Newsletter - October 2024

AUK College of Nursing Hosts 2nd Capping, Candle Lighting, and White Coat Ceremony

On October 5, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) College of Nursing held its 2nd Annual Capping, Candle Lighting, and White Coat Ceremony, marking a significant milestone for 10 nursing students advancing to the clinical phase of their education. Family and friends gathered to celebrate their success in the Auditorium of the University.

AUK Hosts First-Ever Coding Hackathon: Empowering Students to Innovate for Social Change

On October 10, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted its inaugural Coding Hackathon, organized by the Department of Computer Science & Information Technology in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs. Led by sophomore Balen Abdalla, President of the HacAUK Club and Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, the event gathered regional universities for a day of panel discussions, coding, innovation, and teamwork.

CAPA Hosts Inaugural K-12 and Beyond Conference to Elevate Education in Kurdistan

On October 26, 2024, the Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) at the American University of Kurdistan held its inaugural K-12 and Beyond: Achieving Educational Excellence Conference on the AUK campus, aimed at empowering local educators with the latest advancements in teaching methods, technology, and classroom strategies.

AUK Celebrates Multiculturalism Day: A Festival of Culture, Cuisine, and Community

On October 29, 2024, The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) came alive with celebrations for Multiculturalism Day, organized by AUK’s Student Government, student clubs, and an NGO sponsor. The two-day event, held in the Back Yard Garden of the Mustafa Barzani Building, showcased diverse traditions, foods, and arts from Kurdistan and around the world.

AUK Center for Peace and Human Security Hosts Webinar with U.S. Chamber of Commerce

As part of its Monthly Lecture and Seminar Series, the American University of Kurdistan’s Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS) hosted a webinar featuring key representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The distinguished speakers, Mr. Steve Lutes, Vice President of the Chamber’s Middle East Affairs Division, and Ms. Jenna Artuso, Manager of the Chamber’s Middle East Affairs Division, shared their insights on fostering connections between U.S. companies and the Kurdistan Region, with a focus on encouraging investment and strengthening the capacity of the local private sector.

Together We Achieve: How a Scholarship Opened Doors to a Nursing Career

Saad Saadi Ahmed

Nursing Scholarship

College of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Class of 2025

At the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), scholarships create pathways to opportunity and personal development. In this interview, a current recipient of a Nursing Program scholarship reflects on how this support has influenced his academic journey, involvement in the community, and goals for the future.

AUK Alumni Spotlight: Safaa Nazir

“Looking back, AUK wasn’t just the foundation of my education—it was the launchpad for my entire career and personal development.”

Since graduating from the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), my journey has been a whirlwind of growth and discovery. I’m currently pursuing a master’s in marketing communications at the University of Westminster in London. While I initially feared adapting to graduate education in another country, the strong foundation I received at AUK made the transition much smoother than expected.