Aga Khan University Alumni Association of North America

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AKUAANA President’s Message to Alumni: January 2018

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Dear Alumni,

Happy New Year!

The theme for the next two years for our Alumni Association is “Alumni Engagement”. As such we want all AKUites to participate as we grow and expand our Association. The past presidents have laid the ground work to make this possible. We plan to continue their efforts and more. Our mission, vision and values remain the same as what our constitution states. However, this year we want to go a step further and bring value through actively engaging our alumni in AKUAANA activities. We hope that this will bring value to you as  members and fulfill your need to give back to our local communities here in North America, to Pakistan and to AKU. For those who are not members, join us, so you can participate in your associations’ activities.

If you have any questions, comments or thoughts, please reach out to any member of the team.

AKUAANA Administration, 2018 - 19
DesignationNameClassEmail Address
PresidentNamirah Jamshed1996
SecretaryNoor Afshan Khan1996
TreasurerFaisal Habib Cheema2000
Web ManagerAbdul Basit Saeed2007

Looking forward to seeing many of you in Dallas, TX, July 6th, at the Annual AKUAANA Reunion!

Best wishes,

Namirah Jamshed ’96
President, AKUAANA (2018-19)

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Outgoing AKUAANA President’s Message to Alumni, December 2017

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Dear Alumni,

Happy holidays everyone!

Your Alumni Association’s new Executive Council will be taking over on January 1, 2018. I wanted to personally thank all of you for the support that my team and I have received over the last two years. It has been an honor to serve you all.

Our intent has always been to grow AKUAANA and provide value to our members. We have been met with many successes and some unfinished business. Our numbers have grown from about a 100 members to now over 200 active members and the traffic to our Facebook page and website is now in the thousands. Abdul Basit Saeed (2007), our Web and Social Media Manager, has been the rock around which the technical aspects of our web presence have been built and the organization will always be indebted to him.

Over the past two years our major focus was community building, and to achieve this we organized multiple regional meetings in 2016 and 2017. This has greatly enhanced our networking. Our alumni are now more informed about the work the Alumni Association has been doing. I would like to thank all the alumni who volunteered in hosting these regional reunions. We also hosted very successful annual reunions in Washington DC and Orlando FL.

We have been working with the leadership at AKUMC to help our alumni with issues that arise periodically. In fact, with the efforts of the Executive Council and our alumni, one of our fresh alumni was able to start residency on time this year rather than missing a year and potential residency spot.

AKUAANA also initiated its first project with AKU in August 2016. It is a project for the treatment of anemia in pregnancy by screening pregnant females and treating them with iron supplements and IV iron (Venofer). I would like to congratulate our Alumni who have raised around $70,000 dollars for this project. This would fund our project for a total of 4 years. A short video of the AKUAANA Outreach Clinic in Ibrahim Hyderi, and the most recent Impact Report of the project are available on the website.

This year we also partnered with APPNA for their National Food Pantry Project. We raised over $4,000 and APPNA matched it with $2,000. AKUAANA members spent a day volunteering at the Maryland Food Bank and also gave the check to the pantry.

The devastation in Houston with Hurricane Harvey affected a number of our Alumni as we have a significant concentration of Alumni in the area. We developed an emergency committee who reached out to alumni in Houston and offered them help. A number of Alumni in Houston in safe areas opened their home to accommodate other Alumni. We raised $10,000 for the Mayor of Houston Hurricane Harvey Fund also. This is a true testament to our AKUAANA community and I would like to congratulate everyone who worked and volunteered their time.

We enter a new phase in the coming years. The need for increased involvement of the younger classes, continued membership drives and defining our mission are the critical components of success. There are a number of new initiatives that are in the works.

I wish President-Elect Namirah Jamshed (1996) and her team the best of success, and thank you all again.

Best regards
Habib Chotani (1995)
AKUAANA President, 2016-2017

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AKUAANA Regional Reunion in Houston, Texas on October 14, 2017 [write-up]

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Azam Kundi ’92, Homayon Sidiq ’92, Nooruddin Punjwani ’95, Athar Qureshi ’96, Abbas Jafri ’97, Faisal H. Cheema ’00, Fyza Piracha ’01 and Sabeen Najam ’02 hosted a terrific regional reunion for AKU alumni in the Greater Houston region, on October 14, 2017. They had a fantastic turnout, with 115 alumni attending the event. The event was attended by Habib Chotani ’95, current President of AKUAANA, who has shared a brief recap of the event.
Abdul Basit Saeed, ’07
Web Manager, AKUAANA

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Dear AKUAANA Family,

We had an amazing turnout at the AKUAANA Regional Reunion in Houston on October 14, 2017, with people coming from Houston, Austin, Dallas and other adjoining areas. In attendance were more than 265 people, including 115 alumni representing classes over a span of three decades (our first graduating Class of 1988 to a student of 2020).

The event was very well organized along with kids’ activities including balloon making, face painting and a kids-friendly dinner. The kids obviously had a blast.

Dr Javed Akhtar, AKU faculty now residing in Texas was our guest of honor.

Dr Pervaiz Iqbal, Acting Dean of AKU, was able to send the following video message to the alumni:

 

We greatly appreciate ITHP-VCare Foundation for sponsoring this event; without their financial support, this event would simply not have been possible.

The work that has been done by AKUAANA over the last few years was presented.

We also showed a short video of the AKUAANA Outreach Clinic in Ibrahim Hyderi, and presented the most recent Impact Report of the project.

 

Namirah Jamshed, ’96, our incoming President for 2108 – 19 introduced herself and requested alumni in attendance to join AKUAANA and become lifetime members.

During the devastation of Hurricane Harvey many of the Houston alumni were personally affected. Our AKUAANA initiative, in collaboration with the Alumni in the area decided to contribute to the rebuilding efforts for the city of Houston. We are pleased to announce that AKUAANA raised almost $10,000! The money has already been donated to the Houston Mayor’s office. Efforts by the AKUAANA Executive Council, in conjunction with the local alumni is a great example of how we can come together under our Alumni Association, organize and give back to our local community.

After a delicious dinner we had entertainment from Asad Abbas ’89 and Fida Khan ’97. Thank you to both of them and especially the musicians who came with Fida all the way from Austin for the event.

Mohammad Sarfaraz, ’90 was gracious in taking over the photography and for taking amazing snaps.

Congratulations to the Hurricane Harvey Fund Group and Reunion Organizing Committee (the same group of people helped with both endeavours) for such a great team effort! I can’t really thank you all enough for arranging this, Azam Kundi ’92, Homayon Sidiq ’92, Nooruddin Punjwani ’95, Athar Qureshi ’96, Abbas Jafri ’97, Faisal Cheema ’00, Fyza Piracha ’01 and Sabeen Najam ’02, our Organizing Committee who worked tirelessly and made this event a huge success and the largest regional reunion in the history of AKUAANA.

Hope we can continue our tradition of regional reunions all around the US and build our network stronger.

Habib Chotani
Class of ’95
President, AKUAANA

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AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Task Force calls for unprecedented fundraising for flood victims

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Aga Khan University Alumni Association of North America (AKUAANA) Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: Let’s make a difference!

Dear alumni and friends,

Hurricane Harvey’s unprecedented flooding and its catastrophic aftermath calls for urgent help. Southern Texas is home to approximately 100 AKUMC Alumni. While some AKU Alumni’s homes were flooded and several had to follow orders for mandatory evacuations, other AKU Alumni have already set highest examples of civic duties by opening their homes for friends and assisting other flood victims.

AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Task Force has carefully deliberated the means by which to support and help those who are affected. Alumni directly affected were thankful for our outreach to them. They felt confident that they could cope with the damages and suggested that any fundraising efforts be extended to community in general.

