Dear All, It is with a great pleasure to inform you of the formaon of our newest chapter of the Arab American Associaon of Engineers and Architects in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend. Addional informaon about the new chapter is provided somewhere else in this newsleer. As you know, summer is almost over. Schools and colleges are either already started or about to start. It is me for all chapters to start looking into their student chapters and to get their student members involved with the associaon business and acvies as well as promong the different chapter ’s scholarship programs among student members. The Naonal Conference Commiee held two conference calls so far in August preparing for our naonal conference in Orlando at the end of October. Chapters have already provided the names of their delegates and observers to the naonal conference. We ancipate over 50 members to be part of the business meengs of the associaon during the conference. The Educaon Commiee, chaired by Dr. Soliman Khudeira, is working on securing at least two presentaons during the naonal conference that will provide aendees with PDH cerficates. We are providing an opportunity again this year to our corporate members and supporters to sponsor our naonal conference. This sponsorship is available at two levels: Gold, $500 and Planum, $1000. Sponsors will have their businesses adversed in our naonal conference program book, adversement in AlMuhandes newsleer, and on our naonal website with a link to their businesses. If you need any addional informaon about this opportunity, please contact us the Naonal Conference Commiee at [email protected]. Our Naonal By-Laws Ad-Hoc Commiee has received several recommendaons to amend our naonal by-laws. These comments are being reviewed and will be presented at the Naonal Conference for discussion and vong. The Naonal Execuve Board created another ad-hoc commiee to audit our financial statement for the first half of 2015. Thank you to Nader Abuhassan, Capital Area; Khaled Masoud, Philadelphia, and Hani Almoghrabi, Wisconsin for accepng to be part of this commiee and for their commitment and dedicaon. Please connue reading this newsleer as it includes a lot of informaon regarding social and educaonal networking events hosted in your area. Together we can go much further. Rabih Najib From the President’s Desk... AlMuhandes AUGUST 2015 VOLUME IX ISSUE VIII PUBLICATION COMMITTEE: Moe Fridy (Chair) Bilal Almasri Maha Alsadi Rami Asfahani Amjad Obeid ALMUHANDES E-MAIL [email protected]$ $ $ Monthly Publication of the National Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects المهندسCONTACT AAAEA: [email protected]www.naaaea.org
Transcript
Dear All, It is with a great pleasure to inform you of the formation of our newest chapter of the Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend. Additional information about the new chapter is provided somewhere else in this newsletter. As you know, summer is almost over. Schools and colleges are either already started or about to start. It is time for all chapters to start looking into their student chapters and to get their student members involved with the association business and activities as well as promoting the different chapter’s scholarship programs among student members.
The National Conference Committee held two conference calls so far in August preparing for our national conference in Orlando at the end of October. Chapters have already provided the names of their delegates and observers to the national conference. We anticipate over 50 members to be part of the business meetings of the association during the conference. The Education Committee, chaired by Dr. Soliman Khudeira, is working on securing at least two presentations during the national conference that will provide attendees with PDH certificates. We are providing an opportunity again this year to our corporate members and supporters to sponsor our national conference. This sponsorship is available at two levels: Gold, $500 and Platinum, $1000. Sponsors
will have their businesses advertised in our national conference program book, advertisement in AlMuhandes newsletter, and on our national website with a link to their businesses. If you need any additional information about this opportunity, please contact us the National Conference Committee at [email protected]. Our National By-Laws Ad-Hoc Committee has received several recommendations to amend our national by-laws. These comments are being reviewed and will be presented at the National Conference for discussion and voting. The National Executive Board created another ad-hoc committee to audit our financial statement for the first half of 2015. Thank you to Nader Abuhassan, Capital Area; Khaled Masoud, Philadelphia, and Hani Almoghrabi, Wisconsin for accepting to be part of this committee and for their commitment and dedication.
Please continue reading this newsletter as
it includes a lot of information regarding
social and educational networking events
hosted in your area.
Together we can go much further.
Rabih Najib
From the President’s Desk...
