorting to some founder of the Pahlavi Dynasty, velops between the Majlis and lationist policies abroad and his ing a series of conversations with may have burnt fingers and/or disdc form of addiction. These include which was to rule Iran until the Guardian Council, it is the populist policies at home. He is various staff members, it was dedc colored fingertips from the handd being antisocial, having low stress 1979. Expediency Council that interdv held accountable for the present cided that the lecture could begin dling of drugs, as well as visible tolerance, feeling insecure, and Once on the throne Reza Shah venes and reports directly to the economic woes of Iran. While and the banners could stay up, and marks on their arms and legs from suffering from traumatic stress as turned into a dictator, and was Supreme Leader. The Assembly it is difficult to clearly identify the students who had been waiting the use of needles. a result of childhood abuse and exdp eventually removed by the Aldl of Experts is a body of 86 Mudj the platform for each, Ahmadd outside were finally invited in. Dr. Ayed Al-Hamidan, an expert posure to war or violence, among lies in 1941 and replaced by his jtahids (religious scholars) who dinejad and Mohsen Rezaee are First Lieutenant Thamer Al- on drugs and psychotropic subds other factors. young son Mohammed Reza elect the Supreme Leader and viewed as conservatives. Howde Hajri started off the discussion stances, addressed the audience According to Ms. Cheryl, padt Pahlavi. Until the coup of 1953 supervise his activities. The asds ever, Mir-Hossein Mousavi and with a presentation on different next, also in a Kuwaiti dialect to tients being treated for addiction the young Shah allowed freedd sembly is currently headed by Mehdi Karroubi are associated types of drugs—what they look build rapport with the students. He tend to switch to other enjoyable dom of expression and politicd Ayatollah Ali Hashemi Rafsanjd with the reformist camps who like, where they come from, and relied mainly on illustrations to activities to substitute their addd cal parties to prevail. When Dr. jani. The Expediency Council is advocate change. how they are administered. This describe the nasty effects of illegal diction, which they eventually Mohammad Mussadeq became an administrative body appointde Who becomes the future presdi would equip students with crucial drugs on the body, both internally become addicted to. This may be Prime Minister and nationaldi ed by the Supreme Leader to ident of Iran is significant not knowledge to help them idendt and externally. For example, drug due to the build-up of a protein ized the Iranian oil in 1951, resolve differences between the only to the GCC members but tify and thus protect themselves use may lead to life-threatening called Delta FosB in neurons events turned sour. The British Guardian Council and the Majdl to the entire region. For the past against illegal drugs. Hashish, conditions like AIDS, Hepatitis A, in the brain’s pleasure centers, and Americans masterminded a lis, and is also headed by Ayatolld 30 years Iran has been marginad for example, the most popular in Hepatitis B, and lung cancer. ultimately causing irreversible coup that resulted in the overdt lah Ali Hashemi Rafsanjani. The alized, particularly by the U.S., Kuwait, comes in black fingerlike He concluded his equally infordm damage to the dopamine system. throw of Dr. Mussadeq and his chief executive, the President, is but has remained a power in the packages and is usually combined mative presentation with several In short, the statement “Once an nationalist party. The Shah, who voted in by the electorate, and region. The Afghanistan and with tobacco and smoked as a cigda pieces of advice for the attending addict, always an addict” apdp had fled the country returned in must be approved by the Guardid Iraq wars, the issue of nuclear arette. Heroin, which is responsidb students and reassured them that pears to be true. triumph and he hence decided to ian Council prior to becoming a proliferation, the Israel-Palesdt rule Iran with an iron fist, fully candidate. tine conflict, the price of oil, the supported by the United States. For lack of political parties question of Hamas and Hezbolld The Shah’s confrontation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, lah, the dispute over the three with Ayatollah Khomeini dates the electoral process concerndi islands: all are issues in which back to the White Revolution of ing presidential candidates has Iran has a major role to play; a 1963, where certain measures met numerous obstacles, chaldl role that it cannot play as long as of the six point program were lenges and setbacks within the it continues to be marginalized. declared as non-Islamic by Ayatd past two decades, particularly A moderate and understanding tollah Khomeini who was then since the death of Ayatollah President of the Islamic Republd arrested, imprisoned and exiled Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. lic could change Iran’s internatd for 15 years. Mr. Khomeini redt For the presidential elections tional image and pave the way turned to Iran on 1st February of 2005, out of a total of over for future negotiations. When 1979 following the flight of the 1,014 candidates all but eight AUK students and faculty were Shah and in March 1979 a natd were disqualified by the Guardid asked to cast their votes in a tionwide referendum was condd ian Council. For the forthcomdi mock election, 12 cast their ducted and the Islamic Republic ing elections there are a total of votes for Mir-Hossein Mousavi, was declared on April 1st 1979. 475 candidates currently regisdt 9 each for Mohsen Rezaee and A constitution was then drawn tered (433 men and 42 womed Mehdi Karroubi, while 4 voted up and Ayatollah Khomeini thus en). The oldest is 86 while the for Ahmadinejad. The election emerged as the Supreme Leader youngest is 19, and most have date is set for June 12th. Let’s (The Vali-e Faqih). no particular platform. Strange see how the Iranians will vote. The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 5, Issue 8 

Women in Business, from on page  at maximum levels. She makes positive use of her women are still facing difficulties, indicating the Judging from the overall organization of the gender difference in order to prevent this glass presence of barriers; however, progress is being conference and the number and variety of guests, bitions and no one can stop you from achieving ceiling from controlling her. Using her experied made. Now, women are going to the parliament. it was obvious that a lot of time and effort were them, holding that believing in yourself is the key ence as a basketball player in the national team as Also, in the accounting profession, more female invested by the Marketing Club members to make to breaking the glass ceiling. an example, she talked about the challenges they students are excelling over male students. this conference possible. However, this effort On the other hand, Dr. Bagnied argued that in faced in order to get permission to participate in In the end, Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar, a parliamentary was generally not met with a corresponding appd order to avoid the glass ceiling one must have his/ the Gulf Tournaments. Again, she added that beld candidate, gave a lecture about the obstacles womed preciation from the students for whom it was put her own business. He also noted that women face lieving in what you want and working hard to get en face in the private sector. She also discussed together. For the most part, attendance rates were this ceiling in the course of their careers due to it is the way to break this ceiling. the kind of work women occupy in the economic a bit disappointing. This kind of outcome tends to the cultural barriers in Arab societies. Although Finally, Mahdi Al-Own pointed out that having cycle of the country, highlighting that more than dispirit hard-working students and may potentially the Arab world is starting to change and move forwd workshops that prepare college students to face 70% of working women occupy the educational discourage student organizations from putting on ward, there is still a problem, which can be overcd life challenges is the ideal way to break these barrd cycle. Reasons why women prefer working in the something of value and quality. Regardless of this, come by breaking cultural barriers. riers. public sector over the private sector include a secd the Marketing Club is to be lauded for its genuine Ms. Fatma Al-Hamad stated that her work in a Following that, Dr. Jeremy Cripps gave his cured salary, less working hours, flexible holidays, attempt to promote development on this front at male-dominated place encourages her to perform opinion about the discussion topic. He said that and good retirement salaries. AUK and in Kuwait.

President Tolmacheva, from on page  oped locally, which is the case with AUK. tablishment; it was a bureaucratic and academic American University of Cairo for example, are Currently, academic representation is very achievement.” There were Dartmouth represendt recognized by their societies. The fact remains ing at American universities abroad (and they had strong with AUK and it is the “faculty in the tatives at the graduation ceremony and the day that not everyone can be educated about the libde to be “American universities and only abroad”), classrooms and not the President who assures these students graduated was proclaimed “AUK eral arts. However, it must be discerned that “it is President Tolmacheva had been to Central Asian this.” When faculty are selected to teach at AUK, Day” at Dartmouth College. about arts and sciences.” republics and the Ukraine but had not been to Kuwd there is a strong attempt to select the very best. President Tolmacheva then went on to make a In the Kuwaiti constitution, intellectual freedom wait. She sent a letter of inquiry (stressing upon it Professors are directed to the fact that AUK is very important statement regarding her achievedm is proclaimed. Academics are not simply about only being a letter) and was called in as a finalist a “primarily teaching institution” and “student- ments at AUK: “an administrator’s achievements liberty—with freedom of thought, knowledge to be interviewed in Washington D.C. to be the centered.” President Tolmacheva revealed that are not his or hers—it is about other people, is taught and developed. People need to “think Dean of Arts and Sciences of AUK. active academics involved their students in their about AUK people and students.” She seeks modm freely, make mistakes, and ask questions.” After When asked about the reason for selecting research whom she described as “serious, have mentum and cooperation so great ideas can bear all, the most effective pedagogical approach is to AUK, she stated that is was because of some language skills, are poised, and prepared.” She fruit. AUK’s achievements are “a reflection of “ask questions to achieve answers.” AUK students she had met while at Washington referred to an active club/organization to enudm taking the right course.” AUK has been able to Next, the Voice asked President Tolmacheva D.C. (noting one of them to be Fatmah Al-Qaddf merate this, the Model United Nations (MUN) correct its mistakes, work out misunderstandings, about her future endeavors, assuring her that the fan, one of the founders of the Voice of AUK, and at AUK, stating that “it is the first time that the and clean up its relations with regulators in Kudw entire AUK community is curious to know them. a 4-year member of the Editorial Board) and she Middle East is represented so highly and we are wait, namely the Ministry of Higher Education, She answered that she will be returning to the was “very impressed as they were the most vocal proud of their participation.” They have been the Private Universities Council, and the Civil United States and to academic life as she will and memorable.” able to achieve high standards and attract memdb Service Commission. The most important task is continue teaching and serving as an international As for the role of President of AUK, President bers who are passionate about debating, public to make sure that the degrees AUK underwrites consultant in higher education. Tolmacheva finds it to be “very enriching” and speaking, and the global political scene. make graduates employable. A serious undertakdi The interviewer decided to end off with a mesds one that presents the individual with daily chaldl AUK has some relations with outside educatd ing was translating the American model onto Kudw sage from President Tolmacheva to the AUK commd lenges. Some of these problems arise from the tional institutions apart from Dartmouth College. waiti ground. It must be remembered that private munity: be confident; be prepared; use knowledge fact that AUK is a young institution, how higher When the Voice posed the question to President education is new in Kuwait, where regulators are to gain more knowledge; and know thyself—do education is regulated, and, surprisingly enough, Tolmacheva, the word collaborate was used. learning and finding their way. Both sides are not spend time doing something you do not enjoy Kuwaiti history. President Tolmacheva mendt “Collaboration is too strong a word,” President evolving and going through a learning process. and find things to do that you are good at. tioned that Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Tolmacheva replied. AUK has Memorandums of When it comes to the American curriculum, it President Tolmacheva told the Voice that the Sabah passed away two weeks after her arrival Understanding (MOUs) with a few institutions; is important to