Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 1

Contents Ahmad El-Nemr The youngest members of the AUC community at lunch in the daycare center on the Greek Campus Page 30 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 8 BROADCASTING SCHLEIFER 3 AUSCENES A pioneer in TV journalism in the region and a teacher to generations of correspondents, Linda Vester is elected to Board of Abdallah Schleifer, director of the Adham Center for Television Journalism, retires. Trustees, Fadel Assabghy steps down as dean, Condoleezza Rice on campus 10 A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN A look inside the freshman-year experience of four LEAD program students, each a 37 ALUMNI PROFILES top performer from a public school in one of Egypt’s governorates. Yasmine ’99 and Farida ’00 Khamis on 14 MAIN MADE BIOLOGY life inside one of Egypt’s leading Having seen every class of biology majors to graduate from AUC,Andrew Main is a companies and their family business face few biology alumni forget. 16 DIPLOMATIC RHYTHMS 32 ALUMNI NEWS Blending public diplomacy and singing, Mohamed Kazem ’86, ’89 is finding new Alumni meetings around the world, ways to advocate change. Distinguished Alumni Awards, a gathering of IT alums 20 COMMENCEMENT COUNTDOWN The Class of 2005 counts the minutes to graduation and a new beginning. 37 CLASS NOTES 23 CAIRO AFTER COLLEGE Class updates, weddings and deaths Four presidential interns get an insider’s view of AUC and Cairo. 40 AKHER KALAM 26 VIVA ESPAÑA Mohamed Berray ’05, a graduate of Art students take their class to Spain, exploring the likes of Picasso and Gaudi firsthand. the Forced Migration and Refugee PROFESSORS IN PRINT Studies program, has found his calling 28 helping refugees in his hometown of From animal mummies to the media and 9/11,AUC professors publish leading work. Sierra Leone 30 FROM DAY ONE TO DAYCARE From a humble start to new campus plans, the AUC daycare is grooming toddler alums.

On the cover: Mohamed Kazem on stage before a concert in Cairo, photographed by Ahmad El-Nemr

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 2

Editor’s Notes InBox AUC TODAYSummer 2005

Volume 13, No. 3 Flopped Flip think it could be more interesting.The style of reporting is The Koshari Connection Thanks for an very formal, and the stories covered are important to AUC attractive [Spring 2005] but not catchy.Why don’t you deal with controversial If you were to walk The American University in Cairo is a issue with interesting topics that trigger debate, such as the issue of niqab (face into our offices in the nonprofit private institution devoted to articles. I’m sure you've veil) at the university or whether or not the quality of communications and providing English-language liberal arts already noticed that the education at AUC is the same now as it was in the past? marketing department, education to serve Egypt and the photo on p28 is flipped Why not tackle issues that affect AUCians, such as career one of the first people Middle East. — compare rings, opportunities, rising unemployment and how AUC students you would see is 23-year- Editor in Chief cutting hand and compare to those from private universities? Even fun topics old Liberian-native Dina Abulfotuh writing on sweater such as love relationships between AUCians and whether or Robtel Pailey, our intern against p27. not they develop into marriage would be nice to read. for the 2004-05 academic Senior Designer Inas Tohamy I read the article on Also, it would be very useful to have a calendar of AUC year. If for any reason you videoconferencing just events in the magazine.As an alumna, I would like to didn’t notice her, the Designer after listening to a guest attend lectures, plays and concerts that take place at the always boisterous “good Robtel and I about to devour a bowl of koshari Rehab Farouk on a radio program university; I just don’t know when these events are morning” is sure to catch your attention. Staff Writers who has just had a book published on the killing of the happening. Having such a calendar in AUCToday would In many ways Robtel is our own experiment in cross-cultural dialogue and Dalia Al Nimr, Lamya Tawfik,Wael English language. One of his examples was the noun help alumni keep in touch with AUC. understanding.With a continuous flow of scholars to campus, often discussing Elazab and Robtel Pailey “dialogue” and how it seems to be used increasingly as a Nouran Sharshar ’01 issues like understanding the other, misconceptions about the Arab world and verb. From that a new noun “dialoguing” has been created, Cairo, Egypt the need to build bridges, it is amazing how simple it can be to create Advisory Board Ann Boudinot-Amin, annual giving and I see that in your article “dialoguing” is now also an experiences that can be transforming. Initiatives like the dialoguing project, office; Gretchen McCullough, English adjective. I’m afraid that I’m in the same camp as the writer Thanks for the feedback.You can sign up to receive a monthly which has AUC students videoconferencing with their peers from U.S. and comparative literature department; and prefer “talk to” rather than “dialogue” as a verb, and I alumni e-newsletter containing a full calendar of AUC events and universities, the study-abroad program and the presidential intern program all Afaf William, alumni office prefer “dialogue” as the noun rather than “dialoguing.” updates by visiting www.aucegypt.edu/alumni — Ed. provide the types of interactions that gradually shatter stereotypes. Photographers Sandy Darling Each year, between six and eight presidential interns, like Robtel, are assigned Ahmad El-Nemr, Omar Mohsen Ontario, Canada New Campus Reality to various departments on campus, where they work alongside full-time staff, I was very impressed with assuming regular work responsibilities.Their contributions to the work and the AUCToday is published three times Making Contact the cover of the Spring fresh perspectives they bring are naturally invaluable.Their even greater a year by the American University in Cairo. I was reading the AUCToday Spring 2005 issue and came 2005 issue of AUCToday. contribution, however, is on a much more personal level.When you bring a across the article on Dina Sarhan. I am very interested in My son was a year abroad young graduate of a U.S. university and throw him or her into a typical office We welcome all letters. Submissions learning how to cook and was very happy to read about at AUC more than 10 of predominantly Egyptian professionals of a much older age group, culture may be edited for space and clarity. Dina.Therefore, I would like to get her e-mail or contact years ago, and I have been shock has to hit in both directions. Please send all correspondence to: AUCToday numbers. Is there anyway you could help me with this? keeping up with AUC’s At a dinner held for this year’s interns, I was struck by the impact of this The American University in Cairo Salima Barakat ’01 news ever since through experience on them.While several admitted not knowing what to expect when 113 Kasr El Aini Street Cairo, Egypt the magazine. I knew that they first arrived, all of them left with a greater respect for a new culture and PO Box 2511 AUC was building a new plans to one day return.Almost all of the interns reported being moved by the Cairo 11511 Egypt Dina Sarhan Culinary Solutions campus and was glad to warmth of the relationships and the support they received from the people they or 103 Mirghany St., 1st floor, Suite #2, Heliopolis, Cairo see that construction had met in Egypt. AUCToday Telephone: (02) 290-3343 finally started on the buildings. Good luck with this huge On the flip side, just as the interns leave with a unique personal experience The American University in Cairo and ambitious project. in Egypt, each of them is a small window into their own culture.Through 420 Fifth Avenue,Third Floor New York,NY 10018-2729 Keep It Coming Ferial Atia regular office chit chat, working on the same team day-by-day, Robtel became USA I must say that AUCToday has improved a lot, but I still Virginia, United States just another one of us. It is remarkable how far a one-on-one conversation over a bowl of koshari can go in bringing about cross-cultural understanding. e-mail: [email protected] www.aucegypt.edu We Would Like to Hear From You AUCToday welcomes letters from readers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please send to [email protected] or Editor, Dina Abulfotuh AUCToday, Office of Communications and Marketing, 113 Kasr El Aini Street, P.O. Box 2511, Cairo 11511

2 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 3

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 4

AuScenes Broadcast Journalist Linda Vester Elected to AUC’s Board of Trustees

inda Vester, prominent broadcast science, Islam and history. She L journalist at Fox News channel currently serves on the board of the for the past seven years and a former Institute of International Education Employment Fair Fulbright scholar at AUC, has been and is a member of the Council on Reaches Capacity recently elected as a member of the Foreign Relations. university’s Board of Trustees (BOT). AUC Board Chairman Boyd Hight ore than 100 companies Specializing in Middle East affairs, noted that Vester has extensive ties to M were vying for prospective Vester is host of Dayside with Linda the Middle East, specifically to AUC employees from AUC at the Vester, the only live newscast on U.S. and Egypt.“It is an honor for the university’s Spring 2005 television that features a studio university to have such a distinguished Employment Fair, held on the audience. Prior to her work at Fox, journalist as a member of its board Main Campus in May.The half-day she spent 10 years as an anchor and and we look forward to working with fair provides a forum for cultivating correspondent for NBC News. She Ms.Vester as AUC continues to play a and developing productive Fadel Assabghy Returns to True Passion has traveled to more than 40 unique role in creating links between partnerships between AUC rom graduate student to dean of “I remember my first teaching day countries, covering wars and the United States and Egypt,” he said. graduates and the corporate world. F the School of Sciences and vividly. I was still green; I felt self- political strife. AUC’s 38-member Board of Initiated in 1986, the Engineering (SSE), Fadel Assabghy’s conscious and not confident of doing Vester graduated from Boston Trustees is composed primarily of employment fair was the first event connection to AUC goes back more the right thing,” he said. Over the University with a bachelor’s in American, Egyptian and Arab of its kind in the region and has than 40 years.Assabghy said that he years,Assabghy did many things right journalism and earned an honors individuals, distinguished for their continued to expand until reaching has spent “his entire adult life at the at AUC, most notably the accreditation diploma from the Sorbonne in France. professional accomplishments in areas capacity for the first time this year. university,” passing through many of most of the SSE’s departments. She was a Fulbright scholar studying relating to Egypt and the Middle East. Companies, including some of professional milestones. Assabghy joined the university in Middle East affairs at AUC, where she Members of the board are volunteers, Egypt’s top multinationals and This semester,Assabghy will step 1963 as a graduate student.“There took courses in Arabic, political elected to renewable, three-year terms. industry leaders, were assigned down from his six-year position as wasn’t a Greek Campus or a science booths that took over every inch of dean to go back to what he describes building or even a physics major,” he the campus. as his true passion: teaching.“I said, adding that seeing the university Kofi Annan Speaks at Event Commemorating Nadia Younes AUC alumni and current consider myself first and foremost a build a new campus is exciting. students came out in droves to teacher. I was only on loan to the Assabghy’s former posts at AUC uring the Board of Trustees … Nadia inspired a whole generation flaunt their professional acumen. administration,” he said. include heading the physics unit, Dmeeting held in New York in of young women –– and men –– by “As an idea, it sounds good.You get But Assabghy will not be without directing the Core Curriculum May, Kofi Annan, United Nations demonstrating that there were no limits to see what vacancies are open, administrative responsibilities. He will program and chairing the University secretary-general, spoke in memory of to what a person with talent, making it easier for you to apply. I also be heading the newly established Senate from 1996 to 1998. In 1998, Nadia Younes.The Nadia Younes commitment and courage could was impressed by the amount of Science and Technology Research Assabghy was awarded the Parents Memorial Fund was established at achieve.And she inspired all of us, companies represented,” said Abeer Center, which he helped initiate.“This Association Outstanding AUC last year in the name of the U.N. regardless of age, to keep things in Ziadeh, a graduating senior in center is a big challenge; I feel a great Teaching Award. administrator who died in August 2003 proportion,”Annan said. political economics. sense of satisfaction because it has His research interests and during the bombing of the U.N. Contributions to the fund will be Having attended the last four developed from nothing,” said publications are in the fields of headquarters in Iraq. used to establish an annual lecture and consecutive employment fairs, Assabghy.“It has enormous potential, electronic properties and Electron Spin “The Nadia Younes Memorial Fund an award for public and humanitarian graduating senior in finance but at this stage, it is still in its infancy Resonance studies of glasses and is a wonderful way to honor a service, in addition to naming a Hussam El Tayeb said,“It’s an edge and has to be nurtured.” carbon fibers. He was actively involved colleague whose memory will remain conference and meeting room in the in the market and seems to get Directly after receiving his doctorate in the inception of the university’s with us forever … And a beautiful Model United Nations Center on better every year.” from Keele University in the United Desert Development Center and memory it is that lives on among all of AUC’s new campus. Kingdom in 1970,Assabghy joined the helped direct its solar energy activities. us in the United Nations family who For information, call (+202)797- physics unit at AUC where he was Engineering Professor Medhat had the benefit of working with Nadia 5152 or e-mail [email protected] instrumental in developing the Haroun is Assabghy’s successor and electronics option as an applied will take up his new post starting program within the physics major. September 1, 2005.

