The University of Chicago has received a $24.1 million gift to support the education of Egyptian students, the school announced in a release.
Nassef Sawiris, a University of Chicago trustee and college alumnus, donated the gift to create a scholars program and a new executive education program serving government officials and business leaders in Egypt.
Out of the total gift, $18.1 million will fund the Sawiris Scholars Program, allowing college students from Egypt to attend UChicago’s undergraduate school, and the College’s Odyssey Scholarship program. The Sawiris Scholars Program was established in 2007 with a gift of $26 million from Nassef Sawiris to honor his father.
Under the program, students from Egypt are brought to the college for a one-year period of intensive study and cultural experience.
“Students in the Sawiris Scholars Program share a potential for exceptional achievement,” Sawiris said. “I am proud to share the culture of intellectual rigor and global impact that I found at University of Chicago with them and look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish.”
The remaining $6 million will establish a new, non-degree certificate executive education program in El Gourna, Egypt at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
According to the university, the new program will bring together both the private and public sectors with Chicago Booth faculty to meet the challenges and changes in today’s evolving business landscape.
“As a truly global business school, we are delighted to partner with Mr. Sawiris to bring our distinctive Chicago Approach to management education to executives and government officials in Egypt,” Madhav Rajan, the dean of the Booth School of Business, said.
“This unique program will further the school’s mission to influence and educate current and future leaders.”
In the past, Sawiris has contributed towards the Oriental Institute, undergraduates from Cairo University in Chicago and from UChicago in Egypt, and a visiting faculty fellowship program between Egypt and the UChicago Center in Paris.
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