understand that they feel at ease reason behind her success is being too prepared in Kuwait; therefore, she had come to Kuwait in they provide mutual benefits. Some institutions with change and adapt to it as opposed to Kudw and wanting to feel competent. “I have to be a time of political turmoil and confusion. Furtd have offered to have MOUs but AUK has not reds wait. “Very few cultures are comfortable with prepared for a venture—it opens opportunities.” thermore, AUK was not equipped with what it is sponded. AUK’s first MOU was with New Buldg change and have different forms of receptivity to People must always keep going and find new inds equipped with now in reference to organization garian University, the first private university in changes and preparedness for it.” President Toldm spirations and directions to follow. Being an adult and what not. “Now, Kuwaiti personalities are Bulgaria where Arabic and Islamic studies are macheva stated that Americans are not afraid of institution is a true mark of maturity and AUK is being invited by AUK students—that is unpreced taught. failure and are willing to try again should they getting there—all documentation is in place and edented.” She has witnessed the development of At this point in time, AUK is “looking at what fail. Not trying again is a waste of human capital. the accreditation calendar is moving forward. student maturity at AUK as they are doing things specific forms of cooperation can continue with Developing human capital can be seen as having Kuwaitis need to be engaged and keep on learnid on their own and have acquired valuable experd limited resources.” AUK has an articulation higher education institutions that students can acdc ing—they must know what runs their society and riences. In reference to the Student Government agreement with the Australian College of Kudw cess whether they are nationals or not. In a way, what creates obstacles. Association, President Tolmacheva celebrated wait–this encourages ACK transfer students to Kuwaiti is doing things differently: offering govde I have to say that I am very indebted to Presidd the fact that the AUK community has been able choose AUK above other private universities in ernment scholarship programs for admission into dent Tolmacheva for teaching me so much about to elect two female Presidents. “It is important,” Kuwait and represents a unique agreement for private institutions is unusual and different. the nature of her profession. I enjoyed every modm she stressed, “not to have a politically correct Kuwaiti private universities. It must be mentioned In the general scheme of things, Gulf countries ment of interviewing her and, like the rest of the genuine choice.” that MOUs are reviewed every three years. find other ways and obtain the generous support AUK community, cannot bear to see her leave, Moving on to the most prominent accomplishdm Moving on to more personal areas, the Voice of local universities. “The national cadre is to redc but am sure that she will always be regarded as ments that AUK has been able to fulfill since asked President Tolmacheva what she believes ceive enough to give momentum to internal dynd a founding member of AUK who has helped it its establishment, President Tolmacheva noted was her greatest achievement at AUK among namics such as entrepreneurship and research.” stand on its own two feet and meet impediments that forming the academic structure is a major many. Pointing at a glass-encased document With AUK, the Board of Trustees is locally situda with strict professionalism. The Voice would like achievement, as well as having good people lead hanging on the wall in her office, she stated that ated, which is a different phenomenon since they to thank President Tolmacheva for meeting with it. On a formal level, achieving Kuwaiti accredidt the Proclamation given by Dartmouth College are usually abroad. An important question to ask its representative and wishes her the very best in tation is a major one. AUK has “a proactive, futd has got to be the most remarkable. During AUK’s is: who else is coming? We do not always know the future. On behalf of everyone at AUK, please ture-oriented step and has to take a farsighted apdp inaugural year, only seven students graduated but in the meantime, will the rest of Kuwait recdo come back and visit us for you are a true halldm proach.” She mentioned that there are guidelines and they were all transfer students – this was in ognize academic rigor and this special kind of mark, a role model, and an acquaintance to be and policies for an institution to have a written the summer of 2006. “Nobody expected AUK education? The first universities in the Middle proud of. protocol and it is unusual for them to be develod to graduate students before four years of its esdt East, the American University of Beirut and the до свидания. SPORTS The Voice of AUK  May 2009 Men’s Volleyball Hammers AOU in Higher Ed! Men’s Basketball Handed Second UCC Defeat

By Omar A. Mehdi By Omar A. Mehdi Our men hammered AOU to keep up their good perfordm UK’s men volleyball in the second set with one n Monday, 27 April, mance and lost focus, while Ateam showed their of their best performances OGUST took over and GUST got back on their feet class on Sunday, 26th April, yet, with a shocking 25- AUK faced their second loss and scored a smashing 20 by beating the tough Arab 18; with this, they won a in the University Championds points. Our men’s defense bedg Open University (AOU) sensational match! ship Cup. AUK’s team will gan to fall apart and although with a well-deserved After watching the game undoubtedly admit that they our team kept on scoring, score: two sets to nothing! I can honestly say that I were run ragged during the the lack of concentration in AUK was given standing cannot recall one of our game as GUST sought to dedf our defense gave it all away. ovation in numerous occads players shining on their feat AUK beyond any doubt. GUST stole back the lead afdt sions tonight as they gave own because tonight our Having played half their ter a very convincing quarter their heroic performance. men played as one team matches, our men’s basketball on their half, with the third This is our second win in and they shone as a whole. team found themselves strugdg quarter finishing at 44-38. the Higher Education Inds AUK players walked out gling with two losses and a In the final quarter, our stitutions Tournament, aftd tonight as true champions! single victory. AUK has to players were expected to repd ter receiving the points of AUK has won its ticket to start winning games if they are peat the magic of the second the game against an absent the second round of the ever to continue the challenge quarter and go out there and ACK in March. AUK is Higher Education Institudt for the UCC this season! win the game. However, these left with one game against tions Tournament. Also, Surprisingly, barely eight were only wishes; GUST GUST on May 3rd to end the players proved that players turned up to face thrashed AUK and scored the the group stage matches. despite having suffered a GUST that evening and the majority of their points in the Before the match, AUK few defeats, they are still Wolfpack started the game game in the final quarter. Our appeared to be suffering; able to play some beautidf with nearly half their team men were not bad upfront, but our players were carrying ful volleyball and win! absent! AUK seemed rather as always they suffered heavdi two consecutive defeats Mabrook, guys – let’s weak in the first quarter, givdi ily in defense. Our cover was in their previous games in hope there’s more where ing away nearly all rebounds, just pointless and our players the University Championds that came from. finding it very difficult to get practically watched GUST ship Cup. Moreover, the the ball through the hoop. score 23 points and win the various injuries had forced GUST dominated the first game! The final score was 67- four players to sit out the quarter and walked off with 54. game, leaving AUK with a comfortable lead of 18-12. Even though losing with a only one substitution! Yet Conversely, our men played difference of 13 points is not our players put it all bedh a completely unusual second that bad, it was very disapdp hind them and were able quarter and brought in a new pointing to watch AUK lose to fight for a win tonight. surprising form of play. They a game that they had the podt The first set was very played excellent defense and tential to win. GUST’s played tense, and AUK fought managed to allow GUST to ers were definitely fitter than tooth and claw to maintain score only six points in the our players that night and they the lead. entire second quarter! AUK walked off the court looking Following an excitid was determined to get back in tireless. On the other hand, our ing performance by both the game and had an excellent players were exhausted! AUK sides, our men rose to the quarter, scoring 13 points, still has to face ACK on the challenge and won 26- therefore snatching the lead last day of April, so let’s hope 24! In the second set, the from GUST. this game served as a wakeup Wolfpack was energized he second quarter finished call to all our players and that and full of confidence afdt in favor of the Wolfpack at we see a performance similar ter winning the first set. 25-24! However, AUK failed to tonight’s second quarter!

Men’s Volleyball Team Suffer First UCC Defeat GUST’s Men’s Volleyball Team Settles Score!

By Omar A. Mehdi By Omar A. Mehdi managed to shock our men tled through to a thoroughly Their players were quick, resd the set, they quickly lost it and n Monday, 20 April, with an appalling 11-25 loss deserved 17-15 comeback and UST’s volleyball fans silient, and tireless for most GUST managed to reverse the OGUST’s volleyball court and an early advantage. won the final set of the evend Gsang the praises of their of, if not the whole game. scores. As our players looked witnessed the Wolfpack’s After losing the first set to ning. heroes at their home court as Unfortunately, our players’ helpless, GUST scored the first defeat in the Universities a terrible 14-point difference, In the end, our players walked GUST ran out with a comfortad performance was nothing like final point of the match and Championship Cup against the the Wolfpack finally picked up away with no one to blame but able win over AUK in their their performance in the previod won 25-16! Australian College of Kuwait their pace in the second set and themselves; they simply failed latest University Championsd ous game. Our players strolled off the (ACK). In a match we had fired back heavily. AUK boldly to take advantage of their lead ship Cup match. GUST were The score in the beginning court full of frustration as they been expected to dominate folld beat ACK with an impressive during the game and threw seldom put under any really of the first set was very close; dragged along their second lowing our well-deserved vicdt 25-13 victory. away many easy points. ACK pressure during the match and however, our players lacked defeat in a row. AUK will face tory earlier this month against Then the game was leveled can count themselves lucky and easily walked away with a remd the focus and the nerves to ACK on May 4 for the second GUST, AUK was surprisingly with a set for each team. In the somewhat fortunate to have esdc markable victory! The final turn the score around to their time. If we learnt anything overrun by ACK’s feisty team. third set, AUK’s team looked caped with a 2-1 win that evend score summed up the action of advantage. GUST ended the from tonight’s game with Although AUK managed to very confident and very promid ning. The Wolfpack will thrive the match as GUST dominated first set with 25-19! In the secod GUST, it is that we need to take the lead in the opening ising, but unfortunately, histord for revenge from ACK when ed both sets and paid the debt ond set, AUK was looking to figure out how to win against minutes of the game with a ry repeated itself and the horrd they face them in May. But for back to AUK with a comfortad settle the score and win the set a team we already lost to. So secure 4-point difference, they rible performance of the first now our men’s volleyball team able 2-0 triumph! to stay in the game. Unfortund let’s put tonight’s game and did not continue in the same set resurfaced. Our players lost is going to play against GUST After losing to AUK earld nately, our players couldn’t the previous loss behind us form and quickly found themsd focus, lost several unexplainad once more this Thursday at 8:30 lier this month, GUST’s team give GUST a tougher set than to end this losing streak and selves behind. ACK snatched able points and gave away a pm in GUST, so let’s go out walked in tonight with nothid the first. Although they had focus on giving ACK a good the first set of the game and 5-point advantage. ACK battd there and beat them, shall we? ing on their mind but revenge! the lead in the beginning of match! Al-Hashem and AbdulRoaf Clean Up Hangout Tournie

