American University of Kuwait graduates its 2018 Class

7 graduates with highest honors

KUWAIT CITY, June 9: AUK held its annual graduation commencement for the Class of 2018 on Thursday 7th of June where 424 students—269 from the College of Arts and Sciences, and 155 from the College of Business and Economics—officially became AUK graduates, amongst whom were 7 graduates with highest honors, 19 with high honors, and 20 with honors. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Hamed Al-Azmi, Minister of Education and Higher Education.

The graduation was attended by Shaikha Dana Naser Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Founder and Chair of AUK’s Board of Trustees, Dr Habib Abul, Secretary General of Private Universities, members of the AUK Board of Trustees, diplomats, dignitaries, and the families and friends of this year’s graduates.

Ms Amal Al-Binali, Vice President for Admissions & Public Affairs, welcomed the guests and family members of the graduates to AUK’s 13th graduation ceremony and officially inaugurated the ceremony by introducing the traditional processionals of the faculty, graduates and President’s Party.

Following the National Anthem and the Holy Quran recitation, AUK President, Dr Earl (Tim) Sullivan gave an opening speech, in which he offered his best wishes to the graduates after successfully completing an important phase in their lives. “To the graduates: We hope you will live life to the fullest and will contribute to the welfare of your family, community, and country. And we want you to know that you will always be welcome to come back home to AUK!” he said

The commencement keynote address was given by AUK Founding Member of the AUK Board of Trustees and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board, Dr Thomas Bartlet. In his speech, he delved into the different phases of change that the world had to endure from social and political, to economic and technological developments throughout history to modern day. Dr Bartlet stressed the importance of accepting and allowing oneself to explore the new changes happening in the world, saying, “For my part, I hope you will remember when AUK was encouraging you in your general education courses, the liberal arts, to be curious about the world, to keep learning beyond your profession or job, and understand that change is normal and inevitable, and can be exciting and creative and very positive.”

Continued on Page 20