It Runs in the Family

The Board of Trustees Cairo meeting on campus last week was packed with a range of activities and events, from AUC’s Centennial Celebration Week and the launch of a strategic look at the future of the campus in the next 100 years to in-depth meetings with faculty and students.   “Tonight we celebrate on this beautiful plaza — grateful to our founders and satisfied that our ambitions for our 100th anniversary were met,” said Richard Bartlett, chairman of the Board of Trustees, during Centennial Nights. “And as this celebration of our first 100 years comes to an end, we are already planning for our next 100 years.”  Bartlett added, “At the celebration of our next centennial, I hope that our successors will look back at the AUC community of today and regard it as the wise, generous stewards that our predecessors were. The future of AUC is bright if we remain true to our values and all recognize the problems and the obligations that come with the privilege of being part of it. As a community, let us join together in the service of that mission. Mabrouk AUC.” Wrapping up AUC’s 100th anniversary yearlong celebration on the New Cairo campus, board members attended various events. As the University enters its second century, the board was also here for the launch of a long-range strategic planning exercise to look at the future of AUC our home in New Cairo. Trustees participated in the University-wide “Campus Conversation: AUC Next 100,” engaging in AUC community discussions with international architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB), who will be guiding the University through this master planning process. The trustees also attended a meeting with faculty and student members of the Campus Planning Steering Committee and BBB.  “After quite a rigorous and deliberate selection process, we've selected BBB for their extensive experience planning campus expansions with universities in the United States and around the world,” said AUC President Francis Ricciardone during Campus Conversation. “BBB will help us determine how best to utilize our entire campus … making sure we're using what space we've got to the optimal level. We will be prioritizing future building projects to shape and advance our educational mission and the experience of AUC students, faculty and staff as we live and work together on this campus.” Ricciardone added, “What we’re about today is not to reveal to you ‘the plan.’ It is instead to begin a process, a conversation, where together we plan to develop.”   Trustees regularly use their annual Cairo meeting to directly interact with different constituencies on campus. They visited the Student Lounge, had lunch with students on campus and dinner with faculty in their homes, and attended a panel on faculty research at AUC. They attended an interactive session with chairs of academic departments on the future of AUC.  Off campus, AUC trustees met with Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and engaged in conversation on the country’s economic outlook with Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait.  “As we step into AUC’s second century, we not only celebrate our past achievements, but we look forward to the next 100 years, reaffirming our commitment to serving Egypt,” said Ricciardone. “AUC continues to graduate students who are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to advance the development and economic prosperity of their country. We appreciate the vision Minister of Finance Dr. Mohammed Maait shared with us. We remain keen to take part in Egypt’s bold plans for development and economic growth.” The trustees also met with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce.  Distinguished for their professional accomplishments in the areas of business, law, education, diplomacy, philanthropy and scholarship, AUC’s trustees are all volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to supporting the University. Coming from the United States, Egypt and elsewhere in the region, the trustees include Nobel laureates, ambassadors, corporate CEOs, philanthropists and university professors. The trustees do not receive a salary or compensation. They provide financial support and volunteer their time and expertise to the University. 

“At AUC, I discovered my passion for human-machine interaction, and the phenomenal classes I took in computer science set me up to be a leader in artificial intelligence,” said Rana el Kaliouby, '98, '00, AUC trustee and CEO and co-founder of Affectiva, the global leader in emotion AI. El Kaliouby is also author of the forthcoming book, Girl Decoded. Speaking on "AI: Humanizing Technology" as part of AUC's Centennial Nights, el Kaliouby began her talk by reflecting on the time when she first stepped foot on AUC’s campus in 1993 as a 15-year-old freshman. As a computer science major, she recalled how her typical day was to attend classes until around 6 pm and spend all-nighters at the labs to get her work and projects done. However, to her, AUC was also the place where "day in and day out, [she] was inspired by the vibrant community" and where she found “her tribe” — students, faculty and staff — many of whom were there during her talk and "continue to be [her] closest friends." “I wore many hats at AUC,” el Kaliouby added. “I was an undergraduate and master’s student, and my first job ever was an assistant analyst in Academic Computing Services. I was also a faculty member for a semester, and my relationship with AUC continues as I serve as a trustee. I am forever an ambassador of AUC and an avid supporter of this community.” El Kaliouby’s education at AUC was not only restricted to her computer science classes. Like all undergraduates, she had to take Core Curriculum courses, such as Scientific Thinking and Philosophic Thinking, and electives that comprised everything from economics to psychology. “What strikes me as truly phenomenal about AUC is its liberal arts education,” she added. Back then, like many other students, she