AUK Wins Gold at 2025 MENASA NASPA Awards for Autism Buddy Program Initiative
- gceosocial
- May 12
- 1 min read
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) received the GOLD Award for Excellence in Student Success at the 2025 MENASA Area Recognition of Merit Awards by NASPA. This award honors AUK Counseling Center’s Buddy Program Initiative for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which fosters an inclusive campus environment. Dr. Georges Chedid, the Center’s director, accepted the award at the MENASA NASPA Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The Buddy Program, part of AUK’s commitment to student well-being, pairs students with ASD with trained peer mentors to enhance social engagement, ease university transition, and promote academic and personal growth. This initiative embodies AUK's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
Dr. Chedid expressed gratitude for the award, highlighting AUK's dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and student-centered programming. He credited his team’s hard work for the program’s success.
The MENASA Awards recognize impactful programs in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia that enhance student success. AUK’s accolade underscores its leadership in inclusive education and innovative student support, inspiring future initiatives and elevating its global educational profile.