By Omar A. Mehdi win. On the other hand, Khaled he Hangout’s Pool/Chess dominated the chess tournament TTournaments took place from through all his games, defeating 26th April to 3rd May, featuring Ahmed Al-Emairi in the semi-find some intense matches between the nal and Hasan Al-Mansour in the participating students. The chess final game to win the tournament. tournament’s finalists, Khaled Al- In the pool tournament, Mohd Hashem and Hasan Al-Mansour, hammed AbdulRaof qualified to displayed excellent skill during the final through the disqualificadt the games they played. tion of another competitor, while Hasan’s semi-final game against Abdulrahman Al-Shaheen qualidf Mohammed Hayat lasted for a fied by defeating Majid Mahmoud whole hour. Mohammed Hayat two games to nil in the semi-final. seemed to have the upper hand Unfortunately for Al-Shaheen, during the beginning of the match; Mohammed AbdulRaof was able however, Hasan managed to turn to defeat him in the finals and win the game around and snatch the the tournament. The Voice of AUK THE ARTS Volume 5, Issue 8 10 Interview with Charis Ioannou April is Jazz Month in Kuwait of the Petsteppers By Nur Soliman By Nur Soliman soon as he felt a solo coming to sounding something like Djangd with Byars’ eloquent mini-lecdt hosting some “Jazz Features” t is a rare and real treat to have a close, would subdue his sound, go Reinhardt and his bassist tures were pieces that adequately axophonist and bandleader workshops. Charis helped him Ijazz concerts in Kuwait, aside sweeping his steel brush softly put together in quaint, plucking illustrated his stories, such as the SCharis (pronounced ‘Hardr while he was there, and since from the odd Desert Cats Jazz over the drums. rhythms, perfectly in time with cheerful and complex tri-partite ris’) Ioannou has come a long then, they have been playing Band or the Kuwait Jazz Coldl They played pieces by Charld Warren’s picturesque piano motd Al-Ghashiyah (‘Overwhelming way from Cyprus. He arrived together. Charis mentioned how lective’s premiere concert that I lie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Bud tifs. Moment’) or the very charming, in Kuwait with The Petsteppd they enjoyed playing together, missed, but to have six consecudt Powell, even Gershwin’s A Fogag This aside (and that’s really sweet Social Call. Going back pers, his band, including Micd and with other band members tive performances (four of which gy Day in London, all with ease just about it), the rhythm section to classics such as Summertime chael Messios on the double- too, like Ari Roland. They were I attended, and three of those and a brilliant familiarity. They was too loud, the drums taking (unique here with Roland’s great bass and Ioannis Vafeas on the going back in May, 2009, to were great), was more than anyod wound it up with a jazzy take over like overbearing rock-band bow intro) and Take the ‘A’ Train drums. Charis and The Petsteppd conduct two more sessions of one could imagine. At the same on a classic Cypriot folk song, percussions, while the bass guitd (even Jazz at Lincoln Center’s pers were the star performers of the “Jazz Features” workshops time, it was also bittersweet, as Messios and Vafeas taking on tar didn’t help much. It may be Orchestra could not have one the Gulf Jazz Festival’s second in the U.N. Buffer Zone area of I regretfully left the auditorium Afro-Cuban rhythms while Chadr said that I’m being somewhat better with this exquisite renditd night along with a surprise attd Nicosia. for the concert of the 19th, knowid ris played the beautiful melody. “purist” about my jazz, but tion). tendance from Chris Byars and In the fluid notes of Charis’ ing that I’d probably never hear The very pleasant surprise (at still: I’m all for incorporating Drummer Stefan Schatz his Quartet, the NYC group style that race with a rich, passd such good jazz perhaps for anod least, to most of the audience, exotic elements, even rock or played with tremendous energy who were playing at the Dar on sionate sound there is a little other year (who knows, perhaps perhaps Messios and Vafeas) punk-rock—however, if you’re for his breath-taking solos, but Saturday. Charlie Parker; yet sometimes longer). Nonetheless, the expedr that was the Chris Byars Quardt going to transform the music at the same time, had a sort of Unlike what I expected from it holds a more Latin jazz lilt. rience was memorable, so much tet only made the night more with “beefy, bottom heavy hip Philly Joe Jones sensitivity and someone who performs some of There’s something too of Max so that I wouldn’t have traded tremendous. Having just arrived hop breakbeats, trancy house soft steel-brush beats that were the more robust, energetic jazz Ionata, that great Italian tenor those nights for anything. Below from New York, ready to play grooves,” (as it is described on always in perfect sync with the (contemporary, Latin, Cuban, sax, in his sound, which he devd are a series of short reviews of on the 18th and 19th, the quartet Saskia’s debut album), with a bit quartet. Roland wowed his audide funky, samba), Charis was very velops and stretches to a Lester the four concerts. played with Charis’ trio (see of trumpet and piano, then don’t ence with what Eric Fine called quiet and cool, almost shy about Young spirit and the elegance more about them in their own say it’s “like jazz.” his “arco technique” in All having to talk about himself. of Parker in say, “Old Flame.” Charis Ioannou and His Pets- review below), overwhelming What was even more unfortd Things Strings magazine. John When it came to talking about Nevertheless, Charis has a sound steppers, Radisson SAS, April a delighted audience with one tunate was that the audience Mosca, a Juilliard graduate and the music, about jazz’s survivad and style that is peculiar to him, 16th of the most beautiful renditions simply couldn’t get enough of leader of New York’s Vanguard al in countries like the United no doubt a unique gathering of it, and asked for encores and Jazz Orchestra was a magnificent States, Cyprus, and Kuwait, he various influences that give him cheered loudly, and so on. Karde trombonist, sometimes playing was much more voluble. Very a brilliant, flowing sound that en Edwards, who came on stage sweetly and softly, like the cooid pleasant, ever willing to talk of is sometimes long and smooth, late into the performance, had ing, flower-like voice of Tommy his love for jazz, and interested sometimes delightfully chaotic. a charismatic, strong , bright, Dorset’s trombone, sometimes in making it better appreciated, In 1997, Charis travelled to and slightly husky voice that resd taking on Dizzy Gillespie’s role Charis was a hit on the night of Boston, studying jazz saxopd sounded to the end of the hall, on the trumpet and delivering the 16th, drawing long rounds of phone and composition at the Aretha Franklin style, but the absolutely fantastic solos. enthusiastic applause from the Berklee College of Music, then hard drums and bass really set Then there is Byars: most nearly-hundred strong audience moving on to New York where everything off. A Friday evening times he was a passionate Parkde outside the Bustan Restaurant he played with several bands, unfortunately very ill-spent. er, his fingers racing fluidly of the Radisson SAS. among them Chris Byars’. across the keys; sometimes, his According to his brief bio, “There is not a lot of difference Chris Byars Quartet at Dar sound was soft and playful, as Charis was born in 1976, in between bands in the States and Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah, April though he were playing with Nicosia, Cyprus. He tells me bands in Cyprus, except that in 18th & GUST campus, April Gerry Mulligan. All the time, he he actually started on the piano, the States, there are so many 19th was very unique; he had combd and not the saxophone, playing different bands playing in diffd lthough Byars shyly said bined cool East coast jazz with at age eight. Like “his cousins” ferent ways, but in Cyprus, we ost of us are used to sitting of Sweet Georgia Brown that Athat he and the Quartet the hotness of be-bop, further and all children his age, he begd have around 3 different bands.” Min auditorium or theatre I’ve ever heard. After the group could never compare to the melded with his own melodious gan listening to rock and other According to the Cyprus Big halls for concerts, but this concd finished with Tunisia, Dizzy likes of the great artist, I feel understanding of jazz, to create forms of modern music. He Band site, included are his own, cert was held in the open courtdy Gillespie’s “be-bop anthem,” that we were lucky enough to at a peculiarly Byars voice. started taking saxophone lessd Uptown Beat, Kyprogenia, and yard of Al-Bustan restaurant of as historian Ted Gioia puts it, I least get the spirit of Gillespie, The Quartet exemplified a sons at the age of thirteen. “My the Cyprus Big Band itself, all the Radisson SAS Hotel, on a knew that this was probably one Parker, even Ellington and Gerds positive direction for jazz in todd teacher was really into jazz,” of which Charis has played in. lovely, warm spring night. The of the finest jazz performances shwin through the magnificent, day’s world; in no way were they Charis remarked, “so I started After Kuwait, Charis’ band trees, the night air, the pleasda we’d ever have in many years to golden melodies that the Quardt annoyingly propagandist about to experiment with jazz, too.” has much on its plate for future ant noise of conversation, the come. tet offered, first to an audience Here, Charis waxed eloquent, tours. They were travelling to good dinner sort of added to the If you’re interested in more at the Dar, second to listeners at saying enthusiastically that London in a week, then preparid magic of the concert experience information on Charis Ioannou GUST. One doesn’t get tired of what he loved about jazz was ing to play at Greece’s summer (not to mention the first rate and his band, you can read the listening to these great artists on that it encapsulated “short stord jazz festival, as well as attending seats we got, a table right next to exclusive interview in this sectd CDs and radio, but the experide ries” into the fluid link of notes; the Krakow Jazz Festival where the platform, facing Charis and tion. ence of listening to it live is ultimd “it has a complexity, the more they first impressed the festival the others). Although conversadt mately more overwhelming and you understand and play it, the director, Witold Wnuk (also the tion during casual concerts can Saskia Laroo, Warren Byrd, intense. more you decode it, and that is director of Kuwait’s festival). sometimes distract, I later found and Friends, Radisson SAS, This year’s MENA group for satisfying,” he explained. “Hopefully next year,” they that it actually led to a more April 17th the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s When speaking of his own would have a few more dates natural, audible appreciation of askia Laroo is supposed to ‘Rhythm Road’ tour was an abds style, Charis agreed that it incd on their tour calendar, Charis the performers, as well as helpdi Sbe “The Lady Miles of Eudr solute hit since they made the clined towards one sub-genre laughed. Although it is difficult ing us connect with others who rope,” and I’m prepared to admit surprise appearance with Chard or the other over the years. He to get recording dates in Cyprus, were enjoying themselves just that she’s managed to somewhat ris Ioannou’s band. One feels is mainly interested in contempd Charis has recorded informally as much. reproduce Miles’ silvery-sweet, that the quartet played jazz for, porary jazz, sometimes fusion with his friends in New York, Charis Ioannou and the Petsd high-pitched cool tone. But among other reasons, the resond or funk, but more so Cuban or as well as completing the Petsd steppers were absolutely phend that’s probably where the reds nance it made with them in a American jazz or democracy Latin Jazz (Charis in fact brilld steppers’ debut album in 2008, nomenal; they performed with semblance ends; Saskia took her real meaningful way. (Chris never used the word). liantly melds these two together featuring compositions by band near flawless skill and definite, Miles sound and transformed it In his between-number comdm Instead, they wanted to share in some of his arrangements members. bursting energy. He, along into a surreal, fusion-day-Miles mentaries Byars introduced the beautiful music with people they and compositions). This said, When asked how he felt about with Messios (bass) and Vafeas turned upside down. basic structure or nature of jazz, instinctively felt would have Charis pointed out that “the his performance the following (drums), displayed an intimate Attached to Saskia’s waist and related the fascinating story as much fun as they do; and it thing I’m trying to rethink and night, Charis smiled slightly familiarity with the be-bop jazz was some device, wired to a new of a lesser known but brilliant worked. In demonstrating what settle is to [start] moving in one and remarked that “we’re happy of the 50s, as well as the bossa valve in the trumpet. She had be-bop musician, the saxophonid a quartet could accomplish, and direction. With the coming togd just to be performing… if we nova spirit of Latin jazz, even her trumpet in her left hand the ist Gigi Gryce who converted to all the magnificent, novel possidb gether of the Petsteppers when are satisfied by what we do, the easy flow of West Coast whole time while her right was Islam in the late 50s and became bilities in re-discovering be-bop Charis returned from the US in then this will come across to the jazz, all so brilliantly melded busy fiddling with the buttons Basheer Qusim. Interspersed jazz, the Byars Quartet did their 2003, he hopes that it will enad people, too.” And he was right; into something that was pecudl and dials that made her sound able him “to set in one style, the performers’ clear enjoyment liarly Charis. The very spirited, crackle (I’m sorry to have to say something specifically for me and sheer skill overwhelmed beautiful sounds of Messios’ it) like a radio out of frequency, and my group that reflects my some of the audience. Charis bass really the body of music or loop and fade then blare out style.” Charis has many influed is optimistic about jazz, both in moving rhythmically (it’s what like a siren. These completely ences and inspirations, includid Cyprus and Kuwait. He drew an you tap your feet to) while he drowned out Warren’s scatting, ing Bud Powell and Charlie analogy, saying that last he was plucked at the strings with easy the only thing I enjoyed. With a Parker, though he says that in Cyprus, about 10 years ago, brilliance, kind of like Paul simpler take on Oscar Peterson he’s also been through phases very few people were interested Chambers, now ‘walking.’ And on the piano, Warren sang in with more contemporary jazz in or could play any jazz. Now, so sensitively in tune with the sync with his melody in a way saxophonists, both modern and “I feel maybe this is doubled, other two was Vafeas, that durdi that would have made John Pizdz Latin jazz, among these Chris maybe even tripled. People feel ing the most heated parts of the zarelli proud. Byars, who has influenced him that connection.” He also commd performance, he’d be beating Jazz guitarist Jarek Smietana greatly in recent years. Chris, mented on the caliber of the the bass and snare, punctuating also did a beautiful job of scatdt Charis told me, visited Nicosd with soft stride cymbals, then as ting along to his melodies, sia last March, where he was Continued on page 11 THE ARTS The Voice of AUK 11 May 2009 Waleed Hassannieh’s Sketches of Lebanon By Nur Soliman felt these encompassed his own enowned Lebanese artist identity. RWaleed Hassannieh opened What was interesting was his exhibition on the night of 3rd Hassannieh’s use of technique May at the Kuwait Formative Arts and colour. His mastery of tradd Association. I usually hesitate ditional (traditional European, before going to art exhibitions that is) optically natural painting on Arab nations, only because I was very clear in his beautiful tire so quickly of the typical Arab paintings of the Lebanese naturd notions of the mourning of dead ral landscape in paintings like pan-Arabism, even nationalism, Woods or Lakes and so on. Most and that melancholy desire for the of his oil paintings used deep, revival of a great Arab nation that vibrant colors: rich golds, blues, is now tragically fragmented. greens, browns, and shades Although at first we attended of red (with rather awkward only because we had been invd shades of mauve/lavender and vited, I was pleased that we had pastel pink, which appeared a come. Of the 50 paintings exhibdi little incongruous with the other ited, fewer than 10 depicted this schemes, but seemed to add to tragic fragmentation of the Arab the energy of the paintings all consciousness. These were somedw the same). The use of masking what creatively done, sketches in fluid and a beautiful white spaced pencil and ink of fantastic landds es in his watercolors, the use scapes torn through with sci-fi of beautiful spectrums of color type machines and a wildly forked flowing into one another—certd line that appeared to destroy the tainly not natural colors (blues scene. Others were self-portraits and purples, greens, yellows, of the artist as a young man (no and deep oranges covering a fortd reference to James Joyce intendde tress wall, for instance), but in ed), looking at himself in the mirrd Arabs in our parents’ and perdh pointed arches, as well as a huge ing, as well as the rather romantic of thick oil paint, while around their rendering they came across ror as he painted. They were very haps grandparents’ generations is stone gate, through which (Omar, way in which his wife was depd both mother and child was a cirdc as more than natural, as colors poignantly done as the mirror— something perhaps overworked the artist’s son excitedly tells us), picted, somehow suggested more cle, pale blue mingled with other often flutter and wave over one’s and even the realm of the painted by contemporary Arab painters. one passes under through the than a beautiful family portrait; tones and forming a sun like arc memory in such vibrant mannd artist himself—seemed cracked Hassannieh displayed a fervent smallest wooden door. Another it was a portrait of the Lebanese (next to bright suns) over his bedl ners anyhow—all made it more and fragmented. It was a good love and affection for his home of was a very beautiful, very lovingld family that he so loved. Behind loved Lebanese landscapes. I alive. ‘Alive,’ in fact, is probably thing there weren’t too many of Lebanon, painting scenes from his ly painted portrait of his wife and mother and child, whose bright, originally thought of this as some what imbued all of Hassannieh’s these, again, because the lamendt home village, such as the scene son, entitled Early Motherhood, rustic colours were bathed in a sort of halo, but the artist eagerly paintings, and that is what drew tation of past Arab nationalism of Prince Basheer Palace, a huge so accurately depicted, and yet lovely light, was a roughly painted explained to the interested visidt me to take a second, third, and and the disillusionment of many palace with running arcades and the light and colour of the paintdi ed, simple landscape in rich tones tors that it represented how he closer look at some of his work.

Charis Ioannou, from page 10 to in other places, sometimes simply making their great music Romantic Sonatas for Violin and Piano even in New York City. better known. “Audiences and musicians, young and old, that Charis predicts a similar opdp musicians want to explore this By Nur Soliman perform now in Cyprus. “Graddu portunity for jazz in Kuwait, amazing music,” Charis smiles sense, the piano racing fluidly, almost frenetically, ually, you know, the music gets where there may soon develop gently, confident in his hope for hen violinist Rashed Jum’a again had to deld now over the rumbling deep chords, now over the very better, and amazingly, when you a healthier interest in the muds jazz’s future. I certainly felt that Wlay his concert at the Dar, the day was saved highest notes, thrillingly urgent as the violin’s intense, give real good, world-class jazz sic. He hoped that the buddd dynamism and the living ende by a fantastic duo residing in Kuwait, who played the swelling sound kept pace with the resolve of the deepde to any audience, something, ding bands of Kuwait, such as ergy of his jazz; you could tell most accurate, emotionally intense sonatas for violin est, most intense feelings played out through the four something will happen there, the 15-strong Desert Cats Jazz from those golden bursts from and piano, the beautiful Debussy and Franck sonatas. beautiful movements. Sometimes, it felt like the great, and it’s a great experience.” Band and the very new Kuwait his saxophone, from Messios, Kyle Little, a young violinist from Nova Scotia, Canda vivid, and feverish feeling that ran through the lyrical, He’s found audiences in Poland Jazz Collective quartet, would Vafeas, and the Chris Byars’ ada who currently teaches instrumental music at the overwhelming melodies completely took possession and Cyprus where virtually “the begin playing to larger audiencde Quartet; that these spectacudl American International School, played the very imdp of the fingers of the two musicians who seemed to whole city is buzzing with muds es, recruiting younger players, lar sounds were going to make passioned, very poetic violin. Bartek Rybak, a Polish completely absorb the sheer energy of the composidt sic,” unlike events he has been inviting other musicians, and their mark. pianist and young professor of piano in the music dedp tions. For some listeners, the sonatas were too modern partment of Kuwait’s College for Basic Education, is a in the sense that they were hard to hum along to, and graduate of Warsaw’s prestigious Chopin Academy of were not as coherent or traditional as say, a Baroque Music, touring the Middle East and Europe. or Classical sonata, but for others, the intensity made First they played Claude Debussy’s hauntingly up for the lack of focus in coherence, perhaps, the خمس قوانني لعشقي beautiful Sonata for Violin and Piano, dedicated to passionate energy overwhelming form without ever .the brilliant Belgian violinist and composer Eugene abandoning it بقلم عمرو رسحان وال جريدة ٍوطن ثاين وأنت ياحبيبتي ...... أجمل القصائد Ysaye, whose astounding music was performed by the All one can say is that we were lucky to hear Rybak لعشقي يا سيديت خمس قوانني وال لغة غري لغة أشعاري لوحة شعرية ينساب العشق من خالل talented Guy and Devos in the winter. The composidt and Little play that night, little known performers as فمهام قرأيت و بحثتي األلوان .tion consisted of three movements, the first two very they were, real, brilliant talents worthy of recognition أولها : فلن تجدي أصدق من أنفاس أشعاري يتخللك عطر الياسمني ورائحة الغابات melancholy and characteristic of some of the more urdg With Rybak playing remarkably close to the spirit of gent tones of the “musical Impressionist,” the violin Debussy and Franck but still imbuing the composidt أن تركبي أمواج العشق دون تفكري وال تاريخا أعرق من تاريخ أجدادي والرباري practically soaring in very high-pitched, urgent tones tions with his own unique voice, a hard, rich sound وتنامي يف رسير عيوين فأنا يف بالد أصبح التاريخ فيها فدعينا نعانق غيوم الشتاء over the steady piano that rumbled on passionately in that was influenced perhaps by rag piano, and Little, وتحبيني كام أنا بحبي وكرهي لك طوق النجاة ألمثايل وننصهر مع األمطار magnificent chords. The final movement was done whose very poetic and ardent violin with its plaindt وأكتب قصيدة تخلد حبنا ومبشاعري التي ذابت فيك ومل تختفي ثالث القوانني: beautifully, really evoking the cheerfulness of the condc tive high tones and a faithfulness to the spirit of the وأسميها قصيدة الشتاء...... clusion, at least sunnier than the first two. compositions in a way that would have made Yehudi أرجوك التقارنيني بالسالطني أن نلغي الوقت ومنحو التواريخ The second piece performed, Cesar Franck’s pasds Menuhin proud, this was a great way for Kuwait’s muds فأنا رجل رأس ماله قصيدة آخر القوانني : sionate, urgent Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Mina sic audiences to be acquainted with these remarkably قصوره وحساباته البنكية كلامت صغرية فالوقت يذبح الحب بعقاربه وثوانيه nor. This was ultimately more tragic in the romantic talented young men. قد ال أستطيع رشاء الثياب والعطور فال تسأليني متى نذهب ومتى نعود أنا ال أغلق يف وجهك الباريسية فهذا السؤال يفجر أعصايب أبواب األرض والسامء و ال السفر إىل جزر السيشل أو الجزر ويجعل الوقت كاإلفعوان يرتبص بأشعاري ولكن الحب يف زماين االسبانية فامذا أساوي أنا؟ وماذا تساوين أنت؟ أصبح مرهونا بالدمع والبكاء وال األكل يف املطاعم الكالسيكية دون لغة الشعر وكلامت الحنني فيا حبيبتي ولكني رجل يؤمن باألحادية فام الحياة إال بضع قواف وأبيات لنجعل يوما يف السنة يوم الحزن أحادية الله ,أحادية الحياة, أحادية املوت يسطرها حرب السنني نحزن فيه عىل زمان مات فيه الوفاء أحاديتك أنت يف حيايت البدائية فيا حبيبتي تعودي عىل حائط بيتنا حتى أصبح مجرد كلامت دون ساعة تحكم وتكبل أيامنا ال وزن لها ال مكان لها ثاين القوانني : وال تسأليني عن الوقت فالوقت يقتل اليف األرض وال يف السامء أن تحبيني بال شك أحالمنا حبيبتي ...... أنا آسف إذا قسوت عليك فأنا رجل ذو ماض عميق و تسقي ِقلبك ماء اليقني رابع القوانني: و تغاري عليا من الفراشات والزهور ماض محكوم مبنازل القمر كام أغار عليك حتى من املجانني أن يكون لنا مدارنا الخاص ودوران األرض ...... دوران مع كربياء..... و أكون عاصمتك الثقافية وجاذبيتنا الخاصة فال تقرأين كتابا غري كتايب فال يتدخل أحد بقصائدي The Voice of AUK COMMUNITY Volume 5, Issue 8 12 A Young Man of Letters Student Master of Poetry By Walah Al-Sabah swer was simple and to the point: amad Al-Zemami, one literature helps to deliver and exdp Hof AUK’s students, press anything easily. To his mind, recently published his first literature is a work that addresses booklet, My Love, My Pen, all levels of society regardless of and My Words. This gentledm educational, social, or economic man possesses an unfamilid status. To create literature—to prodd iar eloquence of speech duce simple wording rich in meanid and writing that is rare todd ing and understood by the majorid day. His calm and reserved ity—is a challenging activity. speech makes him intellecdt As a child, Mahdi’s dream was tually appealing, and his to become a teacher, and when he opinions and views are very grew up, the dream developed to mature and wise for a man becoming a famous poet. Hopedf of his young age. Through fully he will contribute largely in the following interview, we building Kuwait intellectually as shall understand more about his vision towards life is based on this student (major in Busidn knowledge, literature, and health. ness management, minor If he had the chance to change in Communications) and something in Kuwait, it would be By Nada Al-Hudaid writer who also works for was shocked by the reaction the opposing point of view, His excellence in both writing the encouragement of local prodd Abwab Magazine. His next of others. Also, I discovered one is able to shape a viewdp UK is privileged to have a and recitating poems indicates the duction and lessening imports in two books are currently in that elderly people or ones point. Astudent like Mahdi Baroon, amount of quality time he spends order to make Kuwait a productive press, and the Voice shall be that are of my same age, It remains a personal issd who is an exceptionally talented developing his hobby. Poetry recidt country. keen to follow up with his loved the issue and lived sue, we cannot force people poet. His passion for this art has tation and writing are two differed Unfortunately, this great poet upcoming books and keep it. I cannot categorize the to do something they do not been rooted in him since he was ent abilities that require some skill has not considered publishing his the readership apprised of age groups that my readings want, but we can facilitate a