The Task Force has recommended that AKUAANA, with the help of fellow Alumni, offer support to the City of Houston. As the initial phases of disaster recovery continue, this next phase of Community Development will support the local community and provide opportunities for long-term engagement. Mayor Sylvester Turner and County Judge Ed Emmett have established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will accept tax-deductible flood relief donations for victims affected by the recent floods. The fund will be housed at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

We have set an initial goal of $50,000/- – to be raised within 15 days due to the immediate need.

Suggested Minimum Donations

  • $500 [Practicing Physicians]
  • $100 [Fellows]
  • $50   [Residents]

Please note that all donations will be TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Credit Card: (Preferred)

  1. Visit: https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/
  2. To track our collective effort please MENTION AKUAANA IN THE FUNDRAISING CODE

Check

  1. Write checks to: GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
  2. For (MEMO): AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
  3. Mail to:

AKUAANA
C/O Faisal H. Cheema
1711 Old Spanish Trail, #130
Houston, TX 77054

We are confident and hope that all AKU Alumni will support us in this great opportunity to give back to our fellow citizens of our adopted homeland.

AKUAANA HURRICANE HARVEY TASK FORCE MEMBERS

Current Executive Council: Habib Chotani ‘95, Rehan Khan ‘94, Amber Syed ‘94, Namirah Jamshed ‘96
Incoming Executive Council: Noor Afshan Khan ‘96, Faisal Cheema ‘00 (Houston, TX)
Houston-based AKU Alumni: Abbas Jafri ‘97, Azam Kundi ‘92, Nooruddin Punjwani ‘95, Athar Qureshi ‘96, Homayon Sidiq ‘92
AKUAANA Web Manager: Abdul Basit Saeed ‘07
APPNA Secretary: Rizwan Khalid ‘99

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AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Task Force: 08/30/2017 Update

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Dear alumni and friends,

The AKUANNA Hurricane Harvey Task Force continues to work hard to assist those affected by the flood. Following is an update of our meeting last night which included the Alumni residing in Houston.

PHASE 1 – Assuring safety of, and offering immediate assistance to our alumni 

With the assistance of the Houston Alumni, other alumni and AKU, we have identified those who reside in the affected area including Alumni, Fellows and Residents. We are also in the process of identifying any AKU medical students in Houston for electives.

94 Alumni have been identified who live in Houston or surrounding areas. Only 15 AKU alumni remain that we have been unable to contact. At least three Alumni have significant damage to their house. All three are safe, Alhamdulillah.

Alumni in the area continue to provide accommodation for any who need assistance.

PHASE 2 – Medical Volunteering

We are proud of our AKU Alumni who are assisting in rescuing people locally, and providing medical care at the local medical centers.

Additionally, AKU Alumni have volunteered in the local cities to assist with medical care for the evacuees at the Convention Center and others are raising funds through the city and local mosques.

APPNA continues to provide opportunity for volunteering as well for the same purpose.

PHASE 3 – Public Donations

AKU Alumni have donated to multiple organizations to assist with flood relief. With our assistance, APPNA is able to provide food bags for those affected and seeking shelter.

The AKUANNA Hurricane Harvey Task force, with the Houston Alumni’s help, is also identifying any further funding needs for the local community. We will keep you updated regarding this effort.

Thank you to all those who have assisted us in making this happen, especially the alumni in Houston. We are proud of what you do.

Stay Safe.

AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Disaster Task Force

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AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Task Force

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Dear alumni and friends,

Hurricane Harvey has brought devastation to Texas of a magnitude not seen before. It has affected many, including our AKU Alumni and the Pakistani community. As the storm continues, our thoughts are with them and all affected by the hurricane. A large number of people are displaced and seeking shelter in other cities. Hospitals are being evacuated in an effort to keep patients and the vulnerable safe.

The AKUAANA Executive Council had an emergency meeting tonight, which was also attended by the incoming Executive Council. We were also able to get a few Alumni from Houston on the call, including Nooruddin Punjwani (’95), Faisal Cheema (’00), Athar Qureshi (’96) and Rizwan Khalid (’99). An AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Task Force has been formed on an urgent basis, which is in communication with alumni in the affected areas around the clock, and are working on supporting our alumni who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. The Task Force has formulated a working plan, divided into two phases.

