Home page
ع

From Loving Computers to Tech Excellence

Campus Community
Honey ElMoghazi
November 28, 2023

“Since my childhood, I have been obsessed with the tech field and was always curious to know how computers worked. They really fascinated me,” said Youssef Medhat, a freshman majoring in computer engineering and a member of the first cohort of Excellence Scholars. “Once I knew that AUC provides a scholarship for outstanding students, I applied and received a full scholarship that I am confident will immensely help me pursue my goals.” 

This fall, AUC welcomed the first recipients of the Excellence Scholarship Program, which attracts a diverse and talented pool of top students. “Engaging with my community through student activities in high school while maintaining a good academic record were the two main factors that helped me get this scholarship,” Medhat explained.

While planning to immerse himself in his studies, Medhat is keen on going beyond the classrooms and labs. “I’m more interested in student organizations at AUC, such as Google Developer Student Clubs, Robotics Club, and the Computer Science and Engineering Association, which I believe will fulfill my passion for technology and further enhance my knowledge in the field,” he said. 

For Medhat, co-curricular activities are a platform to develop real-life skills and volunteer to support the community around him, as he did during high school. “I was appointed as head of the IT committees in some of the student activities I was enrolled in at school,” he explained. 

However, Medhat did not stop there. “I started my own student club at school dedicated to spreading news about tech trends.” Medhat’s active participation in student bodies throughout his high school years and his growing interest in different student organizations at AUC evoke his leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to both his academic and non-academic journey. 

His career aspirations? A software engineer, of course. 

“My time at AUC will help me get there and will enable me to have a meaningful impact in society,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this exciting journey.” 

A young man with short dark hair stands in front of trees on a college campus wearing a black hoodie.
Youssef Medhat
Share

Board of Trustees Welcomes New Member

Campus Community
Dalia Al Nimr
November 20, 2023

AUC’s Board of Trustees has elected its newest member: Ahmed Galal Ismail ’97, chief executive officer and member of the Board of Directors at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, the leading shopping mall, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with assets in excess of $18 billion and 44,000 employees.

Holding an MBA with distinction from the London Business School and a Bachelor of Science in computer science with high honors from AUC, Ismail is happy to serve his alma mater. 

“I’m delighted to be invited to join the AUC Board of Trustees and for the opportunity to contribute to broadening AUC’s impact across the Arab world,” Ismail said.

A business trailblazer, Ismail held several executive positions across Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio of businesses during his 16-year tenure, playing an instrumental role in the company’s growth and development. Having joined in 2007 as the group's vice president of strategy, Ismail quickly rose through the ranks, becoming CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Ventures from 2009 to 2018, overseeing seven business niches such as leisure and entertainment, cinema, lifestyle, facilities management and consumer finance. From 2018 to 2023, he was CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, managing the company’s wide range of shopping malls, hotels and mixed-use communities across the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain and Lebanon. Prior to Al-Futtaim, Ismail worked with Procter and Gamble in Egypt and Germany in addition to serving as principal of Booz Allen Hamilton, where he advised organizations in the retail, media, tourism and transportation sectors.

"My fellow trustees and I are excited to welcome Ahmed Galal Ismail to our Board,” said Mark Turnage (ALU ’82), chair of AUC’s Board of Trustees. “As an AUC graduate, Ahmed has been a tireless advocate for the University, and he brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership that will support AUC’s impact at this critical moment.”

Ismail serves on the boards of the Arab Investment Bank and Endeavor United Arab Emirates, a global nonprofit dedicated to high-impact entrepreneurship. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders.  

Ahmed Galal Ismail ’97, chief executive officer and member of the Board of Directors at Majid Al Futtaim Holding, is returning to his alma mater as AUC's newest trustee.

Share

Yousef Jameel GAPP Public Leadership Program Welcomes A New Cohort

Campus Community
October 1, 2023
First cohort of Jameel fellows, 2023-2024

The Yousef Jameel Public Leadership Program welcomed its 12th cohort of scholars from across Egypt who will pursue a master's degree at AUC, in addition to studying abroad for a semester and working at public, private and nonprofit organizations.

Hailing from Cairo, Alexandria, Qena, Ismailia, Dakahlia, Assiut and North Sinai, the 29 scholars will pursue graduate studies at AUC in a variety of disciplines: public administration, public policy, global affairs, international and comparative law, journalism and mass communication, and Middle East studies. They will also gain professional experience by working with diverse entities such as the Central Bank of Egypt, Egyptian Council of State, Egyptian Red Crescent, Cisco Systems, Ashoka, United States Agency for International Development, Care International, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and GIZ.   