actually considered it to be a "colossal waste of time," and she wanted to concentrate more on her computer science courses. “In hindsight, I was so wrong because in this day and age, we need diversity of thinking and diversity of thought, especially as we consider ethics in technology and as we design, develop and deploy artificial intelligence,” said el Kaliouby. ""These early ideas that I learned at AUC continue to influence my thinking as a thought leader in AI. If we just let computer scientists sit in a room and design the technology of the future, I worry that we don't realize its full potential, and even worse, introduce all kinds of biases into these technologies." El Kaliouby graduated top of her class and received the President's Cup from AUC. She then earned her PhD from the University of Cambridge. “AUC plays this unique role as the bridge between the Middle East and the West," she said. "For me, it was like a portal into the global world."How It All StartedDuring her postgraduate studies at Cambridge away from her family, el Kaliouby spent more time with her laptop than she did with any other human being, which made her realize that this computer was "completely oblivious" to her emotional state. “There were days when I was really down and really homesick, and this machine had absolutely no clue despite the amount of time we were spending together. It was also the main portal of communication with my family back home. ... I realized that this computer, or digital communication, was sucking all the nuances of nonverbal communication, and I just felt there is a disconnect. There is the illusion of being connected, but you're not really connected."That was the spark that made her wonder if machines, or technology, could ever understand humans the way we do or tell the difference between a smile and a smirk. "Both involve the lower half of the face, but have very different meanings," el Kaliouby said. “Once again, my AUC education kicked in.""As it turns out, only 10% of how we communicate is an actual choice of words that we use; 90% is nonverbal: facial expressions, gestures, vocal intonations," el Kaliouby noted. "So I used machine learning and computer vision, which I had learned about at AUC, to build the first-ever machine that can translate our facial movements into facial expression codes and then emotional inferences." El Kaliouby then joined the MIT Media Lab as a postdoctoral fellow and was on track to becoming a faculty member there. But being at MIT made el Kaliouby and her team connected to Fortune 500 companies, who expressed a lot of interest in commercializing the technology. In a couple of years, el Kaliouby co-founded Affectiva, which began as a spinoff of the MIT Media Lab. Headquartered in Boston, Affectiva is now the global leader in emotion AI, particularly the ethical development of AI. "At Affectiva, we deploy things like machine learning, computer vision, tech learning and voice analytics to try to map out how people communicate with one another," el Kaliouby said. "Affectiva is now 100 people strong. We have an amazing team and office in Cairo, several of whom are AUC alumni, so we continue to attract and invest in the AUC community."The ApplicationsBut what are the practical applications of emotion AI?"The applications are endless," el Kaliouby noted. One area is the automotive industry: improving road safety by detecting when drivers are falling asleep or getting distracted, what the general sentiment of other passengers in the vehicle are and how to personalize the riding experience for utmost safety and comfort. Other areas of application are autism, health care and mental health. "If you walk into a doctor’s office today, they won’t ask you about your temperate or blood temperature; they'll just measure them. But in mental health, ... they ask people on a scale of 1 to 10, how much pain are you in? How depressed are you? How suicidal are you? And we know that this data is not objective. We can do much better. So I am very excited about the applications of emotion AI to mental health." "Our mission is to humanize technology before it dehumanizes us," el Kaliouby affirmed. "AI is becoming engrained in every aspect of our lives — how we connect with one another, how we communicate, how we do business. AI is taking on roles that were traditionally held by humans. It's acting as your personal assistant, helping you hire your next co-worker, making business decisions for you, driving your car and even assisting with your health care. But as we enter this universe of AI, I believe we need to really focus on trust. We need to trust these technologies as they act on our behalf. We also need these technologies to trust in humans. It's a two-way street. We need to define and forge a new partnership between humans and machines, a new social contract. ... Emotional intelligence is just as important as your cognitive intelligence, or IQ. People with higher IQs tend to do better in life: They're more likable, more persuasive, more successful generally as leaders and in their personal lives — and I believe that is true for technology that needs to interface with humans on a daily basis. It needs to have IQ, but also a lot of EQ as well." The ChallengesThe talk was moderated by Abdelhameed Sharara, founder and CEO of RiseUp Summit, who asked el Kaliouby about the challenges she faced as a female entrepreneur, away from the glamorous side that people always see. “As an undergraduate at AUC, ... I think our classes were balanced, and I really enjoyed being an undergraduate here. It’s only when I got to Cambridge [that I realized] there were about 100 PhD students at the time — five of whom were females. That's when I started to think, ... 