4 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 5

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 6

AuScenes Condoleezza Rice Calls for the Government to Have Faith In Its People

Though in the past the United States has been seen to Arabic Studies Professor support dictatorial regimes, Rice made it clear that the Wins World Prize Bush administration had no intention of now imposing democracy, but that it did see autocratic countries as a ernard O’Kane,AUC professor of long-term threat.“For 60 years, my country, the United BIslamic art and architecture, States, pursued stability at the expense of democracy in recently won the World Prize for the this region, here in the Middle East, and we achieved Book of the Year for his volume of neither,” she said.“Now we are taking a different course. photographs, Early Persian Painting: We are supporting the democratic aspirations of Kalila and Dimna Manuscripts of the Late all people.” Fourteenth Century. During an open question session, Rice was asked about “It will introduce people to a picture the relationship between the United States and Europe book, as well as interesting stories,” said peaking to a packed audience in Ewart Hall, U.S. with regard to Middle East policy.“I’ve been saying to our the quarter-century veteran of AUC S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addressed the European allies let’s stop analyzing the state of the U.S.- about his masterpiece co-published by Egyptian government, the up-coming elections and the European relationship and put that relationship to good AUC Press and I.B.Tauris, London. emergency law, within the context of democracy in the work toward great strategic goals,” said Rice.“The United After spending four years fundraising Middle East. States and Europe share a history of having struggled and for the publication, O’Kane was Rice called for the Egyptian government to have faith having sacrificed so that there could be democracy ecstatic to see his hard work and in its people and stated that it “must fulfill the promise it and unity.” dedication pay off. made to its people and the rest of the world, to be free to The speech was an indication that the United States will Held in Tehran last February, the Foundation works are underway for the new AUC library choose … Egypt’s elections, including the parliamentary not be satisfied with just the outward appearance of award ceremony was presided over by elections, must meet objective standards that define every democracy in the region and that they are looking for the President Mohammad Khatami who free election.” Middle East to fully embrace it. bestowed gold coins upon the First AUC Employees Move to New Campus recipients, an ancient Iranian custom he new campus development next to the contractor’s office. for honoring prizewinners.“I was very T office will go down in AUC’s Preparations for the move included impressed that he would involve history as the first to move to the new communication systems and data links Ruler of Sharjah Discusses Joint Collaboration Projects with AUC himself in such a ceremony; it speaks campus.The step was taken in April as to university networks. orking to foster collaboration scientific research centers and faculty volumes for the interest in culture in a means of enhancing day-to-day “We’re quite excited as we move between educational of similar interests in the humanities the country at large and in government work interaction. from the established vision in the W institutions in the region,AUC and social sciences, as well as circles,” said O’Kane in retrospect. “We have three groups on site that design documents to actual realization welcomed Sheikh Sultan Bin establishing exchange programs. A linguist of the first degree, the require continuous interaction at this of the new campus,” Salloum said. Muhammad Al-Qassimi, ruler of Al-Qassimi was briefed on Irish national speaks fluent Arabic, stage of the project: the contractor, the Inas Mikhail, assistant to the Sharjah, for a meeting with President AUC’s new campus construction Persian, French and English.Adding project management team and AUC’s director of planning and design at David Arnold,AUC Trustee Moataz developments and work progress.An another honor to his list of credentials, new campus development team,” said the new campus development office, Al-Alfi,AUC Advisory Trustee art patron and connoisseur, the sheikh he was awarded the special prize for Ashraf Salloum, director of planning liked being one of the first to move Esmat Abdel Meguid and top also added AUC’s Rare Books and books published on the Middle East by and design for the new campus. He to the new campus.“Although the university administrators. Special Collections Library to his tour the government of Kuwait at last year’s noted that as project tasks have move was incredibly hectic and An avid supporter of effective of the university. annual celebration of the British switched from design to construction required a tremendous amount of pedagogy in higher education, After obtaining an undergraduate Kuwaiti Friendship Society. activities, the office’s presence at the work, as an alumna, I feel very Al-Qassimi founded the American degree in agriculture from Cairo President David Arnold (right) presenting Al-Qassimi site is critical at this stage. excited about being a part of AUC’s with a facade of AUC University of Sharjah in 1997. University,Al-Qassimi went on to To ensure direct coordination for history,” she said. Al-Qassimi visited AUC to explore receive a doctorate in history from credited with facilitating progress in both the project management team The new campus project will be ways in which the two institutions the University of Exeter in the several areas including the economic, and the new campus development completed by September 2007 at an can cooperate on joint projects. United Kingdom. He has made giant agricultural, social and cultural team, a site office has been established estimated cost of $300 million. Future collaborations include linking strides as the ruler of Sharjah and is domains.

6 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 7

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 8

Broadcasting Schleifer

Credited with establishing the Adham Center for Television Journalism and training countless aspiring journalists in Far left: Schleifer with soldiers in Iraq during the the region, Abdallah Schleifer has earned Gulf War; top left corner: at work inside the Adham center; top right; Schleifer with the late former the respect and admiration of his peers Egyptian President Anwar Al-Sadat; bottom left: receiving the Presidential Award for Distinguished and students Service with Provost Tim Sullivan and AUC President David Arnold; bottom right: greeting Hussein El Sharkawy, vice president for new campus development, during an event held to honor Schleifer’s contributions

ne week before Anwar news item sent ripples through the in the region, competitive with any journal published twice a year, now in graduate and publisher of The Daily Schleifer (formerly Marc Schleifer) is a Al-Sadat was assassinated, Cold War press like fire crackling shots, equivalent center in the United States. its eighth year. Currently the niche Star Egypt, spoke of Schleifer’s frequent contributor of articles on mass O Abdallah Schleifer, NBC further sealing Schleifer’s fate as a rising Michael Hudson, director of publication for reportage, research and commitment to ethics in a field where media as well as Arab and Islamic affairs News producer-reporter and Cairo journalistic star. Georgetown University’s Center for debate about Arab satellite television, there is intense pressure to get the story to scholarly and specialist journals. bureau chief, pulled up to the desolate, Nearly three decades later, Schleifer is Contemporary Arab Studies, praised TBS has an estimated global readership at any cost.“It has been a privilege for While he plans to “make time for more barricaded residence of the president now slated to retire from AUC as Schleifer for bolstering Adham’s of nearly 10,000 mass communication me to call him my teacher, and even a physical and spiritual exercise” after and immediately felt the prickling director of the Adham Center for capabilities.“As founder and director of scholars, broadcasters, journalists and larger privilege to call him my friend,” retirement, he will remain connected to brown hairs on his arms stand up.A Television Journalism after launching the Adham center at AUC, he government officials tracking said Mabrouk. AUC as professor emeritus. terrible sense of dread transformed several enduring institutions in his 22 contributed positively to the broadcasting in the Arab and Muslim According to Les Crystal, former A Renaissance man, Schleifer has into empathy for the president years of service to the university.AUC information revolution in the Arab world.“Due to his vision and president of NBC News, Schleifer was interviewed notorious figures, scuttled because “I had this feeling of a man Trustee Paul Hannon captured many of world.Abdallah also made outstanding foundation of the electronic journal the epitome of journalistic integrity. through enemy territory, befriended abandoned. It had all the elements of the sentiments inside AUC.“Abdallah is contributions to our understanding of TBS, the international academic and “Abdallah Schleifer represented the presidents and achieved success in the a Roman tragedy.” larger than life. He is a superb leader Islam and Islamic civilization,” he said. journalism communities now look first very best in journalism.With him as professional and personal realms. New As the rolling camera dawdled about, and mentor. His legacy is in the scores Today, the center’s alumni are to AUC when they have questions our bureau chief in Cairo, we never York Times op-ed columnist and AUC Schleifer’s London-based network news of his students and their continuing anchors, producers, correspondents and concerning the Arab media,” said AUC missed a story; and thanks to him, I alumnus Thomas Friedman director advised him to throw in a last accomplishments and contributions,” videotape editors at every major Arab President David Arnold. Even on the believe we always got it right,” said the encapsulated Schleifer when he said: minute, outrageously tangential said Hannon. satellite channel and mainstream brink of retirement, Schleifer is still current executive producer of “We Middle East correspondents are question.“So I told our correspondent, Schleifer left NBC News to join Egyptian TV channel. Its graduates also making strides, recently overseeing the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. something of a fraternity and Abdallah Paul Miller, to ask Sadat about his most AUC’s faculty in 1983 and was asked to work for media giants such as BBC, launch of a print edition of TBS. Born in New York,Schleifer is a has always been a credit to our little triumphant moment as a Muslim establish a TV news-training center, CNN and Time Warner’s New York 1 While Schleifer’s stellar graduate of the University of club. He is intensely independent, leader.” On U.S. national television, which he opened within a few years. and hold prominent positions in the accomplishments are impressive, the Pennsylvania and received his master’s honest and a wonderful explainer Sadat admitted for the first time to The Adham center has been described print media as well. lasting impression he has made on his in Islamic political thought from the about both Islam and the Arab world. working closely with the CIA to fund in countless articles in the Egyptian, In addition to launching the Adham colleagues in the field and students American University in Beirut.A 69- He has been a great bridge-builder and arm the Afghan mujahideen militia Arab and international press as the center, Schleifer founded Transnational only exceeds his achievements. Mirette year-old of Jewish origin who between cultures.” r against Soviet forces.The bombshell prime location for training journalists Broadcasting Studies (TBS), an electronic Mabrouk ’89, ’90 an Adham center converted to Islam 40 years ago, By Robtel Pailey