PHASE 1 – Assuring safety of, and offering immediate assistance to our alumni

AKUAANA’s immediate response is to make sure our alumni are safe and to help them in any way possible in this difficult situation. AKU Alumni residing in Houston have volunteered in helping other AKU alumni with immediate relief including accommodation. Nooruddin Punjwani ’95, Athar Qureshi ’96, Faisal Cheema ’00 have volunteered to help in this regard. Any AKU alumni in need of help or who would like to volunteer, please contact me directly at president@akuaana.org

We are also developing a list of all the AKU alumni in Houston and surrounding areas. We would greatly appreciate if alumni living in the affected areas who get our message to please reach out to us with their information and also give information of other alumni in their area. This will help AKUAANA’s current efforts to reach out to our alumni by calling them individually, and making sure that they are safe or whether they need help and assistance.

PHASE 2 – Medical Volunteering

Some of us may want to participate in medical volunteering. For those who do, one option available to us is through APPNA via their Medical Corp Volunteer Program which may include medical assistance or distribution of goods etc. To sign up as a volunteer, please visit: APPNA Medical Corps Volunteer Registration for Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief (link expired).

PHASE 3 – Public Donations

If you wish to support relief efforts in the region you can donate through APPNA and indicate your AKU alumni status at:

https://www.instantreg.com/appnatemplate2/public-donations-2017

OR

There are several reputable organizations accepting contributions. These include:

American Red Cross
United Way of Greater Houston
The Dallas Foundation
SPCA of Texas

Our thoughts are with the AKU families and thousands of people who have been directly impacted, as well as with those whose families and friends live in the region.

Stay safe.

AKUAANA Hurricane Harvey Disaster Task Force

Habib Chotani: President, AKUAANA

Namirah Jamshed: President Elect, AKUAANA

Rehan Khan: Secretary, AKUAANA

Amber Syed: Treasurer, AKUAANA

Noor Afshan Khan: Incoming Secretary, AKUAANA

Faisal Cheema: Incoming Treasurer AKUAANA (residing in Houston)

Athar Qureshi: AKUAANA member (residing in Houston)

Nooruddin Punjwani: AKUAANA member (residing in Houston)

Abdul Basit Saeed: Web Manager, AKUAANA

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Annual Alumni Meeting, 2017

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Dear Alumni,

Congratulations on a very successful AKUAANA Reunion in Orlando, FL on Friday July 7th, 2017. We again hosted one of the largest gathering after Washington, with over 200 participants and graduates from every class from 1988 to 2014. The classes of 1997 and 1992 celebrated their class milestones.

This year our Dean, Dr Farhat Abbas could not attend but did send us a video message.

 

The General Body Meeting was separated from the Reunion Dinner and was held just prior to the start of the Reunion Dinner. This was done to allow for alumni-only discussions and crucial decision-making. The General Body Meeting was an alumni only session. Current progress of AKUAANA was presented, including the Treasurer’s Report, increase in membership, new selection of Board of Advisor and AKUAANA project(s). Open discussion was held for new projects. Minutes of the General Body Meeting are available on the website.

We were the 4th largest group of alumni present at the APPNA convention and we remain the 4th largest component society at APPNA and the fastest growing in terms of numbers. The leaders of APPNA highlighted our continuing influence on the larger society when they visited with us during dinner. Rehan Khan ’94 and Habib Chotani ’95 received the presidential award for the APPNA National Food Pantry Project.

After a lively dinner, we sang and danced the night away with Rabat Fateh. The classes of 1997 and 1992 hosted their private celebrations on Saturday. The evening banquet was very well attended, highlighted by a great performance by Atif Aslam. Please visit our Facebook Page to view pictures from the reunion, tag yourselves and like the page as well.

The next reunion will be held on July 6th in Dallas , Texas.

