OHIO and Chubu University celebrate 50 years of friendship
The historic partnership between Ohio University and Chubu University has benefited students, faculty and staff at both institutions in countless ways over the last 50 years.
Photos by Ben Siegel and Eli Burris | December 20, 2023
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A delegation from Chubu University, led by President Yoshimi Takeuchi, visited Ohio University during International Education Week in November in order to celebrate the historic partnership between the two institutions.
The partnership dates back to 1973 and has benefited both universities in countless ways over the past 50 years.
During International Education Week, the two universities signed a renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding and held meetings to discuss how the partnership can further benefit students and faculty at both institutions. In addition, Chubu and OHIO representatives officially dedicated the gift of 50 new cherry trees from Chubu University. The trees were donated in honor of Chairman Emeritus Atsuo Iiyoshi, who received an OHIO Honorary Doctor of Science at the Spring 2023 commencement.
Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez and Chubu University President President Yoshimi Takeuchi signed a renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions during the visit.
The two universities also held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Friendship Park and Pavilion, which will be located in the grove of cherry trees near the Hocking River and the Convocation Center.
The cherry trees planted in that areas, as well as in other locations on Ohio University’s West Green were gifts from Chubu University in 1979, 2003 and 2023.
The strong partnership was also recognized during the OHIO Football game on Nov. 15, and additional events were held on OHIO’s Athens campus.
OHIO's collaboration with Chubu University began 50 years ago with faculty exchanges, and over the years has grown to include study away and exchange programs, the renovation of the Yamada International House, and the Chubu University Japanese Collection in OHIO’s Alden Library.
You can learn more about the historic partnership between Ohio University and Chubu University, as well as read reflections from OHIO community members about the impact of the partnership at the Celebrating 50 Years of Friendship website.
Ohio University and Chubu University held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Friendship Park and Pavilion and the planting of the 50 new cherry trees.
Gillian Ice, interim associate provost for Global Affairs, is shown speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Friendship Park and Pavilion.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, Chubu University generously donated 50 additional cherry trees in honor of Chairman Emeritus Atsuo Iiyoshi to be planted on the Ohio University campus. Chairman Emeritus Atsuo Iiyoshi received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Ohio University at the Spring 2023 commencement.
Rufus spent time with the Chubu University Mascot, Chutora, during Ohio University's International Education Week. The two mascots are shown here at an Ohio University Football game.
The Ohio University and Chubu University partnership was also celebrated during the Ohio University Football game in Peden Stadium on Nov. 15, 2023.