ARZANAH

Activities and Events | 1

 

Visit of Student Delegation from Germany (February 15, 2009)
A delegation of 9 female German students from Elsensee Gymnasium (Quickborn, Germany) and their instructor visited Arzanah on February 15th to conduct research about women in the Middle East with a focus on Abu Dhabi. Before arriving in the UAE, each student wrote what their perceptions were in relation to how women were viewed and treated in Arab society. Upon arrival at Arzanah, Dr. Nadia Alhasani (Director of Arzanah) and Mrs. Gabriele Harb (Instructor of German) greeted the delegation, as well as a group of Arzanah Ambassadors including Khawla Khamis, Reem Nasser, Basma Ahmed, Yasmin Abu Hijleh, Mira Balkis, Sara Al-Dhaheri, Ghena Al Hanai, Nada Abou Sayed, Tuka Al Hanai, Faten Abdul Aziz and Heba Al-Bloushi. Following lunch, Arzanah students took their guests on a tour of the facilities, including the ILC, various laboratories and the surrounding gardens. During lunch, students discussed their reports, and how different women are in the UAE in comparison to their original impressions. Arzanah’s students were delighted to have had the opportunity to assist the guests with their project as well as make their trip to Abu Dhabi a memorable one. The event was organized in collaboration with Student Affairs.

Reported By: Nada Abou Sayed, Yasmin Abu Hijleh, Photographed By: Khoula Khamis

Student Club Fair Day (February 12 2009)
To encourage student participation in non-academic activities, the Women in Engineering Program held the first Arzanah Club Fair on February 12 2008. Booths representing 13 different student clubs and professional student chapters were displayed, including the Arzanah Office which offered students a variety of employment opportunities such as ambassadors, reporters, photographers, and research assistants; Internship & Counseling & Recreation Department (Student Affairs). Prospective students as well as parents were invited to tour the fair, which also provided prizes courtesy of the Social and Cultural Club as well as food and beverages. Clubs included:

1. Social and Cultural Club – President: Asma Al Zubaidi
2. Arzanah Association Club – President: Khawla Al Manthari
3. Creativity Club – President: Naeema Al Hosani
4. Book Club – President: Fatima Al Hossary, Advisor: Ms. Vanessa Middleton
5. Media Club – President: Waad Al Ameri
6. Environmental Club – President: Heba Al Bloushi, Advisor: Mr. Eurof Thomas
7. Video Club – Advisor: Laura Lau
8. PI Female Student Council – President: Salama Al Marzouqi
9. Recreation / Sports Club – Advisor: Salwa Alweeshy
10. IEEE – Advisors: Dr. Lana Al Chaar and Dr. Lisa Lamont
11. AICHE – President: Reem Al Shamsi, Advisor: Dr. Ahmed Al Shuaibi
12. ASME Student Chapter – Coordinators: Heyam Al Blooshi and Ghena Al Hanai, Advisor: Dr. Hamad Karki
13. SPE International - Advisor: Richard Lau

Reported By: Nada Abou Sayed, Yasmin Abu Hijleh,Photographed by:Khoula Khamis, Mariam Al Hamadi

Instructional Technology Workshop (February 3, 2009)
A Promethean Planet Technology workshop was organized in Arzanah, February 3, 2009. The well-attended workshop introduced the new Arzanah faculty to the web-based resource portal that assists instructors with in-class interactive instruction. The system is receiving much interest from faculty who are looking at ways to introduce new instructional technologies.

AICHE Chapter at Arzanah (February 2, 2009)
The Chemical Engineering Program began the Spring 2009 semester with the opening of the student chapter for the American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AICHE) at Arzanah, February 2, 2009.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, assistant professor of chemical engineering and chapter advisor, made the announcement to approximately 30 freshmen and sophomore chemical engineering students who welcomed the news. Students quickly embraced the new chapter with the election of its first officers:

President: Reem Al Shamsi
Vice-President: Mariam Tariq Khalil
Treasurer: Amena Adnan
Secretary: Salama Al Marzouqi

In his opening remarks, Acting Director of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Bruce Palmer, expressed his delight with the establishment of the AICHE student chapter and how proud he was that the PI now has one of the few AICHE student chapters outside the U.S.A.

