AUK Art and Graphic Design Department hosts first alumni reunion
The Art and Graphic Design Department (GDES) organized the GDES alumni reunion to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program at AUK. The event was held on the 29th of November with activities spread across the university campus that included GDES alumni presentations, exhibitions, and booths promoting alumni businesses, all in an effort to inspire, empower and reflect on both the growth of the program and the alumni who have come back to showcase their work.
A packed auditorium housed students, staff and faculty who have gathered to support the alumni presentations. Following the opening remarks by AUK President Dr Tim Sullivan, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr Ali Charara, a number of acclaimed alumni including, Ghaneema AlQudmani, Lamees Nijem, Bashayer Al-Zayed and Ahmed Al Terkait relayed particular personal and professional experiences and highlighted their success stories in their respective fields of magazine, motion graphics, environmental conservation, and filmmaking. A prominent theme was how quickly they had to adapt to the demands and opportunities of the real world, all whilst remaining original and authentic to their passion and message.
As the presentations concluded, the audience was invited to the multipurpose room to visit the alumni exhibition that showcased photographs, paintings and other forms of art endeavors. The event concluded with an open buffet where alumni mingled with current students, and rekindled old friendships with other alumni, faculty and staff. Associate Professor William J Andersen, Chair of the Department of Art and Graphic Design, emphasized how proud AUK was of its graduates for the positive impact they have added to society.
Assistant Professor Rita Merheb, chair of the organizing committee, said that “This event is the program’s first attempt to reestablish ties with its Alumni, our Alumni who are the program’s and the institution’s ambassadors to the outside world. And having them back on campus to share their experiences and accomplishments, served as an inspiration to our current students who also attended the event.”