UA-R-GC-1914-01-01-1939-11-17_Page-021

or back, a large number of prominent laymen and pastors, leaders in the church life of America. It was possible to command inspirational addresses from many of these and, on the other hand, to introduce them to the University and its work. During March, the President attended the biennial meeting of the Near East Christian Council of which he is now a member. This fellowship kc. eps the University in touch with the warmhearted evangelical spirit of the Christian missionary movement in the Near East. It also is an experience rich in suggestiveness aryl in inspirational values, to hear the story of other Christian effort in other Moslem lands, where in some cases conditions are much more difficult. In closing this Report which covers tae nineteenth ear of the Uni-versity's life, it is natural that one should look back over the two decades which are about to be completed and ask whether the hopes and aims entertained at the launching of the institution have been realized. There is no space in this Report for a detailed historical review of things accomplished. Perhaps such a record should be made when the University completes a quarter of a century of its life. There is indeed a deep and sobering sense i human limitation, and there is an overpowering conviction that not man's devisings or plannings can explain the factors that have entered into the success achieved: the securing of such generous funds, the gifted personnel brought together, the balanced corporate life that has evolved, the strategic location of our properties, the goodwill of officials, the grace and guidance given at many a difficult corner. These factors, each one difficult in itself and infinitely more difficult to command simultaneously, can be ascribed only to a divine will, with which it has been an indescribably pleasure for us all to cooperate whether as Trustees in America or as a staff in Egypt. rith grateful appreciation of the generous support of the Trustees, of the wholehearted cooperation of Mr. Lum, the Board's Executive Secretary, and of my associates in Egypt, as also of those hundreds of friends whose interest and prayers have made possible the American University at Cairo and its achievements, I submit this Report for the year 1938-39. CHARLES R. WATSON President. 5