8 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 9

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 10

Name: Fatma Gamal A League Age: 18 By Dalia Al Nimr Governorate: Marsa Matrouh Photos by Ahmad El-Nemr Major: Intended construction engineering of their Activities: Arab Youth Development Congress, International Own Conference on Information Technology, Entrepreneurs Society and Phonathon

simply love joining extracurricular activities and getting to I know people. My friends tell me that I’m overdoing it because I come home late and that will eventually affect my studies. But I don’t feel that these activities are wasting my time; in fact, they help me organize my time. In my first semester, I joined only one activity and got bored very quickly.When I joined several activities in my second semester, university life became a lot more interesting. I worked as a delegate in conferences, an organizing government officials and discuss with them problems committee member in clubs and a fundraiser for special pertaining to Egypt. It makes me feel important when I sit events. It was all very exciting –– meeting new people, going and have a face-to-face discussion with VIPs. out there and doing things myself and then seeing it all But I know that these discussions have to lead somewhere. come together. Joining these activities makes me feel like a That is why I am constantly thinking of Matrouh. new person. I am more self-confident now; I know how to Unemployment there is increasing, and there are no private deal with people and difficult situations and, more sector establishments. My dream is to set up an engineering importantly, I feel that I am doing something worthwhile. company there and help rectify the image of the place from To me, the best part of the LEAD program is our regular a humble tourist area to a modern, civilized urban center.As visits to Egypt’s governorates. I’ve always wanted to see all of a first step toward achieving that goal, I plan to conduct Egypt, and these visits have made that dream come true for literacy classes there in the summer. I always tell my parents me. It’s awesome getting the chance to meet governors and that everything I do here at AUC is for beloved Matrouh.

Four students reflect on their first year at AUC, the transition from public schools and living in Cairo Name: Mark Anis Age: 18 s Fatma Gamal walked through campus on her first Agency for International Development and the Ministry of Governorate: Ismailia day at AUC, she had a stinging sense of insecurity. International Cooperation, the program aims to build future Major: Intended computer science A “I always had the impression that AUC is a place leaders for Egypt by instilling in its recipients the knowledge, Activities: Alashanek Ya Balady where rich, fashion-driven people who are not too serious attitude and skills to become active players in the country’s meet, and that made me very uncomfortable,” remembers development. During their university years, LEAD students hen I first came here, everything seemed different. Gamal.“It was also the first time for me to be away from my are required to take part in a community service club and W The educational system was different, people were family. I felt drastically homesick, and I didn’t want to talk to attend a management development program.Top performers different and the atmosphere was very different. I felt I anyone or see anyone.” will spend a semester abroad. In addition, they visit three would never be able to adjust to my new environment. Today, Gamal is a valuable member of many student-run governorates every semester to understand local challenges. But as the days went by, I felt more and more acquainted clubs and conferences at AUC.“I love the campus; I love my For three consecutive years, the program will select a male with AUC and its activities.Actually, it became a second friends; I love the atmosphere,” she said with enthusiasm. and a female public school student from each governorate. home to me. Gamal is one of 54 new scholarship recipients at the This year’s recipients represent the first group of LEAD One of the main things that helped me make a smooth university. She is part of the Leadership for Education and students.Though still in their first year, many look back on it transition was my joining Alashanek Ya Balady student club, Development (LEAD) program instituted this year, awarding as a turning point, reflecting on how things have changed for which helps the underprivileged residents of one of Cairo’s top-performing public school students in Egypt a full tuition them personally, socially and academically. Below, four LEAD poorest areas,Ain El Sira. I go there weekly to give undergraduate scholarship. Funded by the United States students share their insights on their first year at AUC. computer lessons.Although it does take up a big portion of

10 AUCTODAY Summer 2005

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 12

my time, the immense satisfaction I get is unparalleled. a reference for future training. South Tahrir and saw how a barren, desert land could be It’s not yet clear to me what exactly I want to do, but I Every time I return from a session, I feel happy that I was That’s another thing I learned –– the concept of turned into a little, green village and farmland. know I want to be part of a development project for Egypt. able to help poor people and paint a smile on their faces. teamwork.We regularly attend conferences, conduct panel All this got my mind twirling about what how we, the Or better yet, I would like to be an AUC professor and teach University life is not just about academic courses; the discussions and make presentations on varying topics.This educated group, could take our country forward and has students to develop their own ideas and thinking skills. The extracurricular activities help make you a better person, has definitely increased my knowledge in different fields, but helped develop my vision for the future. I never thought I best thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter what field you capable of helping others and able to deal with people of more importantly, it has taught me how to work efficiently would be able to make a change in my country, but after specialize in or what major you choose as long as you are different ages and backgrounds. I distinctly remember that in a team: how to get my ideas across but acknowledge LEAD, I have a feeling inside me that I could do something. provided with the means of success. many times I had to give sessions on Saturdays and would others’ input, how to plan and prepare things together and have exams and papers due the next day, but I always felt how to consolidate everything into a single piece of work committed to go. People were waiting for me, and I that we all get credit for. It’s very rewarding. couldn’t let them down. Looking back at my first year at AUC, I think I’ve Besides the internal satisfaction I got, I also became more changed a lot. I have a vision to play a positive role in my without taking action. confident in my presentation skills. I never thought I would community, though I am unsure of what route to take. I feel After studying here for a year, I came to the important be able to conduct training, but I did.And because I like that in everything I do, there is something new to learn realization that one doesn’t get educated just to receive what I’m doing, it has turned out to be successful. In fact, everyday.All in all, I’ve become more knowledgeable, good grades.The real meaning of education is teaching you my colleagues and I have developed a manual to be used as creative and responsible. how to think and getting you interested in new disciplines. That is where I think the liberal arts program is phenomenal. I know that many people think it’s a waste of time to study subjects that you may not use in the future, but I don’t agree with that view. I like reading about philosophy and scientific thinking even though I am an Name: Mary Hisham conservatively because she was seen as disrespectful.This past economics major.As you read more, you build up Age: 17 year, I learned to accept others and to make all kinds of knowledge that would help you take meaningful part in Governorate: Minya friends. Just because some people think in a way different discussions and debates. I sincerely believe that studying a Major: Business Administration from mine or have a different set of values doesn’t mean I Name: Kareem Omara certain major doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work in Activities: AUC Music Group, Cultural Discovery Club can pass judgment on them.That doesn’t mean giving up Age: 19 your field of study; the key is to be educated and learn your morals, but acknowledging that people are different. Governorate: Giza how to teach yourself. But the best part of my stay here is the amount of freedom Major: Economics It’s true that because the LEAD program is so intense, I I enjoy –– the freedom to make my own decisions and take Activities: Student Union, Entrepreneurs Society,AUC don’t go out with my friends or watch TV as much as responsibility for them. Being away from my family means Choral Group before, but I think it’s really worth it. Every two weeks, we that I choose the way I live, handle issues independently and have speakers from different fields discussing with us some learn how to deal with problematic situations that come my always used to see things from my side –– the Egyptian of the challenges facing Egypt as a developing country. way. Even small things make me feel independent.At my I and Arab side. Everything was either black or white. But Through these seminars, I became more aware of my school in Minya, our teachers used to do everything; we sitting in class and listening to what students from other responsibility toward my community and began to develop couldn’t handle lab equipment or log onto the Internet countries have to say made me realize that there is no right a vision. without permission. Now, I conduct my own lab or wrong answer; every person’s contribution adds value to I always ask myself after these seminars:Will I really be experiments and use electronic resources freely without a the discussion and expands your way of thinking. Seeing able to help my country after I graduate? I think the answer teacher looking over my shoulder all the time. things from an international perspective has made a is that I have to learn well, study hard and take up every I cherish LEAD because it has opened my eyes to my tremendous difference in my personality. opportunity that comes my way.As a first step, I plan to run country’s problems. I can’t believe I’m Egyptian and wasn’t To be honest,when I first joined the university, I didn’t for the Student Union leadership in my senior year to be aware of the dynamics of the situation in my own country. think that my experience would be so positive. I always able to implement a new vision for students and make them Because we travel to different governorates, I’ve come to had the impression that AUC students are a bunch of aware of Egypt’s needs through interesting events. I believe learn about the problems of each governorate and began to snobbish, spoiled people who don’t study hard and have that entertainment always has to have a message. I also plan think of how they could be solved. For instance, I got to nothing to do with their country. But, on the contrary, I to start a student club at AUC that would fill any needed riendship has taken on a new meaning for me. Back in know that Fayoum is a great tourist place, but needs to be found political awareness on campus, sit-ins to protest gap in the students’ experience. By training myself in the F Minya, conservatism dictated that I choose certain types marketed as such to attract tourists.Also, the fact that there is against the war in Iraq, dedicated community service clubs leadership of my university community, I would be taking of people to talk with. I could not talk to a person who no university in Aswan makes it difficult for students from and student-run events made up of youth who are thinking one step forward in helping my country.A journey of 1,000 smoked for fear that people would label me in a bad way. I that governorate, especially females, to seek higher education. hard of ways to develop their country and don’t just talk miles begins with a single step. r could not make friends with a girl who was not dressed We also went to AUC’s Desert Development Center in