Mina Ghaly, a pharmacist by education from Assiut who is currently pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration, is thrilled to be part of the newest Yousef Jameel cohort. “The memory of receiving my fellowship award notification email jumped right into my happiness jar for 2023,” he said. “!That, along with my first day at AUC, class discussions, rich diversity of classmates and professional connections –– these all gave me a sense of belonging. This is the right place for me. Thanks for this generous, empowering opportunity!” 

Launched in 2012 and aiming at building the capacity of young, competent Egyptian nationals in the areas of public policy and public administration to prepare them for leadership roles in the country, the Yousef Jameel program has supported 277 fellows over 11 years by providing them with a fully funded fellowship. An average of 25 exceptional candidates receive a complete fellowship every year to pursue a master’s degree in one of eight programs at the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, producing a cadre of well-educated, competent graduates who will create a positive impact in their communities and beyond. 

“Ever since the program started, I have been immensely enjoying my work with the Yousef Jameel fellows. They never fail to impress,” said Laila El Baradei ’83, ’88, professor, director of the MPA program and faculty adviser for the Jameel fellowship. “It is very competitive, and we always manage to recruit fellows who are not only top academic achievers but also multi-talented, mission-driven and eager to serve their communities in more ways than one.” 

In addition to studying abroad for one semester, the Youssef Jameel fellows will also engage in different activities, such as local and international study trips to enhance their knowledge and awareness of diverse cultures and to witness best practices in the fields of public policy and administration in different countries. Earlier cohorts have traveled on study tours to  Morocco, South Africa and, China.
In addition, Yousef Jameel fellows participate in networking events to meet other fellows and alumni who act as unofficial mentors and engage in thoughtful book, movie and roundtable discussions tackling an array of multifaceted topics. 

Miral Omran ’12, an economics AUC graduate from Ismailia, shares her enthusiasm. “I am very excited to start my Youssef Jameel fellowship journey because it is a chance to learn and dive into intellectual discussions with my professors and peers. I am also coming back to AUC with all it has to offer to its students and joining a community that I have been eager to be part of for years –– a community with a purpose.”

Visit the Yousef Jameel GAPP Public Leadership Program  webpage for more information. For the latest updates, follow the program on FacebookInstagram and Linkedin

Share

AUC’s Cairo International Model United Nations Wins Highest Number of Awards in New York

Campus Community
Abigail Flynn and Dalia Al Nimr
May 2, 2023
The CIMUN team stands wearing suits and professional dresses in an auditorium at the conference. Some students are holding signs saying "Montenegro" and "Nigeria"

Debate your hearts out! AUC’s Cairo International Model United Nations (CIMUN) swept the National Model United Nations in New York last month. Representing Nigeria and Montenegro, the 37-person team took home an impressive 14 awards, making AUC the most-awarded university at the conference.

Within those achievements, the team won two Outstanding Delegation Awards the highest award a university can achieve for their group representation of Nigeria and Montenegro. In addition, the AUC delegates won 12 individual awards across multiple councils, including the Human Rights Council, General Assembly, UN Environment Assembly, UN Economic Commission for Africa, International Atomic Energy Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, and Commission Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. 

"The amazing team of delegates we had this year led AUC to become the university with the highest number of awards at the NMUN conference this year, as well as the only university to receive not just one but two Outstanding Delegation Awards. I believe this team raised the bar for many years to come," said Ali Hussein, economics major and CIMUN organization committee head.

AUC's Cairo International Model United Nations team celebrating their victor at the National Model United Nations in New York
Radwan, Hussein and Hani with AUC's winning team 

 

Getting ready for this conference took more than six months of practice and a rigorous selection process that included interviews as well as mock conferences and position paper writing. The preparation phase comprised general training sessions for the delegation overall as well as more specific training and strategies for the different councils, in addition to researching foreign policy and identifying key international agreements to support the team's stance. There were also simulations to fully prepare the team for all aspects of the conference as well as a comprehensive process for writing the position papers, "which is a very important aspect of the NMUN conference and yielded many awards for us," explained Hussein. "This year, the majority of our delegates were freshmen and had never experienced a conference of this scale before. This made the preparation process longer and more challenging, which made the victory at the end even more rewarding. That was what was most special about the CIMUN victory this year."

