AUC’s Board of Trustees Cairo meeting this month coincided with the University’s centennial celebration kickoff and the inauguration of the Tahrir Cultural Center, as well as the public launch of AUC’s Centennial Campaign: A New Century of Impact, in honor of the University’s 100^th birthday. The campaign has currently raised 70 percent of its $100 million target.

“We are here to recognize a history of service that would not be possible without the generosity of our donors, who have allowed us at AUC to open our doors to bright, ambitious students from all walks of life,” said Richard Bartlett, chairman of the Board of Trustees, at the Centennial Campaign reveal, hosting some of AUC’s top supporters as well as scholarship and fellowship students.

During their stay in Cairo, members of the Board of Trustees met with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who commended AUC’s role “throughout its history in serving the Egyptian education sector and society ... and its contribution to the country’s educational and research systems and role in fostering closer relations between the Egyptian and American people,” according to Ahram Online. The trustees also visited the New Administrative Capital and attended a session with developers and officials from the New Cairo municipality, discussing the future of our New Cairo neighborhood and how all sides collaborate to create a stronger community.

On both campuses, the trustees discussed long-term strategic campus planning and the AUC experience. They spent a full day on the New Cairo campus taking tours, attending a lunch with students, and meeting faculty and staff. They visited the athletic facilities and select classes and received an update on AUC's dashboards. The trustees also issued a statement to the AUC community. 

A new trustee was also elected at the meeting: Laurie Fitch, partner in the Strategic Advisory Group at the London-based PJT Partners, which provides advisory and capital raising solutions.

Tahrir Cultural Center Inauguration

Celebrating AUC’s 100^th birthday, the trustees attended the centennial celebration launch event and the phase-one inauguration of the Tahrir Cultural Center (TCC) on the historic Tahrir Square campus. The TCC opening included remarks from President Francis Ricciardone; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Amr Adly; prominent businessman and investor Naguib Sawiris, chairman of Orascom Investment Holding; and Board of Trustees Chair Richard Bartlett. The event also included a musical performance, “Ewart Hall: Musical Memories,” featuring singers Mai Farouk and Rula Zaki, the Tahrir Cultural Center Orchestra and conductor Hisham Gabr.

President Ricciardone noted how the establishment of the Tahrir Cultural Center marks a new chapter in AUC’s history: “Today, Egypt can be, should be, really must be, at a point of renaissance, … and AUC must be at the heart of that revival — working to re-establish Umm El Donia as the cultural magnet it has always been, ensuring that the best minds in this region are equipped with the education that they need for the lives of service which our alumni have always led, and spearheading impactful research to address the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Bartlett emphasized the importance of reflecting on AUC’s past, but also focusing on its central mission, which has allowed it to endure and will ensure a new century of continued impact and excellence. “At every critical stage in AUC’s history,” he noted, “people — Egyptians, Americans, Arabs — have recognized that AUC is a positive force for Egypt and the world. AUC has flourished because its mission responds to society’s needs. … Knowledge of AUC history inspires reverence for its mission. Let us remain true to that mission, and our next century will take care of itself. … Happy birthday, AUC.”

Saturday, February 9, 2019, marks the date of AUC's centennial year, and now, also commemorates the inauguration of the University’s new Tahrir Cultural Center (TCC). With a ceremony hosted in the renovated Ewart Memorial Hall, opened with speeches from AUC President Francis Ricciardone; Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Amr Adly; and prominent businessman and investor, Naguib Sawiris, chairman of Orascom Investment Holding; there couldn’t be a more fitting venue or occasion for the center’s inauguration.

AUC's Tahrir Cultural Center will serve as the setting for a wide variety of cultural and artistic events, including live dance, theatrical and musical performances, book clubs, movie screenings, conferences and art displays, such as the current exhibits Bint al-Nil by Sherin Guirguis and When Dreams Call for Silence by former AUC professor Huda Lutfi. The center will be fully owned, operated and programmed by AUC, and the Tahrir Square campus will simultaneously continue to host University-related professional and academic arts programs, along with public lectures and seminars.

