News & Events

School of Global Japanese Studies Holds its First Commencement Ceremony

Mar. 31, 2012

 Meiji University’s newest school, the School of Global Japanese Studies which opened in April 2008, produced its first graduates at the FY2011 graduation ceremony. After the graduation ceremony held at the Nippon Budokan, the School of Global Japanese Studies held its first commencement ceremony on the second floor of the Academy Common on the Surugadai Campus.

Dean Seiichi Kanise, who gave a congratulatory speech, addressed the 275 graduating students of the inaugural class about to embark on a new chapter in their lives saying, “When you enrolled in the School of Global Japanese Studies four years ago, I told you in my address that you were already pioneers. Now is the time for another new beginning. Do not be afraid; boldly face anything you may encounter with that pioneering spirit.”

Following this address, recognizing students with outstanding academic performances, Dean Kanise presented the valedictorian Ms. Sayuri Mori and others with diplomas.

Upon receiving her diploma, Ms. Mori called on her fellow students saying, “I intend to do my best as a proud member of the inaugural class. Let’s all work hard together!” The graduates responded with a loud cheer.

Many international students are also enrolled at the School of Global Japanese Studies. Russian student Mr. Vakabayasi Liubov, who joined the junior year at Meiji University after graduating from a Russian university, looked back on his students days and said, “My fondest memory is entering the school’s Japanese speech contest with the support of Japanese students and winning a prize.”

A Korean student said happily, “I had some worries about being in the inaugural class, but the four years I spent learning at the School of Global Japanese Studies was truly enriching and I was able to gain the opportunity of finding employment at a Japanese company, just as I had hoped. I am very pleased.”