26/04/2010

Opening ceremony for the spring 2010 semester held

Tokai University held its 2010 spring opening ceremonies at its Kumamoto campus on April 3rd, Shonan campus on April 4th, and Sapporo campus on April 6th. At each campus, new students embarking on their university careers were welcomed and congratulated by many attendees from within and outside of their campuses, as well as their guardians.

The opening ceremony for the Shonan campus, which had the largest number of attending students, was divided into the morning and afternoon ceremonies, both held at the Shonan Campus Gymnasium. The morning session welcomed students entering the School of Physical Education, undergraduate and graduate students in the natural sciences, and students entering the Tokai University Junior College of Nursing and Medical Technology. The afternoon session welcomed students entering the School of Medicine, the School of Marine Science and Technology, and undergraduate and graduate students in the humanities and social sciences. In his address, President Tatsuro Matsumae introduced the university’s history and founding principles, explained the structure of the educational system, and spoke about the activities and contributions of current students and alumni. President Matsumae expressed his hope that incoming students would participate in the various opportunities that the university has to offer, such as the Student Project Center and the Tokai University Overseas Educational Cruise.

Further, one speaker representing the existing students and alumni gave advice to the new students about student life. Mr. Wataru Harigaya (School of Engineering, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aviation Course) who was accepted as a pilot candidate at All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd., after graduating this March offered his thoughts about the necessary characteristics for achieving one’s dreams. He explained that being aware of one’s strengths, working hard without compromise, maintaining a broad perspective, and developing friendships and connections widely, are the keys to success. Further, Ms. Rie Kanetou (School of Physical Education, 4th year student) who competed as a swimmer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Women’s Breaststroke urged the new students to take full advantage of Tokai University’s abundant facilities and also spoke briefly about her dreams of winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.