12 AUCTODAY Summer 2005

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 14

teaching Scientific Thinking. I think it’s he dons his Santa costume to the to graduate or medical schools,” Main an excellent course with a lot of room delight of those around him.“Last year said like a proud father. for give and take on controversial while I still had the costume, I wore it Beyond instilling a sense of topics,” he said. to the finals and surprised the students,” community in the biology department Enjoyable is the word that he uses to he said.“That’s not a permanent job, and among his students, Main has Main describe many of his experiences at just on the side,” he said laughing. helped groom future generations of AUC. It is the enthusiasm and energy In addition to his Santa-like biologists.“I knew Dr. Main well before that he gives to his work that has demeanor, Main is known for the taking any classes with him. He taught Made Biology proven contagious among his students. individual attention he gives his us how to think like biologists, how to A founder of biology at AUC, “I enjoy working with the students students, often taking special interest in acquire information and how to handle Andrew Main’s is a face few very much. I think we have a great their projects and research. In 2001, and analyze findings,” said Ahmad El bunch in biology in particular. Biology Main took a few students to Kenya on Droubi, biology senior. biology alumni forget is not one of those high impact majors a camping trip to look at wildlife.Three When asked about his greatest that people come in to because there years later, he went on another biology achievements at AUC, Main still draws Main with students inside the lab; on a trip in Kenya; dissecting inside the biology are a lot of jobs out there like trip to Australia also to study the attention to his students.“I am most lab; Main as Santa Claus engineering, business or computer wildlife. proud of the students,” he said.

e has traveled with his university in 1994, students could not and neighboring North African and science,” said Main.“Students choose Amira El Sherif, biology senior, After leaving AUC, Main will focus students to Kenya and major in biology. Four years later, the Middle Eastern countries.“By 1992, biology because they like it, and that’s a describes Main as a father figure.“I on the research he has been working H Australia, surprised them in biology major was established and the my contract ended but I had become strong point in making students here in don’t think there are words that on for decades. He will continue to their finals dressed as Santa Claus and first class graduated in 2000.“I’ve fond of Egypt and life outside the biology what they are.” describe Dr. Main. In addition to being study the West Nile virus and the role hosted regular dinners at his home for enjoyed every graduating class. Each laboratory, so I thought of other ways Bearing a charming resemblance to a good teacher who knows his stuff, he of animals in the epidemiology of biology majors.Andrew Main, the class meant something different.The to remain here.The job at AUC Santa Claus, Main puts those around genuinely and sincerely cares about his Hepatitis E at a lab in Connecticut. biology professor and department chair first ones were the pioneers who seemed perfect,” he reflected. him at ease.A colleague once told him students,” she said. Summarizing the feelings of students who has served for many students as a struggled with us as we tried to get Coming from Yale University’s that a student admitted being stressed Long after they graduate, students still and faculty, Provost Tim Sullivan said, mentor and guide, is now leaving the things right,” said Main. school of medicine, where he taught out about the Scientific Thinking keep in touch with Main by sending “He was a great teacher, a mentor to department after a decade at AUC. Prior to joining AUC, Main was no pre-med students, at AUC Main was course until he met Main.The student updates to the weekly newsletter sent many junior faculty and students and a In his soft-spoken voice, Main newcomer to Cairo. Since 1986, he appointed head of what was then the then knew it was going to be a good out by the department.“We keep close supportive colleague.We will miss his reflects on his time at AUC and his worked as a researcher in the U.S. biology unit and taught freshman class when he saw that his professor track of them.They are an enthusiastic sense of humor and total dedication to instrumental role in establishing the Naval Medical Research Unit in Cairo biology and Scientific Thinking, among looked just like Santa Claus, recounts friendly group and it’s a pleasure his students and colleagues.” r biology department with characteristic studying the West Nile virus and other courses.“At first I was Main. Main has become a regular at the working with them and seeing them modesty.When he first joined the vector-borne disease problems in Egypt apprehensive, but then I enjoyed faculty and staff Christmas party, where succeed after graduation. Many go on By Lamya Tawfik

14 AUCTODAY Summer 2005

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 16

ully clad in a suit, tie and synergy of diplomacy and music, sparklingly polished shoes, writing and composing more than F with the formal, refined 150 songs in English,Arabic and demeanor of a diplomat, Mohamed Spanish and performing them live Kazem ’86, ’89 sets off to work in a under the umbrella of public public diplomacy initiative with the diplomacy –– a field in which he Euro-Arab Foundation in Spain. received his doctorate from Spain Diplomatic Forgoing day-long meetings and seven years ago. rounds of negotiations that are the “Public diplomacy is a way to hallmark of a diplomatic career, achieve dialogue among peoples and Kazem has carved out another path. music is a bridge,” he said. Dressed in a shirt and pale black jeans, Away from the typical theme of By Dalia Al Nimr Photos by Ahmad El-Nemr sounding off melodious tunes on his romantic sagas, Kazem’s songs deal guitar and singing songs amid a with aspects of the “human Kazem on stage at his most recent concert in Cairo Rhythms cheering audience who sway their dimension:” moments of hope, candles in harmony with his music, insecurity, disappointment, love and between dreams and reality, the Kazem has found a new breed joy.These include songs on how time horrors of wars and killings, the of diplomacy. passes you by quickly, the difference uncertainties of life and the frustration Having graduated from AUC with from unfulfilled goals and unanswered Mohamed Kazem ’86, an undergraduate degree in questions. By focusing on themes that economics, a minor in political all people can relate to, Kazem hopes ’89 heats up the stage science and a graduate degree in “Public diplomacy is a to forge a common understanding Middle East studies, it was not way to achieve dialogue among people from different parts of with a fusion of unusual for Kazem to pursue a among peoples, and music the world. diplomatic life and join the Egyptian is a bridge.” “We all have things in common, but diplomacy and music Ministry of Foreign Affairs.What may have different ways of expressing makes him different, however, is his them.That’s where public diplomacy comes in. It is a message to people from all nations and a key to making our world a better place,” Kazem said. Born to a father who worked with the United Nations and in the field of higher education and a mother who is a psychologist, Kazem found himself traveling extensively with his family from the age of four.Traveling in the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Mexico and the Far East developed in Kazem a belief that people from diverse backgrounds have more similarities than differences. “This is when the seed of public diplomacy began to grow in me, but I didn’t know it at the time,” he said. The feeling crystallized inside him as he grew older, reaching a turning Kazem reflects on life as a diplomat and musician in his Cairo apartment point at the age of 12 when he spent

17

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:09 PM Page 18

Following AUC, in 1991, Kazem For three years, Kazem has went for a one-year foreign service performed concerts, delivered lectures training program at Oxford and conducted meetings touring University, receiving a certificate in Spain, the United States and Egypt diplomatic studies. International under the title “In Search of politics, trade and law were, of course, Understanding.” In his concerts, part of the learning experience, but Kazem plays the guitar and sings in for Kazem it was his interaction with three different languages, focusing his 30 junior diplomats from 26 songs on the universal themes of countries that made all the difference. hope, fear, frustration and dreams of “We mingled together in an informal peace and love. His music is a atmosphere and I felt more and more combination of soft rock, pop, rumba, that many of the differences we focus reggae and blues. on are shallow masks, while the real Occasionally, Kazem invites ‘us’ lies in the moments of truth we diplomats from other countries to all share as humans when and if we perform with him. Revenues from his can afford to let those masks fall concerts are used for philanthropic down,” he said. causes, which included helping Kazem moved to Madrid, Spain in homeless children in Brazil and 1993, where he has now served for helping the poor through the two terms at the political section of activities of Fat’het Kheir, a the Egyptian Embassy. He received nongovernmental organization his doctorate in international relations working in Egypt. from the Autonomous University of “Money is not my objective,” Madrid, specializing in public Kazem pointed out.“I am a human diplomacy and in bilateral and being affected by my surroundings multilateral cooperation in the and their interaction with Mediterranean region. Kazem’s thesis accumulations within me. I want to focused on the image Egyptians have share my feelings and thoughts of Spaniards and the one Spaniards through my songs. I sincerely believe have of Egyptians as conveyed that songs dealing with aspects of the through the mass media.“My research human experience will touch people’s confirmed to me that work had to be hearts and souls if they are honest done to rectify the impressions and pure.” people of different nationalities have Persistent in the path he set for of one another, and I felt deep down himself, Kazem continues to write that art and music were an excellent and compose his own songs about the summer at a U.S. camp in a cousin who plays the guitar, Kazem released a year after his graduation, path for that.” what unites and breaks up humans, as Nevada.“I made a lot of friends always had an affinity for melodies, and his latest CD, Stygmatism, was Currently, Kazem is a first secretary the following excerpt denotes: there, but was shocked that the salient developing gradually into a young released two years ago. “I want to underline what at the Egyptian foreign ministry. He image they had of Egypt was people guitarist.When he was 15, he teamed “I want my songs to express the is common among us, but works in collaboration with the Euro- To the dream of being at peace with living in the desert and traveling by with a drummer friend and true moments in life –– moments also make us accept what is Arab Foundation in Spain, an yourself and harmony with others, camel. I was convinced then that performed concerts at clubs and other that we all share as humans. I want to not. It’s not about a clash of organization focused on promoting To love and be loved, and to be happy stereotypes lead to misunderstanding, venues.As college students, Kazem underline what is common among us, civilizations, but more of an dialogue and cooperation between without hurting others. and something had to be done to and his friends formed a music group but also make us accept what is not. the Arab world and countries of the It is never easy as it partially lies in alleviate such distorted images.” called the Harmonix, performing at It’s not about a clash of civilizations, alliance or integration of European Union through research, what is said, but more in what is unsaid. Kazem found his calling in music. AUC and other universities, as well as but more of an alliance or integration civilizations.” scientific, educational and cultural With a sister who plays the piano and in public theaters. His first tape was of civilizations,” he said. exchange programs. The Unsaid, 1999 r

18 AUC TODAY Summer 2005 19

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 20

or many of this year’s graduates, commencement marks a long-awaited milestone that ends one chapter of their lives and ushers a new beginning.To find how a typical F graduate spends the day leading up to commencement, AUCToday followed Mennat- Commencement Allah El Dorry, an Egyptology major, from the time she woke up for breakfast until the walk across stage to receive her diploma. Working toward her degree for four years, El Dorry was excited to have finally arrived at her graduation.Though she may have had to endure sociology, philosophy and Arabic classes, she said With 10 hours left to the final walk across the stage, Countdown that it was her zeal for Egyptology that kept her going. She also managed to gain work graduates grapple with mixed feelings as they prepare experience during her time as a student, working with both the former AUC public relations for the grand event Photos by Ahmad El-Nemr department and the enrollment office.Among El Dorry’s most memorable experiences at AUC is mummifying a fish that she can now treasure forever as a memento of her life at the university.