AlMuhandes A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
The Philadelphia Chapter of AAAEA met on July 26 for their quarterly social get together at La Colombe Torrefac-tion in Fishtown PA. The venue has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to socialize. In attendance were members of the chapter including Dr Fred Akl – CE, Dr Rami Musa – Industrial Engineer, Dr Mohammed Abolsoud – EE, Ahmed Elsayed- Computer Engineer, and Khalid Masoud – ME. In addition, two new members were wel-comed: Mohamed Alqaissi – EE, Mayyadah Alhumssi – Architect; and our special guests Dr. Rabih Najib – AAAEA National President and Dr. Nader Abuhassan – AAAEA – Capital Area, President.
Over coffee and pizza the group discussed several subjects and as a bonus enjoyed reviewing art work created by our newest member, Mayyadah.
One key concern discussed was registering the chapter with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which has prov-en to be somewhat tricky due to the use of the words Engineer and Architect in the association’s name. This is unusual when compared to other locals but the chapter will further discuss this issue with the state to resolve it and complete the registration. The group also agreed to hold elections in August for new officers. The aim of the group is to focus on volunteer opportunities that benefit the community as a whole. Various ideas in that realm were also discussed.
The group also discussed the upcoming National meeting in Florida scheduled for Oct 31 and an upcoming event at the Diyanat Center- Turkish American cultural center in Maryland on August 22nd.
Khalid Masoud
A L M U H A N D E S
NATIONAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE UPDATE
P A G E 4 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
COLUMBUS, OHIO KICK OFF MEETING August 22nd, 2015- 11 AM– 2PM
Congratulation to our colleagues in Columbus, Ohio on the formation of the new chapter of the Arab American
Association of Engineers and Architects.
A meeting on Saturday, August 22, 2015 was held with 12 engineers and one student in the Columbus area along
with the presence of Dr. Rabih Najib, AAAEA National Presi-
dent, and Mr. Bilal Almasri, AAAEA National Outreach Com-
mittee Chairman. Mr. Almasri delivered a presentation
about AAAEA mission, benefits, activities, and history.
The attendees were excited about the creation of a new
chapter of AAAEA in Columbus and a board was formed at
the end of the meeting. The new board consists of Ammar
Salameh, President; Munir Nazzal, Vice-President; Hasan
Alkhayri, Secretary; Maissa Alkhayri, Treasurer; and Naiel
Hussein, Membership Committee Chairman.
A L M U H A N D E S
AAAEA-Texas News
P A G E 5 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
A L M U H A N D E S
UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE
ILLINOIS PINIC
The Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects in Illinois (AAAEA-IL), invites you to our 2015, summer picnic.
Sunday 9/6/2015
Venue: Ty Warner Park
AAAEA-Capital Area News
P A G E 6 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
Sixth Annual Dinner Gala
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Capital Beltway Marriott
Greenbelt, Maryland
A L M U H A N D E S
SAVE THE DATE
V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
AAAEA-Chicago is pleased to support the Illinois chapter of the Na-
tional Organization of Minority Architects (I-NOMA) in their fourth
annual Project Pipeline. This collaboration is only the latest of
AAAEA’s endeavors to increase involvement in diverse activities and
prioritize meaningful community engagement. This follows AAAEA’s
recent invitation to speak about diversity at the United States De-
fense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board “Celebrate Diversity” Event and
successful implementation of the first ever Arab American Big Broth-
er Big Sister Mentoring program.
Project Pipeline is a day camp aimed to expose Chicago 6th-8th grad-
ers to the design professions of architecture and engineering. This
year’s program will take place from August 20th to August 23rd at the
University of Chicago campus. Students will be exposed to architec-
ture and design basics including sketching seminars, model building
workshops, walking tours, and presentation of real design problems.
This year’s theme is “Social Good through Design.” AAAEA worked
closely with Arab American Family Services (AAFS) and local schools
to reach out to eligible students.
