Five One Labs and AUK Kick-Off the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program

With funding from the U.S. State Department entitled “Support to American-Style Higher Education in Iraq”, AUK partnered with Five One Labs to launch the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Five One Labs supports young entrepreneurs in setting up and managing new businesses, guiding them through the process of transforming business ideas into successful start-ups. Utilizing AUK’s new, state-of-the-art, Innovation Lab as an Incubator, this program hosts student-led start-ups, as well as providing interactive training on design, market research, financial modelling and business management. The Program kicked-off on May 19 with a panel discussion on how students can become successful entrepreneurs, including testimonials by successful startup business owners on how they achieved such success.

Viya Institute and Pling Co. Sponsor AUK’s Tennis Club

The Student Government’s Tennis Club at AUK secured sponsorship from Viya Institute, a leading sports club, and Pling Co., a national beverage company based in Duhok. The agreement allows AUK’s students to make use of the tennis courts at the Viya Institute for practice and training, while Pling Company will source equipment and clothing. AUK organizes a wide range of sports such as basketball, soccer, and table tennis, encouraging students to pursue healthy lifestyles. The Tennis Club is open to both male and female students, for both experienced tennis players and those who want to learn how to play tennis from scratch. “This agreement can be seen as a first step towards establishing an athletics program, which is part of our future plans,” stated AUK President, Dr. Randall Rhodes, during the sponsorship signing ceremony.

AUK Prepares for the 2022 Commencement Ceremony

Scheduled for June 7 at AUK’s main campus in Duhok, the 2022 Commencement Ceremony will honor graduates who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies and qualified for a bachelor’s degree. With a keynote speech by the Chairman of the Board, H.E. Mr. Masrour Barzani, as well as contributions from other dignitaries, this is an occasion for our graduates, and their families and friends, to celebrate their hard work during their studies at AUK. This is AUK’s third commencement, featuring live music and entertainment after speeches and graduation formalities. With 144 graduates now leaving AUK to enter the professional world or to pursue postgraduate education, AUK’s total number of alumni will stand at 317.

Faculty: Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri

Dr. Jiyar has joined the College of Arts and Science as Assistant Professor of International Studies. An expert on the gender dimensions of migration and displacement, Dr. Jiyar participated in international conferences in Belfast and London on this topic during May 8-14, organized by the Gender, Justice and Security Hub, a multi-partner research network focused on advancing gender justice and inclusive peace. Members of the Hub include local and global civil-society organizations, practitioners,

governments and international organizations. At the conventions, Dr. Jiyar presented the findings of his ongoing research on return migration to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, as well as contributing to discussions at specialized workshops on methodology, migration and ‘coloniality’.

Student Spotlight

Kavok Shaban Mohammed

B.A. in Business Management

Kavok started playing tennis at the age of twelve and soon after represented Duhok at tournaments across Kurdistan and Iraq. A few years later, she reached the top two in the national women’s tennis rankings, resulting in her selection to represent the Iraqi Women’s Tennis Team at the Junior Fed Cup and Asian Championships.

You are a full-time student, a decorated tennis player, a photo model and a fitness coach. What remains for you to achieve?
There are two simple, but important, goals that I have set for myself. The first is to encourage young women not to take their talent and health for granted; they need to have the courage to take part in sports. My second goal is simply to promote the beautiful sport of tennis here in Kurdistan, which deserves so much more attention.

How does studying at AUK affect your tennis career?
Studying Business Management at AUK made me aware of how much more I can achieve with my talents, such as turning my skills into a business while still promoting my favorite sports. That made me shift my focus to coaching. Now, finally, with our new Tennis Club at AUK and the support of our partners and sponsors, I can train beginners and pass on my experiences to them.

Meet Our Alumni

Ali Khairuldeen Sadeq

B.A in Oil and Gas Management Graduated in 2019

Ali started his journey at AUK in 2014, choosing a degree in Oil and Gas Management, as he believed that this sector was instrumental in shaping the world we live in today. Upon graduation, Ali was recruited by KAR Group, a well-known oil and gas company with extraction operations in Kurdistan. Initially, in his position as Health and Safety Executive and

Document Controller, Ali ensured the wellbeing and safety of workers, managed the safety inventory, and controlled documentation for a full zone of operations comprising four extraction fields. Being both dedicated and ambitious, Ali excelled in this position and was subsequently promoted to HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) Supervisor, working to reduce the risks of job-related accidents, non-compliance with HSE standards and environmental accidents.

Ali commented that “As one of the six core industries, oil and gas has many opportunities that are waiting to be grabbed. There are many job opportunities in the oil and gas sector for management professionals. Furthermore, the career path is exciting.”