The first phase of the opening of the Tahrir Cultural Center features the renovation of six gallery spaces, newly redesigned outdoor garden “perfect for exhibitions and music festivals,” a remodeled cafeteria, the newly renovated Ewart Memorial Hall, Oriental Hall, special access lounge area, Falaki Theater and gallery, spaces for workshops and classrooms.

A New Renaissance

The construction and development of the Tahrir Cultural Center have been funded and supported by Sawiris, a longtime supporter of cultural and educational institutions in Egypt. President Ricciardone described Sawiris as “passionate about giving back to Egypt, [and] giving generously with purpose and impact.”

During the TCC’s inauguration, Sawiris noted that “art and cultural activities are key to positive transformations in the Egyptian community. ... I am pleased to support the establishment of the TCC that will serve as a dynamic platform for cultural exchanges for both Egyptians and expats. I believe that it will mark the beginning of another exceptional centennial for AUC.”

Sawiris envisions the TCC as a place where young people could get exposed to a range of art forms and receive encouragement toward their own creative expression. As he stated earlier this year, “I am a believer in the power of arts and culture to transform communities.”

In its initial phase, the new TCC comprises six main gallery spaces, Ewart Memorial Hall, Oriental Hall, a special access lounge area, a remodeled cafeteria and the Falaki Theater and gallery, along with further space for workshops and classes. The TCC also boasts a redesigned outdoor garden -- the perfect space to host sprawling exhibitions and lively music festivals.

President Ricciardone believes that the establishment of this center will mark a new chapter in AUC’s history.

“Today, Egypt is at a new a renaissance, and AUC is at the heart of this revival … ensuring the best minds of the region are equipped with the education they need for the lives of service our alumni have always led, and spearheading impactful research to address the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Celebration of the Past, Vision for the Future

The TCC is at once the culmination of 100 years of AUC, and simultaneously, a glimpse into its future. Throughout its history, the University has continually strived to connect with the world outside its arched walls, actively contributing to Cairo and the Egyptian community at large. Now, the Tahrir Cultural Center will serve as an evolving inspiration for future generations of AUCians.

"Throughout its long history, AUC has experienced many excellent phases," expressed Deputy Minister Adly. "Since its inception in 1919 and its developed performance over the years, it is considered a perfect example of an academic institution [that] is mainly concerned with society."

“We are dedicated to reviving Egypt’s place as a regional fountainhead of arts and culture through the establishment of AUC’s Tahrir Cultural Center,” noted President Francis Ricciardone, explaining how the center’s mission will be to stimulate intellectual exchange and serve as a cultural hub for the greater community. “Once complete, AUC’s Tahrir Cultural Center will be a centerpiece of downtown Cairo -- the beating heart of culture in the Arab world.”

Soon, there will be opportunities to support the TCC through a Friends of AUC’s Tahrir Cultural Center initiative. For now, take the opportunity to walk through the lush gardens and galleries so you can see the vision come alive for yourself. These current installations and the refurbished campus are just teasers of what the TCC will deliver to Cairo in the future.

For updates on the Tahrir Cultural Center's upcoming events, click here.

As Spring 2019 classes commence, AUC welcomes 110 undergraduates and 144 graduate students to campus, including 16 international students from countries all over the globe, including Japan, Syria, Uganda, Ecuador, Palestine and the United States. Over one-third of incoming undergraduate students are receiving full and partial scholarships.

The newcomers have arrived right in time for the University's centennial kickoff, which will take place in less than two weeks at AUC Tahrir Square. 

Why Are You Excited to be at AUC?

"I am most excited [to come to AUC] because it’s a good opportunity for social life. Also, I want to major in business, and I heard AUC has the best business school."  

-- Merna Adel, undergraduate, Egypt

"I am most excited about the diversity and international community [at AUC] and, of course, the program I am doing."

