On September 3, American International University (AIU) proudly welcomed distinguished leaders from Arizona State University (ASU) to its campus for a remarkable day of connection and collaboration. The visit brought together visionaries from ASU and AIU, strengthening global partnerships and reinforcing a shared commitment to transformative education. 

Earlier in the day, AIU hosted a warm campus welcome for Mr. Patrick McDermott, Mr. Andy Acker, Mr. David Wahls, Dean Kyle Squires, and Dean Charla Griffy-Brown. Their presence marked a significant step in building bridges between institutions, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in higher education. Students, faculty, and staff had the unique opportunity to engage with ASU leadership, celebrating a moment that highlights AIU’s dedication to global engagement. 

An Evening of Alumni Connections 

The celebration continued later that evening in Kuwait City, where over 30 ASU and Thunderbird alumni came together for the first-ever ASU Alumni Gathering in Kuwait, proudly hosted by AIU. The event was filled with warmth, laughter, and shared memories, as Sun Devils and T-Birds reconnected with each other and engaged with ASU’s visiting leaders. 

This historic gathering provided alumni with the opportunity to expand their networks, celebrate their lifelong ties to ASU, and explore new ways to stay engaged with the university’s mission of changing futures through innovation and global partnerships. 

A Special Message from ASU Leadership 

The evening opened with welcoming words from Patrick McDermott, ASU’s Chief Global Advancement Officer, who expressed his appreciation for the strong alumni presence in Kuwait: 

"I’m very pleased to be back in Kuwait with all of the Sun Devil and T-Bird alumni this evening. This is our third event in Kuwait, my fourth visit in about a year and a half. Tonight, we have Dean Kyle Squires from the Porter Schools of Engineering and Dean Charla Griffy-Brown from Thunderbird School of Global Management. We have about 60 alumni coming tonight to reconnect with each other, reconnect with the university, and help us move things forward. At ASU, we’re about changing futures from Arizona for the world. We mean what we say—we’ve got to come out into the world. With thousands of alumni here in Kuwait, we are delighted to be reconnecting with them tonight." 

His words captured the spirit of the evening: a shared commitment to creating meaningful global connections and opening doors for future opportunities. 

Looking Ahead 

The ASU–Thunderbird Alumni Gathering in Kuwait not only celebrated the university’s legacy but also opened a pathway for continued collaboration, networking, and growth. AIU is honored to have hosted this milestone event, bringing together a passionate community of leaders, scholars, and alumni who strive to inspire change across borders.