Dr. Al Shoaibi discussed possible activities for the chapter with the students.

The AICHE Chapter is the third professional student chapter in Arzanah following the establishment of the IEEE and SPE chapters last year. Arzanah welcomes AICHE to its community.

 

Dr. Nadia announces the winners

Engineering All Around Us (December 17, 2008)
The Foundation 1 Poster Exhibition has become a bi-annual tradition at the PI.  As an initial step toward becoming engineers, F1 students begin their first research project with this project.   Through this effort, they learn that engineers are involved in all major improvements in our everyday life, particularly those which have made our lives more efficient, and certainly more aesthetic.  For Foundation 1 students and for us, it is exciting to see the major role that engineering plays in our day-to-day existence.  Students presented projects on the microwave oven, the i-phone, eyeglasses and braces.   The winning poster team managed to wow judges (Ms. Asli Hassan and Dr. Gary Miller) and visitors with their microwave on wheels – a vision of the future. The first place team included Hamda Al Mehairbi, Mariam  Abdul Rahman and Moza Khalifah. The eyeglasses project was awarded second place and its team members included Hanan Al Kaabi, Khulood Al Mazrouei, Nada Al Hyeed, and Ayesha Al Baloushi. 

Reported By: Constance Eide (F1 Team Leader);
Photographed By: Laura Lau (mediaologist)

 

Annual Math League Tournament (December 15, 2008)

PI’s Arts and Sciences Mathematics Program, in collaboration with the Glennelg School in Abu Dhabi, organized the first PI Annual Math League Tournament on December 15, 2008. Arzanah hosted 21 participants and the program was coordinated by PI math professors Dr. Khalid Dib and Dr. Gary Miller with assistance from freshman student Amal Malla Al Wedami.

 The tournament was divided into two parts. The first part was an individual test with 25 challenging questions. First prize went to Yumna Arif and second prize went to Reem Malas. The second part was a team contest that was both engaging and competitive. The team with the highest scores included Reem Malas, Layla Al Saeedi, Shaikha Al Wahedi and Erun Mansoor. In second place was the team of Yumna Arif, Dina Nuaimi, Asma Al Suwaidi and Hadya Bawazeer.

Director of Arzanah, Dr. Nadia Alhasani, awarded the prizes and distributed commemorative gifts to all participants. Dr. Jakob Geluk, Arts and Sciences Math coordinator, expressed his delight at the success of the event and looked forward to hosting more high schools in future tournaments.

Photographed By: Sara Al Kalbani   

 

UAE National Day Celebration (November 23-30, 2008)
Arzanah conducted a week-long celebration commemorating the 37th UAE National Day. Different stalls were set up outdoors for the week to raise funds for charities. On November 30th, a special full day schedule of activities was planned beginning with the National Anthem and the Army parade. This was followed by a national dance performed by boys from a local orphanage. After which, students spread out to explore exhibits, rides and games. A tent was set up as the center of activities where participants were offered traditional foods and drinks. The cafeteria joined the celebrations by providing traditional breakfast and lunch menus. Dr. Micheal Ohadi, Acting President and Provost, joined by a number of PI faculty, staff and students participated in the traditional cutting of the cake ceremony in the Arzanah Lobby.  At the end of the festivities, a number of competitions were conducted and winners were announced as follows:
Quran Competition:
1st) Fatema Ali Omar Al Jaber, 2nd) Ala Fadel Shbair, 3rd) Anood Ibrahim Essa;
Movie Maker Competition: 1st) Basma  Mohamed Ali Al Bishr, 2nd) Neelah Al Heraiz  Saleh Al Kurbi, 3rd) Dhuha Mohamed Al Sulaimani;
Car Decoration Competition: 1st) Anoud  Fahad Al Otaibi, 2nd) Waed Khaled Al Kindi, and 3rd) Fatima Omar Abdelkarim Awadhi.