The8:00 day begins a.m. as El Dorry makes her way onto the street.“We just need to wait for a friend who’s going with me to El4:00 Dorry makes p.m. her final preparations for the the rehearsal.” Moments later Wazzi ceremony as she tries on her cap.“I just hope arrives and it’s off to Nasr City everything goes smoothly; it’s already been a long day,” she says with nervous anticipation

Celebration10:00 is in a.m.the air and graduates are quick to congratulate each other amid warm greetings.After several A7:15 quick breakf a.m.ast while Mennat-Allah El Dorry, Egyptology major, calls for order, El Dorry hears her name and makes her way goes over the plan of the day with her father.“Believe me, you won’t The8:30 moment Elp.m. Dorry has been waiting for finally to the allocated seating. make it if you leave at six, especially if you have to pick up uncle on arrives.“It’s been a long time coming but I’m glad the way,” she says. Fully relaxed, dad tells El Dorry not to worry and I finally have it,” El Dorry says with a smile just focus on her own schedule

20 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 21

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 22

Inside AUC’s offices, four presidential interns selected from top airo U.S. universities C spend 10 months after working at the university, learning about Egypt and themselves in CBy Robtelollege Pailey Photos by Ahmad El-Nemr the process

ost people rarely take time and numerous authors of acclaimed off to unearth their life’s books on Middle East history. M passions. Familial This year,AUC’s presidential interns, responsibilities, a demanding career and who hailed from Connecticut College, the daily routine seem to eat up the Davidson College, Harvard, Howard, Top right: Zeyad Bahaa- Eldin, chairman of the General years, while the list of unexplored and Stanford universities, plunged into Authority for Investment and possibilities continues to linger. the Cairo scene. Beyond experiencing Free Zones, delivers the Each year, six presidential interns — their first full-time professional jobs at graduate commencement address; center right Six fresh graduates of U.S. universities all AUC, the interns developed their graduates receive the President’s under the age of 25 — opt for a Arabic language skills, spearheaded Cup for scoring the highest grade point averages; bottom different track during a 10-month stint outreach projects, occupied themselves right: Aliaa Rohaiem, in Egypt.Taking a short detour from with cultural exploration and engaged representative of the master’s the expected job applications and in personal development. degree candidates, addresses the graduates graduate school programs that invariably follow after college, these Reaching to Refugees young men and women set out to Floridian Sean Brooks established a explore new frontiers. natural rapport with Omar Idris, one Established in 1981,AUC’s of his students at St.Andrews Church, presidential internship program and was immediately enveloped into provides graduates of some of the most his family.Amidst a booked schedule in prestigious universities in the United the president’s office drafting and States with the opportunity to work in editing correspondences, preparing AUC’s administrative offices. In two speeches and conducting research, decades, the program has brought Brooks squeezed in several hours each more than 150 graduates to Egypt, week instructing refugees in English. many of whom have gone on to Idris was his top student.“In exchange careers in academia, journalism, for teaching Omar’s sister on the side, international development, diplomacy, his mom fed me,” said Brooks with a law and banking. Former AUC contented smile. presidential interns include a During dinners filled with heaping MacArthur Foundation award plates of enjera and berbery sauce from recipient, a CNN White House Idris’s native Eritrea, Brooks gleaned correspondent, an aide to former U.S. insight about the complexities of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright refugee life.“I’ve learned a lot about

Caroline Foster

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 24

“Being able to read opposition how to wait for a hope that may never In addition to establishing newspapers and watch come,” he said referring to the partnerships with CACE and the local “I realized that both groups television in modern standard transitory nature of refugees in any community, launching an oral history were uprooted from their homelands and are still struggling Arabic has given me the kind of urban environment. Refugees often project chronicling the achievements of wait like lame ducks, and the the center and creating a record to cope with displacement and knowledge that generic bureaucratic system that keeps them in management program with AUC’s marginalization.” textbooks lack.” a state of flux haunted Brooks.“It’s a Rare Books and Special Collections struggle for them to build their lives in Library, Foster exhilarated in the rush a country that they want so desperately of adrenaline that goes hand-in-hand to leave,” he said. Coping with the with teaching.“Teachers have the daily challenges of racism and poverty opportunity to help people feel excited in Cairo, Brooks’s students came to St. about knowledge,” beamed the aspiring Sean Brooks Andrews for a break in the monotony museum educator. and to prepare themselves for possible When she was not in the classroom, affinity for Ethiopia’s people and Harvard University football star resettlement to Anglophone countries. Islamic Cairo transformed into a source landscape.“While in Shashamane, I Raftery experimented with the Brooks taught at St.Andrews to find of wonder and awe for Foster. She was was also able to understand the nuances of soccer, a game he had never hope in the unseen. speechless while standing at the apex of spiritual dynamics of Rastafari life played seriously before coming to For Brooks, Cairo also represented a the Blue Mosque minaret for the first and culture often misconstrued by Cairo. Raftery warmed up to soccer hub from which to scrutinize recent time on a Friday afternoon. outsiders,” she said about her trip to a because “it is a world communicator developments in the Middle East. “You can ‘feel it’ when you’re in a Rastafarian commune. that transcends class, religion and Having focused on the region in his place that contains the history you’ve As for domestic travel, Mosby found nationality.” His newfound love of the last two years of study at Davidson studied,” said the Connecticut College the real charm of Egypt encapsulated game enabled Raftery to make a College, Brooks traveled to Cairo for a graduate in medieval studies. in a voyage to Aswan.The Howard connection with people who may have year of immersion.“Being able to read University history graduate heard an seemed inaccessible because of age, opposition newspapers and watch A Portal to Africa exclamatory “my sister” from many of culture or language barriers.Among television in modern standard Arabic At the height of a spectacular tribute Aswan’s residents. It was at this critical Raftery’s most memorable matches has given me the kind of knowledge to Rastafarian Bob Marley in the moment that Mosby as an African- were the ones played with members of that generic textbooks lack,” he said. Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa,Web American felt a sense of parallel history AUC’s hostel maintenance staff, who communications intern Courtney with Upper Egyptians.“I realized that showed him their skills on the field and Teaching the Teacher Mosby found herself on stage dancing both groups were uprooted from their talked about their lives as Egyptian A class of 20 pupils at the Modern near the reggae icon’s progeny as they homelands and are still struggling to nationals after the games.“Before I English School sat transfixed in their performed several of his classic hits.As cope with displacement and greeted them with an impersonal nod; seats as Center for Adult and professional photographers clamored marginalization,” she said. now the smiles are friendlier, warmer, Continuing Education (CACE) intern for a glimpse of the Marley clan, more genuine,” he said. Caroline Foster discussed Niccolo Mosby stood at arms length snapping Sports Connection Egypt’s topography left an indelible Machiavelli’s The Prince. Several hands away with ease. In a fast-paced, action-packed soccer impression on the government popped up following Foster’s For Mosby, who spent her time game at the AUC hostel in Zamalek, a graduate. Escaping the pollution, presentation, and the students began a coordinating Web site development fearlessly aggressive Chris Raftery crowds and uproar of the city, Raftery vigorous debate about leadership styles. with technical, administrative and “juked” his first contender with trekked to the arid regions of Egypt to While some teachers would be academic units at AUC, the true lure precision and flair.After a slight fake to find solace in personal reflection.“It unnerved by the cutthroat undertones of spending a year in Egypt was its the left, Raftery shuffled to the right, in was the one place where I could be at of Machiavelli’s seminal text, Foster proximity to top travel destinations. control of the spotted white ball. peace with myself without the clutter used it as a springboard from which to Eager to explore the African When he wasn’t writing and editing of people and noise,” he admitted. r discuss politics in Egypt.“This mutual continent, Mosby grabbed every promotional pamphlets for the Desert learning is what I enjoy most.There are opportunity to travel both inside and Development Center (DDC), The writer, Robtel Pailey, served as the students and teachers in the room and outside the country.The high point, preparing research project proposals or communications and marketing intern, where the positions are not necessarily strictly however, came during the winter acting as a liaison between the DDC she covered events, wrote stories and provided defined,” she said. break when Mosby developed an and the AUC community, former invaluable input. Chris Raftery Courtney Mosby