four-year-old. His father and the to master. Mahdi has developed work, but soon, with the amount of his latest literary endeavdo have attracted, but whoevde the process of reading. For environment he was raised in gave both skills efficiently as he is a experience he has, publishing will ors. er loves this topic. We are example, I chose the size birth to this talent and encouraged talented writer and his recitation is be his means to reach out to more When did you discover in a society even children of my book to be small. I it to further develop. amazing. Mahdi stated that poetry people and help realize his dream. your talent of writing and talk about politics, and undd cannot philosophize and Although Mahdi majors in writing requires talent in order to Leaving the reader with no evidd what finally made you pubdl derstand how politics goes flex my literary muscles if marketing, his interest and future master while poetry recitation is a dence of his talent would be frustd lish your booklet, My Love, because the media brings the reader does not benefit. dreams revolve around the world of technique that anyone can easily trating; therefore, the lines below My Pen, and My Words? awareness about politics. We are in the rapid era, they literature that charmed his instincts learn. are provided until AUK’s master I have been writing ever There is a lot of awareness want something straight to and made him excel in it. He is an To him, literature, notably pode of poetry decides to share his exdc since I knew how to use the about politics. the point and through writdi active participant in poetry nights etry, is a remedy that no society ceptional talent: تعبت من الوعود وخابت ظنوين ... ومجرى السيل pen. I wrote from a very Do you intend to publish ing, and we can write sometd and recitations inside and outside should disregard or ignore. When يجري مدمع عيوين young age and no one realdi more books? If so, will they thing straight to the point. AUK. His last participation was asked about his contribution to Kudw وإذا عود الورد يذبل باليه املاي ... أنا عودي ذبل وين ized because I didn’t used be similar to your first one The size of the book also in the 12th May event organized by wait and how his hobby can help إ يّ يليسقوين ؟ to tell anyone that I had the or slightly different? makes it easier to carry at the Arabic Literature Club. improve the surroundings, his ands talent of writing. I used to I started my series as short anytime and anywhere. We write about topics that were series, and the next series must realize that the deds too mature for my age. My will be called, Khawater signs of books are impressd first article was published Ashig, or literally, ‘Reflecdt sive. I ask of people to read under my name in Fouad tions Of a Lover.’ It will be something that makes them A Senior’s Farewell Al-Hashem’s corner, but the about love and romance, passionate, but at the same act of publishing an article and will be totally differde time, not neglect the other By Patty Marotte under the name of a sevendt ent from my first book, issues that they are ignorant whelmed. Professor Rawda Awwd to use video technology and make teen year old boy in Fouad My Love, My Pen, and My about. Human is the enemy n a day and age where identity wad opened the door of literature a blog! This through the superfluod Al-Hashem’s article was Words. The third book of the of that which he is ignorant Icounts, a liberal arts program for me and I learned that I can appd ous endeavor from Prof. Roman something serious. After series will be a collection of about. People have to know is exactly what is needed for an preciate any culture through variod Kulchitsky to ‘catch me up’ in this that, I started publishing in essays I have written. Each a little bit about everything. individual to ‘Learn, Think, and ous forms of writing. It was her new modern world. The daily messd the newspapers under the of these essays reflects what Finally, who are the peopd Become.’ Identity can be a tricky ability to always make a student sages of deep thought from Walah name of Hamad Bader, bedc I feel about a certain topic, ple that you would like to thing because it can represent so feel worthy that helped me have Al-Sabah. The sisterhood of Nada cause I never sought fame. whereas the opinion will thank? many different phases of your life. the confidence to apply to graduad Al-Hudaid that made me feel welcd It was a way for me to simdp appear in the text. If there Of course my mother. Sometimes identity can show what ate school. The self-assurance that come at AUK. Noura Al-Aleiwi a ply express my opinion. In is any criticism towards the When I wrote my first book, you have accomplished. For exda Prof. Rasha Jamal and Prof. Mutdl fellow student with me and then 2005 until 2006, I was one topic, it will be constructive I went through a state of dedp ample, I am an American who has laq Mutairi always tried to build my own personal registrar helper, of the first batch of memdb criticism. I finished comdp pression because I see things Kuwaiti citizenship, yet I identify in me so I could understand Math but you will always be my friend! bers to work at Al-Deera pleting the second and third not changing in terms of the myself with both cultures and love concepts. I am grateful for the Farah Al-Shamali who took leaded magazine and I was one of series, but they are under country, the world. I used to them dearly. I was raised Chrisdt kindness of Magdeline and Micd ership and teamwork to a new the publishers. From 2006, the process of publishing. see a lot of things in a negadt tian and converted to Islam, but I cheline that could put a smile on level. The atmosphere on campus I started writing for Abwab The latter will talk about tive way, but my mother have taken the universal teachings your face. I appreciate the professd from all the students, staff, and magazine. love, society, and other isds told me to be patient, and of both religions to live a good sionalism of Shoma Munshi who faculty is one of cohesiveness and What made me publish sues such as the country, my father encouraged me as decent life. I was a schoolteacher works so hard to see us graduate. openness to self-discovery regardld my book was that after my patriotism. Each book in the well. I do not deny the favor who became the supervisor of an I will never forget the genius of less of your background, beliefs, writings turned into a nudm series will reflect a different of my sister and my family. entire Kindergarten department. I Prof. Fernand Tessier who made or status. merous collection, someone part of my personality. From the literary side, am a woman who has chosen to be statistics relate to everyday situatd It was the accumulation of these had to read them because I As a writer, and obviously I want to mention the perds a wife and mother of four children. tions. The vision of Prof. Majorie various personalities at AUK that write for humankind and sodc a reader, do you have ways son who has always enraptd With all this on my plate I was also Kelley who always takes time to helped me find out who I am. So ciety, and my message had to advise the youth to read tured me with his readings. a student at AUK for four years expose us to the various forms of when somebody asks me again, to get across. My aim was to more? Because we know I met him for a journalistic and always carried a GPA of 3.5; beauty in this world and appreciate “Patty, who are you?” It is with change the world. very well that Kuwaiti youth interview, which made me now I am an AUK graduate. My them. Dean Nizar Hamzeh always Wolf Pack pride I will say, “I am an Give us a general idea have a severe shortage of even more impressed by point is, we are always changing as told me to “Dream Big!” I know AUK graduate! Where I learned, about your book? What are interest in reading. him. His name is Haytham individuals. However, the transfordm everything about Iran from Prof. thought, and became…” the issues it talks about? Read, and read, and read. Boodai, a famous writer, mation that happened to me during Gholam Vatandoust in the most intd Most of all, I owe everything to And what age group do you Reading is the best of and a person whose friendds the development of my AUK idendt teresting techniques. Prof. Gregord something bigger than us, the Cread think it would interest? friends, and books are the ship is very beautiful. I tity did not come alone. ry Gause it has been such an honor ator and Master Planner of this great The book talks about best of friends. Whoever learned from him a lot of (Get ready because my list is to study with you and I hope to see big universe, who has many names short stories, but a differde reads, becomes enlightde things, and I can never endj long!) more Fullbright Scholars come to around the world but is the ultimate ent genre of short stories. ened, in him/herself, before joy my time with someone It was the encouragement of Andd Kuwait. The knowledge you pass holder of all our destinies. Lastly, Each collection of stories being enlightened in his/ as much as I enjoy with drea Al-Adwani who has been my on to us so effortlessly pushes limid to my husband Othman Al-Abdulhd is different from the others, her own society. One must him. Of course, I also thank emotional support since day 1. The its of our thought My great thanks hadi who supports me so that I can different characters, ideas. search and educate him or Hamad Al-Hamad from the wisdom of Prof. Jeremy Cripps to Prof. Neamat Mosaad that made and will fulfill a lifelong dream to I did something different herself, and this habit must league of writers. He wrote who taught me that economics me realize my ability in Physics always strive and achieve. or tried to be unique for a be reborn in people. Read the prologue of the book; shapes the world. The confirmatd and Prof. Ali Charara who knows I will never forget where I goal, in that the readers will everything. Do not confine he read the book, liked it, tion and validation from Dean how to read his students well, and came from and where I want to wonder how this young man yourself to reading one and wrote its introduction. Carol that character change is gives them every opportunity to go…I will never disregard eidt perceives a particular issue. particular thing; just read And undoubtedly, I would healthy. The patience of President succeed. Prof. Noura Basha, you ther how far I have come to get Many of the stories in the everything. Because readdi like to thank my magazine, Marina who always has the time to have made me the ‘cool’ mom where I am now, nor how much book are factual, and I’ve ing, in any case, adds to my second home, Abwab talk to students. The creativeness with the experiments/homework I further I have in front of me. My lived and seen them. Each the person. One must read magazine. They have supdp of Prof. Hesham Al-Awadi who do at home with my children! Mr. advice: Never put behind you title pertains to the story itds about every issue, even ported and encouraged me made history something real. The Mazen who always answered my the various identities that have self. I write for every perds read things that might not a lot. They used to always cosmopolitan woman attitude of questions thoroughly and made evolved you as a person, and aldw son who loves his country, agree with their own condv ask about what I had next. I Shareefa Al-Adwani with her ‘you me feel involved. Through the ways think about the individual whether old or young, and I victions, but by reading thank a lot of people. can do it Patty’ when I was overwd Soliya program I now know how that you would like to become. COMMUNITY The Voice of AUK 13 May 2009 Communication at its Best Humble, Wise, Headed for Success

