Newsletter - September 2024

U.S. Consul General Steven Bitner Visits the American University of Kurdistan

On September 19, 2024, U.S. Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Steven Bitner, visited the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) alongside consulate members Andy Halus and Kim Strollo. The delegation was welcomed by AUK President Randall Rhodes, joined by Secretary of the Board of Trustees Honar Issa, Provost Triona Croke, Vice President for Administration and Finance Omed Zawity, and Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning Ajin Saadi.

U.K. Consul General Andrew Bizley Highlights Democracy, Education, & Opportunities during AUK Visit

On September 2, U.K. Consul General Andrew Bizley paid a visit to the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), to meet with the Executive Team and engage the campus community in a conversation addressing several topics of mutual interest to Kurdistan and the United Kingdom. The conversation was staged in the Auditorium as was attended by AUK faculty, staff, and students, and peers from other universities in the Duhok Governorate.

Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Director of AUK’s Center for Peace & Human Security, Co-authors Report on Feminist Innovations for Radical Change

Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Director of the Center for Peace & Human Security (CPHS) and Assistant Professor of International Studies at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), co-authored a significant report with the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) titled “Gender, Justice and Security: Structural Challenges, Feminist Innovations, and Radical Futures.”

AUK Competes in the 7th International Universities Debating Championship in Qatar

A debate team representing The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) proudly participated in the 7th International Universities Debating Championship, held from May 25 to 29, 2024, at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha. Organized by QatarDebate, this event is recognized as the world’s largest Arabic debate competition and gathered over 600 participants representing 96 universities.

CAPA’s Summer School Graduation 2024 Celebrates Young Learners’ Achievements

On September 7, 2024, The Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) at the American University of Kurdistan held its Summer School graduation on the University’s campus. Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK, and Ms. Loucine Hayes, Director of CAPA, awarded certificates to 696 students aged 4 to 17, who completed the English for Young Learners (YLP) program.

Welcome Back Party Kicks Off Fall 2024 Semester

AUK's Student Affairs hosted a lively "Welcome Back Party" to celebrate the start of the Fall 2024 semester. Students enjoyed a vibrant mix of activities, including games, traditional Kurdish food, and performances of the iconic Kurdish folk dance. These events play a crucial role in helping new students transition into university life, offering them the opportunity to meet peers, build connections, and foster friendships that can last a lifetime. Such gatherings are essential for cultivating a sense of community and belonging on campus.

Together We Achieve: How Genel Energy Invests in Education for Long-Term Impact

At the American University of Kurdistan, we are privileged to partner with donors whose commitment to education transforms the lives of students and communities alike. One such partner is Genel Energy, a company deeply rooted in socially responsible practices, with operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and beyond. We recently spoke with a representative from Genel about their ongoing support for education, particularly through their Genel20 Scholarship Program.

Together We Achieve: A Scholarship Recipient’s Journey in Cybersecurity

Balen Abdalla

Genel20 Scholarship

College of Arts and Sciences, Bachelor’s in Computer Software & Security, Class of 2027

At the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), scholarships open doors to new opportunities and personal growth. In this interview, a current scholarship recipient, funded by Genel Energy, shares how this support has shaped his academic path, community engagement, and future aspirations.

AUK Alumni Spotlight: Sarhat Nariman Khamo

“From Struggles to Success: Sarhat Khamo’s Journey of Growth and Achievement—No Laptop, Just Big Dreams”

When I first started studying at AUK, I had big dreams. At the time, I had nothing—not even a laptop— and very little understanding of how business worked. However, I was determined to succeed. My time at AUK made me realize that education would be the key to achieving my dreams as a filmmaker and artist.