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 26

instructor Tarek El-Akkad, affiliate Barcelona, where they attended lectures amazing and inspiring for me to see professor in the performing and visual by Spanish professors at the everything in real life and to examine arts department and a specialist in International University of Catalonia. the details you don’t see in slides. It Spanish studies, proposed a winter The rest of the week in Barcelona was added to my experience as an artist and course.“Because of the tight schedule I spent visiting museums and examining pushed me to a higher level.” thought that the best way to do a the works of famous artists like Picasso, Though the students were exhausted course like this is to take the students Dali and the Spanish architect Gaudi. by the end of the trip, they all felt that on a field trip to experience the Of course, the students paid a visit to a what they gained in knowledge and content firsthand,” El-Akkad said. flamenco dance performance. exposure was worth the fatigue. “Spain is rich in its art and architecture “In Barcelona, I was exposed to some “The trip showed me a completely and Barcelona has influenced every of the most inspiring artistic elements I new side of myself,” said Malak artist and architect who has lived there. had ever witnessed,” said Mai Rashdan, Sowellem, a psychology senior.“I never I felt it would be an inspirational art senior.“I did not only react to what thought I would be interested in art, experience for our students.” I saw in galleries; it was the entire but I found out I was. I also realized I The aim of the course, El-Akkad atmosphere. I felt the liveliness of the could draw, which is something I never added, was for the students to interact city and its people and the variation in thought about doing before taking this directly with the subjects they are art schemes that was evident in the course,” she said. learning about.“I could sit them in design of buildings and the intricate For Rashdan, the course helped her class and show them many slides about artwork on sidewalk tiles.” develop new ideas.“I needed this trip Spain, but they would not know what For other students, Barcelona because I felt I was repeating myself in the paintings or sculptures are about exposed them to a new side of art they my work and wanted to find new until they experience them themselves. had not fully grasped before.“I was sources of inspiration,” she said, adding In addition, slides mean that you are never a fan of Picasso, but after seeing that the Spanish culture with its seeing the work of art through his artwork firsthand and understanding “vibrant colors, loud music, flamenco somebody else’s vision, but walking the meanings behind it, I appreciate dances and the intricate designs you see around the sculpture or painting, every piece that belongs to Picasso. I in almost everything around you” is a examining it from different angles and think he is an art genius,” El-Sayed said. fertile ground for creativity. drawing it using your own eyes is a In the rest of the cities they visited, “In Spain, many things can inspire totally different experience,” he said. the students also learned art from the you as an artist,” she said.“I now want Art students take their With museum visits in the morning Islamic period.“I’ve always been to go back to my studio and work on r class to Spain, exploring and field sketches and library research interested in Islamic art and something new and unique.” in the afternoon, the students had a architecture,” said Rashdan.“It was By Dalia Al Nimr the likes of Picasso, Miro busy schedule in Spain.Walking and Gaudi firsthand through the cities and examining the buildings, palaces, art galleries and museums, the students covered many kilometers on foot. “How could you visually experience Viva España a city in a taxi?” El-Akkad said, hile their counterparts is a goldmine of ancient and modern “Spain to me was nothing more than explaining the pedestrian part of the toiled through the art and architecture. flamenco dancers, famous beaches, trip.“The emphasis was on the visual W densely-packed winter Through a four-week course,The Art lively night life and Barcelona’s well- experience because one picture is session courses on campus, art students and Architecture of Spain,AUC art known soccer team. Never before had worth a thousand words.” took their classroom to Spain. From students spent two weeks in Spain, it crossed my mind that Spain could The course began in Cairo, where for Barcelona in Catalonia to Granada and traveling to different cities, studying the have [such a rich] art and architectural 10 days, El-Akkad gave his students a Seville in Andalusia, the students art museums, galleries and buildings by world of its own,” said Salma El-Sayed, background on Spanish art and discovered that the land of flamenco famous architects while documenting an art senior. architecture and an overview of the dancers, bullfights and nighttime fiestas everything in their sketchbooks. The idea started when the course course content.They then took off to

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 28

Global Media Go to War:Role of News and Entertainment Media in the 2003 Iraq War, Marquette Books Professors Edited By Ralph Berenger What started as a bet with a colleague ended up as an important scholarly work on Sharing their expertise,in AUCPrint faculty the behavior of international media during war.“I bet my colleague that there members contribute innovative publications wouldn’t be a war in Iraq because Saddam Hussein would never risk being forced to to their fields step down. I lost my bet, but became enthralled by how the media was behaving,” said Ralph Berenger, journalism and mass communication professor and the book’s editor. The Illustrated Guide to Luxor:Tombs,Temples and Museums, AUC Press The book is the first scholarly effort to examine the media’s role in covering the By Kent Weeks war. It is comprised of the scholarly work of nearly 50 academics, including nine from AUC and the Middle East, and journalism professionals who are all authorities in For the thousands of tourists who flock to one of Egypt’s prime destinations, this their fields. illustrated guide tells visitors what they should expect to see in Luxor.World-renowned The book has received positive reviews by numerous journals and Web sites archaeologist and AUC Professor Kent Weeks takes the reader through the hub of including the Global Media Journal,Amazon.com and AUC’s own journal, Transnational Pharaonic civilization from the eyes of an insider. Broadcasting Studies. It has also been adopted as a textbook in many media and political “The full color photos show the monuments to their best advantage and help in the science classes in U.S. universities. general understanding of the antiquities and the time period in which they were built,” “As soon as the tanks moved across the borders, I wanted to be the first to get a said Weeks, adding that he hopes that the guide would give readers a chance to scholarly book together about the war. I wanted it to be directed to a general understand more clearly what they are seeing when they come to the Luxor area. audience, to cut through the fog of the war and to show that both the Arab and The book not only provides a comprehensive itinerary through the tombs and Western media were stretching the truth, had incomplete information and inaccuracies monuments of ancient Thebes and the museums of modern Luxor, but also has extensive and used various propaganda techniques,” Berenger said. chapters devoted to the history of the city and Egyptian religion, as well as advice for the modern traveler on hotels and restaurants.“For all readers I hope to convey the very real fragility of the heritage we are trying to preserve,” said Weeks. Before the Theban Mapping Project, which Weeks heads, no large-scale attempt was Divine Creatures:Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt, AUC Press made to survey and publish information on the tombs found in the Valley of the Kings. Edited by Salima Ikram “I feel that this guide is an extension of the work the Theban Mapping Project is conducting in the valley today; providing information and increasing accessibility will In ancient Egypt, animals and not just humans were mummified to live, as was facilitate us in our attempts at preserving this precious legacy, ensuring that the purpose believed, forever. Divine Creatures, made up of the work of 10 contributing scholars, and use of the antiquities is remembered and respected,” he said. looks at the mummified animals of the ancient Egyptians, of which there were four types; food offerings, pets, sacred animals and votive offerings. The Internet in Egypt and the Arab World, Dar Afaq Publications “Egyptologists tend to obfuscate, but to clarify is our job,” said Salima Ikram, By Rasha Abdulla associate Egyptology professor and the book’s editor.“In the lives of ancient Egyptians, animals played an important part in society.There’s a great similarity with life today as In an Arabic book that traces the start and development of the Internet in the Arab many cared for their pets.” world, Rasha Abdulla, journalism and mass communication assistant professor at AUC, In her book, Ikram sought to “blast some myths” like the notion that the ancient examines the freedom of electronic information flow in Egypt and the Arab Egyptians worshiped all animals. “As far as I know, this is the first book exclusively on world and how governments have dealt with this new medium.“I think the Internet is a animal cult mummies in ancient Egypt,” she said. breakthrough in communication, like Guttenberg’s printing press. It gives Arabs a chance, Ikram has done extensive work on animal mummies and is responsible for the and we either latch on to it or we don’t,” she said.“The introduction of the Internet to re-establishment of the animal mummy room in the Egyptian museum. She our countries provides us with great opportunities.These opportunities are currently not encouraged her students to work in the room and has also involved them intensely being utilized to their maximum potential.” while she was putting her book together. Abdulla also discusses the uses of the Internet in the Arab world, stressing that the But the book is not targeted solely to the avid students of Egyptology.“It’s directed Internet should be used to enhance the lives of citizens in the Arab world. It could also be toward the general reader. Practically anyone who likes animals and thinks they’re cute used to improve the image of Arabs in the West, spread democracy and create a more will enjoy this book,” she said. active and empowered civic society. By Lamya Tawfik

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 30

rom

f DayPhotos by Ahmad El-Nemr One Daycareto

with resounding approval, further their opinions,” said daycare teacher for its engaging environment.The daily legitimizing El Ghazaly’s cause. Yaquta Mohyuddin, who was teary- schedule at the daycare begins and ends The center was embraced as an eyed after bidding farewell to many of with free choice activities such as intriguing experiment by friends and her students graduating in June. painting, drawing, reading books and supporters, a blessing by parents and a For AUC employees whose children playing with construction toys, puzzles home away from home by children. It are enrolled in the daycare center, life is or play dough. During the day, the was supported by donated time and more manageable because of the children engage in themed activities, help, fees and contributions collected center’s proximity to their offices.As a story, music, computer sessions and from parents, raffles and bookkeeping research fellow at the Institute for garden play.While conducting research services.The space was facilitated and Gender and Women’s Studies, Leslie on the ideological underpinnings of furnished by the university after Lewis did not anticipate the secular and Islamic feminists in the petitions from staff. Inaugurated in bureaucratic rut she’d encounter in Middle East, Lewis is assured that her 1984, the first center surfaced in the old Egypt.The mother of two expected a daughter is well taken care of. Zamalek dormitories.As more and smooth transition to AUC after packing Having adopted the daycare as her Tucked in the corner of the more students enrolled, the modest up her husband and kids and shipping life’s work, El Ghazaly, who continues Greek Campus, one of AUC’s fourth floor apartment reached capacity tons of boxes from their residential to serve on the daycare's board, has put best-kept secrets has come a and became a potential fire hazard. home in San Diego, California.Though in countless hours trying to secure long way since it first opened Thus began an overhaul change, Lewis settled into a healthy routine recognition for the center under the nearly two decades ago, and the shifting the physical space of the only recently, her schedule wasn't university system. Because of the future looks even brighter for the daycare as it moved from a villa on always so predictable. vigilant efforts of the board,AUC has Sheikh Rihan Street to the Old Falaki The University of San Diego allotted an area for the daycare on the toddler crowd on campus building within a span of eight years. graduate student was relieved to new campus to further develop the Currently tucked in the rear of the discover AUC’s daycare center on the skills of children and parents alike.“This Greek Campus and overflowing with Greek Campus for daughter Sophie, a is the first space that was allotted from rotected from the sweltering Sherifa are both riveted by the sheer 1970s, there was no such service in the rambunctious laughter of little ones, 15-month-old learning both Spanish the very beginning,” said El Ghazaly Cairo heat in the cocoon of possibilities of their creation, attempting Egypt, especially on the private level. the center has since developed into a and English.The erratic move to Egypt whose daughter is a graduate of both P AUC’s Alf Leila Wa Leila to keep their hands and eyes in sync to The need for the faculty and staff multipurpose facility, providing a upset the natural flow of Sophie’s the daycare and AUC.Administrators Daycare Center, little Kiko, Quinland, stay in the lines. started to emerge much later and comfortable and stimulating rhythm, and Lewis was hard pressed to are currently in the process of Ahmad and Sherifa sit in their Nearly two decades before this scene the demand was there,” said El environment for children to explore restore her daughter’s patterned customizing the new facility to miniature cherry red chairs painting materialized, the conceptual framework Ghazaly, associate director in AUC’s and discover the world around them. lifestyle. Unlike the other daycare accommodate a record number of 80 what appears to be a figure representing for a daycare center at AUC was still in development office. In the early 1980s, Establishing a daily rhythm conducive centers Lewis visited in Egypt,AUC children.Though Kiko, Quinlan, the Asiatic island of Japan.While the its infancy.Then a firebrand El Ghazaly and colleagues circulated a to each child’s development, the was not regimented or rigidly Ahmad and Sherifa may not reap the dimpled Kiko fidgets with the small campaigner for establishing a facility university-wide survey asking members supervisors are skilled caregivers.“The structured.“Schedules are good with benefits of Alf Leila Wa Leila on the bristles of his brush, Quinland pushes on campus, Khadiga El Ghazaly and of AUC’s faculty and staff about the kids are so open here because that’s the kids, but sometimes they need the New Cairo campus, their successors away a mass of auburn curls so as not three other young AUC employees need for a daycare facility for their kind of environment we promote –– variety to be able to choose activities,” certainly will. r to obstruct her view.Ahmad and spearheaded the initial push.“In the children. Fifty-four respondents agreed one that advocates the right to express Lewis said, lauding the AUC daycare By Robtel Pailey