Farid Hani, economics major with a minor in international relations and CIMUN undergraduate academic adviser, echoed similar sentiments. "Working with each and every one of our delegates in training, selection and writing position papers builds a personal connection, and we were eager to see them shine in action. Indeed, they passed our expectations and demonstrated great leadership, presentation, research, analytical and diplomacy skills," he said, adding:

"This year marks the 35th CIMUN team, and it was our target to truly make an impact and prepare the next generation of leaders to partake in this rigorous and prestigious conference. What really made a difference despite our delegation's young age was their spirit, dedication and eagerness to learn. To me, seeing their hard work come into play and their development over the months of training was the true victory."

Walid Kazziha, political science professor and CIMUN's faculty adviser, commended the hard work put in by all those involved. "My sincere thanks goes to all colleagues and staff members who helped prepare CIMUN for its great success," he said. "Above all, we owe our students and their High Board a word of gratitude and true recognition for the relentless efforts they have made to maintain the high standards we always demand of them.”

Cairo International Model United Nations High-Board members with the team's faculty adviser
Hani, Radwan, Hussein and Kazziha at the National Model United Nations in New York

 

For participating students, the conference taught them valuable lessons both personally and professionally. "Attending the NMUN conference this year as head delegate has taught me a lot of new skills and lessons," reflected Hussein. "The key lesson I learned was how to properly strategize and plan ahead with my fellow High-Board members in order to reach the best outcome possible, which we thankfully succeeded in doing. Other important skills that were reinforced, thanks to this experience, included discipline, leadership and diplomacy. I am now assured that if I put my mind to something, plan accordingly, trust the process –– and most importantly my team –– I will reach the goal that I had set out from the beginning."

As Lara Radwan, economics major and CIMUN secretary-general put it, "Year by year, our goals for NMUN increase, and this year, we were able to win the highest amount of awards amongst all competing universities. With the competition becoming stronger and the MUN scene growing day by day, we had to prepare our team to become the top competing university in this year’s conference. The process has definitely been challenging, but the amount of knowledge we gained en route and the experience of getting to meet participants from all over the world is indescribable!"
 

 

Share

Adventures Abroad: Students Share Their Stories

Campus Community
April 30, 2023
A collage of photos featuring AUC students studying abroad. On the left, a young woman poses in front of the Eiffel tower. In the center top, a young man take a selfie with his friends on a cliff in Norway. On the bottom center, a young woman poses with her friends in France. On the right, a young woman poses with her hands lifted in front of a bridge in the U.S.

Whether navigating a new country, learning a new language, making friends or adjusting to new classes, AUC students are thriving in their study-abroad programs. With over 200 partner universities and more than 300 study-abroad opportunities, the University’s liberal arts education prepares students to be curious, confident and flexible during their international learning. Read the first-hand accounts of these experiences from our AUCians abroad.

 

Abdalla Ashraf

The University of Oslo, Norway

What I enjoyed the most was the autonomy, empowerment and diversity of the student organizations. Through reflections, conversations and mentorship in Norway, I had more clarity about the type of career I want to follow and, more importantly, the means to do so. I also felt excited to get back and share my learning, not only from my courses but also from the sustainable lifestyle Norway promotes. Learning at a liberal arts institution such as AUC made it extremely easy for me to fit in right away with the different types of learning environments.”

Abdalla Ashraf takes a selfie with his friends on a cliff in Norway over a body of water
Ashraf (left) takes a selfie with his friends during a hike in Norway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menna Elzahar

University of Central Florida, The United States

“I learned how to live out of my comfort zone, make new friends, deal with homesickness and adapt to a completely new environment. I learned a lot about myself and American culture during my time there. I also witnessed how similar the education system in the U.S. is to our system here at AUC. There was almost no difference which helped me quickly adapt to the academics there and helped me achieve almost straight A's at the end of the semester. My time there was a special mix of fun and learning with my new friends.”

Menna Elzahar poses with her arms up in front of a bridge in the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farida Yehia

Sciences Po, France

“My time at Sciences Po gave me the confidence to be an outspoken person and engage in various conversations that are outside my comfort zone. My study abroad experience connected me with selective internship opportunities, including the one I am currently working at in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Organizations. I have also connected with alumni who have had similar experiences at Sciences Po and it has been very inspiring to me how the opportunities that AUC gives us can turn into lifelong learning experiences.”

