Minister of Higher Education and Minister of State for Scientific Research Hany Helal delivered the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif at AUC’s undergraduate commencement ceremony. Minister Helal focused on AUC’s role in promoting science and technology in Egypt. “We are all expecting that AUC will continue its contribution to develop the leaders that Egypt needs,” he said. “In research, AUC is a catalyst and partner in science and technology, engaged in a new kind of cultural diplomacy,” he added.
Selected graduating seniors also received a number of distinguished prizes at the event. The President’s Cup and the associated Mohamed M. El-Beleidy Academic Award, both of which go to the student with the highest grade point average, were awarded to Nadine Hagar, a biology graduate. The Ahmed El Mehallawi Family Award was given to Sherif Osman; the Parents Association Cup was received by Ingy Atallah; the Dr. Abdel Rahman El Sawy Award, for the Public School Scholarship Fund student with the highest grade point average in the engineering department, was awarded to Amira Shalaby; and the Ahmed H. Zewail Prize for Excellence in the Sciences and Humanities went to Maha Khalil.
AUC Trustee Ahmed Zewail, the U.S. Science Envoy and member of President Barack Obama’s Council on Science and Technology, presented the prize named in his honor. Zewail advised graduates on the importance of contributing to Egypt, not only in fields such as science and technology, but also as members of their community. “On your way up the ladder of success, do not forget those who cannot climb the ladder. Be prepared to help yourself and your family with passion and love, and be prepared to help the world at large with devotion,” he said.
In addition to the bachelor’s degrees conferred at the ceremony, AUC also recognized the achievements of the graduate commencement speaker, Georges Abi-Saab, who was awarded an honorary degree of humane letters for his work as an internationally recognized jurist and legal scholar. Also recognized at the ceremony was Shafik Gabr, chairman and managing director of ARTOC Group for Investment and Development, who received a special plaque in recognition for the ARTOC Sports Court.
Faculty members, particularly those from the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE), were also highlighted for their academic achievements and contributions to the AUC community. The Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Professor Hassan Azzazy, chair of the chemistry department, and the Excellence in Academic Service Award was awarded to Medhat Haroun, SSE dean.
