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On October 28, at around 11 am, just after the rain from the previous day had cleared, nine exchange students from the California State University (CSU) System who studied at Waseda University from 1984 to 1985 gathered in front of the Okuma Auditorium. This year marks 40 years since their exchange, and the group led by Michael Okamura from Los Angeles visited Waseda University for the first time in 10 years. They had gathered at Waseda University exactly 10 years ago in April for the 30th anniversary reunion, just as they did this time (30^th Reunion).

They were welcomed by Hiroko Tanaka, the CSU-Waseda exchange program coordinator, Takako Kazaoka, who was in charge of the programs in 1984 when Mr. Okamura and his group were studying at Waseda as the exchange students, current student members of the Waseda University international exchange circle “Niji-no-kai”, and staff members of the International Affairs Division.

After exchanging greetings and taking a commemorative photo in front of the Okuma Auditorium, the group headed for a campus tour.

　　　　　　　1984-1985 CSU at Waseda reunion group　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(L to R) Former CSU Program Associate Takako Kazaoka, Sharon Taguma, Theresa Garcia, Jim Reilly, Ken Perry, Eric Kent, Wing Leung, Mike Okamura, Cathy Grennan, LuAnn Shikasho.

After strolling through the beautiful Okuma Garden, they first visited the Waseda University History Museum, which opened in 2018. The group was impressed by the rich exhibits in the History Museum and took their time to view them. They then walked around the campus, reminiscing about old memories and the changes that have taken place on the Campus. The highlight of their tour was Building 6, where the old International Division was located 40 years ago. It was the place where they spent most of their time during their exchange, and they shared stories from that time, bridging the 40-year gap.

Afterward, the group moved to a nearby restaurant for lunch. At the beginning of the luncheon, Professor Mieko Nakabayashi from the Center for International Education at Waseda University welcomed the group on behalf of the University. Five current CSU exchange students also joined the gathering. The deep bonds of the alumni, who still cherish their year at Waseda as a special experience in their lives even after 40 years, deeply impressed the current students. The group is already looking forward to their reunion in another 10 years.

Links

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

The California State University

< Postscript>

　Students like Michael Okamura and others who studied at Waseda from the U.S. are referred to as “Friends”. Since 1963, Waseda University (referred to as “Waseda”) has continued educational and research exchanges with its partner institutions in the United States. There are currently more than 160 partner institutions in the U.S., and more than 4,800 students have studied at both Waseda and U.S. partner institutions through the exchange program. These exchanges are becoming increasingly active, and the U.S. is one of the most popular exchange destinations for Waseda students, with nearly 400 students studying in the U.S. each year.

　Waseda USA, Waseda’s U.S. office based in Berkeley, California, is currently promoting activities to provide information about Waseda University to these former exchange students. Through these activities, we hope to increase the number of Friends who are aware of Waseda as a second alma mater, and in turn, they will form new Waseda communities in various parts of the United States. For more information on Waseda USA activities, please click here.

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