-- Amro Al Hassan, pursuing an MA in international and comparative education, Sudan

"I'm most excited because, here, I feel like I'll explore myself more and I'll figure out what I'm interested in."

-- Miral Fahmy, undergraduate, Egypt

"Why did I come here? It’s the city; its Cairo — the vibrant city."

-- Anders Dypvik, study abroad, undergraduate, Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oslo, Norway

"I picked AUC because my cousin went here, and she told me about the University and the social and academic life. It’s the best in Egypt!"

-- Jacqueline Azar, undergraduate, Egypt

"I am most excited to learn about the culture and take an intensive Arabic course.”

-- Muna Jibril, study abroad, undergraduate, University of Bergen

"I'm most excited about coming to AUC for the culture, to meet new people and to experience life in Cairo.”

-- Christina Oyelowo, study abroad, undergraduate, Middle Eastern Studies, American University of Paris

"I picked AUC because it is based in Cairo and you get to live in the Middle East. Also because I'm taking an intensive course in Arabic, and it’s a great place to learn Arabic."

-- Astri Waldeland, study abroad, undergraduate, University of Bergen, Norway

"I'm most excited about living in Cairo and learning Arabic."

-- Camelia Manring, study abroad, undergraduate, Arabic and Geography, Vasser College, New York

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave his major United States policy address on the Middle East at AUC New Cairo. His wife, Susan Pompeo, met with students and alumni on campus. 
 

"This year marks 100 years since the founding of this institution, and AUC is more than just a University. It is an important symbol of America’s friendship with Egypt and what binds our people together — a modern place of learning in the midst of an ancient civilization with its own rich history of artists, poets and intellectuals."  

Three student teams were recently selected as finalists for the AUC-TAMEER Water Tower Competition. These included "Colors of Life,” with team members Haidy Helmy, Mostafa Ahmed and Merhan Amer; “Ciel,” with team members Ghenwa Yehia ElMougy, Farah Habib, Nehal Ezz and Mariam Ismail; and “HRSH Architects,” with team members Rana Abdelkhalek, Hana Elshiaty, Hady Eissa and Sana Soliman.

The design that is ultimately selected in the final round of presentations will be used to transform the water tower outside of AUC’s New Cairo campus into a work of urban design, making it the first beautified water tower in Egypt. The competition is being run by AUC in partnership with TAMEER, a real estate development company that will work with the University to make the students’ designs a reality.

The Challenge

Seven teams presented their original designs at the final exhibition. Twenty-five students participated, with backgrounds in disciplines ranging from business to graphic design. After their presentations, teams were then asked questions and evaluated by a jury panel.

The challenge gave students the opportunity to work in a cross-disciplinary setting, applying their knowledge of design, marketing and architecture to a real-world situation. The students had six weeks to finish their first design proposals, working within academically diverse teams and taking part in guided workshops led by volunteer faculty members. The contestants had to grapple with creating a realistic, affordable and engaging design that reflected the values of the New Cairo community in a short-time frame.

“I’ve been at the majority of the workshops we’ve been running over the past month, so we’ve been seeing the progression of the designs. They really put a lot of work into the final stretch,” explained John Hoey, associate professor of practice in the Department of the Arts and non-voting jury member on the competition panel. “We hadn’t really talked about their planning for the budget or for the timeline of their designs. And no matter how great the idea is, if you can’t put it into place, it's kind of pointless.”

The rest of the jury included voting members Magda Mostafa, associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Architecture; Nagla Samir, associate professor of practice in the Department of Arts; Arch. Bachir Moujaes, architect, urban designer and head of design at Solidere; Engineer Mahmoud Hussein, vice president of New Cairo Municipality for Development; Engineer Gamal Taalat, vice minister of the new Urban Community Authority; and Mona Hussein ‘83, designer and owner of Mahally furniture store. Non-voting jury members included Hoey; Engineer Ghada Oteifa, construction engineer and project management professional; Engineer Sally Hussein, director of the Beautification Division of the New Cairo Municipality.