We look forward to seeing you there, and remember to buy tickets and book hotel reservations as soon as they become available.

Thank you again!

Our best regards,

Habib Chotani, President
Rehan Khan, Secretary
Amber Syed, Treasurer

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February ’17 Update on AKUAANA Initiative for 2016: The Ibrahim Haidri Outreach Clinic

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Ibrahim Haidri

Dear Alumni,

The AKUAANA Executive Council, after working for well over 6 months with consensus, decided to partner with AKU to support the “Ibrahim Haidri Outreach Clinic” in Karachi, Pakistan. The clinic will provide treatment for anemia in pregnant women, directly impacting infant mortality and perinatal morbidity. Our AKU Alumnus Anita Zaidi, ’88 is helping us at the location. Our estimated cost to support the clinic is $17,000 per year.

I would like to especially thank Mohsin Ali, Aneel Chowdhary and Namirah Jamshed (all from ’96) who helped the Executive Council in reviewing the project specifics. Their input was vital in moving the project forward. In fact, the Class of ’96 took the lead and adopted the project for their Class Gift. Additionally, I would like to thank the Class of ’94, who helped in the vetting of the project and gave us major insight.

As a first step, on May 21st, 2016 at the Regional AKUAANA Reunion in Virginia, we did a silent auction of paintings from renowned Pakistani artists. These paintings were acquired by support of a number of sponsors, and luckily we were able to jump start the project by raising $5,800.

Since the start of the project, we have collected $68,895 till December 2016. The project was officially launched on August 15th, 2016 at the Ibrahim Haidri site. As per our understanding and commitment with the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, a six-monthly impart report for the project will be shared with the donors by the end of February, 2017.

The AKUAANA Executive Council is looking at the alumni to support AKUAANA in moving this project forward, and hope you can help us in this endeavor.

Click here to send your donation directly to AKU. While donating, please don’t forget to designate the donation to “AKUAANA fund” and to mention your year of graduation under the Donation Information section.

Let us show the power of our alumni body and help fund this project!

Habib Chotani: President
Faisal Qureshi: Immediate Past President
Rehan Khan: Secretary
Amber Syed: Treasurer
Abdul Basit Saeed: Web Manager

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AKUAANA Regional South-Eastern Reunion in Atlanta, Mar 2017

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Regional Reunion 2016-05

Dear AKU Alumni,

We are planning on hosting an AKU Alumni Regional Reunion in Atlanta, GA for the alumni residing in Atlanta and vicinity on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 7 PM. Other alumni in the neighborhood or visiting during the event date are also welcome to attend.

Please join us for an evening of fun, socializing and it goes without saying, networking with fellow alumni. Details of the venue will be circulated soon. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Amyn Malik (Class of 2010) at amyn.malik@gmail.com or Saad B. Omer (Class of 1998) at somer@emory.edu. Please RSVP by March 3, 2017 if you plan to attend.

See you on March 12!

Saad and Amyn

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AKUAANA Regional Reunion in Dallas, Texas – Apr 2017

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Regional Reunion 2016-02

Date: April 15th, 2017
Time: 1 PM – 4 PM, CDT
Venue: Curtis Park in University Park, 3501 Lovers Lane, Dallas TX 75205

Please save the date for an AKU Medical College Alumni Regional Reunion in Dallas, Texas!

We would like you to join us on Saturday, April 15th, 2017 at 1:00 PM, CDT for an afternoon of fun, socializing and networking. Bring your family and kids. We had a great reunion last year playing cricket.

If you plan to attend, please join us on our Facebook Event or RSVP at your earliest convenience to Faisal Qureshi (’93) at faisal.qureshi@utsouthwestern.edu, or Namirah Jamshed (’96) at drjamshed@gmail.com.

Please help us spread the word by inviting other AKU alumni. We hope to see you soon.

Hosts:
Faisal Qureshi, Class of 93
Namirah Jamshed, Class of 96
Arshad Malik, Class of 93
Sadia Malik, Class of 93

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