Speaking at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on “The Role and Reality of the University in the Middle East,” President David Arnold emphasized the important function that an institution like AUC plays in preparing future leaders. Citing statistics on knowledge gaps, gender inequalities and political challenges in the series of UN Arab Human Development Reports, Arnold noted that the solution lies in providing a high-quality education.

“In the Middle East context, the greatest contribution that universities can make is to teach the next generation how to think, how to analyze complex problems, understand and evaluate different points of view, and how to reach independent judgments and conclusions,” he said. “These are the essential skills that we give our students if we are to have any hope of winning the race against catastrophe and changing those sobering numbers for the better.”

Beyond academics, Arnold noted that AUC actively promotes community service among its students. He gave the example of Raghda El Ebrashi, an AUC graduate, who was recognized globally for her establishment of Alashanek Ya Balady (For My Country), a non-governmental organization that began as a student club on campus. She recently won the 35 under 35 award from World Business magazine and Shell Corporation, naming her one of 35 women under the age of 35 who are leading international business and social entrepreneurs.

“There is no greater gift than the gift Raghda has given,” Arnold said. “It is the gift of hope, and it exemplifies the stewardship spirit and mission of our university and the positive change it can make in the lives of individuals, communities and nations.”

In addition to public service, Arnold highlighted the importance of intellectual freedom and the open exchange of ideas. He cited the recent appearance of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia University and last year’s appearance of a Muslim Brotherhood speaker at AUC, and the resulting criticism of both universities for providing such a forum. “These events are not the expression of either Columbia’s or AUC’s political views,” Arnold affirmed. “They are part and parcel of a free and open academic environment that allows all sides to come together, express divergent views, express them passionately, freely, without reservation, judgment or fear of punishment.”  

Calling himself “an inveterate optimist,” Arnold concluded, “When I look at the faces of the young men and women on our campus, all of them eager to learn; committed to doing more and doing better for themselves, for their families and for Egypt, it gives me hope.”

Arnold’s address is part of a series of public appearances he has made this year in the United States to draw attention to the purpose of American-style higher education in the region.