Jury members were looking for designs that were both realistic and artistic -- something that would inspire the New Cairo community. “I’m hoping that the ideas that will come will be beyond what we thought of,” Hussein stated before the competition. The judges acted as a sounding boarding for the designs, asking questions about how the models would be seen from multiple angels and at different times of day, and making sure that the materials utilized in the designs were easily maintained. They explained that they were taking creativity, durability, feasibility and environmental impact into account.

The Drawing Board

The student designs ranged from chromatic to organic, incorporating dazzling hues, 3D overlays and inventive technical effects. All the designs aimed to take Egyptian culture and the New Cairo community into account, attempting to be simultaneously inspirational and representative of the city. While the presentations were all expressive and stirring, they differed in vision. The team “Ciel” explained that they “avoided the abstract so that we could reach a wider audience." Meanwhile, “Gavel and Gravel” believed that “a good design should arouse curiosity, asking for another look. You should feel something but you don’t know what.”

“We wanted to create something everyone feels at home looking at,” the “The Globals" team members said as they presented their design: a brilliant vision of tiles and solar panels streaming down the side of the water tower like colored rain. The student visions also included a pink tree sprouting out of a jet-black background, a speckling of multidimensional cells in earthy green and shocking magenta, and a vivid patterned ribbon snaking its way around the structure.

The Finalists

The team “Colors of Life,” one of the competition finalists, presented this last design. As team members explained in their presentation, the inspiration for their project came from the “calling of the birds,” an event that takes place in Cairo at sunrise and sunset. “These birds represent the community, since they always fly together in a pack,” Merhan Amer, one of the students on the team, explained. They also focused on color, using vibrant greens and light blues to stand out against the sandy background of New Cairo. “Cairo is such a lively city, and we as people were never rigid and stiff. We were always dreamy and colorful, so we thought, 'Let's have flowing, dreamy artwork,'” the team explained.

While the other finalists’ designs were also impressive, they varied widely in appearance. The team “HRSH Architects” imagined a patchwork of windows opening into different pictures and scenes from everyday life. “Behind every window, there is a story. New Cairo is a community of people who are searching for new beginnings, and this becomes the story of the tower,” explained the team of architecture majors. The team’s design combined 2D and 3D objects, using window frames to illuminate scenes that represent different milestones. These images would be illuminated at night by a panel of LED lights.

“I love the kinetic vision of that instillation,” Hussein expressed.

“Don’t be afraid of keeping it flat.” Mostafa suggested, giving us a hint of what their design might look like at the final exposition. “You could do a 3D-effect with a subtle play of depth in each window.”

The last finalist, “Ciel,” tackled the project differently, creating a blended composition of the sky at different times of day, with phases of the moon being exposed by black light at night. Their submission also includes a crowd of people at the bottom looking up at the sky above them. “We wanted to have the chance to show Egypt different, but familiar faces -- the type of faces you feel like you could meet while walking down the street, inspired by the sight of the sky at different times,” the team explained.

A Global Initiative

All the judges were incredibly impressed with what the teams put forward. “They have achieved something that is exceptional,” stated Moujaes. “This started as a humble initiative, and it will end up having global impact.”

Antoine El Khoury, managing director of TAMEER, was also moved. "We are impressed –– impressed with your talent; impressed with your dedication, all the efforts, creativity, emotions and research that you have invested in this work; impressed with your courage in standing before a jury of this caliber and before your very demanding professors. We now understand why AUC is a leading University," he said.

“A lot of my friends ask me when I’m exhausted and running around why I do it, and the answer is getting to work with students,” expressed Mostafa. “I think this is a great example of how lucky we are.”

“Moments like this are what make me proud to be part of AUC -- this amazing energy,” affirmed Samir.

The jury members believe that the competition is an incredible opportunity to create a piece of community art while enriching the participating students’ education in the process. “Being able to do something on this scale while they’re still in school starts to seal the future for them. It has that credibility -- something that is intangible, and that goes beyond any sort of financial compensation,” said Hoey.

