Honoring a Decade of Achievement: AUK’s 10th Anniversary Gala

On December 1, 2024, The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted its 10th Anniversary Gala at the Rotana Hotel in Erbil, marking a decade of transformative education and significant contributions to the Kurdistan Region. The event was attended by esteemed leaders, including H.E. Masrour Barzani, Chairman of AUK’s Board of Trustees and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, and H.E. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region. Also present were diplomats, dignitaries, donors, business leaders, as well as AUK faculty, staff, and alumni.

Duhok, Kurdistan – On September 26, 2024, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) granted candidacy status to the American University of Kurdistan (AUK). This pivotal recognition marks a significant step in AUK’s pursuit of full accreditation, underscoring its dedication to American-style academic excellence and ongoing institutional development.

The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted the Middle East Peace and Security (MEPS) Forum 2024, bringing together ambassadors, government officials, academics, and researchers from around the globe to discuss critical challenges facing the Middle East. The event featured workshops on November 19, followed by keynote speeches and panel discussions on November 22 and 23.

On November 6, 2024, a delegation from Genel Energy visited the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) to discuss academic and industry partnerships. The delegation, led by Mr. Ridvan Alkan, KRI Country Representative at Genel Energy, and Mrs. Hawnaz Sharif Abo, Genel’s KRI Office Coordinator, met with AUK’s leadership team, including President Dr. Randall Rhodes, Provost Dr. Triona Croke, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Mr. Omed Zawity.

On November 12, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted Ms. Janet Alberda, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Iraq. Ambassador Alberda was welcomed by Dr. Randall Rhodes, President of AUK, accompanied by officials from the Dutch embassy, including Mr. Zarghoen Rawan, Political Policy Officer, Netherlands Embassy in Baghdad; Ms. Ciska De Veld, Political Policy Officer, Netherlands Consulate General in Erbil; Mr. Diyar Faraj, Political Officer, Netherlands Embassy in Baghdad; Ms. Myra de Vries, Policy Officer for Stabilization Projects, Netherlands; and Ms. Nali Bahaulddin, Economic and Political Officer.

On November 9, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted an Open House event, welcoming high school students and parents to explore the campus, learn about academic programs, and participate in activities. The event aimed to increase awareness and interest among prospective students. The Open House attracted over 450 participants.

On November 23, 2024, as part of Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2024), students from AUK’s International Studies Department participated in a roundtable discussion with master’s and PhD students from King’s College London. This meeting was arranged by Dr. Christine Cheng from King’s College and Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri from AUK. It provided a platform for the students to share their academic journeys and explore potential collaborations.

On November 2, 2024, the American University of Kurdistan hosted the TEDxAmericanUniversityofKurdistan in Duhok, under the theme unXplored. Nine speakers—Kaiwan Shaban, Jack Jendo, Birhat Ageed, Banar Hushiar, Halmat Kestai, Chang Farhan Tahir, Brenda Hershey, Maryam Rasheed, and Yousif Ismat—presented thought-provoking sessions, each exploring unique perspectives on topics ranging from the role of language in science and literature to the preservation of Kurdistan’s rich history.

On November 27, 2024, the Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) celebrated the graduation of 51 women from the inaugural “She Leads” Women Leadership Certificate Program. Supported by a U.S. Department of State grant, Supporting American-Style Higher Education in Iraq, the program also provided scholarships to 20 AUK students and alumni.

On 14 November, students of the International Studies Department visited the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Erbil. The field trip was part of the experiential learning initiatives designed by Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Peace and Human Security. It also aimed to strengthen engagement between Saudi Arabia and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, reflecting broader regional collaborations.

Honoring a Decade of Achievement: AUK’s 10th Anniversary Gala

NECHE Grants AUK Candidacy Status

AUK Hosts MEPS 2024: The Paradox of Peace in the Middle East

Genel Energy Donor Visit Highlights Academic Support at AUK

Dutch Ambassador to Iraq Visits AUK

AUK Open House 2024: Students Starting on their Path to Excellence

Students of AUK’s International Studies Department Met Peers from King’s College of London During MEPS 2024

TEDxAmericanUniversityofKurdistan 2024: Exploring the UnXplored

CAPA Hosts Inaugural “She Leads” Graduation Featuring the Release of Untold

Students of International Studies Department Visiting the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Erbil