I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this newsletter. This newsletter is a reflection of the association and all that is being done. In addition, there are more events that will be announced shortly such as:

1. A seminar will be held on March 25th.

2. The spring conference will be held on May 2nd.

Please remember that this newsletter belongs to all members. Your help in making the newsletter a better one is needed. You can contact us through e-mail: aaaea@aaaea.org

Newsletter Committee:

-Raghad Adeis-Dahhan
-Jamal Grainawi
-Luai Abu Hilal
-Bilal Masri
-John Romi
-Nabeel Aldrees

Sincerely,
Raghad Adeis-Dahhan

Career Corner

Career Corner >>

Dear Amro,

The past month has been eventful for AAAEA. Because of the sad events in Gaza and because of input from members, we have cancelled the bowling party that was scheduled on Jan 24th. The EIT classes are going very well. We have great and positive feedback from our students. We changed the review course location to better serve our current students as well as our future students by offering them the taped lectures for their use. Details will follow later.

As traditionally every year, AAAEA participated in the Al Aqsa school's science fair and it was a great success. Please see the article in the news letter for more details. We are also pleased to announce the winners of the poster / essay contest. Congratulations to our winners for a job well done.
We are also pleased to announce that we are taking applications for scholarship for this year. We encourage all students to apply for this great opportunity. Go to our web site www.aaaea.org for application form and requirements. We wish all a good luck. We would like to inform our members that we are applying for a grant from the Center for Arab American Philanthropy to help us to further serve our Arab American community, and continue to assist us in our programs and go National in 2011. Further details will follow.

Finally, the elections are coming up soon, and we need your help in continuing our journey to help our members. We encourage you to apply to the many positions available on the board. Please go to our web site and nominate yourself or someone you know. Board members will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hope to see you in our next events.
Nabeel Aldrees, PE
AAAEA Vice President

AAAEA ACT Class Student review

One message from a student expressing her appreciation.....thank

you all for your time, efforts and support

- To be honest, when my dad told me about signing up for the ACT class, I was not too thrilled. Everyone that already took the ACT had warned me that joining a class would be a complete waste of time. I decided, though, that I would try to take a class and make that judgment for myself. The class that the AAAEA is directing is different from any of the classes my friends are taking-it saves me money and actually helps me! The classes are taught completely on a volunteer basis. Each week, a different volunteer comes in and teaches us the subject they are most expert on. We take practice tests for each subject and review the answers, asking our instructor all the questions we have as we go. We also take three practice ACT tests throughout the duration of the course, marking our improvements each time. The small size of the class is also a plus, as it gives us time to talk one on one with the instructors and focus on our specific needs. The AAAEA really worked hard to organize such a beneficial program, and I truly believe it will help raise my ACT score!

Leena Hamdan

Interview with Amro Kudssi

MS. Software Engineering
AAAEA IT Officer

1- Can you tell us about yourself and academic background?

My name is Amro Kudssi. I am a Software Engineer. I have a BS in Computer Engineering from Aleppo University - Syria. I also have a MS. in Software Engineering from DePaul University, Chicago. I work for JPMorgan and manage a small Website Designing company on my own called Sanabels. www.sanabels.com . I am married and have two-year old daughter "Naya"

Read full interview >>

Scholarship Announcement

PURPOSE
This scholarship award has been established by the AAAEA Scholarship Committee. The award is presented to an Undergraduate or Graduate, Engineer, Architect or Computer Science student who is also a student member of AAAEA.

The main objective is to promote Engineering, Architecture and Computer Science as worthy professions and to foster stronger ties to the AAAEA and to the Arab American Community.
Depending on the availability of funds, scholarships in the amount of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 is presented in November 2008. The recipient is recognized by presentation of a certificate at the semi-annual meeting of AAAEA and is required to accept the award in person.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The AAAEA scholarship is available only to student members of the AAAEA who are attending an accredited four year College or University in the state of Illinois or are residents of Illinois attending college elsewhere.

Freshmen and winners from previous years are not eligible.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
The applicant must complete the AAAEA scholarship award application which consists of items A through E listed below. Items B and C shall be an original copies in a sealed envelope by their originator.