Curerntly, AAAEA is seeking opportunities for engineering firms and
members of AAAEA to collaborate on the project in terms of finan-
cial sponsorship or volunteering to mentor during the camp. Edu-
cating the youth on the exciting career choices they have in architec-
ture and design is an increasingly important goal for developing fu-
ture talent.
For those interested in the program, please reference the links be-
AAAEA-Wisconsin is pleased to announce our annual 2015 Summer Picnic to be held on September 5, 2015 at the Wil-O-Way park in Wauwatosa between 2:00 and 6:00
PM. Please RSVP to [email protected]. Payment is at the door by cash or checks only. We hope to see you all there and thank you!
A L M U H A N D E S
AAAEA-Illinois News
P A G E 9 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
Picnic # 4
When September 6, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where : Ty Warner Park, Westmont, IL, 60559, United States
The Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects of Illinois (AAAEA-IL), invites you to our 2015 second summer picnic. The Picnic includes Fun and games for children and adults!! It provides families quality time to enjoy their time among their friends and colleagues and simply to make new friends.
There are water games for children (water park is $4 for non-residents). We suggest that families bring extra clothes and towel so they enjoy the water park.
Bring your favorite dish and Share with friends! Grilled burgers and hot dogs will be provided!
For More Information:
Click Here
Start: September 6th ,2015, 2013 10:00 am End: September 6th , 2015 5:00 pm Cost: Free Organizer: Issam Rayyan Phone:312-409-8560 Email: [email protected] Venue: Ty Warner Park Address: Ty Warner Park, Westmont, IL, 60559, United States
Please introduce yourself: education, background and family.
My name is Shareef M. Abushaban, I am a Palestinian American born in Kuwait. I finished my high school degree in Gaza City in 1985. I was accepted to the Civil Engineering department at Birzeit University in the West Bank. During the first Palestinian uprising and after the closure of all universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, I transferred to the University of Houston Clear-Lake where I finished my Computer science degree in the summer of 1992.
I am currently serving as the secretary for AAAEA Houston-chapter. Immediately after my graduation, I started working at a local Arab American firm where I gained the real experience. Also I started and completed my Microsoft certification as a Microsoft System Engineers (MCSE) in 1993. My family starts with my wife (Hala) who is a working mom at the Consulate of Qatar in Houston Texas. My daughter Farah she is 12 years old, my son Ashraf he is 22 and he graduated this summer as a business information system from UH downtown, my son Amjad he is 21 and he is studying finance and my son Ahmad he is 9 years old.
When did you learn about AAAEA?
About 5 years ago, in a social event through one of my collogues
As an IT professional in the Houston area; please share with us the nature of your expertise and how do you see AAAEA serving you and other business owners.
As we all know, IT is an industry which is so important and widely spread and utilized in many other businesses. Through AAAEA, I have already established relationship with other IT professionals and Engineers.
Through your current position as secretary for AAAEA Houston-chapter, how do you see our national organization?
I see a great and brilliant opportunity for growth and advancement. I have been to
A L M U H A N D E S
Shar
eef
Ab
ush
aban
P A G E 1 4
Interview of the Month– Continued at least one of the yearly AAAEA national conferences, and I was amazed with the program.
What are the plans to expand the membership in Houston?
In Houston, we have a dedicated committee. We are working on a project to setup a centralized database for distribution. Also we are working to increase membership and to attract more professionals to join.
Do you read ALMUHANDES? What do you think of it?
I Love it. It is a great News Letter to read it. Job well done!!
A L M U H A N D E S
Shar
eef
Ab
ush
aban
AAAEA COMMUNITY IMPACT
Scholarship Program
P A G E 1 5 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
AAAEA Has contributed more than
$226,000
in Scholarships Nationwide to Arab American
Students between 2000-2015
A L M U H A N D E S
2015 NAAAEA Scholarship Program
P A G E 1 6 V O L U M E I X I S S U E V I I I
PURPOSE
The scholarship award is established by the National AAAEA and is presented to Undergraduate and Gradu-
ate students in the areas of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Science on the national level.
