Dr. Essam Elkordi the President of Alexandria University with Mrs. Rebecca Latorraca Deputy Mission Director of US Agency for International Development USAID, Dr. Francis J. Ricciardone AUC President, and Dr. Ashraf Hatem the AUC’s counselor have inaugurated two centers for professional development in the Faculties of Engineering and Commerce. The two centers are among 20 centers for professional development in Egyptian universities which were established by AUC with finance of USAID.

Dr. Kordi highlighted the main role of professional development centers in preparing students to meet labor market needs. He added that these centers will be additional link between the university and industries and be updated with labor market requirements to rehabilitate graduates. 

Mr. Francis said that "AUC celebrates 100 years of distinguished education and Egyptian community services. We are happy to participate our experience in the professional development centers". The value of these centers lies in training the center's employees as professional services providers and preparing students to face employers needs and I want to thank American people for providing these centers through US Agency for International Development financial. 

Mrs . Rebecca said that Alexandria University along its history over 75 years was pioneer in education in the region and continue to provide resources and opportunities for the students.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Dr. Said Allam said "We are proud to host the university center of professional development to provide our students with personal skills needed to enter the labor market".

Dean of the Faculty of Commerce Dr. Sayed el Saify said that the center will add a new dimension to the relation with business sector in Alexandria that guarantees that the graduates are well prepared for work life and updated with latest technologies in the industry.

The event was attended by professors from AUC, USAID, Alexandria University deputies and deans in addition to attendants from private universities in Alexandria.