A. The Application Form.
B. A certified college transcript indicating course grades and cumulative grade point average.
C. A letter of recommendation written by a faculty member or a registered professional engineer or architect or a computer scientist recognized by the Scholarship Committee Members.
D. An adequate description of the applicant's extracurricular activities. The description should highlight relevant work experience, publications, participation in AAAEA, student/campus activities, involvement in community organizations or a combination of these.
E. Responses to all of the SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS. Responses should be provided as concise, well-organized paragraphs of approximately three to five sentences.
F. The applicant should be available for a thirty-minute personal or by phone interview with one or more members of the Scholarship Committee

SELECTION CRITERIA

Short Answer Questions	15%	15 %	15 %
Course Grades (GPA)	40%	35 %	30 %
Essay on Extra-Curricular Activities	20%	25 %	30 %
Letter of Recommendation	15%	15 %	15 %
Presentation Quality	10%	10 %	10 %

The presentation quality criterion will be an assessment of the applicant's submittal for neatness, organization, spelling and proper English usage. Please do not bind the application materials into a booklet.

The scholarship awards for graduate and undergraduate applicants will be determined by the availability of funds and the grade attained based on the above Selection Criteria as follows:

Grade 96% to 100% ----- Award $2,000
Grade 90% to 95% ------- Award $1,500
Grade 85% to 89% ------- Award $1,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Submit all application materials starting May 15, 2009 and no later than June 15, 2009, to:

AAAEA Scholarship Committee
P. O. Box 1536
Chicago, IL 60690-1536

All applications will be acknowledged within 15 days after the deadline. The evaluation of all applications will be completed in early September. Only if you are one of the successful candidates you will be notified. Please do not call. Registered or certified mail is advisable to help you track your application.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. How do you support your claim of particular interest in Engineering, Architecture or Computer Science? Include coursework and outside activities.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable college course you have taken and what was it about the course that made an impression on you pertaining to your field?
3. What do you believe is the most important issue currently being addressed by Engineers, Architects or Computer Scientists?
4. Describe what you would consider an ideal first professional position or first research project.
5. Describe the role of either the Engineer, Architect or Computer Scientist in the future of our cities as it relates to quality of life.
6. What is one of the responsibilities that Engineers, Architects or Computer Scientists have to society and to the AAAEA?

AAAEA attends the science fair at Aqsa School

On Thursday 1/29/09.AAAEA attended and helped our community by providing judges for the science fair at Aqsa School for girls in Bridgeview-Illinois.
Dr. Ghaffa Kazkaz (Board of Trustees) and Anas Alkhatib (Treasurer) joined the Aqsa school volunteers and assisted in evaluating the science projects.
While we thank our colleagues for investing the time, efforts and resources, we encourage all our members to give back to the community by providing services as such.

Bilal Almasri

Peoria Finance Seminar

ARAB AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS (AAAEA)
FOURTH ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR SPONSORED BY MORGAN STANLEY AND
HOSTED BY BRADLEY UNIVERSITY

Dear AAAEA member and friend,

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO JOIN US AND ATTEND THIS EVENT MEETING AGENDA:

2:00 - 2:30 REIGSTRATION and INTRODUCTION, MUSTAFA ALSALEH

2:30 - 3:15 TECHNICAL PRESENTATION "Investing in Uncertain Times:

How the Global Credit Crisis May Affect Your Portfolio", Hussam Zayyad Certified financial planner™ Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley

3:15 - 3:45 UPDATES ON THE NATIONAL ORGAINIZATION STATUS, BY
Bilal Masri and Mustafa Mahamid.

3:45 - 4:00 OPEN DISCUSSIONS

SNACKS, SOFT DRINKS AND COFFEE WILL BE SEREVED

Date       Sat Feb 21st 2009
Time       2:00 - 4:00 PM
Place      Room: Jobs 114 - Jobst Hall, Bradley University
COST     FREE
RSVP     Via e-mail or phone by Friday Feb. 17th 2009, 309-648-3469

AAAEA Essay Winners and information about the banquet - Congratulations to winners, the proud parents and teachers

Dear Students, Parents, and Teachers:

Our Essay & Poster Contest Committee sent me the list of winners for the 2009 AAAEA Essay/Poster contest. Below is a list of the winner from each group. The 1st place winner will receive a $100 check each. All winners are invited to attend the Chicago land Washington Award Banquet on 2/20/2009 (Friday evening, see attached file for detail) and the IIT E-Week Expo on 2/21/2009 from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Please let me know the names of parents/teachers/and students who are planning to attend the Award Banquet on 2/20/2009.

Attached please find the logistics for the banquet. The cost for the students is covered by the E-Week Committee. AAAEA will pay for the contest judges. Parents and teachers who wish to attend will have to pay the reduced cost. The reduced cost this year is $45 per person. (Actual cost is $85; AAAEA will pay the $40 ($85-$45) for each member planning on attending). I need the names of each attendee no later than Wednesday evening 2/12/09. Please let me know if the parents and teachers are planning on attending.

