“This year, we wanted alumni to be more engaged in the event, so most of the participants in the day’s program were alumni,” said Raymonda Raif, director of alumni, parent and trustee relations. “This annual event gives our precious alumni the chance to revive the good, old days of campus life and to meet people with the same frame of reference.”

Students were also a core constituent in this year’s homecoming. Student clubs and organizations showcased their work, and student volunteers ushered alumni and their families into campus. “We wanted students to be part of the day as a way to strengthen the connection between them and alumni,” said Manar Ayoub, associate director of alumni programs and special events. “After all, today’s students are alumni forever.”

For alumni, the event is a way to relive the AUC experience and connect with their alma mater. “I didn’t miss a single homecoming event since 1983,” said Mai Khaled ’85, who sang at the event as a member of the AUC Core Choral Group of the 1980s. “Even when I was still a student, I participated as an usher. I’m happy that the same spirit is there despite the relocation to the new campus.”

The event also included booths for alumni entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their products. “It’s a great way to support graduates who have their own businesses,” said Aya Kheir El Din ’04, who heads a catering company. “I really had a great time, and all of us were entertained. My children enjoyed the Kids Corner, and I got together with my old friends.”

Bahaa Hussein ’86 echoed the same sentiment. “It was a lovely day for the whole family,” he said. “Attending the event with my daughter, who is an AUC student herself, made it even more special because I was there as an alum and parent.”

To view pictures of the 2012 Alumni Homecoming, click here.