News & Events

Autumn Graduation Ceremony for the 2017 Academic Year Held

Sep. 25, 2017

The graduate representative receiving his diploma

The graduate representative receiving his diploma

President Tsuchiya offering the graduates words of encouragement

President Tsuchiya offering the graduates words of encouragement

On September 19, Meiji University held the Autumn Graduation Ceremony for the 2017 academic year at Liberty Hall on the Surugadai Campus. The ceremony celebrated the fresh departure of 279 graduates (201 from the undergraduate and 78 from the graduate schools).

In his address, President Tsuchiya encouraged the graduates while touching on the significance of graduating in September, stating, “You were fortunate to experience time that others could not in order to create your own story. This experience undoubtedly served to make you stronger individuals.” He went on to call their attention to the importance of the “mind’s eye” for understanding a diverse sense of values in society while quoting from Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” and the words of Zeami, who originated Noh theater. He concluded his address by saying, “Meiji University will always be your place. It is both the place from which you take flight into the world and the place where you return to rest your wings. I wish you happiness in your lives.”

President Tsuchiya’s address was followed by that of the Chairman, Board of Trustees Yanagiya, who gave the graduates words of strong encouragement. He asserted that, even in the social situation of tremendous change brought by technical innovation and globalization, and stated, “Your days of polishing your individuality based on our founding spirit will provide the driving force for you to grow going forward.” He went on to add, “I hope you will never shrink from challenges and will move forward with strong convictions and courage.” Alumni Association Chairman Mukaidono called out to the students, “Establish your own selves and carve out your own path while respecting others. Please also support your alma mater along with the other 540,000 alumni who are active around the world.”