Group	Student Name	Grade	Essay Topic about	Winner Place & Prize	School Name
3rd & 4th Grade	Laila Hammad	3rd	George Leclanche	1st Place $100	Aqsa School
	Maher Basrawi	4th	Mary Feik	1st Place $100	Oakhill Elementary School
	Murad Basrawi	4th	Henry Ford	1st Place $100	Oakhill Elementary School
5th & 6th Grade	Jenna Hammad	6th	William Coolidge	1st Place $100	Palos South Middle School
7th & 8th Grade	Lauren Brooks	7th	Johann Malzel	1st Place $100	Winston Campus Junior High

Congratulations to the winners, the proud parents and the teachers. Many thanks to all students who participated and we wish them luck next time. We would also to thank the teachers who encouraged their students to participate in this year event. All participants will receive a certificate of participation and acknowledgement of their essay/poster. I hope to see winners and parents/teachers at the banquet on 2/20/2009 and all students, friends and family members at the IIT E-Week Expo on 2/21/2009 (The Expo is free and open to public from 11 am to 3:30 pm).
Please visit our Website to see info regarding the IIT E-Week Expo on 2/21/2009 and our Essay/Posters results.

Regards,

Jamal Grainawi, P.E., S.E.

Movable Bridges Specialty Group Manager
Structural Department Manager
Parsons Brinckerhoff
230 West Monroe St., Suite 900, Chicago IL 60606, USA

From The AAAEA Engineers Week Committee

The AAAEA Engineers Week Committee invites you to celebrate National Engineers Week 2009 in Chicagoland. Join us February 15-21, 2009 as we celebrate the profession's contribution to our quality of life and reach out to our community's next generation of innovators.

Read full document >>

AAAEA Event Review

Name of Event: 2009 EIT/FE Review Course
Type of Event: Series of Lectures
Date: 1/15/09 to 4/16/2009

Location: Illinois Institute of Technology campus - Chicago, IL

Description:
Every year, AAAEA offers the EIT/FE Classes to both our members and nonmembers. This year the classes are being held at the Illinois Institute of Technology campus in Chicago. The classes consist of 15 lectures with specialized professors for each topic covered on the FE Exam. The course is designed to help both students and professionals alike prepare for the April 2009 FE Exam. This year attendance reached 12 students consisted of both Arab, and non-Arab students and mainly new members.

This year, for the first time, the lectures are being recorded and will later be posted online. The goal is to post the materials and notes from each class, along with videos, so students in the future will not face any difficulty following the recording without attending the class in person. This was a goal the association strived to accomplish for along time. Finally, with the collaborated hard work by the student chapters in IIT and UIC and under the supervision of the education committee, we were able to start this project. Our IIT student chapter faculty advisor, Dr Said Al-Hallaj and chapter president Rachid Amine lead the effort in making this all possible.

Also, for the first time, an online database is being used to upload class material and other relative documents. The database is accessible by the students and professors with a username and password. For professors, the idea is to share the files and class materials with the students. This is better than emailing the material since most documents are large in size and would otherwise have to broken up into smaller files. Other benefits of this new system include the ability for the students to look over the material prior to the lecture, and in case someone misses a lecture, the material is available for the student to view at any time and keep up with the rest of the class. Finally, and most importantly this will be a great tool to keep record for the future and for the planned transition of having future classes online.

Kevin Khalil Mesyef
President AAAEA - Student Chapter
University of Illinois at Chicago

Activity Commeettie

Dear All,

On behalf of the activities committee, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the committee's mission and goals. The activities committee's mission is to create opportunities for interaction between the members of AAAEA, their families and friends in fun-filled active environment. The committee members are volunteers and dedicated to provide a range of services and activities to the members of the AAAEA and their families. Whatever the nature of the activity, the committee takes careful steps in planning and soliciting the right advice from the board to ensure that the activity will attract your participation, and meet your expectations
In the month of February, the committee is planning a network luncheon on Saturday, February 28, 2009, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to introduce the "Arab American Family Service" (AAFS), and have a wonderful time. The Committee hopes to see all of you at this important event and as always, we are keen to hear your ideas and suggestions for new activities.

Activities Committee Chairman

Dr. Nabil Refai, PMP

Network Luncheon:

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Arab American Family Services (AAFS) The new purchased center at:

9044 S. Oktavia, Bridgeview Il 60455

Phone: 708-599-AAFS
Cost: $10.00-Lunch will be served

1. Introducing the AAFS to AAEA members. The AAFS' provides services to many Arab American families and individuals "who far too long have suffered tremendously... AAFS addresses the countless social and economic barriers that face the growing population of Arab-Americans".
2. A business owner meeting will be held in the second half of the meeting
Reservations: Email: aaaea@aaaea.org

(312) 409-8560 (Voice Mail)
(312) 719-3896 Mr. Hasan Algholeh, PE President

630-983-9819 Dr. Nabil Refai, PMP Activity Chairperson
Reserve No Later than Friday, February 15

IT committee Meeting

The IT committee held its first meeting on Sunday 1/18/09.Amr Kudssi (chair), Mahmoud Aldabe, John Romi and Bilal Almasri members.

1-The committee has identified the admin.site modules and the public site modules.
2-Committee is evaluating the web hosting.net to host. Time line was established as follow:

1-Business rules completion 1/21/09
2-Code writing completion 3/1/09
3-Testing completion 4/1/09
4-Punch list completion 5/1/09
5-Information migration to start on May 1, 2009.

Bilal Almasri

Member's News

Congratulations to Advance Consulting Group International for receiving City of Chicago MBE certificate (Minority Business Enterprise). Advance is a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering design firm with experience on commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in addition to IDOT and CDOT roadway lighting design and photometric calculations. For more information call Eyad Elqaq at (312)357-1840 or visit www.acgintl.com

Congratulations to our colleague and former officer of AAAEA, Ahmad Safi on passing the PE exam. This is a reflection on his hard work and high goal he put for himself. At AAAEA we are very happy foe Ahmad and ALF MUBROOK.

Our congratulations to our past president and past chairman of the board Abed Ghouleh on his promotion to Principle Electric Engineer with MWRDGC. This promotion reflects the dedication, hard work and professionalism Abed Displayed over his career
ALF MUBROOK
Our colleague Ahmad Anbari of Advance Consultant International and wife have their first baby boy, and named him Fawaz on 1/23/09.Mom and the baby are going fine...ALF MUBROOK
Congratulations to Maher Mallouh and his wife on the arrival of their Twin boy, Adam & Girl, Jannah.

We are sorry to inform you that Ibrahim Abu Assaf Mother passed away in Madaba, Jordan on (Saturday) Feb. 7, 2009; she was about 80 years old

Deepest condolences to Fuad and Salah Issa on the passing of their father in law and grandfather. We are very sorry for your loss. May God bless all.

Nomination Letter

Nomination for 2009-2010 Election
ANNOUNCEMENT

From:             Nomination Committee
To:                  All AAAEA Members
Subject:        Nomination for 2009-2010 Election

Dear members:

It is the time again and it is my pleasure to inform you of our upcoming annual election event for future leaders of our organization. The election for the following position: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, IT officer, Education Committee Chair, Enhancement Committee Chair, Membership Committee, Activity Committee Chair and Publication Committee Chair.

The above positions are open for any AAAEA members who is interested in nominating himself/herself or/and nomination other member. The election committee would like to ask each candidate to submit a petition for nomination with statement explaining what is his/her goal for running for the designated position, explaining how this goal will benefit the organization in short and long term goals and how these goals will be implemented when he/she should be elected for the specific position.

Please forward your written statement to the election committee by no later than March 31, 2009. This statement will be available to all AAAEA members to review on or before the election's day. Any person not able to submit his/her petition by March 31st, 2009, may still seek election by submitting a petition to the Nomination Committee no later than April 20th, 2009. The petition shall be signed by at least fifteen (15) voting members who have been members for at least one year prior to signing the petition.

The petition and the statement can be sent to the attention of: AAAEA, P. O. Box 1536, Chicago, IL 60690-1536. Or E-mail to: aaaea@aaaea.org Attn: Election Committee.

Regards,

Ahmad Basrawi, Ahmad Hammad, John Dasoqi and Bilal Almasri
Nomination Committee

Technical Article: Ease Security Headaches

By: Amer Kamal

Many users, and even some IT administrators, would rather not have to deal with security. But like it or not, security is becoming more important than ever in today's compliance-focused companies. Let's review some common security aggravations and learn how to handle them.