Reported By: Yasmin Abu Hijleh

 

Diabetes Awareness Campaign (November 16- 27, 2008)
As part of the Diabetes Awareness Month, and over a period of two weeks, Arzanah students, faculty, and staff showed their support for diabetes awareness by wearing the traditional blue ribbons. Arzanah’s Office in collaboration with ADNOC’s Health Clinic supported a series of events to highlight the dangers of diabetes if left undetected. The clinic conducted specialized tests for faculty, staff, and students, and offered brochures and fliers to help raise awareness. Freshman student Nafisa Yousif El Samani led the campaign with assistance from Student Council President Salama Hasan Al Marzouqi. They were able to double the sales of fund-raising tickets compared to last year efforts.  In addition, a number of Arzanah community members participated in the second Abu Dhabi Walkathon that took place on November 28 involving a 5km walk along the cornice. A study on diabetes in the UAE supported by the Ministry of Health reported that, unless controlled, some 684,000 persons in the UAE could be affected by 2030 and is likely to cost the country Dh10b by 2020.

Reported By: Yasmin Abu Hijleh 

 

In Memory of Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan (November 23- 27, 2008)
The Arzanah Women Association organized a series of trips to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan (May Allah bestow his mercy upon him). The trip was open to all Arzanah students, faculty and staff. The Mosque is truly a significant structure and an exceptional example of Islamic architecture; it is characterized by floral or plant design throughout its interiors and exteriors. 

The mosque’s internal prayer hall accommodates seven thousand males and an additional one thousand females. Participants were touched by spiritual aspect of the activity and thought it very appropriate to the man it honors. Sophomore student Khawla Al Manthary, president of the association and organizer of the event expressed her delight with the students’ response to the activity and hoped that everyone will consider visiting the iconic building.

Reported by Yasmin Abu Hijleh, Photographed by Khawla Al Manthari 

 

A Busy Open Day (November 22, 2008)
Arzanah welcomed high school students and guardians for its Fall 2008 Open Day - November 22, 2008. Foundation, Arts and Sciences, and engineering programs set up booths and displays representing their program’s focus, with faculty at hand to answer inquiries and shed further light on studies at the PI. Guests were welcomed by Admission staff Mr. Ahmed Al Marzouqi and Dr. Nadia Alhasani, Director of Arzanah. Presentations focused on the academic offerings at PI and the various extra-curricula activities at Arzanah. A team of 15 Arzanah Ambassadors (student volunteers) worked on the registration desks, guided visitors, and led tours of select laboratories and instructional facilities.

Photography by Dr. Jens Eriksen (Arts & Sciences)

Chemical Engineering Honors Its Students (November 20, 2008)
Chemical Engineering hosted a luncheon for its students on November 20, 2008 at Arzanah. Program Director, Dr. Bruce Palmer, welcomed some 45 chemical engineering students to the event and expressed his appreciation for students’ commitment to the program and academic progress made. Six program students, two sophomores (Reem Abdulla Mohamed Abdulla Al Shamsi and Mariam Tareq Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Khalil) and four freshman (Yasmine Hedi Guefrachi, Amena Adnan Mohamed Sallam Hasan, Fatema Mohamed Abdulla Ahmed Odhali Al Naeemi and Maryam Mohammed Ghuloom H. A. Al Attar), were honored for achieving a CGPA of 4.0 in the academic year 2007-2008 Program members also discussed academic advising, future courses and other program activities. The event was organized by assistant professor of chemical engineering Dr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi, and attended by program faculty, academic staff and invited chemistry professors.

 

Arzanah Students @ the Federal National Council (November 17, 2008)
Arzanah’s electrical engineering department attended the opening of the third ordinary session of the 14th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC) that was held in the Federal National Council on the 17th of November 2008. This event was opened by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Vice-President, and Ruler of Dubai. The event was attended by the council members, diplomats, sheikhs of the other emirates or their representatives. The session discussed the laws and regulations of badges, elect members to supervisory committees, organization the media activities, and create a people counting center. After the inaugural speech by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his Excellency Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, head of the council, delivered a speech welcoming His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the audience. His speech was followed by another delivered by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum who encouraged the Council to be productive and reminding them that the most important legacy of our country is the well being of the people.
Electrical Engineering student Mona Nabeel Mohamed noted: This experience taught me that if I wanted to achieve my goals I have to be a leader in my domain. In the PI we are taught how to be leaders by reading text books only but today I learnt that by example. In the Council, I was impressed by the female members who were very confident and gave a bright image of the Emirati woman by what they have achieved. This motivated me to be a better engineering student by being an ambitious leader. As His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in the opening ceremony: “Him who does not know about life’s facts will not find a seat on the progress train”.

