|
“What do you think about the Israeli / AUC controversy?” |
Abaza’s memorial brings tears and smiles
 |
| Youssef Abdelaal/CARAVAN STAFF STILL REMEMBERED: Sullivan speaks about the enthusiasm Abaza inspired in his |
Approximately 700 students, family members and colleagues of the late Professor Mohamed Maged Abaza gathered to commemorate his life during a memorial service held on the Feb.18 in Ewart Hall at the American University in Cairo (AUC).
The 73 year-old marketing professor died on Friday, Feb.
8 2008.
Provost Tim Sullivan; Hossam Badrawi, one of Abaza’s closest friends;
Fadila Gohar, a former student; Dina Rateb, a business administration
professor; and Aliaa Abaza, Professor Abaza’s daughter, spoke at
the memorial.
Before becoming a professor, Abaza was a successful businessman who started
as a sales executive and then became chairman of Steigenberger Hotels
Middle East. He came to AUC in September 2002.
“At an age when most people retire, [my father] came here to AUC
to embark on a new career,” said Aliaa Abaza.
As a professor, Abaza was loved and respected by his students.
“ I could call him at 1 a.m. and he would answer me and even call
me back to see if everything was OK with our project,” said Sarah
Mahmoud, a business administration senior.
His classes were always among the biggest classes at AUC, with a full
auditorium, said a tearful Gohar.
“He was a man who inspired everyone,” said Angela Bishara,
a business administration graduate.
Faculty members also expressed their respect for their colleague.
Abaza was also an adviser for many extracurricular activities on campus,
including the Entrepreneur’s Society (ES), Anti Cancer Team (ACT),
and the International Student Leaders Conference (ISLC).
