October at AUK

AUK Honored with Zairi International Award for Equity and Inclusion

On October 1, AUK received the Zairi International Award for Excellence in Higher Education in Equity and Inclusion, celebrating the University’s dedication to access, empowerment, and opportunities for all. The award highlighted CAPA and its programs She Leads and She’s an Entrepreneur, which promote women’s leadership and economic participation across Kurdistan. Accepting the honor, Dr. Randall Rhodes and Loucine Hayes praised the University’s commitment to tolerance, critical thinking, and inclusion. The recognition reflects AUK’s ongoing mission to empower students and build fair, just, and equitable communities in the region.

AUK Observes Mental Health Awareness Day

On October 6, 2025, AUK’s Counseling Services hosted Mental Health Awareness Day under the theme “It’s OK Not to Be OK.” Students explored mental health topics at interactive tables, received green ribbons, and joined the Art Therapy Club in painting stones, drawing on canvas, and hanging self-reflection notes on the “tree of thoughts.” The student-led workshop, “Break the Stigma, Knock the Door, Own Your Keys,” engaged peers in discussions on self-compassion and identity. With 647 participants—a 70% increase from last year—the day’s event highlighted AUK’s commitment to a supportive, mentally healthy campus.

AUK Alumni Reunion Launches Alumni Association

On October 18, 2025, over 160 graduates gathered for AUK’s third annual Alumni Reunion, celebrating connections and shared memories. The evening marked the official launch of the AUK Alumni Association, designed to unite alumni globally, foster networking, and support professional development. The founding committee, including Lana Zibari (President), Lara Bashar Othman Sindi (Secretary), and Dara Jeladet Mustafa Albeyboni (Treasurer), was introduced, alongside functional committees ready to lead initiatives. Dr. Randall Rhodes noted the Association will empower alumni voices and strengthen ties to the University, marking an exciting milestone for AUK’s alumni community.

AUK Library Launches Filipiniana Corner

On October 19, AUK welcomed the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Iraq to inaugurate the new Filipiniana Corner at the University Library. The space features books on Philippine history, literature, and culture, offering students and faculty a chance to explore a new part of the world from campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from Ambassador Charlie Manangan and AUK Library Director Gulan Ahmed highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and global understanding.

CPHS Celebrates Yazidi Girls’ Courage Through Music and Art

On October 21, AUK’s Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS) hosted “Resonance of Resilience”, a concert and art exhibition featuring the Ashti Choir of Yazidi Girls. In collaboration with Amar International Foundation and Khalsa Aid, the event highlighted peace, healing, and empowerment for the Kurdish-Yazidi community. Students, faculty, and local leaders witnessed performances, a documentary, and a photographic exhibition celebrating resilience after years of displacement. The event underscored CPHS’s commitment to peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, and community engagement.

College of Nursing Launches “Pathway to Hope” Outreach in Zawita

On October 22, 2025, AUK’s College of Nursing kicked off its fall community outreach with “Pathway to Hope,” a fun, interactive initiative promoting mental health and well-being. Led by third-year nursing students under the supervision of Ms. Natalie Richard, faculty member within the College of Nursing, the event engaged school-aged children through five stations covering emotions, stress, healthy lifestyles, and resilience. Participants enjoyed games, creative exercises, and open discussions. Ms. Richard shared, “Through Pathway to Hope, our students lived out the College of Nursing’s commitment to caring, service, and excellence.”

CAPA Hosts K–12 and Beyond Conference

On October 25, AUK’s CAPA brought together around 300 educators, school leaders, and professionals for the annual K–12 and Beyond conference under the theme “Advancing Teaching and Learning.” This year’s event featured hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and two keynote speakers, Dr. Zana Ibrahim and Ms. Anna Arakelyan, inspiring participants to rethink teaching strategies, integrate technology, and embrace student-centered learning. Supported by Taurus Energy, English Book Education, and Chocolate Bar, the conference showcased innovative practices while highlighting CAPA’s commitment to professional development and educational excellence in Kurdistan.

College of Nursing Trains Faculty on High-Fidelity Simulators

On October 26, 2025, AUK’s College of Nursing hosted an intensive three-day training on high-fidelity simulators, led by Thomas Boyd from Laerdal Medical. Faculty explored the newly acquired MamaAnne, Nursing Anne, and SimBaby simulators, funded by the U.S. Department of State Grant titled “Supporting American-style Higher Education in Iraq”. Notably, AUK is the first in the Middle East—and only the fourth globally—to use MamaAnne, the advanced maternal simulator. The hands-on sessions focused on realistic clinical scenarios, competency-based learning, and simulation management.

AUK Brings Cultures Together on Multiculturalism Day

On October 27, AUK’s Student Government celebrated Multiculturalism Day, showcasing the University’s vibrant diversity with French, Armenian, Dutch, American, Iraqi, Assyrian, Yazidi, and Kurdish. Sponsored by Talabat, the event also featured local Duhok businesses, traditional music, Kurdish bread and honey, global dishes, and coffee from around the world. Students joined the fun with the Mini Multiculturalism Pass, collecting stickers from each booth for a lottery with seven AUK Store prizes.

AUK Padel Tournament 2025 Serves Up Three Days of Fun and Team Spirit

From October 28 to 30, AUK’s Student Government hosted the Padel Tournament, bringing 48 players together across 24 teams, including staff and students. Sponsored by Pling Energy, the three-day event was filled with school spirit and sport. The team of Jodi Ibrahim and Blind Narmo claimed first place, with Shaveen Aslam and Ahmed Sardar taking second. The award ceremony featured Cengo, AUK’s mascot.

College of Nursing Partners with Zakho Autism Center

On October 29, AUK’s College of Nursing signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Zakho Autism Center to expand clinical training opportunities for nursing students. Dr. Randall Rhodes and Mr. Shakir Mahmood Mohammad formalized the partnership, which gives students, especially those interested in Mental Health Nursing, hands-on experience with individuals on the autism spectrum. Students will develop skills in assessment, communication, therapeutic interventions, and family-centered care. This collaboration strengthens community ties and reinforces AUK’s commitment to preparing compassionate, well-equipped nursing professionals ready to provide inclusive, holistic care in diverse clinical settings.

Alumni Spotlight: Zahraa Taher Saeed

Zahraa Taher Saeed’s journey in petroleum engineering began at AUK, where she earned her degree in under four years, even as the only female in her department. Determined and resilient, she completed internships and courses that paved the way for her master’s studies at the University of Baghdad, one of only six students admitted out of nearly 70 applicants. Zahraa credits AUK with building her confidence, work ethic, and perseverance. Reflecting on her path, she emphasizes the importance of networking, continuous learning, and soft skills alongside technical expertise in shaping a successful career.

Faculty Spotlight: Mariam Atieh

Mariam Atieh is an assistant professor, academic researcher and artist with 15 years’ teaching experience in higher education. She is a PhD candidate at Goldsmiths, University of London, in Visual Cultures, where she completed her Master of Research. She has worked in the United Kingdom as a lecturer at University of The Arts London and the Royal College of Art; her career also included teaching in the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon.  Her research expands the scope of creative practice in contemporary culture, using writing as a practice – via autoethnography and autofiction – that describes experiences of conflict and migration in the Global South.