Written By: Mona Nabeel Mohamed and Hajar Al Kuwait 

 

Connecting with Abu Dhabi High Schools (November 11 & 20, 2008)
President of Student Council Salama Al Marzouqi and Sara Al Kalbani represented Arzanah in a visit to the Glenelg School of Abu Dhabi, November 11, 2008. Organized by the Office of Admissions, the students were part of a PI team led by Dr. Michael Ohadi, Provost and Acting president, to meet with high school students encouraging them to consider engineering as a future career. Students met with members of the grade 11 classes and shared with them their personal experiences at Arzanah.
Furthermore, over 240 students representing five high schools in Abu Dhabi (Al Nahda, Al Sammha, Hanin, Palestine and Umama Bin Al Harith) visited Arzanah November 20, 2008. Students attended a short presentation on women in engineering and the role that PI plays in supporting this ambition. Present were a team of Arzanah Ambassadors (student volunteers) who led the visitors through various instructional and common spaces at Arzanah. Admissions Manager, Mr. Mohamed Ismail, was at hand to respond to inquiries from high school counselors and provide clarification on PI’s admission process.

 

Arzanah Declared a Smoking-Free Environment (November 16, 2008)
Recent statistics released last month ranked the UAE second among the GCC countries with 19% of its population declared as smokers. Qatar ranked first with 37% of its population as confirmed smokers. All across the UAE, authorities have instituted bans and restrictions on smoking in public areas and have initiated a number of awareness campaigns and programs supporting those who wish to quit smoking.
The state of Arizona, USA, was the first to restrict smoking in public places in 1973. In 2002, Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward banned smoking in the streets and in 2007, Chandigarh became the first smoke-free city. In most of these cases, the intention is to reduce the effects of passive smoking (also known as second hand smoking).
Effective November 16, 2008, Arzanah is declaring its facilities, both indoors and outdoors, smoke-free. Dr. Nadia Alhasani (Director of Arzanah) wrote: “We are proud of this declaration and appreciative of the administration’s support. We thank PI faculty, staff, students and guests for respecting our smoke-free environment.

 

 

Students Visit ADIPEC (November 3-6, 2008)
Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2008) opened its doors 3-6 November 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, UAE. The event is one of the largest oil and gas shows in the world. It is expected that the event will include 18 national pavilions, over 1,300 exhibitors from more than 55 countries spread over 12 halls. The event also hosted the Energy 2030 Forum (ADNOC and PI were principal sponsors) and two conferences with 25 technical sessions and 50 CEO panellists. Over 55 Freshmen and Sophomore students led by teams of faculty and academic staff attended the event and were rewarded with a broader understanding of the extent of the oil and gas industry. Faculty included Dr. Sandra Vega and Ms. Vicky Nelson from Petroleum Geosciences, Mr. Richard Lau and Dr. John Williams from Petroleum Engineering, Ms. Marry Hattaka from Arts and Sciences, and Ms. Laura Lau from Foundation.