Farida Yehia poses in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ahmed Yasser

University of Rochester, The United States

"My exchange experience at the University of Rochester was beyond amazing, to say the least. It felt like being a freshman again, unworried about academic pressures, all open to enjoying the college diversity, the city charm and the captivating nature. I loved the diversity of backgrounds on campus, the field trips to local museums and national parks, and the fruitful involvement in student activities."
Ahmed Yasser poses in front of campus at the University of Rochester

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Darin Hany

Sciences Po, France

“Studying abroad opened my eyes to an entirely different experience! I met people from different backgrounds and cultures, made friends with the most compassionate girls and was able to unravel the magic and history behind so many marvelous museums. At first I was super scared of the change and getting out of my comfort zone since I would be living in a country for almost five months where I didn’t even speak the language. However, I learned to adapt, to challenge myself and even unveil parts of my personality that I didn’t even know ever existed. Traveling abroad helps you unleash your potential in so many ways. It really is a once in a lifetime experience that builds character.”

Darin Hany poses with her friends in Paris
Hany (left) poses with friends in Paris
​​​

 

 

Share

Ramadan from the Heart of Cairo

Campus Community
Abigail Flynn
April 3, 2023
Three photos of Carere placed in a line. Carere sits at a table in the street with Egyptian food in front of her, sharing suhoor with her neighbors. Carere smiles and poses with a peace-sign in front of a shop selling lanterns in downtown Cairo. Carere smiles and stands next to a mascot of a Ramadan character near Talaat Harb, holding fresh strawberry juice.

International student Sara Carere has never experienced a month quite like Ramadan in Egypt. Living in wust el balad, or downtown Cairo, Carere has fasted with friends from Assiut, eaten suhoor on the street with her neighbors and watched hours of musalsalat (Ramadan TV series). 

 

Carere sits at a table in the street with Egyptian food in front of her, sharing suhoor with her neighbors
Carere shares suhoor 
with her
neighbors 

“I was most surprised by how special and collective fasting feels,” Carere says. “Back home in the Netherlands I had some Muslim friends who fasted, but seeing Ramadan on a country-wide scale is incredible.”

Carere smiles and poses with a peace-sign in front of a shop selling lanterns in downtown Cairo
Carere visits a
lantern shop
​​​​​in Sayeda Zaynab

Carere fasted the first two days of Ramadan to understand what her Muslim friends and neighbors were feeling firsthand. “It was really hard for me,” Carere recalls. “Maybe it's because I haven’t done it before, but not drinking water was so tough. That first iftar was incredible, though; water and dates have never tasted so good.” 

As a Middle Eastern studies student from the University of Groningen, Carere has spent her study abroad year at AUC making friends from all over the world. Her iftars have included traditional Egyptian foods and sweets, like molokhia, mahshi, kunafa and atayef, in addition to international foods, like Spanish omelets and pasta bolognese.

 

“I’ve really enjoyed this month because my roommates and I always have dinner together at iftar. Planning the meals, going grocery shopping and visiting the local market in Sayeda Zaynab to see the lanterns has been a lot of fun,” Carere says. “The fresh fruit juice from the street vendors is so good. My favorite is the coconut drink, sobia.” 

 

Carere smiles and stands next to a mascot of a Ramadan character near Talaat Harb, holding fresh strawberry juice.
Carere with
a Ramadan
character mascot
Carere sits at a coffeeshop and looks down intently at a board of dominos. There is a glass of tea and a pink hair clip on the table next to the board.
Carere plays
a game of
dominos with
friends

Living in downtown Cairo has immersed Carere in the Ramadan spirit. “The first night we walked around downtown until suhoor. Everyone seemed so happy and energetic,” Carere recalls. “We spent the night playing dominoes at an awha (local coffee shop) and drinking tea. It’s been a great chance to practice my Arabic.”

Ramadan has also highlighted some amusing cultural differences between the Netherlands and Egypt, particularly with regard to watching musalsalat. “In the Netherlands, we usually watch a show in silence and discuss it after,” Carere explains. “Watching the shows here with my Egyptian friends involves a lot more commenting and asking questions. I like it; it's more engaging. My favorite shows so far are Al Maddah and Al Soffara.”

 

At other times, the month feels bittersweet for Carere. “Seeing everyone breaking fast with their families and spending so much time together does make me a little homesick,” Carere says. “Thankfully, my dad is coming to visit next month, and I am so excited to show him how special Egypt is during Ramadan.”

Share

Ramadan By Students: Five Designs Win Decoration Competition

Campus Community
Abigail Flynn
March 27, 2023
A collage of four students standing next to their Ramadan designs on campus. In the top right, a female student stands next to her banner design, on the top left, a girl smiles in front of the library facade with her AUC and Ramadan Kareem signs on the front. On the bottom left, a male student stands next to his library with his AUC design with the "C" as a crescent. On the bottom right, a female student stands next to her geometric designs strung between the trees. In the center bottom a male student.

Campus is coming alive this month with the spirit of Ramadan — from streamers with crescent moons to celebratory arches and lanterns, festive energy can be felt in every corner. Ahead of the holy month, AUC hosted a Ramadan decoration competition, inviting students to submit sustainable, low-cost designs. Five students were selected as winners, and their ideas were integrated into the University’s holiday decorations. 

 

Rihem Sejil, who studies political science and journalism and is a recipient of the U.S. Department of State funded Tomorrow's Leaders Undergraduate Program, submitted a flag design and dangler idea, which was integrated into the library facade design.

Two photos of Rihem Sejil standing next to her designs on campus with the original design displayed next to them. On the left, a blue hanging banner with the words "American University in Cairo" with lanterns on the top and dates and a tea pot on the bottom. On the right, a hanging design of a yellow crescent with the letters AUC strung beneath it, hanging on the library facade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Omnia Antar Aly, who studies history, game design and interactive design, crafted designs for streamers which were hung throughout the trees on campus. 
A photo of Omnia Antar Aly standing in front of her decorations on campus. The decorations are geometric designs of the AUC logo using geometric designs in blue, gold and red shades. To her right is the original digital design she submitted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nadine Ibrahim, who studies architectural engineering, contributed to the design of the library facade. 
Nadine Ibrahim stands and smiles in front of the library facade design. The design features the words "Ramadan Kareem" written in white font with AUC's logo colors of orange, blue and yellow as background. The AUC logo sits above the words with geometric designs and the "C" is a yellow crescent. To the left is a photo of the original design she submitted with similar elements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Omar Basyouny, who studies mechanical engineering and psychology and is a recipient of the U.S. Department of State funded Tomorrow's Leaders Gender Scholars Program, submitted a design to make the AUC “C” into a crescent for the library facade. 

Omar Basyouny smiles in front of the AUC library facade with a photo of his original design shown next to him. The designs show the AUC logo with the "C" as a crescent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youssef Anwar, who studies management of information and communication technology and is a recipient of the U.S. Department of State funded Tomorrow's Leaders Undergraduate Program, contributed two flag designs and a photo backdrop design. Anwar is studying abroad this semester. 

On the far right, a photo of Youssef Anwar smiling and leaning against a wall. On the far left, the original design of a photo opportunity display. The background is blue with the words "The American University in Cairo" and "Ramadan Kareem" in the top center, with pink and gold decorations of lanterns and an outline of a masjid. In the center is a photo of the display on campus with the same design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two photos of Youssef Anwar's banner designs and banners on campus. On the left is a blue and white banner with the words "Ramadan Kareem" with orange, yellow, blue and green geometric designs. On the right, another banner design with the words "American University in Cairo" with the same geometric designs and color scheme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ramadan decoration competition provided an opportunity for students from many academic backgrounds to contribute to the holiday spirit on campus this month. “I was curious how the decorations for Ramadan would look like this year, so when the opportunity was offered for me to be part of the design, I couldn’t miss it,” Sejil explains. “My experience with designing has mostly been for digital uses. This is my first time designing for AUC and having my ideas printed and on public display, so I’m very excited!"

 

Share

A Legacy of Learning: AUC's Center for Learning and Teaching Celebrates 20 Years

Campus Community
March 22, 2023
Group of people posing in the AUC Gardens
CLT Team

AUC’s Center for Learning and Teaching is celebrating its 20th anniversary of promoting excellence in teaching and learning. Since 2002, the center has been facilitating top-tier instruction, leading the way in technology integration, offering personalized resources and support to faculty, and participating in community outreach initiatives.

From the Ground Up

Group of people gathered around a round table
Ellozy and CLT staff, 2003

The center was founded by Aziza Ellozy, AUC’s associate provost for transformative learning and teaching. Starting from scratch, Ellozy first focused on assessing the needs of AUC faculty and building a strong team. Things quickly escalated from there.

“Three years into the center, we were fully fledged — offering workshops, midsemester assessments, technology support, a newsletter and working with the task force for AUC New Cairo’s learning spaces,” she said. 

Today, CLT’s impact is hard to ignore. It has delivered more than 1,200 workshops and training sessions for AUC faculty, reporting nearly 10,000 attendees at these events. It recently played a major role in developing and launching the AUC Road to College program, which offers free, online English-language learning for high school students in Egypt. When the coronavirus pandemic shut down campus, the center immediately jumped in to assist faculty with online teaching.

“When you design for interest and need and adapt to the emerging and evolving landscape of education, you get a really powerful combination,” said Hoda Mostafa, professor of practice, a CLT member since 2007 and current director of CLT. “This is what we've been doing from the very beginning and especially throughout the last few years.”

Adham Ramadan ’91, professor, dean of graduate studies and associate provost for research, and a “frequent flyer” at CLT workshops, aptly summed up the center’s impact over the past two decades. 

“CLT has been a catalyst for innovative and creative ideas and practices for teaching and learning at AUC and beyond,” he said. “It successfully developed a community of learning and teaching focused not only on pedagogical best practices but also on innovation and excellence.”

Bridging the Gap

A major thing that the center offers AUC faculty is insight into the student experience within the classroom. Andrew Khalaf ’20, who majored in computer science, joined CLT as an undergraduate student technology assistant, where he offered one-on-one technical support for faculty for three years. He recalled the center's essential role as a bridge between students and faculty.

“CLT is one of the few places where professors get to hear and experience the students' side of the classroom,” he said. “The center fills the gap between what professors think they might be delivering and what is actually received by the students. Through midsemester surveys, CLT perfectly voices out student concerns, feedback and experiences to faculty.”

People gathered around a table working on laptops
CLT workshop

 

This role was crucial during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Maha Bali ’01, professor of practice at CLT. “We weren’t just assisting people with online learning technology. We were exploring ways to build community in an online class, as well as navigating that space between responding to AUC’s requirements, meeting faculty needs and advocating for the students.”

Having been with CLT since 2003, Bali has worn and continues to wear many hats. In her current role, she is responsible for developing and delivering workshops, administering midsemester assessments, assisting faculty with classroom research, offering a yearlong professional learning community for faculty and editing the center’s Chalk Talk newsletter, to name a few.

How does she do it all? “Because I love it,” she said simply. “Because of our work, AUC faculty are on the edge of what's possible in pedagogy and what's possible with technology in the world.” 

 

Staying Current

Woman holding a microphone speaking to a group of people
Hoda Mostafa, professor of practice and CLT director

CLT is the only center of its kind in Egypt and the largest in the Middle East and North Africa. “Something that distinguishes us from other centers I’ve seen in the States is the strong technology backbone that we’ve built,” Ellozy said. “This support and the pedagogy and assessment support that we provide have reinforced each other throughout the years.”

As a national and regional leader, the center strives to keep up with the latest trends in teaching and learning. A quick look at the center’s faculty workshops calendar attests to its dedication to supporting AUC faculty, with sessions covering diversity and inclusion, artificial intelligence and engagement strategies aplenty. 

Mostafa explained that the key to staying current lies within the center’s diverse team. “We all come from very varied backgrounds and have individual strengths,” she said. “There's always someone who knows just enough about something to learn more and to teach us. Everyone here is a lifelong learner.”

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

For Ellozy, building such a strong culture of learning and collaboration “came naturally.”

“As the center has grown, we have been learning ourselves, so it was very important that we teach one another, working under an almost flat hierarchy,” she explained.

Reflecting on Ellozy’s legacy, Mostafa added, “We were led by a director who has a very high standard of excellence. “Work ethic is ingrained in our DNA. I don't feel that anyone here at the center considers this just a job; they're here because they want to be.”

AUC community members attributed the center’s success to its team. “The commitment of the CLT team, over the past two decades, to encouraging, supporting and challenging faculty members within a friendly collaborative environment led to reshaping the AUC teaching and learning experience for hundreds of faculty members and thousands of students,” Ramadan said.

“CLT improved my experience at AUC in many ways,” Khalaf said. “The team at the center was always friendly and helpful. Working here gave me the chance to make an impact on the educational journey of others which is a source of pride for me.”

