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Investing in Knowledge: A Scholarship in Memory of Bassem Sabry

AUC partners with Friends of Bassem Sabry to establish the Bassem Sabry Arab Citizen Endowed Scholarship in economics.
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  2. Investing in Knowledge: A Scholarship in Memory of Bassem Sabry

The American University in Cairo (AUC), in partnership with Friends of Bassem Sabry, has established the Bassem Sabry Arab Citizen Endowed Scholarship. This generous gift from the late Bassem Sabry’s friends will provide tuition support each year for two undergraduate economics students, one young woman and one young man, enabling them to pursue their studies at AUC and drive sustainable development in their communities.

Sabry was a journalist and renowned blogger known for his clear and balanced voice. Through his blog, An Arab Citizen, and his contributions to publications like Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, Al Ahram Online and Al Masry Al Youm, he championed thoughtful dialogue and provided balanced insights on local and regional issues. Though he died young at the age of 31 in 2014, he left an indelible mark on his readers and friends.

The scholarship agreement was signed recently at AUC’s New Cairo campus by AUC President Ahmad Dallal and Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, who represented Sabry’s friends. They were joined by members of AUC’s leadership and Sabry’s close friends.

“Bassem Sabry touched the lives of many people, whether in person or through his astute writings on his An Arab Citizen blog. Bassem's chief concern was the betterment of Arab societies, and Egypt in particular, so dedicating these two scholarships in the study of economics at The American University in Cairo, one of the most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the Arab World, was a natural way to honor his memory,” said Al-Qassemi.

He added that establishing the scholarship was “a collective decision taken by a close circle of Bassem's friends, who included Dalia Ezzat, Sarah Sirgany, Hafsa Halawa, H.A. Hellyer and myself. We hope that this scholarship will benefit young deserving Egyptian students who will carry forth Bassem's message and work toward elevating Egypt and the Arab world on the global stage.”

President Ahmad Dallal said, “We are deeply grateful to Mr. Sabry’s friends, whose generosity and vision made this possible and to Sheikh Al-Qassemi, who championed their efforts and ensured the endowment’s realization.” He also expressed that their commitment to advancing knowledge in the Arab world resonates strongly with AUC’s mission of educational excellence, diversity and social responsibility.