AUK Visits Detroit and Chicago

From March 29 to April 1, Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), and Dr. Honar Issa, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of AUK, visited Detroit and Chicago with the aim of building a network of friends to support AUK. The trip included presentations to professional organizations and community groups supportive of the prosperity of the Iraqi population in Kurdistan and the Diaspora.

In Detroit, Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Issa met with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, which aims to preserve Chaldean heritage and serve as a bridge between AUK and universities in the Detroit region. Topics discussed included: AUK’s progress during its first decade (including its accreditation status with the New England Commission of Higher Education); scholarships dedicated to expanding educational and professional opportunities for Christians in Iraq; the fostering of entrepreneurship and start-up culture; and fundraising. Detroit regional universities showed interest in joint curriculum development, support for STEM and health programs, and faculty-to-faculty collaborations.

The session with the Chaldean Doctors’ Association focused on medical education partnerships, research and training opportunities in medical fields, student exchange programs, student scholarships, and medical outreach. There was also discussion of AUK’s plans to open a Medical School and willingness to partner with the Doctor’s Association in planning the curriculum and facilities. The Doctor’s Association will visit campus in May.

In Chicago, Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Issa met with His Grace Mar Paulus Benjamin and various individuals and representatives from Assyrian organizations to learn about the Assyrian Community in Chicago and to establish collaborations. A presentation was made at the Assyrian Community Center on March 31 where discussion focused on engaging the Assyrian Diaspora in supporting American-style Higher Education in Kurdistan. Faculty exchange, academic and research partnerships, and semester abroad for U.S. students were common themes. Both parties stressed the importance of fostering a culture of mutual respect and cultural awareness on the AUK campus.

AUK will continue the conversations as engaging the Diasporan populations in the U.S. will greatly benefit the University, its students, faculty, and progress moving forward.