Photography by Ms. Laura Lau (Foundation Instructor)

Pioneer Students Attend SPE Workshop (November 02, 2008)
A few members of Arzanah’s sophomore students attended the one day Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Workshop held at ADNEC November 2, 2008. The workshop was titled “Women Professionals in the Energy Sector: How to Weave Science and Technology in a Matrix of Defined Cultural and Social Roles”.  The objectives of the workshop were to share experiences, celebrate successes, discuss and highlight the many challenges faced by women in their role as nation builders in the technical world. Invited speakers from different major oil companies, such as Schlumberger, Shell, and ExxonMobil to name a few, discussed their company’s strategies to integrate women in its structure and the initiatives taken to attract and retain women.
Her Highness Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi (UAE Minister of Foreign Trade) gave an inspiring speech highlighting the role of women in the UAE and the importance of their voice in the professional arena.  In a session on “Empowering through Mentoring and Knowledge Sharing”, Dr. Nadia Al Hasani presented a paper on the role of Arzanah and strategies in place to assist in preparing the next generation of women engineers for the challenges and demands of the oil and gas industry. The well–attended event was well received and left a good impression on the audience.

Reported By: Yasmin Abu Hijleh,  Photographs By: Sara Al Kalban

 

Tawteen Leadership Academy (28-10-2008)
A team from Tawteen Leadership Academy led by Operation Manager Ms. Sonja Visic visited Arzanah on October 28, 2008. The Tawteen program was launched in 2007 with a series of projects conceived to develop and deliver sustainable solutions to learning and development in the UAE. Each program is presented in a two and a half day wilderness camp in which emirati youth are encouraged to test their endurance, collaborative skills and leadership qualities. The Arzanah presentation focused on leadership and its positive effects on one's life, followed by a video clip of a recent camp and concluded with a listing of the goals and benefits of Tawteen Academy. The presentation allowed Arzanah students the opportunity to ask questions and consider participating in future camps.

Reported by Andleeb Ali

COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES AT ARZANAH (October 21, 2008)
Dr. Bruce Palmer, Director of the Chemical Engineering Program at the PI, recently invited professors from the Colorado School of Mines to meet with chemical engineering students at the PI. One of the aims of the visit was to present to the students cutting edge research in the field. To that end, Dr. Brajendra Mishra (Associate Head of the Department) and David L. Olsen (John Henry Moore Distinguished Professor of Physical Metallurgy) were invited to present some of their current research to Arzanah students in this semester’s Chemistry I seminar. Dr, Paul Rostron, instructor of the course, said: “Corrosion is fundamentally electrochemical in nature, so this lecture was very useful as it allowed the class to see how their course material is relevant to cutting edge research projects”.
The lecture’s main purpose was to familiarize students with the type of work that Chemical Engineers are exposed to.  It gave a brief overview of the problems of corrosion caused by H₂S and CO₂. It also included the problems that the industry faces due to the corrosion of certain materials in machinery.  At the conclusion of the lecture, a summary of the procedures to improve the situation was given. Furthermore, an additional presentation relevant to the first was offered. The presentation, entitled “Microbiological Corrosion (MIC)”, discussed how metals and microorganisms react with one another to produce a film that poses a great threat on metallic machinery and their efficiency. At the end of the presentation, the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions and meet the representatives.

Reported By: Yasmin Abu Hijleh 

2008 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign (October 19-30, 2008)
Arzanah supported its second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in an effort to shed light on this silent killer and support Abu Dhabi’s emirate wide campaign. In collaboration with the ADNOC Clinic at Arzanah, female faculty, staff and students were encouraged to visit the clinic to receive a check up and printed information. Students throughout the campaign displayed the traditional pink ribbon to lend solidarity while faculty and staff showed support b wearing pink.

 

 

EAGE AT ARZANAH (October 23, 2008)
EAGE, the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, held its second lecture at Arzanah. Dr. Peter Nederlof, Shell’s principal technical expert on geochemistry, gave a presentation entitled “New Applications in Petroleum Geochemistry”.  The presentation highlighted how companies produce petroleum using conventional methods which is exploiting a huge amount of oil rapidly. Dr. Nederlof noted that the demand for unconventional techniques is growing rapidly and that we can expect to see a dramatic shift towards using such methods in the future. The lecture was attended by John Witworth (Petroleum Engineer and Geosciences Specialist) from Shell, Pilar Whitworth (Senior Geosciences Engineer), Karl Berteussen (Director of Research at PI), and Sandra Vega (Assistant Professor in Petroleum Geosciences). At the end of the presentation students in the audience had the chance to meet the visitors and were given application forms allowing them a free membership with EAGE.