"Our CLT team members have the strongest service ethic of any department I have ever seen,” Bali added. “They are a team of agile professionals who are always willing to adapt and learn in response to what faculty and students need, and to stay one step ahead so we can respond and support them as quickly as possible.”

“The people here at CLT are very special,” Mostafa stressed. “They are passionate about their work and getting the best possible results out of anything we do. It's really quite unique. I've never seen anything like this, and I’d like to thank them.”

“CLT is probably one of the greatest things I’ve ever done,” Ellozy reflected. “I love the people I work with, and I am proud of the center’s impact.

Read faculty testimonials in CLT's annual report.

Share

Campus Conversation; AUC's Strategic Priorities

Campus Community
March 12, 2023
President Ahmad Dallal sits on a stage with moderator Amina Elbendary. He holds a microphone and gestures with his right hand, with a screen behind him showing an infographic explaining AUC's strategic priorities.

During a campus conversation last week, President Ahmad Dallal spoke about the University's four core strategic pillars — student-centered culture, academic excellence, future of work: extended ed and civic engagement — and explained initiatives and projects under each. In addition to continuing to focus on the current challenges posed by the devaluation, the University must work in parallel on realizing its future ambitions, explained Dallal. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

 

  • Despite current challenges, the University must continue to work in parallel on realizing its future ambitions. The Strategic Priorities Roadmap reflects many projects and initiatives under discussion for years.
  • The four core pillars are student-centered culture, academic excellence, future of work: extended ed and civic engagement. Supporting these pillars are main initiatives like programs of the future and campus building projects. 
  • When asked about academic quality, Dallal said that AUC remains committed to creating new projects in addition to refining pre-existing structures. For instance, the University is currently working to create a PhD program for Middle East studies to further boost AUC’s voice in the realm of MENA political and academic thought. 
  • Dallal also responded to questions about the timeline associated with these priorities, emphasizing that the University is in a transitional stage with regards to budget and financial support and is dedicated to ensuring talented students can study at AUC regardless of financial ability. The president also said that many projects will be started in the near future depending on donor relations and grants. 
Share

Sherif Aly First from Region to Join Prestigious Accreditation Executive Committee

Campus Community
Devon Murray
March 8, 2023
Smiling man in glasses wearing a button-up and blue tie leaning against a wall at AUC
Sherif Aly

Sherif Aly ‘96, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has become the first person from the MENA region to join the executive committee of the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

ABET is the world’s leading accreditation body for college and university programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering and engineering technology, according to the American Society for Engineering Education

Elected in 2022, Aly will begin his three-year term on the executive committee in July, during which he will oversee the activities of 12 to 15 accreditation teams per year, providing them with guidance and leadership. He will also play an active role in leading the commission, along with other members of the executive committee.

“I am very honored to have been selected, and I look forward to representing AUC and my professional discipline in the best possible way,” he said.

Aly is no stranger to accreditation nor ABET, however. He joined the commission a decade ago, jumping the ranks from team member to commissioner of the organization’s computing accreditation commission — also the first from the region to do so.

Changing Chairs

Aly first set foot on AUC’s Tahrir Square campus as an undergraduate student, choosing to major in computer science and minor in business administration and electronics. “A computer scientist, by definition, has to be interdisciplinary,” he explained. “Understanding the business side of things afforded me a number of insights into how things happen in electronics, all which gave me depth and breadth.”

After completing his doctoral degree in computer science at George Washington University, Aly returned to AUC as a part-time faculty member in 2002, soon after joining full time and eventually becoming chair of the department.

It was at AUC that he fell in love with teaching.

“First and foremost, teaching is a two-way learning experience; I learn from the students just as they learn from me,” he said, adding: “It’s a privilege to be part of the system that transforms students into successful professionals.”

When he isn’t wearing one of his many professional hats, Aly enjoys unwinding in his garden, where he grows heirloom tomatoes and vegetables. He has also been experimenting with blueberries, a tough crop to grow in Egypt’s harsh climate.

“As a child, I took care of plants, watched them grow and propagated them,” he said. “I love the outdoors and the peace that gardening provides me.”

A staunch AUCian, Aly is proud of his alma mater and his department. “AUC recently passed with flying colors accreditation for its computer science and computer engineering programs. Almost every time accreditors show up, they tell us how strong our programs are,” he said. “We want to maintain our place in the lead.”

Share