30 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 31

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 32

Around the World United States

United Arab Emirates Throughout the United States, the AUC spirit was alive, as alumni met in several cities across the country. At La Marquise restaurant in Dubai, more than 100 alumni living in the United Arab Emirates spent the evening remembering their days at AUC and catching up on the latest events in their lives. Organized by the alumni committee in Dubai and coordinated by Heba Alumni meeting in Chicago hosted by Marileez Doss Suter ’72 and Werner Suter at Le Meridien Hotel in May Shaaban ’92, the March gathering brought together graduates of all ages and was a day that many hoped would be a recurring tradition.

“As a newcomer to the Emirates, I feel that I have a community here. For her continuous support and dedication to her alma mater and for All of a sudden, I found myself opening her home to AUC and to its singing:We of AUC forever, raise alumni, administrators and faculty, our voices now together!” President David Arnold presenting Yousef Jameel '68 with a rendering of the Jameel Marileez Doss Suter ’72 (third from Management Center on the new campus right) was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Volunteer Award, as Mary Ayman Madkour ’89 Iskander ’76, Sherry Arnold, President David Arnold,Tawhida El Askary ’96 “I definitely hope we can do this on a and Werner Suter look on regular basis. It’s a beautiful feeling when you meet someone you know in Alumni meeting in Dallas hosted by Shahira El-Kholi ’91 and Amr Koura at their a place full of strangers.” residence in May Safynaz Rizk ’02

Qatar

President David Arnold and Mary Iskander ’76 with alumni in Dubai Alumni meeting in Houston in May at the Intercontinental Hotel

“I was a very active student ... and doing any type of activity that connects me and keeps other AUCians linked to AUC is a pleasure, particularly while living abroad. ”

Heba Shaaban ’92 Members of the alumni chapter in Qatar with Lebanese TV star George Kurdahi at the alumni gathering held in May at the Four Seasons Hotel

Alumni and friends of AUC at Sheraton Biscayne Bay Hotel in Florida Alumni gathering in Dubai

32 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 33

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 34

Saudi Arabia United Kingdom

In April, two alumni meetings were held in Riyadh and Jeddah, in addition to several London-area alums enjoyed an Egyptian-themed day, featuring food luncheons, dinners and individual meetings with prominent figures in Saudi Arabia. and crafts, as well as a briefing on ancient Egyptian art and magic.

Seated:Amira Nazer, Sherry Arnold, Samira Bidewy; Standing Abla Leheta El Farouki ’69 and Nashwa Taher

Ahmed Abdullatif ’57 received a plaque from President David Arnold in recognition of his leadership and AUC Trustee Suad Juffali receiving the Distinguished Honorary Alumni Award from President David Arnold and AUC Trustee Moataz Al Alfi in recognition of Alumni at Egyptian day in London hosted by Nadia Tewfik ’80, ’99 at Rosslyn Hill Chapel commitment to higher education. her commitment to liberal arts education and her outstanding record of leadership After receiving his bachelor’s in and service economics from AUC,Abdullatif was “I really enjoyed the koshari and the tea with mint. trained at the International Monetary I haven’t spoken in Arabic for almost two years Fund and in commercial banks in the United States and India. now, so it was like a real homecoming to me.” A prominent economist and banker, Moataz Atallah ’01, ’03 Abdullatif contributed to the formulation of the Banking Control Law in Saudi Arabia and was the first bank controller. He held several senior Alumni meeting in Jeddah posts throughout his career, including Alumni Chapter Announcements chairman of the Arab Banking Corporation in Bahrain, managing Lebanon director of Riyadh Bank and founding Laila Ziada ’57 and Hany Katma ’72 are establishing an alumni AUC Trustee Moataz Al Alfi, Kenneth Manotti, Mahmoud Al-Maeina, member of the Arab Bankers’ Nashwa Taher and Sherry Arnold chapter in Lebanon and would like to hear from any alumni who Association in London. live there. Ziada can be contacted at [email protected] A believer in the value of education, Abdullatif helped establish and run the Switzerland Saudi Institute for Public Education, An alumni dinner will be held in Geneva on September 18, 2005. which aims to eradicate illiteracy, and More details to follow. has been a big supporter of the Alumni Endowed Scholarship at AUC. United Arab Emirates “We must concentrate our efforts on The next alumni gathering in the UAE will be a Ramadan iftar on educating our young men and Thursday, October 20, 2005 in Dubai. It will be followed by a trip women. Economic and financial to Al-Ain during the Eid weekend. For alumni who are not power, especially if based on depletable registered on the Dubai list, please contact Heba Shaaban ’92 at resources, is no match for human [email protected] intelligence,” he said. Abla Leheta El Farouki ’69, Hiyam Dajani ’57 and Souhial El Farouki ’68 Alumni meeting in Riyadh

34 AUCTODAY Summer 2005 35

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 36

IT Alums Network on Campus

More than 200 alumni, including many of Egypt's leading Class Notes IT professionals, gathered in the Science Garden on the The Dynamic Duo Inside Oriental Weavers Main Campus in a special reception.With a guest list ’64 ou are not given boasting leaders from almost every major IT enterprise in Joseph Gal currently serves as “Yrespect; you gain it,” Egypt, the reception offered an opportunity for alumni to professor of medicine, pharmacology are the words of advice that network both professionally and personally.Tarek Kamel, and pathology, as well as director of the Yasmine ’99 and Farida ’00 Egypt’s minister of communications and information Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Khamis were given by their technology, described the gathering as “a celebration of the Toxicology Laboratory at the father when they first started partnership between Egypt and the United States.AUC has University of Colorado’s medical to work at Oriental Weavers always been a vehicle of strong dialogue and partnership.” Three AUC students, Mahmoud Abdel-Fattah,Ahmad Ezzat and Fadi school. He can be reached at Carpet Company, one of Mounir, are recognized for winning first place at the Association for [email protected] Egypt’s leading corporations Computing and Machinery’s regional programming contest. and their family-owned ’80 business. At the event,Akil Beshir (MA ’79) received the Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented Nadia Tewfik (MA ’99) is a journalist Today, the two women have to loyal alumni who best exemplify the liberal arts ideas, ethics and academic standards of AUC who has worked for leading media not only earned the respect of and have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their respective careers and lives. organizations including BBC, CBS their co-workers inside the “It is a great honor to be presented this award. I’ve gone through a lot of education News, The Chicago Tribune and the company, they are also making throughout my life, but there is no doubt that in my practical life, the one that had the greatest Boston Globe. She is currently pursuing their mark on its future. impact was the education that I received at AUC,” said Beshir. a doctorate at the University of Yasmine, 27, director of Beginning his career at Cairo University, where he taught mathematics, Beshir moved on to a London. Her thesis is titled,“The operations, recalls her start,“It corporate career in 1975 and has held positions in various companies including: managing Concept of the West in Contemporary was difficult ... People thought, director at Giza Systems Engineering, chairman of Al-Ahly Computer Equipment and vice Egyptian Thought.” ‘who’s this person –– a female, president of the Egyptian Computer Systems. In January 2000, Beshir also took on the crucial young and wants to tell us position of chairman of Telecom Egypt,which he continues to hold. ’82 what to do and how to do it.’ Farida (left) and Yasmine Khamis of the Oriental Weavers Ashraf Aziz recently moved from At first I wanted changes and I Sydney to New York.He finished his wanted them now. I was very gain experience elsewhere so that I Wael Amin ’93, co-founder of ITWorx, was also presented with the Alumni books, A Dictionary of Egyptian Idioms aggressive but I learned that wasn’t the could come back to the company Achievement Award for his entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding and Ta’birat Min El Sharei El Massri: way. I had to show them that what I with more. So rather than just achievements.Amin began his career in 1992 as co-founder and software Expressions from an Egyptian Street, was doing was right, gain their trust conform, I worked in a field I was team leader at Microlabs. In 1994, he co-founded ITWorx and took on the which will be on sale in July. His and that way gain their respect.” interested in.” position of technical director. He later became managing director in 2001 second book is like a dictionary that For Farida, 25, investor relations and Yasmine is also pleased about what and president in 2003, a position he still holds. Under his leadership, the took him 12 years to write. international business director, the they have achieved.“Initially I was company has flourished into a regional software powerhouse. challenge of proving herself was doing marketing research and then “I dedicate this award to AUC’s computer science graduates. ITWorx ’83 equally difficult.“Initially, people slowly started to work on product would not be what it is today if it weren’t for the efforts of the alumni Ahmed Hassan currently lives in didn’t understand why I wanted to development, which was my father’s working in the company,” said Amin, who joined the university at the age Buroa, a town north of Somalia. He know costs, why they should give me pride and joy,” said Yasmine.“That was of 14 and graduated top of his class. works at a private corporation that our breakdown… There was a lot of always the one thing that no one in produces wet, blue-tanned sheepskin sensitivity and I wanted to create the company could do except for him exported to Asia. He can be reached at transparency and awareness,” and he wanted to get someone Ayman Ayad ’87, chief executive officer of EnCube, received [email protected] explained Farida. involved to help him and to eventually the Alumni Achievement Award.Ayad has led an impressive Whatever expectations may have free his hands of it.” career with NCR-Corporation, holding many important ’85 been placed upon them to join the Despite the struggles of being young positions with the company across the Arab world. In 1995, at Mohamed Ragheb will be teaching family business, Farida is satisfied it women in an Egyptian business, the age of 29, he was appointed branch manager of NCR journalism at AUC from September was the right thing.“I guess it was Yasmine and Farida have flourished, Qatar and in 1997 received the “The Best of the Best Award.” 2005. He is the only Egyptian to have assumed, but we weren’t forced.When along with their company, which now In June 2000,Ayad left NCR and founded EnCube, the won the coveted John S. Knight I first graduated, I was more interested has subsidiaries in the United States company for which he currently serves as managing director. journalism fellowship in 1991. Ragheb in investment banking and wanted to and the United Kingdom. In 2003,Ayad was named by Business Today as one of Egypt’s Top Ten Executives under 40.