“Competitions like this expose us to different experiences outside of the University and coursework,” agreed Amer from the team “Colors of Life.”

“We’re happy, but we have a challenge ahead. We want to go to the next level, but it will be a challenge to change and modify the work for it to happen,” added the team members from “HRSH Architects.”

If the project goes well, jury-members hope it could be replicated in other neighborhoods throughout Cairo. As many of them expressed, it is an opportunity to interact with the community and encourage people to care more about the spaces they inhabit.

“Before this competition, I saw the tower every day and I never noticed it,” said a team member of “Wonderland.” While this might once have been the case, after its beautification, the water tower will certainly be noticeable. In whatever form it takes, it will be visible on a skyline, an enticing sight and monument for New Cairo.

As El Khoury said in his thank you speech, "Thank you for the beautiful stories you told us today. You are talented storytellers. You made us dream. Now, let's together make these dreams come true."

Click here for more information on the competition.

AUC recently celebrated the opening of two University Centers for Career Development (UCCDs) at Alexandria University's Faculty of Commerce and Faculty of Engineering, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These mark the seventh out of 20 UCCDs to be established in 12 public universities in Greatr Cairo, the Delta and Upper Egypt, benefiting more than 1 million students.

Reflecting on the inauguration, AUC President Francis Ricciardone said, "As AUC celebrates 100 years of excellence in education and service to Egypt, we are glad to share our expertise in career guidance through the two career development centers that are established in partnership with Alexandria University. The value of those centers lies in the impact they will have in training the centers’ staff as career services providers, preparing students effectively for employers’ hiring needs and enhancing their employability. I wish to thank the American people for making these career development centers possible through the funding and support of USAID.”

Rebecca Latorraca, USAID deputy mission director, said, "In its 80 years of history, Alexandria University has been a pioneer in education in the region, and it continues to make strides toward providing resources and opportunities to its students. This includes hosting two centers for career development that will benefit its 62,000 students in the Faculties of Engineering and Commerce."

Emphasizing the key role of the two centers in preparing the students for labor market requirements, Essam ElKordi, president of Alexandria University, added, “The centers present for Alexandria University an additional link with the industry and will keep up-to-date with the competencies that our graduates should have to satisfy the job market needs. The range of career services, employability and entrepreneurial skills trainings that the centers provide will increase our students’ competitiveness in landing employment opportunities.”

Sharing the same sentiment, Saeed Allam, dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University, noted, “We are proud to host a University Center for Career Development at the Faculty of Engineering and provide our students with the career management and soft skills that will help facilitate their transition to the working world."

Recognizing the value that the new centers will provide to the Faculty of Commerce and its students, Dean Said Al Saifi added, “The centers will add a new dimension to our relationship with the business sector in Alexandria, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for its needs and are up-to-date with recent developments applied by the industry.” 

The University Centers for Career Development project aims to give professional career guidance and a range of employability skills training, free of charge, to help universities bridge the gap between university educational outcomes and industry needs. The centers facilitate students’ job search through employment fairs and job announcements, and support students’ entrepreneurial interests through relevant training. 

By partnering with the International Labor Organization, the project will help identify local labor market requirements and keep universities updated with those needs to accommodate for them in their curricula. 

Coaching football isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s also about setting them.

News@AUC met with Robert Reasso, AUC’s new athletic director and football head coach, to learn more about his plans for AUC’s Office of Athletics and football team on and off the field, ask about his favorite sports teams, discover why he “gets a kick” out of working at AUC and more.

Q:  When did you get your start working in athletics?

A: I started as a player. I played with Pfeiffer University and then got my Master of Education from Springfield College of Massachusetts. The soccer coach at Springfield was phenomenal, and he really got me interested. I coached some high school football, then started coaching college. I was really fortunate and got a job at Rutgers University. I was there for over two decades coaching soccer. Then I transitioned to working as an athletics director. First, I was a director at the University of Southern Maine, and later, I got recruited back to my alma mater, Pfeiffer. There, I was vice president, athletics director and soccer coach. It was great because they won one game the year before I got there, and three years later, we were undefeated national champions. I had tremendous players.