 

The Second Annual Great PI Air Race (October 20, 2008)
Foundation I students had their second annual air race at Arzanah on Monday, October the 20th. Mara Barrow (Lecturer, English) and Daniel Mangrum (Lecturer, English) presented their students with this class project as a way to teach them the importance of team work. The race was held in Arzanah and attended by the Foundation I students, Mara Barrow, Daniel Mangrum, Deborah Faul, Connie Eide, Laura Lau and Janet Olearski. The competition was comprised of three categories: the farthest flight (distance), the longest flight (time), and the best trick flight. Each team of two had to build an airplane for the categories that they wanted to participate in. Most of the planes had interesting designs and some displayed unconventional shapes. The race started with the farthest flight category in which Mariam Bakari and Khulood Al Mazrouei won first place, Hamda Al Mehairbi and Mariam Al Marzouqi won second place, and Naeema Al Hosani and Ayesha Al Saeedi won third place. In the second category of the race the flights of the planes were timed on how long they stayed in the air. First place went to Mariam and Kholoud whose plane flew for 2:185 seconds, and second place went to Ayesha Al Baloushi and Khadija Al Hosani whose plane flew for 2:111 seconds. The last category, which was the best trick category, was judged by Connie Eide and Janet Olearski. The judges took notes on each flight and its tricks and chose the best two. The winners were Yumna Al Ameri and Moza Al Ali in first place whose trick the judges named The Perfect Spiral, and Naeema Al Hosani and Ayesha Al Saeedi in second place whose trick the judges named The Falling Leaf. Most of the students found the Air Race to be a fun event which helped them understand the importance of team work. Each of the winners was presented with assorted gifts.

Reported By:  Fatima Al Hameli; Photographed By: Mariam Al Hammadi  

Arzanah at Najah (October 20, 2008)
Abu Dhabi hosted its second NAJAH exhibition for education, training, and careers at ADNEC from 19th to the 20th of the month.  The exhibition displayed more than 100 universities, institutions, and major companies from 11 different countries. Among the major institutions displayed at the exhibition was the Petroleum Institute which was represented by Mr. Mohammad Ismail (Head of Admissions), Dr. Nadia  Al Hasani (Director of Arzanah), Ahmed Al Marzouqi and Ahmed Ali Sulaiman (Administrative Staff).  Students representing Arzanah included Sara Al Dhaheri (Chemical Engineering), Yasmin Abu Hijleh (Petroleum Geosciences), and Mariam Al Hammadi (Electrical Engineering). The PI booth was flooded with interested students, instructors, and even representatives from other universities. The Arzanah representatives were enthusiastic and approachable, and spent most of their time giving a brief summary of the majors, activities, electives, internships and partnerships available as well as the overall atmosphere of the PI.  They also discussed the basic application procedures and admission such as examination scores and high school grades for both UAE nationals and expatriates. In addition, representatives distributed complementary tote bags containing the information explained, brochures, and small gifts. The majority of students were initially hesitant about considering PI for college studies, but took left with a better impression than they came with. The event was a great success as Arzanah representatives succeeded as Ambassadors promoting PI to possible future Arzanah students.

Reported By: Yasmin Abu Hijleh  Photographs By: Mariam Al  Hamadi 

 

Ramadaniyat II at Arzanah (September 2008)
The Islamic Club conducted weekly competitions during the holy month of Ramadan open to all members of the Arzanah community. The competition comprised of questions pertaining to Islam, Prophet Mohammed(PBUH), Sahaba and the Holy Quraan.  The winners of the first week were: Reem Nasser (First Place), Nawal Abdullah (Second Place), and Amena Al Tunaiji (Third Place); the second week winners included: Balqis Al Braiki (First Place), Mariam Al Hammadi (Second Place), and Fatima Al Hameli (Third Place); winners of the third week were:  Mona Jassim (First Place), Rawda Mussabah (Second Place), and Basma Ali Abdulkareem (Third Place). Winners were presented with complementary gifts. In addition to the weekly quizzes, the Islamic Club held a Quraan competition that tested students’ abilities to memorize Surat Yasseen.

