June 7, 2004

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ)’s commencement ceremony, held on June 6, 2004, at Tokyo’s Radisson Miyako Hotel, recognized the achievements of 138 graduates. This was a continuation of the 117th Commencement of Temple University, which was held at the Philadelphia main campus on May 20.

A highlight of this year’s TUJ commencement ceremony was the presence of Temple University president David Adamany. Accompanying President Adamany were Robert J. Reinstein, vice president of International Programs and dean of the Beasley School of Law; Richard Englert, Deputy Provost and Dean of University College; Concetta Stewart, Dean of the School of Communications and Theater; C. Kent McGuire, Dean of the College of Education; and several other special guests from the Temple University main campus.

In his keynote address, President Adamany congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and wished them continued success in the future. He noted that “as the only full-scale foreign university in Japan, Temple University is proud to be making a unique contribution to the Japanese educational scene. More important, though, we are proud and privileged that TUJ is able to play a special role in the professional and personal development of so many Japanese, American, and other students. We are committed to building on the TUJ foundation that has been established over the past 22 years so that we can provide even broader and richer educational opportunities to future students.”

Following President Adamany’s remarks, the graduates were also honored in speeches by Ronald J. Anderson, co-chair of the TUJ Board of Governors and chairman of American International Group Companies, Japan and Korea, and by Mark Davidson, cultural affairs officer, United States Embassy, Tokyo.

After the guests had spoken, representatives from among the graduates addressed the audience. Each commented on the special nature of the education they had received at TUJ and on the strong influence that their TUJ experience had on their worldview.

Highlighting the ceremony, of course, was the presentation of diplomas: associate of arts (23), bachelor of arts (48), master of law (2), master of business administration (24), master of education (33), and doctor of education (8).

TUJ dean Kirk R. Patterson closed the two-hour ceremony by congratulating the graduates and by recognizing the contributions of TUJ faculty and the support that the graduates received from their family and friends.