AMOUNT
Depending on the availability of funds, the scholarships will be awarded annually in a determined amount.
The names of the winners will be announced by October 31, 2015 at the Annual AAAEA National Conference
in Orlando, Florida. The winners will receive a scholarship certificate and a check.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The NAAAEA scholarship is available only to student members of the AAAEA who are attending an accredit-
ed college or university.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
All application materials are due to NAAAEA no later than 4:00 PM CST on September 25, 2015. Incomplete
applications or late applications will automatically be discarded.
Applicants will be notified by email of the final decision.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION CLICK HERE
Dear AAAEA Friend, The Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects - Capital Area, is pleased to announce its 2015 scholarship program.
The Award of a scholarship is to be presented to an un-dergraduate or graduate student in the field of engineer-ing, architecture, or information technology with prefer-ence to the undergraduate students. The objective is to promote engineering, architecture, and information technology as worthy professions and to foster stronger ties between the Association and the Arab American Community. The number and value of the scholarship(s) will be decided every year based on the amount raised by the Education and Career Enhancement Committee for this purpose and will be presented at a function of the Association.
At least two scholarships will be awarded this year each in an amount of at least $1,000. The names of the winner(s) will be announced at the Annual Dinner Gala on October 24, 2015. The winner(s) will receive a certificate and a check.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a Student Member of AAAEA - Capital Area or a child of a current member of the associ-ation.
Must be an undergraduate or graduate student currently studying in the field of engineering, ar-chitecture or information technology at an accredited four year College or University.
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average, GPA, of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants must complete the AAAEA Scholarship Award Application and submit all required docu-ments.
If you already shop on Amazon, we invite you to use smile.amazon.com and choose "Arab Americans Associ-ation for Engineers & Architects" as your charity of choice. The shopping experience is identical to Amazon.com with the added benefit that the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to AAAEA once selected as the charity of choice. Below are the steps to do that:
1- Visit smile.amazon.com
The entire shopping experience is the same and most products available on amazon.com are available at Ama-
zonSmile
2- Sign in and choose your charity
The screen will look slightly different depending on whether your not you’re already signed into Amazon. If you’re already signed in, Simply search for "Arab Americans Association for Engineers & Architects", and then proceed to step 3
You can also click on the following link to search for charitable organizations:
Monthly Networking Meetings – You are not alone! Dozens of professionals attend our collaborative events
Members Only Discount – Exclusive savings on all your local professional networking and professional development costs,
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Continuing Education Programs – Gain confidence in your abilities by keeping yourself knowledgeable and relevant as a professional while also getting members-only free or reduced cost PDH certificates.
Scholarship Program – Our scholarship program is growing and we have so far awarded over $140,000 of scholarship money to students all over the United States.
National AAAEA (NAAAEA) is the publishing organization of AlMuhandes; NAAAEA is a non-profit organization working to help its members as well as the community as a whole.
AlMuhandes is downloadable and FREE through direct email to all AAAEA members & friends, and available on the NAAAEA Web site; any content in the AlMuhandes newsletters is used for informative or educational purposes only.
AlMuhandes is published on the last Tuesday of every month.
All news and articles must be e-mailed to [email protected] by the Thursday prior to the publishing day.
All chapters must update their e-mail list in order to ensure the distribution of AlMuhandes to all their members.
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AAAEA is a professional Arab American association dedicated to help, strengthen, empower and inspire its
members for excellence. AAAEA promotes and advocates the Arab American Engineers, Architects and Computer
Science professionals in North America, by providing career and educational enhancement programs, technical
exchange, fellowship, and community service. AAAEA is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious Professional
Association. Membership is open to corporations, academic, professional institutions, and qualified individuals.
Cubic Houses, Rotterdam, Netherlands
The Cubic houses in Rotterdam and Helmond, Netherlands were designed by Piet Blom. They are cubes, situated in different angles over hexagon formed pylons, so they resem-
ble trees, and altogether – make a forest! There are 38 small cubes, and they all are attached one to another,!