36 AUC TODAY Summer 2005 37

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 38

In Memoriam is a musician, graphic artist and sales manager at Trane Air-Conditioners Tamim Khallaf (MA ’04)has been a conference translator. He immigrated to in Dubai and has recently been diplomat in the Egyptian foreign Weddings Ali Othman ’47 died in London on Canada in 1993 and pursued a career promoted to department manager of ministry for the past four years. He is February 25, 2005.After graduating in advertising after earning a master’s in the Middle East-Africa-India region. currently posted in Egypt’s Permanent from Chicago University in 1954 with film in 1997 from York University in His name appeared in Who’s Who for Mission to the United Nations in a doctorate in comparative philosophy, Toronto. In 2001, Ragheb won a Professionals in 2000. He published a Geneva working on disarmament he became a diplomat with the Arab bronze Remi for Best Dramatic political book, Scream, and a novel, The issues. He received his master’s in League office to the United Nations Screenplay from the Houston Call and the Coffin. international relations from the London in New York.In 1957, he was deputy International Film Festival for his work, School of Economics and Political director of the United Nations/Arab Noura Beniamin ’04, an employee at AUC’s World Center for Community A Thriller in the Satirical Vein of the Coen ’92 Science.At AUC, Khallaf was a enrollment services office, was married to Karim Brothers. Samar El-Labban was married to recipient of a Sasakawa fellowship, Elsabee ’99, business development manager at Development in Egypt. He was the Bassam Zahran in July 1998.They have through which he earned his master’s DYMK-Kassabgui Trading and Contracting, on first UNICEF representative to the October 5, 2004.They spent their honeymoon in Somaia Afifi (MA) is a professor of three children: Mohamed (6), Miral (5) in political science. Thailand, Malaysia and Dubai Gulf in the 1970s. He is author of a Russian language at Ain Shams and Minerva (1). Mohamed and Miral number of books including The University. In 1995, she received are students at the American ’00 Concept of Man in Islam. Egypt’s Decoration of Arts and Science International School. Marwa Shehata is an executive Dina Samhout ’03, account executive at from President Hosni Mubarak. She secretary at the American Research Promoseven Weber Shandwick, was married to Tamer Roger Minionis ’49 died in the El Sadany, architect at Emaar Company, on August United States on February 10, 2005. translated the Quran into Russian and ’96 Center in Egypt. She is married to 20, 2004 at the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. got the highest award from Ain Shams Khaled Hamada graduated from Moustafa Sherief, enterprise resource The couple honeymooned in the Far East and is He was very fond of teaching and University in 2000. AUC with a bachelor’s in physics and planning consultant at Raya Gulf. currently living in Dubai taught his students how to think and obtained a master’s in electrical They were blessed with a baby boy, experience life. He taught at the ’87 engineering from the United States. Khaled. American University of Paris before Amal Hassan works as an executive After working as a professor, he earning a master’s in teaching from secretary at Agiba Petroleum Company. changed careers and worked at a ’01 the University of Carolina. He worked She also owns Maya Shop in Nasr City. national law firm then as a patent agent Mai El Dahan has been working in as a teacher and chairman of the math in the United States. He returned to Dubai for three years. She started as a department at Great Neck South ’89 Egypt and is currently the managing reporter at Al Arabiya Radio,Arabian Ahmed Reda ’97, marine High School for 35 years.An athletic operations manager at Exxon Mobil and vibrant student, Minionis was Ayman Madkour has relocated to director of Hamada Intellectual Radio Network and Dubai Media Egypt, was married to Hanaa Dubai as human resources director at Property, a specialized law firm that sets City. Currently, she is head of Mohamed, graduate of Al Alsun, on given the title of Mr.AUC. He is Hilton Al-Ain. For more than three up strategies for Egyptian companies to programming. November 17, 2004 at Cairo El survived by his wife, four children, Salam Concorde Hotel years, he was the regional training increase their market share and be eight grandchildren and two sisters. manager for Hilton hotels in Egypt and competitive locally and internationally. Aly El Garraya, mathematics major, Sudan. Madkour received a professional was recently engaged to Dalia Ali Mai El Kinawi ’99, market research manager at Mahmoud Atallah ’63 died in certificate in human resources from the ’99 Salem, Cairo University political Master Foods, North Africa and East Mediterranean, Surrey, London on May 3, 2005. He was married to Haythem Soliman ’97 on January was the deputy editor in chief of Human Resources Certification Mariam Farag received a master’s in science graduate. 22, 2005 at Grand Hyatt Hotel Institute, Society for Human Resources international relations from London’s ELAF newspaper. He was the Management in the United States. He University of Westminster in 2000. Her ’02 managing editor of Al-Ahram before can be reached at thesis was titled,“Rape as an Ethnic Medhat Nabet will be moving from relocating to London, where he was [email protected] Tool in the Former Yugoslavia Conflict: the United Arab Emirates to Egypt to the deputy editor in chief of Asharq A Comparative Study Between the take on a new position with Shell. Al-Awsat for 15 years. He is survived Khaled El Ashmawy has relocated to International Humanitarian Law and by his wife Amira Alwakil, his son Dubai for three years as human the Islamic Law of Wars.” Farag worked ’03 Karim and his daughter Zainab. Dalia El Ghamrawi ’00, resources manager at Shell Exploration at the United Nations High Sally Saleh was blessed with a baby fragrance-marketing coordinator at and Production. Commissioner for Refugees in Egypt boy, Hassan, born on October 13, 2004. Middle East International Flavors Ahmed Seif El Nasr ’70 died in and in Cyprus. She was married to her and Fragrances, was married to Monaco on December 12, 2004. Ahmed Mostafa Aly, who works in ’90 Portuguese husband in Cairo and is ’04 Mostafa Aly Successors for Steel Ghassan Freiwat got engaged to currently living in Paris, where she is Ahmed El-Sherbiny (MSc) was Construction, on March 10, 2005 Amr Fouad ’88 died in Cairo in at the Conrad Hotel Siham Kasabry. Freiwat is the regional taking full-time courses in French. engaged to Hana Hesham Said ’05. March 2005.

38 AUC TODAY Summer 2005 39

Summer 05 final 4.qxd 10/23/05 1:10 PM Page 40

Akher Kalam

A Passion for Refugee Rights

n September 2002, I graduated from Fourah Bay College at the University of Sierra Leone with a IBachelor of Science with honors. I assumed my intended life purpose at the start to be scientific, but science was not what my society needed at the time. It needed peace, stability and a run-in with humanity. Crippled and destabilized by a decade-long rebellion, tens of thousands of Sierra Leoneans had fled to asylum in neighboring countries.The vast resources of the country were wasted and destroyed, and humanity itself became inhumane.The country needed professionals who could identify the multifaceted problems facing refugees, and in turn, help bring about sustainable solutions for the nation’s development. I knew I had a role to play, so I immediately traveled to Cairo to pursue a postgraduate degree in forced migration and refugee studies at AUC. I wasted no time upon my arrival. I enrolled in refugee short courses while at the same time completing application procedures for the postgraduate diploma. By the time I was admitted to the program, I had already completed two summer-school short courses: International Refugee Law and Integrating Immigrant and Refugee Newcomers, as well as a refugee community interpreter’s course. As a part of my determination interviews with the United Nations experience, I also picked up a six-month copyediting High Commissioner for Refugees. job in a Cairo publishing house. In Fall 2004, AUC I have never been as fulfilled as I am now. Helping awarded me the African Graduate Fellowship to pursue refugees help themselves is my new life’s purpose. It my desired postgraduate diploma in forced migration differs very much from the botany and chemistry and refugee studies. I graduated in June 2005 and have experiments I performed during my university days, yet been re-awarded the same fellowship to pursue a it fills me with a euphoria that never goes away. On the master’s in professional development starting September. rich fertile soils of West Africa and bounded by the With the knowledge I have gained, I can now actively Atlantic Ocean, Sierra Leone is in dire need of help the Sierra Leonean refugee community in the areas professional developers, and I have been destined to of integration, education and voluntary community serve that end. interpreting in two Sierra Leonean languages with the Africa and Middle East Refugee Assistance project for Mohamed Berray ’05 is a graduate of the Forced Migration incoming asylum seekers. In addition, I help new and Refugee Studies program and is currently pursuing a asylum seekers prepare for subsequent status master’s in professional development at AUC.

Akher Kalam is an open forum for members of the AUC community.We invite you to share your thoughts on any topic of your choice. Submissions should be sent to [email protected] and may be edited for length and clarity.

40 AUCTODAY Summer 2005