One Hundred Years of AUC Memories … with More to Come

By: Mariam Salah

@maryamfsalah

The American University in Cairo (AUC) on February 9 kicked off year-long celebrations of its 100th anniversary with a series of events at the Tahrir Campus, where it all began in 1919, and more planned in the coming months.

“Each month, AUC will hold a celebration or event. Some of them are student events,” said Vice-President for Student Life Deena Boraie.

On March 1, for example, the Provost’s Office will host a Centennial Evening of Music at Ewart Hall featuring alumna and international mezzo-soprano Gala El Hadidi with the Cairo Festival Orchestra conducted by Director of the AUC Music Program John Baboukis.

Three days later, the New Cairo Campus will host Centennial International Day followed on March 9 with a Tahrir Campus commemoration of the 1919 Egyptian Revolution.

“There are also other events in other countries because we have alumni all over the world. We can’t forget them either. We want to celebrate with them as well,” Boraie told The Caravan.

Some of these global events will take place in Switzerland, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

She added that one the upcoming events which she is particularly excited about is the fundraising gala dinner at the Metropolitan Museum in New York during the month of May.

But the Centennial is not only a celebration for the institution itself, but also all of the staff, students, faculty and administrators who made AUC a second home through the past 100 years.

The February 9 events began at the historic Ewart Hall where Jasmine Zaky, AUC alumna and TV presenter on local network DMC, introduced a special video, “AUC 100: Be the Future”.

“For this very special occasion, we have assembled a video just to showcase and show you how proud we are of all of our alumni all over the world. They always stand out and they always distinguish themselves wherever they are,” Zaky told the distinguished guests, government ministers – such as alumna Minister of Tourism Rania Al-Mashat – and members of the Board of Trustees.

The short film was directed by Mexico-based Franco Garuti, who has created similar shorts for leading global brands.

“The video took weeks of shooting. It brought together so many alumni who were willing to show their appreciation for AUC by participating in this video, which says a lot since they all have very busy schedules,” Garuti’s Second Assistant Director Rassem Zuraikii told The Caravan.

“This is a very small example of our alumni all over the world,” said Zaky.

AUC President Francis Ricciardone also addressed the audience on AUC’s level of education, its history and how it hopes to contribute to Egypt’s future..

“Throughout these last hundred years, AUC has been a rising star in Egypt’s higher education system and truly a proud contributor to the countries intellectual life,” Ricciardone said.

“As we enter our next century, we remain committed in ensuring the very top students from all corners of Egypt, in this region, around the world, will have access to AUC and our education regardless of their ability to meet our tuition costs,” he added.

After the ceremony inside Ewart Hall, the festivities moved to the gardens.

Nostalgic alumni walked around their old campus reminiscing about their experiences and sharing old memories, which continue to remind them of a strong sense of community.

“I am very proud, not only to be an AUCian, but to spread this kind of spirit amongst students and anybody thinking, rightfully, to be a part of this marvelous university,” said Journalism and Mass Communication Professor of Practice Mervat Abou Ouf.

For Ahmed Hashem, who graduated in 2003, the musical performances were the highlight of the day.

“It was amazing coming back to the main campus and meeting all these people, old and new,” Hashem, who is now a quality assurance coach, said.