President of AUK Hosts Bişar Çoktin for Establishment of BC Group Scholarship

President Dr. Randall Rhodes of The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) warmly welcomed Mr. Bişar Çoktin, Chairman of BC Group Holding, on February 12 for discussions centered on the establishment of the BC Group Scholarship. The meeting, attended by Vice President for Advancement Manal Issa, underscored the shared commitment to fostering educational opportunities.

Expressing profound interest in advancing AUK’s mission, Mr. Çoktin articulated his vision for the BC Group Scholarship, aiming to forge a connection between Kurdish students in Turkey and those at AUK, thereby fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation of heritage.

Mr. Çoktin emphasized the crucial importance of the scholarship in empowering Kurdish students and facilitating their pursuit of higher education. His confidence in AUK’s capacity to nurture future leaders and catalyze positive societal contributions was evident. In response, Dr. Rhodes conveyed sincere gratitude for BC Group Holding’s generous contribution, affirming AUK’s unwavering dedication to providing inclusive, high-quality education.

During the visit, Mr. Çoktin conducted a comprehensive tour of the campus, acquainting himself with the University’s state-of-the-art facilities. Dr. Rhodes provided insights into AUK’s accreditation endeavors and ongoing initiatives to ensure that AUK reflects international best practices in teaching and learning.

The BC Group Scholarship, totaling $250,000 over five years, embodies a commitment to supporting eligible Kurdish students from Northern Kurdistan. Criteria for selection include Kurdish origin, financial need, academic merit, and non-affiliation with political entities. Recipients will receive funding covering tuition fees, educational expenses, and accommodation for the duration of their studies across AUK’s four colleges: Engineering, Business, Arts & Sciences, and Nursing.

Mr. Bişar Çoktin’s philanthropic endeavors and dedication to education and community development underscore his leadership as Chairman of BC Group Holding. Since assuming this role in 2005, he has emerged as a prominent figure in Turkey and Iraq, steering BC Group towards excellence across diverse sectors such as construction, mining, real estate, tourism, energy, and logistics.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing AUK’s mission and empowering students to realize their full potential.