Read complete article >>

An invitation to support AAAEA Scholarship program

Salamaat,

AAAEA-Il has started its scholarship program in 2000. Since, we awarded about $30,000 to deserving students. These awards are decided by a committee of 5 professionals.
As you know, AAAEA is 501/c3 tax exempt association by the IRS, and all donations are tax deductible.
Last October, we awarded about $10,000, and this year our goal is $20,000.
I am reaching out to you to assist us and reach to other colleagues, friends, relatives, and others who would be in a position to assist us in this goal.
AAAEA made the process so easy to donate any amount by clicking on
http://aaaea.org/index.htm and click on Donate.

If you like to mail a check, please do so to:

AAAEA
PO Box 1536
Chicago Il 60690

Again, thank you so much for all your support.

Regards
Bilal Almasri

UIUC Student Chapter Meeting

On Sunday February 15th 2009 AAAEA UIUC student chapter held its spring general meeting. The attendance included the student members and Mr. Bilal AlMasri (Trustee and past president), Mr. Abed Ghouleh (Trustee and past president) and Mr. Hussam Alkhatib (The current Secretary of the AAAEA).

After everybody introduced themselves Bilal and Abed presented the history of AAAEA in Chicago and the current efforts to grow it as a national professional/engineering organization. Hussam talked also about his experience being a student member and a current board member.

The second part of the meeting was about UIUC Spring Program and how to join and participate. Spring 2009 program is planned to include an exhibit in Engineering Open House and an outdoor grill and social event. This Exhibit in EOH which will be held on March 13 and 14 and will focus on the History of Arabs Inventions and Engineering. In this exhibit, UIUC student members are planning to present Arabs contributions to science and engineering throughout the history using illustrative models and posters. EOH is a perfect opportunity for such an exhibit because of its diverse audience that includes high school students, college students, and faculty members.

UIUC student members would like to take this opportunity to ask all AAAEA members participation and support in any ideas or advice.

AAAEA-UIUC chapter

AAAEA-UIUC is working on having an exhibit in UIUC Engineering Open House (EOH) on March 13 and 14,2009 with the title: History of Arab Inventions and Engineering. In this exhibit, we are planning to present Arabs contributions to science and engineering throughout the history using illustrative models and posters. EOH is a perfect opportunity for such an exhibit because of its diverse audience that includes high school students, college students, and faculty members.

AAAEA Students Benefits

1-Scholarship

As of 2008 about 30,000 has been awarded and each were $1,000-$ 2000 Scholarship is awarded by a committee based on criteria Scholarships awarded during semi annual meeting Requirements and application available on website

2-Career opportunities

A-Resume editing

B-Job announcement.

C-Interact with professionals in the work place.

D-Provide opportunities to explore internship

E-Provide a professional advise.

F-Give the student to volunteer to serve a non for profit organization,which can be included in resume.

G-Give students exposure to potential recruters during events

H-AAAEA connects students with employers.

I -AAAAEA connects students with educatorsin the US .

J-Seminars offered by AAAEA from time to time to assist engineers to chose the specific area of interest in engineering.

K-Power point presentation on how to conduct yourself prior, during and after an interview.

L-Get helpin subjects as needed.

M-Take advantage of the quality and reduced fee for the EIT review courses.

Bilal Almasri

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Dr. Eyad Elqaq Ph.D., P.E. : (President of Advance Consulting Group Int'l)
Ashraf Hayek : (Mechanical Engineer working with KJWW Consultants)

Will be conducting a Panel Discussion and Q&A regarding the Current Market for Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

WHO: Free to All Engineering Students
WHERE: University Of Illinois at Chicago, Room 1043 ERF
WHEN: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Social, Networking, and FREE PIZZA!!

Hosted by the Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (UIC Student Chapter) www.aaaea.org

Community Corner

· Families in need for you support in Chicago: few of our clients are in need in of furniture, house hold items. If you or anyone you know is willing to donate furniture that is not being used please let me know. Let me know if you can provide anything, it will be appreciated greatly!
Aysha Shalabey
Arab American Family Services
9044 S. Octavia
Bridgview, IL 60455
708.599.2237

· Thank you for Aqsa school to AAAEA volunteers
Assalamu Alaykum

I would like to thank you on behalf of Aqsa School for your valuable help at our 22nd annual science fair on Thursday, Jan.29, 2009. MashaAllah, through your hard work seventy students had the opportunity to participate in a science fair experience.
We appreciate all your efforts in helping us find judges. Truly, the success of this event is due to volunteers like you who contribute their time and services to help our school. This encourages them to be involved in future science events. We truly appreciate your help. May Allah always bless you.
Thank You
Mrs Khalida Baste
Aqsa School Principal

Bilal Almasri