As part of AUC’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning, construction engineering undergraduates visited Egypt’s New Administrative Capital to explore hands-on the advanced construction methods and state-of-the-art electromechanical systems being employed. Students ascended to the top floor of the Iconic Tower, the tallest in Africa, where they were able to witness the advanced construction systems that comprise it in action. 

“Seeing such a mega structure, the Iconic Tower, in real life and listening to industry leaders delve into how such buildings are constructed is a real privilege,” says Mohamed Elnakeb, construction engineering graduating senior and president of the student-led Construction Engineering Association (CEA). “We also viewed the mechanical systems inside the tower. This experience is an added value for us as students since we actually see things firsthand and understand how it all works in real life.”

The initiative is a collaboration between CEA, the Department of Construction Engineering, Career Center and American Society of Civil Engineers AUC Student Chapter. 

At the Central Business District, students were granted a unique opportunity to study the technological advancements of the area and gain insights that extend far beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Additionally, the students visited the highrise twin towers, interconnected by a sophisticated truss bridge at the top. “This provided a rare opportunity for them to examine the intricate structural elements and construction methodologies that underpin these towering edifices,” says Ibrahim Abotaleb, associate professor in the Department of Construction Engineering. 

This immersive trip served as a cornerstone of the Career Center's job-shadowing efforts, facilitating meaningful interactions between aspiring engineers and industry professionals."The Career Center organizes job-shadowing visits in diverse industries to help students visualize their career in action,” says Mary Henry, experiential learning officer at AUC’s Career Center. The job-shadowing program allows students to spend a day with a professional working in their career of interest, giving them the opportunity to experience what the job is like and get their questions answered by professionals in the field.”

Engaging directly with engineers and representatives of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, the driving force behind the construction efforts in the New Administrative Capital, the students gained valuable insights into the collaborative efforts and meticulous planning involved in such ambitious projects.

“AUC made history during this visit, becoming the second University to explore the Iconic Tower and the very first to venture into the twin towers, which marks a significant milestone in its commitment to fostering hands-on learning experiences for its students,” says Aboutaleb. "Such initiatives not only enhance academic knowledge but also provide students with a glimpse into their future careers, bridging the gap between education and real-world applications."

As part of their shared commitment to safeguarding and maintaining cultural heritage, AUC and the Al-Turath Foundation have partnered to launch a new initiative aimed at developing innovative digital methods for historical preservation.

"The AUC Library and the Al Turath Foundation share a common vision and purpose through the commitment to the preservation and safeguarding of our rich cultural heritage,” says Lamia Eid ’88, ’92, interim dean of AUC’s Libraries and Learning Technologies. “We are dedicated to the creation, production and dissemination of knowledge, not only at the national and regional levels but also on a global scale.”

Holding a central role in the endeavor to explore heritage preservation, the partnership will foster collaboration in literature and translation alongside theoretical and field research initiatives, particularly in the areas of urban heritage and architectural restoration. 

The initiative also aims to spark community interest, pride and investment into preserving national identity and culture. This will be achieved through enhancing the accessibility of cultural heritage through digital platforms and focusing on their documentation through research, publication, documentary film production and collaborative cultural events.

The impact of this partnership will be appreciated for generations to come: “In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, our collaborative efforts are indispensable for ensuring that our unique and rare collections are safeguarded for the benefit of future generations, particularly through innovative digital approaches,” Eid says.

For someone who wants to do everything, AUC rises to the challenge. “I was really, really happy to have the option to study a lot of different things. I couldn’t choose one specific aspect to focus on because that just wasn’t fulfilling to me,” says Mona Nasr, a member of the first cohort of AUC’s Excellence Scholars. 

“Without the Excellence Scholarship, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to study here,” Nasr adds. “I love that it focuses not only on academics, but the person as a whole. You can show your strengths in more ways than one, like in leadership, talent or sports.” 

Nasr’s strengths fall across the board. Already in a host of co curricular activities alongside planning a psychology major and political science minor, the ability to engage in different academic and non-academic endeavors at AUC lets Nasr fully explore her overall interest: working with people. 

“I love the idea of knowing how the world works,” she says. “Psychology allows me to study how our minds function and why we behave the way we do. Political science adds another layer, as politics affect everything about how we live and integrate in society.”. 

What she learns in the classroom is instantly applicable in the many student organizations she has joined, one being Mashroo3 Kheir, a student group that leads educational and aid initiatives focused on giving back to the community. “Working with student groups has been a really great experience,” she says. “Being able to get involved is a big part of why I was so excited to attend AUC.”.

While she’s not studying, Nasr manages to find time to pursue her non-academic passion which is singing. “I've been singing for as long as I can remember, ever since I was 3 years old. It's something that's very much a part of my family,” she says. 

Nasr’s mother is a recording artist and owns a music production company, and they even recorded a song together. “It's always been something that's very related to family for me and a big part of who I am,” she says. “It helps me feel balanced with my academics, like it completes my personality.”

What advice helps guide her during her journey at AUC? 

“I feel like for so many people my age, in this part of our lives, there are so many decisions to make,” she says. “You don't know what you should study, you don't know what's going to make you more successful, and sometimes I see people choose things they don’t actually like just to do things that they think will get them a high-paying job. But for me, the advice that I've gotten from many older family members is that if you do what you love, you'll be happy with what you're doing. And you will eventually, with dedication, find success.”

For someone who does as many things as Nasr, AUC is a great place to showcase her strengths in every discipline – no need to sacrifice any piece of her passion.

Building on the University's expertise and proven track record in sustainability and its history of excellence in professional education, AUC will offer an Executive Diploma in Sustainability to train and empower 200 Emirati public servants as the United Arab Emirates prepares to host COP28 in November. 

Through a partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dubai International Financial Centre Academy and the UAE University Leadership Council, this interdisciplinary program will offer four cohorts the opportunity to gain the essential knowledge, skills and mindset required to take leadership in sustainable initiatives.

“We are honored to be partnering with distinguished colleagues in the UAE who share our common vision for ensuring sustainability is an integral part of the advancement of the Arab world,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal at the signing. 

Prioritizing a deep understanding of the global sustainability challenges the world faces, the two-month Executive Diploma in Sustainability will foster innovation and cultivate a strong sense of environmental responsibility. 

The diploma centers on four sustainability models: 1) sustainability and water, 2) energy and food nexus from a global perspective, 3) energy resources and green economy at the regional level and 4) water productivity for food security and grassroots innovation for water-energy-food challenges. Participants further benefit from immersive site visits in the United Arab Emirates in order to implement the practical knowledge and skills they acquire during their studies.

The program will also serve as a model for further sustainable initiatives. “We draw on AUC’s technical expertise in sustainability and track record in professional education to build with our partners in the UAE a program that can serve as a model for equipping the region’s workforce with skills essential to the future of work.” said President Dallal.

By reflecting on critical global challenges like the evolving landscape of Sustainable Development Goals, ecological awareness, renewable energies and resilience in the face of climate change, participants will gain a broad understanding of strategies to address pressing environmental concerns. Armed with this knowledge, they will be equipped to advocate for sustainable resource usage and create lasting positive impacts across various industries and communities. 

"The Executive Diploma in Sustainability- Dubai program is an enriching opportunity for professionals and graduates alike, honing their expertise to drive sustainability in a rapidly changing world," said Muhammad Khaled, operations manager at the Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability (CARES). "Aligned with AUC's Climate Change Initiative and the commitment of CARES to not only inspire positive change in the MENA region but also catalyze global transformation, this program exemplifies our dedication to shaping a more responsible and sustainable future.”

In 2022, AUC launched a diploma program in sustainable development to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental and social challenges. The diploma –– with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainable technologies, and social and environmental policy –– coincided with Egypt's preparations to host the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022.