'Maybe I am different.'”El Kaliouby recalled one of the first major challenges she faced when pitching her company with co-founder Rosalind Picard to investors in a male-dominated environment. “Here we were, two women, both scientists with zero business experience pitching an emotion company. That didn’t go very well. It took a lot of trials to find our initial serious investment, and it’s been a journey for me to find my voice and embrace it.”When asked by Sharara about what motivates her to persist through these challenges, el Kaliouby said, “I am passionate about what I do. I see good in it, and that’s what drives me."  Words of GratitudeEl Kaliouby gave credit to some of her professors at AUC who have influenced her life and to whom she’s “forever indebted.” They include Amr El-Kadi, professor of computer systems engineering, and Amr Goneid, professor of computer science — who both "inspired [el Kaliouby] to pursue a career in research;" Ashraf El Fiqi, associate professor of physics, "who made physics both fun and fascinating;" and Hoda Hosny, who was the only female faculty member in the computer science department at the time and who "made computer science accessible and quickly became [el Kaliouby’s] mentor and role model." “I wanted to be just like her," el Kaliouby reflected. "She was my #goals, really, and she made me realize the true power of a mentor who believes in you and a role model that you could resonate with."Paying it forward, el Kaliouby supports young entrepreneurs, especially young women who are interested in pursuing a career in technology and entrepreneurship. "I am especially excited about AUC’s internationalization program and about bringing more international students and faculty to AUC’s campus and vice versa. ... This cross-combination is really magical, and it’s this diversity of thought that drives innovation.”El Kaliouby also expressed her excitement about AUC’s investment in entrepreneurship through its new innovation platform, experiential learning and the AUC Venture Lab. “For me, this kind of hands-on experience was really powerful as an undergraduate and helped me set off for success as a leader," she said. Looking to the future, el Kaliouby noted, "As I look ahead to the next 100 years, I am very excited about the future. I am excited about AUC's role as a liberal arts school and driving this human-centric approach to technology — not just changing the way we interface with our devices but, more importantly, how we connect and communicate with one another. ... AI, if done right, can bring people together and ... democratize access to education in ways that we can’t even imagine. I am privileged to be part of this community. AUC has made me the person I am today, but I recognize that not everyone has this opportunity, so I want to see more underprivileged people have access to this education through technology and AI. Let's humanize technology before it dehumanizes us. Let’s 'Be the Future. AUC, mabrouk 100 years and looking forward to the next 100.”

From the food to the fashion show, virtual reality, live music, street performances and all the way to “everything,” AUC community members and their friends and families said they enjoyed just about every part of centennial week’s Community Carnival on Saturday.  “It was fun, creative and a great way to spend my Saturday,” said Ryan Butler, an international student from the United States. Butler was among more than 1,000 people who attended the Carnival and took part in the diverse range of activities on campus during the day. The International Food Festival powered by the Student Union brought a global range of cuisines, including Indian, American, Parisian and Egyptian, among many more.  “I’m enjoying the variety of food outlets,” said Mohamed Abdelsattar ‘19. “It shows the diverse culture we have here at AUC.”  Bartlett Plaza was the focal point of the event with the stage for live music and dances performed by AUC students and alumni. Surrounding the live performances were digital game booths, snack stations and labs that showcased research projects, including holograms of inventions and the Digital Egyptology centennial lab.  Mariam Ayad, associate professor of Egyptology, was with her colleagues and team of graduate students displaying their work on digitizing ancient Egytpian artifacts. “The level of interest that people have shown in our work and the quality of questions that we’ve gotten have been really phenomenal,” she said, adding that she was happily enjoying all of the live performances taking place in front of her booth throughout the day. Attendees were also able to take a glimpse into what AUC could look like in 100 years using virtual reality, created by architecture and design students, faculty and alumni.   More AUC creativity was on display with the The NextArch Emergency Exit exhibition, which presented works that delve into Egypt’s urban expansion. And while the Community Carnival was futuristic in all aspects, people were able to get glimpses into the past with Creswell’s Cairo Collection: A 100-Year Legacy on display, which featured rare images of historic Cairo.   When it came time for the 100 Years of Fashion Evolution runway show, crowds filled up more than 1,000 seats. Starting in the 1920s, the show displayed the different styles of the decades leading up to the 2010s before showcasing designs of the future. All the garments were made by AUC students, staff and alumni, and several students and alumni participated as models. “It is significant to direct such a huge show of AUC talents in diverse industries and fields of business," said Ghadir El Agabany, AUC alumna and the fashion director of the show. "I have always wanted to participate in AUC's grand events through workshops or shows, and this is a golden opportunity to be part of the centennial celebrations." Apart from the food and different activities, people enjoyed the sense of community that came out of the carnival, seeing AUCians, families and friends come together to celebrate a 100-year legacy. “I loved how AUC shared this celebration with the community,” said Aesha Soliman (SAB ‘18), presidential associate who was a study-abroad student at AUC. “People brought their children, friends and family. It's a fun event to celebrate 100 years.”