Reported By:  Fatima Al Hameli and Yasmin Abu Hijleh; Photographed By: Mariam Al Hammadi  

 

Ramadaniyat I at Arzanah (September 17, 2008)
On September 17 the Islamic Club organized a group Iftar, inviting female students, faculty, and staff accompanied by their families and friends, to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan together. The hallways were decorated with lanterns and crescents which are commonly associated with Ramadan. The lanterns, courtesy of the Creativity Club, allowed students to contribute to the festivities of this Holy month. The crescents were part of a competition conducted by the Creativity Club where students as well as faculty and staff could purchase such crescents and decorate them as they wish. A group of faculty judges cast their votes the end of the evening and all proceeds went to the Red Crescent Society. First place went to Afra Ali (student), second went to Nada Gaweish (IT support), third to Rosma Swagie (Arzanah Messenger), and the runner ups included Salima Wahbi (student)and Mara Barrow (Foundation Faculty).  Arzanah director, Dr. Nadia Al Hasani, presented the winners with memorable gifts. The event opened with a short presentation by the Islamic Club, as the guests filled the theatre, followed by a lecture (Qalbi Ma’a Allah) presented by Etidal Al Shamsi (Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs).  The lecture focused on the meaning of love and how our hearts play a significant role in determining our destiny. It also stressed the importance of taking advantage of this holy month by trying to get closer to Allah through fasting, reading the Qur’an, and praying. Prior to the end of the speech students had the opportunity to inquire about the many issues that were unclear to them. Overall, the lecture was meaningful and was highly relevant to this holy month because it evoked a change in the students’ outlook and attitudes towards life. The audience was served dates and assorted drinks to break their fast. A group prayer was held before Iftar. A series of games including musical chairs played to anasheed and tug of war with prizes for the winners, and a drawing for the grand prize ended the festivities. The Iftar was a success as everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time.

Reported By:  Fatima Al Hameli and Yasmin Abu Hijleh; Photographed By: Mariam Al Hammadi  

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLAMIC CLUB (August 28, 2008)
This event provided a means for new students to join the Islamic Club and get a better understanding of their mission. Mothers were also invited to this event as special guests. The introduction included two successful plays, a fashion show, anasheed, and a summary of the events that they had held over the past year. The first play was a tragedy which held a message that religious people aren’t closed minded, but are people who live their lives to the fullest yet with certain boundaries. The second play, however, was a comedy that showcased the importance of a mother and how one should display acts of respect towards her in everyday life. There was also a fashion show highlighting the Islamic dress code as opposed to the provocative modern-day dress. In addition to the fashion show, there was also a nasheed about the Prophet (PBUH). Students as well as mothers who attended this event left with nothing but positive feedback. They were especially impressed with the messages behind the plays as well as the anasheed. 

Reported By:  Fatima Al Hameli and Yasmin Abu Hijleh

STUDENT ORIENTATION (August 14, 2008)
The PI management and faculty welcomed the new students by holding a new Student Orientation. They began with congratulating the new students on making the right choice in their academic path. The new students were introduced to Dr. Michael Ohadi (Provost and Acting President), Dr. Nadia Alhasani (Director of Arzanah), and the heads of departments which included  Roy Simmons (Registrar),  John Herlihy (Foundation Program Director), Clarence Rodrigues ( Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment - HSE), and John Rogan ( Head librarian). Each of them gave words of encouragement and advice on how to take advantage of PI facilities and resources, and cope with the college life with an emphasis on time management, general safety, and balance between course work extracurricular activities. Moreover, the President of Arzanah Student Council, Salama Al Marzouqi, welcomed the students to the PI and encouraged them to participate in student clubs and events. After the introduction the students were given a tour of the Arzanah facilities which included the Independent Learning Center, a place designated to Foundation students located in the library, as well as the computing, physics, and chemistry laboratories. The tour concluded with a lunch where PI students got acquainted with one another. 
                      
Reported By:  Fatima Al Hameli and Yasmin Abu Hijleh