CAPAx 2025: Redefine What’s Possible
On January 26, 2025, the Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted its fourth annual CAPAx event in AUK’s auditorium under the theme “Redefine What’s Possible.”
The event showcased five engaging talks delivered by members of the CAPA community and students preparing for their bachelor’s degrees, covering topics such as “From Wonder to Wisdom,” “Language as a Lens,” “Planting Seeds of Success Through Volunteering,” “Ethical Implications of AI in Health,” and “Learning Beyond Formal Schooling.”
The audience included family, friends, and members of the Duhok community, including Mr. Khalil Mahmoud, the Mayor of Sumel, and Mr. Hasan Shalabi, the Sumel Education Director.
AUK President Dr. Randall Rhodes highlighted CAPAx’s role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, while CAPA Director Loucine Hayes emphasized the importance of language in shaping perspectives.
The judging panel featured distinguished members of the AUK community, including Dr. Khedir Ramazan, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Ms. Natalie Richard, Lecturer in the College of Nursing; and Dr. Marcela Tur, Assistant Professor in the Department of General Education. Judges for the event also included Mr. Peter Putros, founder of Spark2, Mr. Lawend Hasan, Manager of the Career Development Center at the University of Zakho, and Mr. Varant Topalian, Professional Development Specialist.
Awards were presented to the top three speakers. The event also featured an exhibition supporting local businesses, reinforcing CAPAx’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and inspiring innovation.
Related: