The American University of Kuwait (AUK) celebrated the graduation commencement of the class of 2023 on Wednesday, June 21st. The ceremony, held at The Arena Kuwait (TAK), marked a significant milestone for 340 accomplished graduates. Among them were 142 graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences, 103 from the College of Business and Economics, and 95 from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The distinguished class included 10 summa cum laude, 23 magna cum laude, and 27 cum laude graduates.
Distinguished guests in attendance at the graduation ceremony included Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, founder and chair of AUK’s Board of Trustees, members of the AUK board of trustees, diplomats, dignitaries, and families of the graduates.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem and the Holy Quran recitation, followed by a thought-provoking speech by AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad. In her address, Dr. Awwad emphasized the values cultivated by the graduates during their time at AUK, such as perseverance, collaboration, empathy, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. She encouraged the graduates to carry these lessons as guiding principles throughout their future endeavors.
The keynote speech was delivered by H.E. Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, head of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and an AUK alumnus from the class of 2014. Sheikh Fahad inspired the graduates to embrace continuous learning, unlock their potential, and make choices that may surprise them. He concluded by urging the graduates to savor the summer and celebrate their hard-earned achievements.
The class valedictorian, Amal Kahwaji, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a remarkable 3.99 GPA, was announced by Ms. Hala Al-Abdulrazzaq, AUK’s dean of student affairs. Amal delivered a memorable speech, acknowledging the role failures played in shaping their successes. She emphasized the importance of celebrating the journey as a whole, learning from both victories and failures, and gaining the confidence to tackle the next phase of life.
The highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of degrees. President Awwad conferred the degrees upon the graduates based on the recommendations of the deans—Dr. Ali Charara, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Ralph Palliam, dean of the College of Business and Economics; and Dr. Mohamed El-Abd, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Each graduate was presented with their diploma by President Awwad and their respective college deans.
In a symbolic gesture, the graduates shifted their tassels from right to left, signifying their official graduation from AUK. As the ceremony concluded, the graduates joyfully celebrated the momentous occasion and captured memories with their proud parents.
Recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) offers a diverse range of accredited undergraduate programs. AUK’s state-of-the-art facilities include modern classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology, research laboratories, and recreational amenities such as the gymnasium and lounge. The institution is dedicated to empowering students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that transcend the classroom, nurturing future leaders and change-makers.
For more information on the American University of Kuwait please visit auk.edu.kw and follow their latest on Instagram and social media @AUK_Official.
