June 2, 2003
Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) held its commencement on June 1, 2003, awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates to 151 graduates. The ceremony, held at Tokyo’s Radisson Miyako Hotel, was a continuation of the 116th commencement of Temple University in Philadelphia. It was attended by 127 of the graduates, along with their families and friends, senior academic and administrative staff from the main campus and from Temple University’s Law Program in Beijing, members of the TUJ Board of Governors, journalists, and other friends and supporters of TUJ.
Robert J. Reinstein, Temple University’s Vice President of International Programs and Dean of Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, called the commencement to order. Following his remarks, a video of the main campus graduation ceremony held on May 22nd and including a salute to TUJ by Temple University President David Adamany was shown.
Four guests of honor gave speeches congratulating the graduates: Richard Englert, Deputy Provost of Temple University; Morris Vogel, Former Acting Dean of the College of Liberal Arts of Temple University; Ronald J. Anderson, Co-chair of the TUJ Board of Governors and Chairman of American International Group Companies, Japan and Korea; and Hugh H. Hara, Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs, United States Embassy, Tokyo.
Distinguished graduates representing their fellow graduates then addressed the audience. All of them commented on the unique, special education that they had received at TUJ and on the strong influence that their TUJ experience had on their outlook on the world.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of diplomas: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Certificate in International Legal Studies, Master of Law, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education. Kirk R. Patterson, Dean of TUJ, then closed the two-hour commencement.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held to honor the graduates. Mr. Keimi Harada, Mayor of Minato Ward, home to TUJ’s Tokyo campus, opened the reception with a toast.
Dean Patterson noted that “the commencement not only showcased our talented students but also highlighted the special contribution that TUJ makes to education in Japan and to the building of bridges between Japan and the United States and other countries. With TUJ offering exactly the same curriculum, credits, and degrees as Temple University main campus, our students are given a unique opportunity to get an American education in Japan. As the oldest and largest American university in Japan, we are committed to further expanding the range of courses and programs that we offer students both in Japan and coming to Japan to study at TUJ.”