ABSTRACT
John Leighton Stuart's name was mentioned most frequently by the recommenders, many of whom were senior missionaries and leaders of the foreign missionary movement. When Stuart agreed to take up presidency at Yenching, he laid down two conditions for the Board: first, a new campus site should be considered and selected; second, he would not be responsible for fundraising. Though himself kept clear of the responsibility for fundraising, Stuart had to appoint someone in charge of the task, as funding was on the top of his agenda. During the 11 years in Nanking, Stuart weathered social unrest and political uncertainties, and immersed himself in the unique, profound culture of the city. Stuart had no time to lose, for the new university was in the midst of a financial crisis. When Stuart decided to take up presidency of the university, he mapped out a grand blueprint for Yenching, aiming to build it into a first-rate Church university in China.
