Dean Al Azizi:

It's difficult for me to believe that the academic year 2007-2008 is almost over. In some ways it seems I have been at ACU for only a few weeks. In other ways it seems I have been here for years!

Many things have happened around the School since November 1st, some have been interesting and exciting while others have somehow been disappointing…. Among the exciting things has been the anticipation of our students in the gathering of Pharmacy Faculties held at Ain Shams University (ASU), and at Helwan University, making unprecedented records.  Also the starting of the Cultural season of the School and the honorable visit of Professor Magid Abou-Gharbia, Vice President of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the father of Effoxor, antidepressant drug and the inventor of more than 98 U.S.  patents. 

Also, the appreciation of the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada (AUCC),   and the official  representative of Faculty of Pharmacy,  Alberta University, Prof. Dr. Ayman El-Kadi.  At the "Wrap Up" meeting Dr. Ayman stated; "the standard of the education of the pharmaceutical sciences delivered here at ACU is exceeding those of Alberta.  The Faculty of Pharmacy of Alberta University ranks number one in Canada, and for the last eighteen years!"
This really satisfies me as we are working hard to fulfill the requirements of the Egyptian Reference Standard of Pharmacy Education in conjunction with the Canadian Standards.   In addition is the feedback from the students regarding the staff and faculty members and facilities here at ACU  and also the professors regarding student achievement amazed me highly. 

Last but not least is the promotion of Dr. Mostafa Abdel Aty to professorship in Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, towards the end of the Spring semester.  This was a real happy occasion not only for me but for all my collogues at the School.  Mostafa deserves more than a congratulation, we all went for lunch together!!!

The establishment  of the Central Lab of the Faculty, with the sincere help and finance of the Al-Ahram institution, was really a great step towards the development of an unparalleled research unit ever built  in any  faculty of pharmacy here in Egypt!

The thing that deeply disappointed me on my arrival at ACU  was the impatience of the students and their complains  concerning small issues…. But actually they do have excuses for that since they don't know what we are really after!  Give me time and all the changes you dream of will come true.  The students finally got acquainted with the system and cooperated after they discovered what our goal is.

Speaking of the School spirit, I should mention that a great deal of enthusiasm has been developing within the student body.  This brings great recognition of the School on campus and the ACU community as a whole.

Finally as you grow and develop your prospective careers remember your academic and professional roots, "BE PROUD" bears the Faculty logo and always maintain the level of professional practice that will definitely reflect positively on the School.  Remember the School needs your help and support; not only on momentary terms but as our future ambassadors.  You have good reason to be proud of ACU. LET IT SHOW!!!