University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner delivered commencement addresses at Asahi University and Meikai University in Japan in March to about 1,700 graduates. Lassner praised the students for their academic achievements and highlighted the impactful ties between UH and the two Japanese institutions over the years.
“I hope you feel great pride in all that you have accomplished, and are excited about new possibilities that are open to you as you enter into the next stage of your life,” said Lassner in his speeches. “I have every confidence looking at you today that the superb education you experienced here has prepared you with the knowledge, skills, and passion to grow as lifelong learners.”
In September 2023, Asahi and Meikai Universities contributed $20,000 toward UH relief efforts to help students and employees impacted by the Maui wildfires.
Long-term partnerships
Since 2009, 140 students from Meikai’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have enriched their education through UH summer programs fostering camaraderie and cross-cultural understanding. UH students in return have gone on short-term and semester-long exchange programs, which have provided them with valuable experiences in Japanese industry and culture.
The partnership with Asahi University has flourished since 2018, when students from the School of Health Science were hosted at the UH Mānoa College of Education Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. This collaboration has resulted in successful outcomes for students and faculty, with ongoing research focusing on enhancing the safety and fitness of senior citizens through new technologies.
“As our long-term relationship continues, the University of Hawaiʻi will be taking further steps toward building and sustaining our partnership,” said Lassner.
Strengthening ties
During his commencement address, Lassner shared a new initiative to explore the development of a “micro-campus” at Meikai University that will enable respective students to earn credits and degrees while studying at their home campuses.
“This has been successful at other universities, and I have every expectation that with our strong partnership, Meikai and UH can make this work for our students as well,” Lassner said.
To further the exchange support between the institutions, later this year, students from Asahi and Meikai will participate in various short-term programs at UH, including disciplines such as health sciences, business administration, hospitality and tourism management, English and real estate sciences.
