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The American University in Cairo (AUC) has received a historic philanthropic gift valued at over $30 million from the Sawiris family, marking the largest donation in the university’s history. In recognition of this significant contribution, AUC’s business school will be renamed the Onsi Sawiris School of Business, a tribute to the late Onsi Sawiris, the founder of Orascom Group and a key figure in the Middle Eastern business landscape.
AUC President Ahmad Dallal commented, “With this generous gift, AUC’s business school will continue to strengthen its position in global business education. The Onsi Sawiris School of Business reflects the Sawiris family’s ongoing support for education and development in Egypt, ensuring that our students benefit from a world-class academic experience.”
Details of the Gift
The donation will fund several initiatives aimed at enhancing AUC’s business programs, including scholarships for students, a new professorship in artificial intelligence and data science, and expanded academic exchange opportunities with leading U.S. universities, including the University of Chicago. Additionally, the gift will support the establishment of an AI research initiative, positioning the school to advance its capabilities in a rapidly changing global economy.
Nassef Sawiris, executive chair of OCI Global, noted, “By supporting AUC and fostering exchange programs with top universities in the U.S., we aim to provide students with access to rigorous and globally relevant programs, helping them develop the skills needed to innovate and lead in business.”
Long-Term Impact and Legacy
The Sawiris family’s commitment to education and social development in Egypt extends beyond this donation. Naguib Sawiris, executive chairman of Orascom Investment Holding, remarked, “Graduates of AUC have long played important roles in our companies and in leadership positions across various sectors. This gift will help further build the capacity of future generations, benefiting our businesses, communities, and the country as a whole.”
The Onsi Sawiris School of Business will continue to support AUC’s mission of producing graduates equipped with the skills to make a positive impact on both local and global levels. Mark Turnage, Chairman of AUC’s Board of Trustees, added, “This gift further strengthens AUC’s reputation as an institution that prepares students to succeed and contribute meaningfully in a global context.”
A Strong Foundation for the Future
AUC began offering economics courses in 1947, and today its School of Business holds the distinction of being the only triple-crown-accredited business school in the region, placing it among the top 1% of business schools globally. Sherif Kamel, Dean of the School of Business, shared, “This donation represents a significant development in the school’s history and will play a key role in raising the standards of business education at AUC moving forward.”
The Sawiris family has a long-standing relationship with AUC, having supported various initiatives over the years, including scholarships for students from Upper Egypt, programs promoting women’s empowerment, and the renovation of AUC’s historic Tahrir Square campus. Yousriya Loza Sawiris, Onsi Sawiris’ wife and an alumna of AUC, has been actively involved in these philanthropic efforts.
With this donation, AUC’s Onsi Sawiris School of Business is poised to build on the legacy of Onsi Sawiris and continue contributing to Egypt’s educational and economic development. The gift reflects the Sawiris family’s ongoing commitment to education and the long-term development of the country’s human capital.