Q:  What made you decide to take on this new position with AUC?

A:  Originally, I knew about AUC because I recruited here. I had seven players at Rutgers from AUC, so I had to come to Cairo. At that time, roughly where we were standing was still a desert! I coached Aly Mazhar who went to Be Fit Egypt. I also coached some national team players here, so I already had a network in Cairo. When this job was posted, I realized that I wanted another challenge and something different. I decided to apply. Next thing I know, they offered me the job, and here I am!

Q: What is your favorite part about working at AUC?

A: I love Egyptian people; they're so friendly. Also, my staff is tremendous, and I love my footballers. I find Egyptian footballers to be very talented. I wanted to come here because I wanted to work with the best. One of the things you miss as an educator is teaching, and I have the opportunity now to teach again. I love being on the field with the guys, and I love the campus.

Q: What are your goals as the new athletics director, and what changes do you want to see implemented?

A: When I got here, there wasn't one picture on the wall, and there still aren't, so we're putting up photos of student athletes. Also, we are working on branding ourselves. We're looking to build an athletics website and to use social media to get the word out to the community about who we are. Right now, we're invisible to the world because we don’t have a website and people don't know how good we are. Second, the president has allowed me to come in and develop an American-style Office of Athletics, and that’s what we're doing. We’re cutting down on University sports teams and turning them into club teams. For example, rugby and frisbee are going to become club teams so they can play other Egyptian universities’ club teams. Our rugby team still has alumni playing, and that doesn't fit into a college athletic environment, so we're trying to work with the Student Union and the Office of Student Life to have them identified as clubs. Finally, we’ve started a student athletic advisory committee, something that is very big in the United States. We are having two athletes from each team meet monthly to give us an idea of what’s going on with the student athletes. It is also service-oriented.

Q: What has surprised you most about living in Egypt?

A: I tell my friends, at any one moment, Egypt is romantic, exotic and chaotic!

Q: What is your favorite football team?

A: Manchester United Football Club. They’re the biggest brand in the world. When I talk about brands, I’m talking about Coke and Apple; they're up on that level. I also kind of have a favorite football team in each country.

Q: How did you feel about France’s World Cup win this year?

A: I thought the World Cup this year was phenomenal! It was difficult for me because the United States wasn't in it and Italy wasn't in it, which is my parents’ country, but it's the World Cup, so of course, I follow it. And I like the French team! I did think that the Egyptian team could have done better. I think that if they had played in that first game, they might have had a chance of going through. I know the country was in mourning afterward, and since I was coming here, I was in mourning with them.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to students interested in playing football and joining the football team?

Well, they have to try out. In the United States, you usually have your team picked out before they come because you recruit. Here, I was shocked how many kids tried out -- 120 kids tried out for our team, and I've cut it down since then. They were all great footballers. You have to come to tryouts incredibly fit, ready to put it all on the line and ready to learn a new system and a new style.

The Egyptian government recently approved the minting of AUC's centennial coin. 

"It's the government acknowledging that 100 years of AUC is worth commemorating," explained Nagla Samir, associate professor in the Department of the Arts and co-chair of the Materials and Collateral Taskforce for AUC's centennial.

To create a coin for the centennial celebration in Feburary, graphic design students Ahmad Khalil, Mariam Ibrahim, Lana Kurdi, Mariem Abutaleb and Ingy Fawzy took part in a mentored workshop supervised by Samir and Ghalia Elsrakbi, instructor in the Department of the Arts. The student designs were inspired by AUC's unique architecture and the University's rich history.

"I hope that people get a feel for what this institution is about and realize thats it's been in Egypt for a very long time," said Khalil, describing what he hopes people think when they see the coin. "It was the first time I helped produce something that would go out into the world; it's very meaningful," he added.