By Nada Al-Hudaid By Walah Al Sabah sessing excellent communicatd haves displays a person far more he communication field at tion skills that make his classes ften in life, the wise freqd advanced in age. Al-Bahar is the TAUK is fortunate to have a fun environment to learn in, Oquently go unheard. They kind of person who seems to be had Dr. Shaheed Mohammed Dr. Shaheed encourages his studd do not seem to be keen for atdt respected wherever she goes and as Associate Professor of Medd dents to expand their horizons tention; rather, they tend to shy she has definitely garnered the dia and Communication since and challenge their intellectual away and prefer to remain low- respect and admiration of both August 2006. He took the limitations. According to him, key. However, and without any her professors, colleagues, and program lead, and has taught family, intellectual freedom, exaggeration, wisdom seems to friends. courses in areas such as mass independence, and enlightendm incarnate itself with a certain Professor Mourad Dakhli, who media, communications reds ment are some of the important student. Dear readers, here is has taught Al-Bahar in many of search, and digital image (3D- things in life. He also stresses first and foremost a person, and his classes, candidly had this to CGI) production. Unfortunateld the importance of “[being] able a student, who seems to be one say about her: “Maryam is a ly, Dr. Shaheed will be leaving to question the things that ‘eved of those deeply wise people who very committed student, and Kuwait to take a new job in the eryone knows’”. like to work behind the scenes. someone eminently suited for United States. Dr. Shaheed is teaching his Also, one has to give her the leadership roles. She is a per-f Dr. Shaheed was born in last semester at AUK, after credit for having a brave and fectionist whose dedication to the small Caribbean islands which he will be leaving for courageous soul, for courage entation leader at AUK during excellence is her main drive of Trinidad and Tobago. He projects, including work on the Pennsylvania, USA, where he and bravery are not measured her sophomore and junior years. for success. I am sure that she specialized in communication Kuwaiti elections and the influed will stay for the foreseeable by physical strength, but by She used to be the head of the will give an excellent account throughout his university levde ence of foreign media. future. He will leave a lot of an indomitable will as Ghandi social committee for the Patriod of herself no matter where her els (bachelor’s, master’s, and Some of his hobbies are animd memories at AUK due to his once said, and this student does ots club and currently serves as academic career takes her.” PhD) and received his PhD mation, music composition, sincere interest in what his seem to be the quintessential both the public relations officer Moreover, her fellow colleague from the University of New and traveling. Dr. Shaheed students do. Hopefully, somedd example of Ghandi’s idea of a and vice president of the Entrepd and friend, Nasser Al-Jamea, a Mexico in 1998. is an active intellectual who day, Dr. Shaheed will hear the strong person. She is a sincere preneurship and Business Club, senior majoring in finance and Dr. Shaheed’s experience interacts with everyone modde success stories of all those studd human being, not very talkative founded and presided over by marketing, says about Maryam and knowledge in film and cinde estly. His wit and intelligence dents who worked honestly in and reserved (in a good way of her colleague and friend, Nasser that, “She is kind, easy to deal ema is vast as he has worked are strong qualities that appear his classes. course), as well as diligent and Al-Jamea. Al-Bahar was voted with, flexible to a certain extent, in these areas for many years. a lot during the conversations On a final note, it is a great quick to weigh the pros and one of five members—and the and work is work to her. It was He has also worked as a TV and discussions he engages in. loss to AUK and especially to cons of her actions before taking only female—to the clubs and an honor for me to work with journalist, where he produced His positive attitude and simple students not to have you, Dr. a decision or acting in a certain organizations council. Apart her in the E&B club and I hope animated short films as well style is the reason students easid Shaheed, but we wish you all way. Moreover, despite her serd from her busy schedule, she has her success will continue in her as hundreds of news stories ily get used to him. the best wherever you go. You riousness and professionalism been successful in maintaining a life. She is a good friend.” and mini-documentaries. He His interest in mastering reds are an asset and any place you at work, she has a great sense high GPA and is an honor studd This article is a humble tribud has published a number of artd search, scholarship, and public go to will be honored to have of humor outside of the work dent. ute to a person who seems to be ticles and is working on several speaking skills is what led him you, so do not forget your studd sphere. Her unquestionable abildi This person and student needs destined to reach the heights of books at this time. Moreover, he to teach communication-related dents at AUK because they will ity to help others and give them to be given the attention she has greatness. Maryam clearly has has completed several research ed courses. In addition to possd never forget you! a lending hand deserves a standid earned not only because of her business aspirations, and hopes ing ovation, and the reputation colorful professional career, but to be a CEO of a company one and name that she has built for because of her personality as day. If there is anyone who truly herself by herself makes her livid well. She does not seek to put deserves success, and a professd ing proof that despite obstacles, herself in the center of things sional career full of successful Beware Shoplifting Birds you can be whoever and whatde even though she might have achievements, then it might be a ever you want to be. Apart from contributed greatly to work that person who works hard behind that, she is an excellent student, has been done. Many a person the scenes, with silence and disdc By Fatima Ibraheem bag gets ripped open and the and one who has given services has gone to her for help, and cretion, and remains friendly llow me to share with you feast gets shared by other birds to AUK and participates in exdt ended up acting reasonably becd and respectful towards her colld Aa small piece of breaking as well. What a generous shopld tracurricular activities. Ladies cause of her sound advice, morad leagues and friends no matter news from the BBC. Despite the lifter, huh? and gentlemen, I introduce to als, and principles, which she what, then it surely is Maryam fact that I, myself, am a big fan The seagull’s shoplifting begd you Ms. Maryam Al-Bahar. never hesitates to share with Al-Bahar. She is a valuable assd of birds, I discovered lately that gan when he first swooped into Al-Bahar is a senior student others. Although she is only set to this society, and one that these species can turn into shopld the store in Aberdeen, Scotland, who double majors in accountdi twenty-two years old, yet, the should not, and God willing, lifters! The following case has and helped himself to a bag of ing and finance. She was the oride way she thinks, speaks and bedh will not, go to waste. been observed in Scotland, but chips. Since then, he’s become you never know, this can also a regular customer. He always spread until it reaches Kuwait, takes the same type of chips. just like the flu! He’s been nicknamed Sam, and The Metaphysics of Gemstones A cute yet cunning seagull looking, and when the coast is has become a local celebrity. has developed the habit of stealdi clear, he slowly makes his way Customers (human customers, By Fatima Ibraheem ing chips from a neighbourhood over to a display of snack foods I mean) who are entertained by have specific gravity too. that, it has a robust resistance against shop, and has been perpetrating in the store, and grabs a snack- the bird have even started paydi etaphysics is the branch of phidl What’s also beautiful high temperatures—good news for the crime since the beginning of size bag of cheese Doritos— ing for the seagull’s stolen bags Mlosophy concerned with the about gems is that they Kuwaiti women who are intered July 2007. The patient seagull even birds like cheese Doritos; of chips because they think it’s study of nature of being. This field, like contain streaks ested in wearing rubies! waits until the shopkeeper isn’t not only us! Once outside, the hilarious! any other, is a double-edged sword. of color According to some, red Most importantly, it has its deep mysdt rubies are useful for teries which leave humans reaching for cardiac diseases and a solution to unlock the mysterious riddd blood cancers. It is a dles in several discoveries. A discovery factor for blood pudr The Price of Vanity is a chain of answers; after unlocking rification and moded riddles, remedial secrets appear. erating hypertension A product of those human discoved too. If worn in a necklace, By Sahar H Tanweer mit as our final, so that’s when I and involving hair and make- eries is the discovery of latent energy ruby is supposed to prevent aucy, sassy and sexy are the first had my photo shoot done, up, wardrobe calls, and finally found in gemstones. There are 3000 blood clotting. What if you Sfirst words that come to my and from then on it just became experimenting to find the dfper different kinds of gems own a yellow ruby? Well, mind when I think of the phrase a passion.” fect type of lighting and angles out there in our yellow rubies are said to ‘glamour shots’. Seeing today’s Hearing this really intrigued to sit at. I was surprised to hear world today, and bedl balance the metabolism and multifaceted, fast-paced society me I further interrogated. She the length of the photo shoot so lieve it or not, only also strengthen the digestive system. I have known a kaleidoscope of explained how she went to rend I asked Wells about it. “Well, 50 of those are being which are visible; Yellow rubies are also thought to help people throughout my life who nowned Harpers Bazaar photogrd it’s because Peter was very intd used in the manufacture o f this characteristic in removing body toxins and boosting have a craze for being photogd rapher Peter Lindberg, and how tricate about every detail, hence jewelry. The countries that are known differentiates a genudi the spiritual capacity of humans. Sapdp graphed, be it with a normal it cost her a fortune.” I wanted his team involving the fashion to be the source of such gems include i n e gem from a fake. Plus, phire, or blue ruby, sparkles like a star digital camera or in a studio with my portfolio to be the best ever editor, the hair and makeup profd Brazil, Russia, South Africa, United gems have a special refractive index when placed under light. A blue ruby, several cameras, integral lightdi so of course I opted for the best.” fessionals took almost 5 hours Sates of America, Australia, China which creates a pattern of light refracdt it is claimed, reduces osteoporosis ing, and endless hours spent on Wells later explained how the deciding the perfect look.” and Thailand. This discovery of gems tion characteristic of the gem. This and strengthens the nervous system, clothing, hair, and make-up. fashion industry has completedl Lastly, I revisited a statement has been advantageous in many ways, gives gems a pleasant and splendid so don’t wear it a lot because it might Knowing quite a few friends ly evolved, and has become so she had made earlier about how such as their utilization in the field of shimmer. make you nervous. For those teenagers who adore having glamour shots competitive and contagious that she liked getting glamour shots medicine. However, I will only delve Shall we go into the specific charad in AUK, try using the water of a sapdp taken, I sat down with one of normal people with a little extra taken despite the long time it into the most common ones: ruby, turdq acteristics now? Well, I’m sure that phire to help in removing acne! One them and asked about glamour money are willing to pay a hefty takes. Wells responded by saydi quoise, agate, emerald, and diamond. whenever the gem ruby is mentioned, more significant claims is that sapdp shots. Joana Wells pointed out amount of money and use glamod ing that it’s fun and thrilling, and Before looking at their specific you will think of a blood-red colored phires can aid in fixing vocal cords; how she got her glamour shots our shots to put around their somewhat relaxing for the soul characteristics, I’m going to start with stone. Actually, genuine rubies are therefore, I’m sure you’ll become sucdc done for a portfolio she had to house as symbols of status. and body, which helps one appd gems’ generic characteristics. All available in different colors: red, yeldl cessful singers if you’re smothered in submit to a modeling agency When asked about her overall preciate oneself. From that note gems, including the ones previously low, (dark) blue and, rarely, white. A blue rubies…just ask Um Kulthoom. while enrolled in Yale’s Fashion experience, she explained how I realized that fashion—like passd mentioned, acquire unique hardness ruby is considered the hardest gem I will continue this discussion of the Designing course. “We had to the photo shoot lasted for more sion—is driven by all different which makes them resistant to scratchde after diamond; therefore, nothing can mystical properties of gemstones in a do an extensive portfolio to subdm than 8 hours, starting at 5am, modes of desire. es against certain substances. All gems break it except diamond. In addition to future issue of the Voice. The Voice of AUK 2008 - 2009 SGA Volume 5, Issue 8 14

By The Student Government tant attempt to ensure represendt Association tation was the idea of hanging ver the past year, the 2008 all the country flags of nationalidt O– 2009 SGA has been met ties represented at AUK permand with numerous challenges that nently in the Auditorium. The have pushed it to the limit and process and procedures are so have served as a growth experide lengthy that the next SGA is left ence accompanied by a number with 30% of the work in order to of achievements. To begin with, make it happen. most students do not realize that The wisdom quotes found in we all have the self-same hopes all the elevators of AUK were for AUK and wish to see the based on the idea of focusing same desires materialize. Howde on what is said rather than who ever, part of being an effective is saying it. It was a means for leader is not to constantly defy representation and inspiration everyone around you; the pridm where various authors were chods mary goal that should be kept in sen from Shiite, Sunni, secular, mind and never lost from sight western, and Christian texts in is to always seek compromise. order to enhance respect of didv Being in the SGA, myself and versity by reading the various insd my fellow 2008 – 2009 SGA ofdf spirations and accepting the fact ficers have learned much about that there is good everywhere. the nature of professionalism Unfortunately, many quotes and collaborating with AUK were disrespected by being misdp administration, departments, placed, scratched with fanatic and individuals. It is not an notes, thrown to the ground, and easy task and tests the degree to some disappeared despite being which we can present ourselves replaced several times. as leaders of the student body. Other means used for cultural However, it has been an enrichdi representation were the idea of ing and valuable experience that having country mini-exhibidt certainly lends itself very well tions, meant to commemorate to our personal enhancement as the various celebrations (like individuals who will be leading national/liberation days) and our own respective societies to IEP/Freshmen Open Day was to the west for any reason. presented him with an official registrar deadlines for seniors, holidays of each nationality at greatness. hosted and aimed at welcoming Without a doubt, the most document regarding it (he was etc.) A very notable achievement AUK; it was sponsored by the It would be insane of me to new IEP/Freshmen students to pressing issues that the 2008 visually shown the problem). was the visiting of Ms. Nouriya SGA and located next to the eledv state that we did not make misdt AUK – competitions were held – 2009 SGA focused its attendt Also, the IEP Survey was Al-Subeeh, Minister of Educadt vators of the ground floor of the takes, but it is not something to engage them. An important tion on were student concerns. created to know what IEP studd tion, to discuss student concerns Sciences and Liberal Arts builddi that I or the 2008 – 2009 SGA achievement was opening Busidn Although some were genuine dents’ concerns are; SGA offd such as the monthly allowance ings. Some of the countries that are ashamed of. Making misdt ness classes as there were a scarcd and could be addressed, others ficers also went to IEP classes and the parking issue. the SGA was able to recognize takes and striving to avoid them city – the SGA assisted the Busind extended outside of the realm and administered hard copies When it comes to the high in this way were Iran, Syria, is part of being human. Howde ness and Economics Department of AUK and conflicted with lodc of the survey. The SGA held a prices of books at the AUK Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, and ever, the problem arises when with opening new classes as per cal law. However, the fact that total of three Town Hall Meetdi Bookstore, the SGA met with Egypt, an effort which required critics choose to focus on misdt the requests of students by askdi the SGA had addressed and foldl ings which discussed student Mr. Shailendra Strivastava to communicating with respective takes rather than continual effd ing them for their information lowed up on them demonstrates concerns and created a direct look into possible solutions. embassies to provide brochures, forts to correct them. In fact, I (names, IDs, and classes they their dedication. When it comes channel whereby students could What resulted were two alternadt pictures, flags, etc. Along with am glad that we were met with wish to see open) and sending it to anti-segregation, an Anti-Segdr have their questions answered tives: setting up a bulletin board that, flyers were routinely sent challenges as they have given to the Business and Economics regation song was written and by the AUK administration. The to have students post flyers to to all AUK community recogdn us the opportunity to grow and Department. The SGA, repreds recorded but it was not propde SGA also held one Open Meetdi sell their books to other students nizing the various national, libed better understand what the SGA sented by the President, Treasd erly utilized. Anti-Segregation ing in the soccer field, meant to and establishing a Book Buydb eration, and independence days is all about: the strict representadt surer, and IEP/Freshmen Officer, Forms were drafted to have studd encourage students to approach back Program to allow students of all nationalities at AUK. The tion and projection of the voice participated in the International dents (and their parents) show the SGA with their concerns to price their books and place global/religious events and isds of AUK students. Hopefully, Student Government Conference support for anti-segregation and outside of an office setting. The them in the AUK Bookstore for sues were considered as well in future SGA’s will harbor this in Rome, Italy, at which they be sent to the Ministry of Edudc SGA also made sure to prodm students to view them. Dr. Carol the flyer program. These inidt necessity and impress it upon attended workshops and preds cation. However, at this point in mote student efforts at creatid has been contacted to look into tiatives met the satisfaction of themselves. sented their SGA constitution, time, segregation is a law that ing change, however minimal, the Book Buyback Program. many students and faculty who Regardless, the 2008 – 2009 which was celebrated by other AUK must comply with. Howde like redecorating AUK’s prayer The bulletin board will be takdi were never represented before has been able to achieve much participant universities. Finally, ever, the SGA attempted to make rooms and equipping them with ing place first. at AUK. They expressed their over the past year. I have decidde the SGA attended the opening a chance with regards to this isds several necessary items such as SGA was successful in revivdi appreciation regarding this inidt ed to split them into categories: ceremony of the Conference on sue. With regards to the parking a mirror, slippers for performing ing innovative approaches with tiative as it is a simple idea academic achievements, student University Development and a issue, a parking survey was creda ablution, and partitions for the many initiatives and new ideas yet with a deep meaning that concern achievements, cultural/ few sessions that took place. In ated and placed on Self-Service women, etc. Letters were sent in order to represent the difdf touched them because they were social achievements, SGA endh addition, SGA addressed the indt to find out what alternatives to the Kuwaiti government redg ferent cultures and beliefs that remembered in a land foreign to hancement achievements, SGA terest of inviting the Vice Presidd students wish to see to resolve garding the monthly allowance coexist at AUK. The core of them. academic, awareness, and exdt dent of Sorbonne University in it. Also related to the parking isds and difficulties and concerns the efforts exerted were meant SGA tried its best to initida tracurricular events, and SGA Abu Dhabi to AUK to present sue, the SGA proposed parking attached to it. More often than to create, organize, and coordidn ate and create a sense of social initiatives. the university’s higher education solutions and were submitted not, there were no responses. nate events/activities to promote and cultural cohesion but the Academic achievements are programs that can solve probdl (in writing) to the Municipality. The SGA also assisted and coldl multiculturalism, support diverds efforts exerted did not have didr those that promote academic exdc lems for many graduate students Furthermore, the SGA invited laborated with various AUK depd sity, and encourage positive reld rect results due to many factors cellence at AUK and assist studd who are looking for quality edudc Parliamentarian Ahmad Lari to partments with advertising and lationships among members of and obstacles such as support dents with their academics. The cation and cannot afford going address the parking issue and reaching students (food survey, the AUK community. An impordt from AUK community and difdf ACHIEVEMENTS IN REVIEW The Voice of AUK 15 May 2009 ficulty of implementing ideas to have a Female Awareness that many refused to consider. Campaign in order to present Despite that, SGA continued to different female candidates to work endlessly until the end of AUK students through which its term believing that everydt students can interact with them thing good starts with a step; and address their concerns. therefore, the work and efforts To assist the Gulf Studies that is not recognized by many Center with their important will actually set the first stepdp program of hosting special Kuwd ping stones upon which future waiti personalities who brought SGAs will build their achievedm about change, SGA initiated the ments on. Continuing with this idea of inviting Mr. Marwan principle (to work for the good Boodai, the owner of many succd of all rather than the personal cessful companies in Kuwait, interests), SGA continued to including Al-Jazeera Airways. stretch in every direction possidb The aim was to invite him to ble to ensure that representation speak about his success stories is active. The Prophet’s Birthday and what it took him to be who Celebration was commemorated he is now. Unfortunately, reachid by distributing bags of sweets. A ing Mr. Marwan on time was semi-Master Calendar was creda difficult so perhaps it can occur ated and set up outside the SGA again if future SGA reconsiders office for clubs/organizations to it. include their on-campus events With regards to providing facd at AUK which will help in addv cilities and services to students, vanced planning and avoiding the SGA created a proposal for overlapping events. screens at AUK which was presd Community service recognidt sented to the Office of Student tion is vital to encourage civil Life to have functioning screens participation to enhance Kuwaiti at AUK to display announcemd society. The SGA hosted the ments, reminders, and what not Kuwait Multiple Sclerosis Asds changes/additions, and making and accepted donations to go to government property; therefore, the future SGA has the ground for the AUK community. This sociation which spoke about the sure it is semantically sound. the ailing people of Gaza at the nothing could be done. Regarddi ready for starting one. As for the was halted due to the high expd disease to raise awareness and The SGA Constitution has endh Save Gaza event. Continuing on ing parking tickets being issued representation of the considerda penses involved and enumerad treatment. They also provided hanced upon an idea presented the tradition of the 2007 – 2008 to students for parking in yeldl able Shiite community at AUK, ated by the Information Technd informative flyers for students by the 2007 – 2008 SGA: the SGA, the 2nd Annual Public low/black areas, the SGA sent a Sayyed Hussain Al-Qallaf, a nology Department. Moreover, to pick up and make use of. An General Assembly. It has been Speaking Competition was held letter to and scheduled a meetdi well-known Kuwaiti parliamendt the SGA created a proposal for act that should be undertaken by expanded and designed to repdr to help participants develop ing with Mahmoud Al-Dousary, tarian and patriot, was invited to a PA System/Radio Station at Kuwaitis is the SGA’s visit to resent students more fully and public speaking skills. In April, Vice Assistant for Traffic Affd come and speak about his role in AUK to make verbal announcemd the Kuwait Memorial Museum, have their voices heard by apdp the SGA hosted the Anti-Drug fairs, but he has not replied to parliament and answer students’ ments to the AUK community where its members congratudl proaching representatives of Campaign in collaboration with that request. The SGA has also questions. Unfortunately, he fell and what not. This too was lated Mr. Yousef Al-Omairi, the several constituents at AUK. the Student Success Center, at scheduled numerous meetings ill and left the country before halted due to concerns that the creator, who is doing much to The SGA also held a range of which representatives from the with Sa’dun Al-Khaldi, Chairdm the event occurred. So the idea Public Relations and Marketing preserve Kuwaiti history. The academic, awareness, and extracd Drug Control General Departdm man of the Department of Traffd was to bring a respected Shiite Department had. Finally, the SGA also visited the Kuwait Red curricular events over the past ment spoke of prevalent drugs fic Engineering, to discuss the personality that no controverds SGA attempted to open FINC Crescent Society and awarded year. So as to increase student’s in Kuwait, their disadvantages, parking issue but he was never sies are known about him/her 389 classes in the summer by Mr. Barjas Al-Barjas for the awareness in the SGA, the SGA how to know whether someone there. in order to encourage respect of approaching Dr. Jeremy Cripps efforts that are exerted for the Awareness Day was held at the is a drug user, and what to do if As part of spreading awaredn others and recognize that there to look into the matter after benefit of Kuwaiti and global beginning of the academic year that is the case. In May, the SGA ness about different societies, are good people everywhere. signatures were compiled from society. Finally, the SGA visited – it sought to familiarize studd held the 2nd Annual AUK Wolfpd cultures and religions that exist Similarly, Christian representadt students who requested this; the Orphanage during Eid Al- dents with the Student Governmd pack Soccer Tournament in partnd at AUK, various kinds of medd tion was mobilized by the idea however, Dr. Cripps deemed Adha and distributed gifts to the ment Association, the services nership with the Campus Activitd diums/activities were proposed of inviting Kuwait’s first Priest the request not pertinent as orphans, the disabled, senior citdi it provides, and how to contact ties Board (CAB) in which 16 which were not realized due to Emmanuel Ghareeb and Pasdt these students are not in a hurry izens, and volunteers – the Eid it. In collaboration with the Studd teams participated in a healthy the social, cultural, and political tor Andy to AUK to engage in to graduate and can take FINC festival was organized by the dent Success Center, the SGA competition. challenges that AUK will face. an intellectual interfaith diadl 389 in the Fall semester when it Kuwait Red Crescent Society. held an awareness campaign What will follow is a list of An attempt to hold an event logue with some chosen Muslim will be offered. One of the most important asdp for Breast Cancer entitled Pink SGA initiatives in which the entitled Interfaith Dialogue, Sheikhs in order for each relidg On behalf of the 2008 pects that will help the SGA to Week during the month of Ocdt SGA attempted to create a change which would host a Muslim gion to demonstrate what their – 2009 SGA, I would like to prosper and grow internally is tober, sold merchandise, and accd and followed up on them. Some Sheikh and a Christian Priest, religion states about co-existing thank the AUK community the existence of a strong constidt cepted donations. At the wake have been started by this SGA was initiated but time and codo with people from different faiths for allowing us to become tution to fall back on. The 2008 of the Israeli attacks of the Gaza and will hopefully continue on ordination with all was not and cultures. your student leadership and – 2009 SGA was able to finalize Strip on December 27, 2008, the to future ones. Initially, the SGA easy. However, as long as the In addition to religion, podl serve you. We hope we made and ratify the SGA Constitution SGA hosted Kuwaiti personda attempted to address the issue of idea was put down and serious litical awareness was one of a difference at AUK and repdr after an entire year of receiving alities such as Dr. Mohammad having shades for the parking negotiations occurred with addm the concerns SGA tried tackling resented you all in the best feedback, meeting to discuss Al-Awadhi, sold merchandise, lot but learned that the space is ministration regarding the issue, where some attempts were made possible manner. The Voice of AUK Volume 5, Issue 8 16

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear AUK Students: els.” The Program Coordinator was Dr. mitted a visit report to the Commission, by the Carnegie Corporation of New York Shoma Munshi, and Dr. Dale Eickelman which has been shared with IEP. CEA will to promote public dialogue on Islam. pring 2009 at AUK has been exceptt was the keynote speaker. This conference inform AUK of the review outcome by the Conference participants were Stionally busy: we hosted two internatt is building a growing range of local and retg end of this academic year. We have reason treated to a recorded video greeting from tional conferences on higher education in gional participants who shared their own to believe that their decision will be positt Dartmouth College President Dr. James the Gulf, celebrated the Al-Kout festival, and their students’ research focused on the tive; if granted, IEP accreditation will be efft Wright. The conferees were also impressed held several student-initiated events on values, priorities, and practices of liberal fective Fall 2009. Many thanks to all who by the quality of our students’ work and campus, sent students abroad on a numtb education. According to the definition participated in the IEP self study, assisted their communication and English-langt ber of academic projects, and received developed by the American Association of in the production of required documentt guage skills. Dr. Rawda Awwad and two very good coverage in the local press. The Colleges & Universities (AACU), tation, and met with the site team durti of her students made presentations about U.S. Ambassador in Kuwait Deborah “Liberal Education is an approach to ing their February visit. IEP will be the the impact of using the videolink technolto Jones visited AUK in March, April, and learning that empowers individuals and first internationally accredited Intensive ogy connecting an AUK English class with May. The candidates who contested electt prepares them to deal with complexity, English program in the Middle East. Professor Eickelman’s class at Dartmouth tions for the Kuwait Parliament came to diversity, and change. It provides students In March, AUK was visited by the reptr College (see the February 2009 issue of AUK at the invitation of different student with broad knowledge of the wider world resentatives of the American Academy for Dartmouth Life ( http://www.dartmouth. groups, including the winning female candt (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well Liberal Education (AALE), a U.S. organitz edu/~dartlife/archives/19-1/auk.html ). didates. The Gulf Studies Center, Model as in-depth study in a specific area of intt zation that accredits Humanities and Sotc The concluding session of the class was United Nations, and Pi Gamma Mu soct terest. A liberal education helps students cial Science programs and has accredited held in the Auditorium on May 19 and ciety hosted talks by visiting scholars and develop a sense of social responsibility, as several programs in the College of Arts & was attended by the US Ambassador in political activists, including this semester’s well as strong and transferable intellectual Sciences at Kuwait University. The Academt Kuwait the Honorable Deborah Jones and Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Gregory Gause of and practical skills such as communication, my has agreed to accept AUK’s application the Interim Public Affairs Officer of the the University of Vermont. Earlier this analytical and problem-solving skills, and to be considered for accreditation; AUK is Embassy Ms.Pamela Mills. semester, the Student Government Assotc a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge now listed among the Affiliate Members In early April, Dr. Eickelman and Protf ciation visited the Kuwait Red Crescent and skills in real-world settings. at http://www.aale.org/highered/list.html. fessor of Engineering at Dartmouth Dr. Society and met with the Minister of Edtu The broad goals of liberal education have Over the Summer 2009, AUK will detv Ursula Gibson participated in the faculty ucation and Higher Education Nouriya been enduring even as the courses and reqt velop a timeline for the Self-Study of the candidate interviews held in Washington, Al-Sabeeh. Since then, they ran a Town quirements that comprise a liberal educatt major degree programs in the Divisions of DC. Currently, AUK is hosting two Dartmt Hall meeting and held the SGA elections tion have changed over the years. Today, a Humanities & Arts and of Social Sciences, mouth interns, Dinah Warren (interdiscipt for 2009-2010. Congratulations to new liberal education usually includes a general as well as the General Education program plinary major) and Laura Cree (intending elected officers who will be working with education curriculum that provides broad in the Undergraduate curriculum. Dr. to major in International Relations and a larger, more representative student govte learning in multiple disciplines and ways Rawda Awwad will coordinate AALE acct Arabic). ernment body next year. of knowing, along with more in-depth creditation work for the College of Arts & Congratulations also to the many award study in a major.” Sciences. On May 19-20, AUK was also Transitions recipients honored at the May 21, 2009 For more information and definitions of visited by a representative from the Assoct lease join me in congratulating Dr. Student Awards ceremony held in the Autd Liberal Arts and Liberal Education please ciation of Collegiate Business Schools and PRawda Awwad on her appointment as ditorium. The students who earned the see the AACU website at http://www.aacu. Programs (ACBSP) who will be reviewit Assistant Dean of the College of Arts & Dean’s List or President’s Honor Roll distt org/leap/What_is_Liberal_Education.cfm ing our undergraduate Business program. Sciences for Accreditation and Curricutl tinction for the Fall 2008 semester will be I am very pleased to note that several studt Dr. Gary DeBauche will serve as mentor lum. The Registrar’s Office is planning for honored on May 28. Students achieving dents participating in the Public Speaking to the Division of Business & Economics transition by training Majdoleen Zaitoun these high levels of academic performance demonstration during the Spring Showcc in their preparation for the self-study and to replace Noura Al-Alewi as registration in the Spring 2009 semester will be honot case addressed the subject of Liberal Arts other preparatory steps in support of our coordinator/graduation specialist. AUK’s ored next Fall. As usual, the Spring semestt education from the academic and applied accreditation application. own Dina El-Zohairy will fill the registratt ter concludes not only with academic, but perspectives and were able to articulate You may recall that we anticipated a tion coordinator position. At the Presit also athletic achievements. This year they their personal viewpoint on the value of preliminary site visit in May from the ident’s office, Dr. Patricia Read Hunter include: First place in Men’s Volleyball this approach to higher education. The Northwest Commission of Colleges and will be leaving AUK at the end of this setm tournament in the University Champions’ Academic Showcase has become a traditt Universities, to whom AUK applied for mester for Canada and Ms. Shareefa AL- Cup (UCC), First place in Women’s Tennt tion at AUK, and it often provides faculty institutional international accreditation. Adwani, Assistant to the President, will be nis, First place in Men’s Tennis and Second and students opportunities to exhibit their I regret to inform you that NWCCU has leaving in July for a Ph.D. Program at the place in Men’s Table Tennis competitions. class “products,” such as artwork, skill cancelled their May visit to AUK. Executt University of California at Davis. Please Congratulations and “three cheers” to all! demonstration or undergraduate research. tive Director of NWCCU Dr. Sandra Elmt congratulate Shareefa on winning a generot This May’s sessions were distinguished by man wrote to me that the Commission ous scholarship package for her studies in Liberal Arts at AUK good attendance on both days; I congratult “has determined that our visit in May to Political Science. As you know from the he March 10-12 conference on “Univt late the presenters, their teachers, and the the American University of Kuwait is not announcement by the Board of Trustees, Tversity Development and Critical students who turned out to support their feasible. Please know that the Commisst I will be retiring from AUK at the end of Thinking: Education in the Arabian Penit classmates and to learn from their presentt sion will, of course, once again consider the year to return to academic life in the insula for a Global Future” was held under tations. Further project demonstrations the University’s Application for Considte United States. The Executive Committt the patronage of Shaikh Nasser Al Sabah, by graduating seniors in Computer Scite eration at its July 8-10, 2009 meeting. It tee of the Board of Trustees has met to Minister of the Amiri Diwan, and co-coto ence and Information systems are schedtu will not be necessary for institutional reprt plan the search for a new president. The ordinated by Dr. Dale Eickelman of Dartmt uled for May 27 at 5-8 pm in the Auditort resentatives to appear before the Commists next Trustee meeting is planned for Novt mouth College and Mr. Clifford Chanin, rium. And if you are looking for “the arts” sion at that meeting.” When we receive vember. Also in November, AUK will be Director of the Heritage Project in New in Liberal Arts, in addition to the artwork further information from the Northwest interviewing faculty candidates in Washit York. After the opening of the conference exhibited by our Studio Art and Graphic Commission about our US regional (inst ington, DC. On June 18, AUK will hold by Shaikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah and the design students or the ouotstanding must stitutional) accreditation process, it will be its Commencement for the Class of 2009. keynote speech by Prince El Hassan of sic performances by students of our Music shared the University community. The event will take place in the Mishref Jordan given at the Salwa Sabah Hall, the professors during the Showcase, consider Fairgrounds. The keynote speaker for the meeting moved to the Arab Fund buildit taking advantage of the campus productt The Dartmouth Connection. Graduation will be Shaikh Saud Nasser Al ing in Shuwaikh for two days of high-level tion of Shakespear’s “Julius Caesar” by he Dartmouth-AUK Project team Sabah, the former Minister of Oil, Minti conversation among the leaders (presitd the Drama class of Professor Christopher Tvisited AUK twice this Spring, for the ister of Information, and Kuwait Ambasts dents and chancellors) and regulators of Gottschalk (May 27-30). March conference on University Developmt sador to the United States during the Iraqi higher education in the Gulf Cooperatt ment and Critical Thinking in March and invasion. Prior to the Commencement, tion Council countries, as well as several Accreditation Update for the AUK Liberal Arts conference in there will be a series of Senior activities higher-education experts from the United s some of you know, AUK’s Intensive April. Dr. Dale Eickelman was the initiatt for our graduating seniors and those who States and Europe. The AUK Fourth Antn AEnglish Program (IEP) recently hostte tor and co-planner of the former and the completed their degree studies in January. nual Liberal Arts conference this year foct ed a visit from the U.S. Commission for keynote speaker at the latter. We congratult I am looking forward to these wonderful cused on the theme of “Higher Education English Language Program Accreditation late Dr. Eickelman on winning a rare and events, crowning our academic year and in the GCC: Emerging Trends and Modte (CEA). The visiting team has sincet subm prestigious two-year fellowship supported celebrating your achievements.