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The American University in Cairo was founded in 1919 by Americans devoted to education and service in the Middle East. For its first 27 years, the University was shaped by its founding president, Charles A. Watson, who wished to create an English-language University based on high standards of conduct and scholarship, and to contribute to the intellectual growth, discipline and character of the future leaders of Egypt and the region. Throughout its history, AUC has balanced a strong commitment to liberal arts education with a concern for the region's needs for practical applications and professional specializations. Today, AUC emphasizes a liberal arts education, with all undergraduate students studying a common set of courses in the humanities and the natural and social sciences as part of the University's Core Curriculum. In addition, AUC maintains its strong commitment to fostering understanding across world regions, cultures and religions. Early Years Initially, AUC was int

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