Centennial Celebration Week begins this Saturday, February 15 and goes on until Wednesday, February 19. Every day of the week will have a different event, performance, conference or other activities for the AUC community to enjoy, both after and during school and work hours.The week is kicking off with a Community Carnival on Saturday, followed by all other activities throughout the week. All events are free, except for Noura play, and are open to all AUC community members, their friends and families. Read on to learn more about each event and plan how you can make the most of Centennial Celebration Week.  Major Events Community Carnival: Saturday, February 15, 12 - 5 pm, AUC New CairoThe Community Carnival is a full day of events, activities, food and games spread out all over campus, including:100 Years of AUC Fashion Evolution Runway ShowStreet PerformancesInternational Food Festival, powered by the Student UnionVirtual RealitySci-Tech HubScavenger HuntKids Corner, powered by WellspringEntry is free. All members of the AUC community are invited to join and bring along their friends and family. The Kid's Corner will be priced.Centennial Nights: Monday, February 17, 6 - 9 pm, AUC Park and Square, AUC New CairoStick around after work and class on Monday for a night full of light shows and glimpses into the future. Centennial Nights will include: “AI: Humanizing Technology” Talk by Rana el Kaliouby, PhD ’98, ’00   3D Mapping at AUC PortalFuture of Design: What’s Next Exhibition Fireworks Free hot chocolate Entry is free. Events Throughout the Week International Dance: Sunday, February 16, 1 -2 pm, Bartlett Plaza, AUC New CairoHead to Bartlett Plaza during assembly hour for a dynamic traditional performance by AUC student dancers. AUC Melodies: Sunday, February 16, 6 - 9:10 pm, Malak Gabr Arts Theater, AUC New CairoAUC Melodies will be an evening of live music from different performers: The Cairo Orchestra, AUC music majors, Lions of Cairo and AcaPop. Entry is free. Future of Design: What's Next? Conference: Monday, February 17, 12 - 4 pm, AUC Center for the Arts, AUC New CairoThis conference will bring together design and architecture experts from the region to discuss new movements in the region’s design and creative industries. Entry is free. Noura Play: February 18 - 20, 7 - 9 pm, Gerhart Theater | February 25 - 28, 7 -9 pm, Falaki TheaterOn the opening nights, award-winning playwright Heather Raffo will give a talk at Malak Gabr Arts Theate at 5:30 pm, followed by the opening of her hit, Off-Broadway play, Noura. The play brings the experience of Iraqi refugees to the stage through the compelling story of Noura and her Chaldean Catholic family who fled their home in Mosul, Iraq eight years ago to the United States.The play will show at the Gerhart Theater at AUC New Cairo from February 18 to 20, from 7 - 9 pm. It will then show at the Falaki Theater at AUC Tahrir Square form February 25 to 28, from 7 - 9 pm. Tickets are 50 LE and are available at the box office. Folklore Dance: Wednesday, February 19, 1 - 2 pm, Bartlett Plaza, AUC New CairoStop by Bartlett Plaza during assembly hour to watch the AUC Folklore Dance team perform some Egyptian folk dance routines. Visions: The Cairo Egyptian Film Festival: Wednesday, February 19, 6 - 9 pm, Malak Gabr Arts Theater, AUC New CairoEgypt's largest short film festival is back for the third time, with screenings of the award-winning films of the 2019 edition.Entry is free.  Exhibitions  In addition to all the events taking place during the week, several special exhibitions will open. Entry to all exhibitions is free.  Creswell's Cairo Collection: Opening February 17 - March 12, Foyer of AUC Library, AUC New CairoDiscover never-before-seen photos of historic Cairo and rare aerial photographs of the city — all with a new virtual reality 3D effect.  Corner of a Dream: Art and Technology Exhibitions: February 15 - March 11, Mariott Room, AUC Tahrir SquareExperience the eloquent video installation by Bahia Shehab (MA '09), professor of practice in the Department of the Arts, as the artist shifts from graffiti to video.  Glitch: Art and Technology Exhibitions: February 12 - March 11, Margo Veillon Gallery, AUC Tahrir SquareExplore the influence of technology on our perceptions of the past, present and future. Beit Um Amel: Art and Technology Exhibitions: February 12 - March 11, Future and Legacy GalleriesArab cyborg and mother converge in VJ Um Amel’s first solo exhibition in the Arab world. Emergency Exit, February 15 - 20: Medhat Haroun Courtyard, School of Sciences and Engineering, AUC New CairoEmergency Exit delves into how our cities have grown over the past few decades in a national quest for modernity.