In a few weeks, we officially launch a full year of celebrations, events and activities in Cairo and several major cities around the world to commemorate AUC’s centennial. We start the celebration where AUC first began in 1919 on our iconic Tahrir Campus and move through a packed program that includes a full week of events on the New Cairo campus in February 2020.
For all of us here on campus every day — faculty, staff and students — this is an especially gratifying moment to be part of this historic year for AUC. To ensure we can accommodate as many members of the campus community as possible on Saturday, February 9, 2019, the provost’s office, human resources and student life have each developed a mechanism to allocate tickets for faculty, staff and students, respectively, for both the official ceremony inside Ewart Memorial Hall and an outdoor program in the newly renovated garden. The launch coincides with the inauguration of phase one of AUC’s Tahrir Cultural Center.
This is also a unique opportunity to showcase our fine University to Egypt, the region and the world. Among our guests are AUC supporters, presidents of sister universities in Egypt and the region, representatives of international partner universities, top government officials, media and prominent guests, as well as the rest of our off-campus AUC community, including parents, alumni and trustees.
While all full-time faculty members are invited, space limitations prevent us from accommodating all students and staff, who represent much greater numbers. In light of this, we will host several open-days on the Tahrir Campus later in the spring to ensure all members of the campus community have the opportunity to see the newly renovated space.
Beyond the launch, I encourage you to please take full advantage of the program of activities and events throughout the year. From 100 Years of Community Service to 100 Years of the Student Union, the first Centennial International Day that is open to the public, our largest benefit dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, to more than seven international conferences, exhibitions, lectures and performances, this promises to be an exciting year. Please check here regularly for information on upcoming events and activities.
I look forward to seeing you at the many events planned for 2019, as we together celebrate 100 years of AUC’s enduring legacy and look forward to the promise of AUC’s second century.
Sincerely,
Francis J. Ricciardone
President
The American University in Cairo