"It wasn't just a theoretical project -- your eyes and your professors eyes are not the only judge. Everyone has to understand this coin and it has to be of value for everyone," said Ibrahim, talking about how the design team wanted to create a coin that would speak to all AUCians.

Be on the lookout for the coin at AUC's yearlong centennial celebration starting in February 2019.  

The five AUC graphic design students who designed the University's centennial coin with President Francis Ricciardone (center), Nagla Samir (third from right), Ghalia Elsrakbi (second from right) and Lamia Eid, associate dean of Libraries and Learning Technologies and head of the Materials and Collateral Taskforce for AUC's centennial (left)

AUC celebrated the launch of a new USAID-funded University Center for Career Development (UCCD) at the University of Sadat City. 

This inauguration comes after the opening of two other UCCDs at Mansoura University, in addition to a center at Minia University and another at Beni Suef University, making the UCCD center at Sadat University the fifth to be opened under the four-year University Centers for Career Development project.

The center, one of 20 centers set to open at 12 public universities in Upper Egypt, the Delta and great Cairo area, was established as a part of the larger University Centers for Career Development project that offers students a comprehensive set of career management services, training for employment and entrepreneurship to increase the graduates’ competitiveness.

To ensure the sustainability of the centers and their career services, AUC's Career Center team will train and certify the staff of the University of Sadat City.

AUC Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahman expressed his excitement about the new center, saying, "We are pleased to partner with the University of Sadat City to establish a University Center for Career Development that will contribute to qualifying students for the labor market and developing their employability skills, thus positively impacting the reduction of unemployment in the governorate. We thank USAID for funding this project that aims at spreading career guidance services in  Egyptian universities.”

Rebecca Latorraca, USAID deputy mission director asserted, "Egypt's economy and future rely on the active participation of its youth. That's why for the past several years, USAID has worked to create linkages between schools and the private sector so students are prepared for available jobs."

Ahmed Bayoumi, University of Sadat City president, added, "The University has always served the Sadat City community and has been an essential part of the revival of the promising agro-industrial city. Today, as we celebrate the inauguration of the University Center for Career Development, we are not only serving students and graduates by qualifying them and helping them become more employable, but we are also offering a service that will have a positive impact on the economy of Sadat City as a whole. We are delighted and proud of this constructive cooperation with USAID and AUC."

The project aims to reach around 1 million students at public universities in Upper Egypt, the Delta and Greater Cairo. It will help bridge the gap between university education outcomes and the needs of the labor market and industry. 

Menoufia Governor General Saied Abbas, as well as senior officials in Menoufia, university presidents and high education experts, also attended the opening ceremony.

The monthlong exhibition, Nothing Vanishes, Everything Transforms, at the Prince Mohamed Ali Tewfik Palace (Manial Palace) featured the works of 28 Egyptian artists, including AUC alumni Marwan El Gamal '12, Islam Shabana '13, Malak Yacout '15, in addition to Khaled Hafez, adjunct associate professor of design in the Department of the Arts, Shady El Noshokaty, professor of practice in the Department of the Arts, and Huda Lofti, who taught Arab cultural history at AUC from 1983 to 2009.

The show endeavored to highlight the diversity and complexity of Egypt's cultural landscape while simultaneously attracting the private sector's interest to give donations that help preserve the palace museum.

The show was curated by Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, founder of Art D'Egypte, a platform that organizes an annual contemporary Egyptian art exhibition in a different historical site every year. Last year's exhibition took place at the Egyptian Museum for one night. Malak Shenouda, '18 and Hana Al Beblawy '18 worked with Abdel Ghaffar on curating the art exhibit.

Several artists drew inspiration from the palace itself for their compositions. "I find it very interesting and challenging for me to think about creating a sight-specific idea for the Sham Reception Hall, thinking about the historical context of the palace," confessed El Noshokaty, as he explained how his project at the exhibition, "Colony-Sound of the Seven Tears" was inspired by the museum's historical collections.

Check out some of the exhibition art pieces below: