The AUC School of Business lit up the evening of June 27, 2024, with its annual Recognition of Excellence Ceremony (REC). This year's event, held at Moataz Al Alfi Hall, AUC New Cairo. The ceremony spotlighted the remarkable achievements of our faculty members, staff, and the 10% top-performing students from the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 graduating classes. The event also serves as a chance to honor the hard work and dedication of our exceptional faculty and staff members.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
We celebrated the significant achievements of 23 graduate and undergraduate students. Additionally, the event was also a reminder of the community's strength and dedication at the AUC School of Business, 13 awards were handed out to honor faculty, staff, distinguished alumni, and athletic achievement. Each award and acknowledgment served as a testament to the vibrant spirit and resilience that thrive within our campus walls.
“One factor will remain key essential and invaluable, and that is, you; the human capital, the promising talent – which by the way, is rare to find these days – the most precious resource and asset of every organization and every society,” asserted Dean Sherif Kamel in his welcoming remarks.
Innovation and Impact: Inspiring Graduates to Leave a Lasting Mark
AUC School of Business alumnus and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Hossam Heiba, President of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), inspired the graduates with his insightful remarks.
“As you step into the world, carry the torch of innovation and creativity with you. It's not just about reaching new heights but making enduring marks," said Heiba.
Heiba encouraged students to excel academically, face challenges boldly, and innovate for societal advancement. He stressed the importance of self-confidence and leaving a lasting impact.
A Community of Excellence:
The REC 2024 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the bright futures that lie ahead for these remarkable students.
Congratulations to all the students, faculty, and staff who were honored at this event. Your hard work and perseverance set the gold standard for excellence and inspire all of us to continue striving for success.
Master of Arts In Economics:
Master of Arts in Economics in International Development:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA):
CEMS Master in International Management
Master of Science in Finance
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business and Entreneurship
Bachelor of Business in Finance
Bachelor of Business in Marketing
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management of Information and Communication Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Arts In Economics
Master of Science In Finance
Bachelor of Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Business in Finance
Bachelor of Business in Marketing
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management of Information and Communication Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
AUC School of Business Celebrates Excellence: REC 2023-2024 Awards Ceremony
Sherif Kamel ’88, ’90. ‘13, dean of AUC’s School of Business, has been elected board chair of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for the 2024-2025 academic year, effective July 1, 2024.
"Being elected as chair of the AACSB Board of Directors is not just a personal honor but also a testament to the vital role that AUC and similar institutions play in shaping the future of global business education," said Kamel. "I am committed to leveraging this opportunity to further AACSB's mission of fostering engagement, accelerating innovation and amplifying impact in business education."
Poised to guide AACSB during a critical phase in its evolution, Kamel plans to prioritize digital transformation in education, enhance global collaboration, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. His extensive involvement in advisory and governance roles, including a recent appointment to the board of the Central Bank of Egypt, underscores his profound impact on the business education landscape.
"Being elected as chair of the AACSB Board of Directors is not just a personal honor but also a testament to the vital role that AUC and similar institutions play in shaping the future of global business education."
Kamel's roles as vice chair and chair-elect of the AACSB board and leadership of its Innovation Committee in 2023 set the stage for his current position as chair. Under his tenure as dean of AUC’s School of Business, the institution achieved the prestigious triple-crown accreditation and has been consistently recognized among the top business schools globally.
Established in 1916, AACSB is the world's largest business education alliance. It connects educators, learners and business professionals on an international scale to foster engagement, accelerate innovation and amplify impact in business education, aiming for a better society.
AUC School of Business takes immense pride in highlighting the accomplishments of our distinguished alumni through our Alumni Spotlight series. This feature on Ahmed Nawara, adjunct professor at AUC School of Business and CEO of Al Manar Group, is not just a celebration of his individual achievements but also a testament to the enduring value and impact of an AUC education. Nawara has recently added a significant achievement to his career by earning his Doctoral Degree, with high honors, in Business Administration from Paris School of Business. His dissertation focused on family business and the factors that contributed to its longevity in Egypt.
“I would like to leave a legacy that bridges the gap between academia and the business world, and that is how I plan to impact my students,” Nawara said.
From AUC School of Business Graduate to Visionary CEO
Nawara graduated from The American University in Cairo in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. His academic path at AUC laid the foundation for a career that would span various sectors of the business world, from oil and gas to automotive within the family-run Al Manar Group. In 2010, Nawara furthered his education by joining the Executive Development Program jointly offered by AUC School of Business and Kellogg School of Management Executive Education. He later completed his Executive Master in Business Administration from AUC School of Business in 2014. Moreover, in 2016, Nawara joined the Go Global program at IE Business School and his academic pursuits continued at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, where in 2017, he studied Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. In 2018, he studied Corporate Governance, Business Administration and Management at INSEAD, before culminating in his doctoral studies at the Paris School of Business in 2024.
Under his leadership as CEO, Al Manar Group Nawara has navigated challenges such as changes in foreign currency, inflation, bureaucracy, and corruption. Nawara credits his AUC education with instilling resilience and agility, qualities that have enabled him to lead his company to thrive despite these obstacles.
“The good thing is that we, Egyptians, have learnt to be resilient, so we always thrive,” Nawara added. He aspires to grow Al Manar Group to become an appealing attraction for the rest of the family and prepare the business to cater to the third and fourth generations.
A Passion for Mentorship and Growth
In 2023, Nawara joined AUC School of Business as an adjunct professor, a role he embraces with a passion for mentoring and a vision to integrate academic rigor with real-world business challenges. He is committed to preparing a future generation of business leaders and creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience by inviting them to intern at Al Manar Group.
Nawara's approach to teaching reflects his belief in the power of education to build character and foster innovation. "AUC shapes our character, and that is why we are always open to new ideas and innovations," says Nawara. His dedication to giving back to AUC and impacting students is a central theme of his professional philosophy.
Despite joining his family business right after graduation, Nawara advises AUC business students to explore diverse industries and gain broad experiences before settling into family business roles.
Continuing the Legacy
Looking ahead, Nawara plans to stay connected with the AUC School of Business community, contributing to its vibrant academic and business environment. His work and research aim to bridge the gap between academia and the practical business world, providing a model for future business leaders and academics.
AUC School of Business celebrates Ahmed Nawara’s accomplishments and his ongoing commitment to excellence. His journey from a student to a leader who contributes significantly to both his industry and his alma mater serves as an inspiration to all our students and alumni. Join us in congratulating Nawara on his achievements and wishing him continued success in his endeavors.
Stay tuned for more stories from our Alumni Feature series, where we explore the diverse and dynamic paths our alumni take in their professional and personal lives.
Alumni Spotlight: Ahmed Nawara’97 ‘14 – Bridging Business and Academia
Celebrating a Journey of Excellence and Innovation at AUC School of Business
Meet our faculty and student awardees who were honored at the 2024 graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies for their outstanding achievements.
Presented to the student(s) with the highest grade point average
Student Government Cup
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has been an active leader in any branch of the Student Government (Student Union, Student Court or Student Senate) and has made an impact on the AUC community through his or her position
Student Government Cup
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has been an active leader in any branch of the Student Government (Student Union, Student Court or Student Senate) and has made an impact on the AUC community through his or her position
Parents Association Cup
Presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional capability in blending academic achievement with a major contribution to student activities
Omar Mohsen Athletic Achievement Cup
Awarded to a student-athlete who wins a gold, silver or bronze medal representing AUC in national and international tournaments, in addition to maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Dr. Abdel Rahman El Sawy Award
Awarded to a graduating public school scholar with the highest grade point average in the School of Sciences and Engineering
Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim A. Allehedan Undergraduate Award
Awarded to the highest performing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) student
Ahmed El Mehallawi Family Award
Presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated strong academic achievement and contributed to extracurricular activities, including community service
Dr. Ahmed Zewail Prize for Excellence in the Sciences and Humanities
Recognizes an AUC honors graduate whose academic accomplishments demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the pursuit of scientific inquiry and the affirmation of humanistic values
The Doria Shafik Award
Presented to a student who worked on women's empowerment in any discipline, field or activity, such as artwork, a community service project, research on the inclusion of women, volunteer work and more
Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim A. Allehedan Undergraduate Award
Awarded to the highest performing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) student
The Valerie Farag Music Award
Presented to the highest performing student in musical arts or music technology
Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim A. Allehedan Graduate Award
Awarded to the highest performing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) student
Thesis: "Shape Memory Alloy Capsule Micropump for Drug Delivery Applications"
Supervisor: Professor Mohamed Serry
Graduate Program: Mechanical Engineering
25th of January Award for Scholarly Excellence
Recognizing an AUC graduate student for his/her outstanding thesis work on a topic related to democracy, human rights, citizenship or sustainable development in the Middle East and North Africa
Thesis: "Tactical Compromises: Authoritarian Survival Mechanism of Sudan’s Inqaz Regime (1989-2019)"
Supervisor: Assistant Professor Sean Lee
Graduate Program: Political Science, concentration in comparative politics
Marwa Soudi presented a tool she developed together with her research team at Tallinn University, Estonia, that aims to assist companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in evaluating and adopting responsible artificial intelligence (AI) practices. The aim is to support SMEs in evaluating their AI systems from a responsible AI perspective.
The workshop serves as a practical resource that enables SMEs to identify areas of improvement and implement responsible AI practices within their organizations.
As the Middle East and North Africa Hub of the Feminist AI Research Project (f<a+r>r Project), the Access to Knowledge for Development Center (A2K4D) at the School of Business at the American University in Cairo (AUC) is hosted a workshop titled “Towards A Responsible AI Tool for SMEs” at AUC Tahrir Campus.
