A hive of activity, working tirelessly and passionately, where everyone contributed their expertise and effort, even the recently graduated youth and student members of the council who took part in executing arrangements and offering ideas. I am here to speak about the behind-the-scenes work for the dinner event and the honoring of distinguished alumni, organized by the Egyptian-American Cultural Exchange Alumni Council in its fifth session, under the patronage of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of diplomats from the U.S. Embassy, particularly those from the Cultural Office, led by Her Excellency Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg, the United States Ambassador to Egypt. The event was hosted at the Ambassador’s residence at the U.S. Embassy in Garden City on Thursday, September 16, 2024.
This occasion was a remarkable opportunity to renew bonds and strengthen relationships among alumni, with a distinguished presence of graduates and members of the U.S. Embassy’s Diplomatic Relations Office.
Organizing this event was no easy feat. Over the past six months, council members, in collaboration with Sarah Awad, worked diligently to arrange every detail, from venue preparation to creating an introductory video, organizing large-screen presentations, setting up sound equipment, coordinating photography and videography, writing speeches, delivering the event in both languages, recognizing outstanding alumni, crafting commemorative shields, and preparing the guest list.
Inviting alumni to the event was not left to chance; the council made a deliberate effort to include everyone who volunteered in the past two years by giving lectures, workshops, or other contributions. Former council members were also invited as a token of appreciation for their dedication and efforts in enriching the alumni community and giving back.
From the very start of the event, attendees expressed their joy and admiration for the organization and the video showcasing the council’s journey since its inception. They commended the alumni council’s efforts in arranging this outstanding event and praised their year-round activities, noting the dedication and hard work that went into achieving success.
After the event concluded, the council received numerous messages from attendees praising the organization, expressing their deep appreciation, and sharing positive feedback about the council’s activities this year. Many noted the value of workshops, trainings, and events they had benefited from, as well as the alumni newsletter that documents council activities and allows alumni to contribute diverse articles. Attendees were also delighted with the website launched this year, which documents alumni achievements and shares their inspiring success stories.
In conclusion, with all sincerity and enthusiasm, I want to thank every member of the 2024 Alumni Council for their dedicated efforts in organizing this event, which turned out to be a proud and honorable occasion for all of us. My thanks and appreciation also go to the alumni whose presence added a special charm to the evening, making it an unforgettable night. Special thanks to our colleague, Magued Makram, for his efforts in filming and producing the council’s documentary video, capturing the event, and providing invaluable support.
The success of this event underscores the importance of alumni connections, the value of volunteering, and its positive outcomes. It inspires us to put in even greater effort to organize more events in the future.
Mai Mowafi
President of the 2024 Alumni Council