Washington, D.C. Kyoto University Alumni Chapter holds assembly (14 May 2015)

The Washington, D. C. Kyoto University Alumni Chapter, an organization established in May 2010 for alumni and alumnae residing in the District of Columbia, held an assembly on 14 May 2015 at Evermay. This historic building set in acres of gardens was built in 1801 and is now owned by the S&R Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to individuals pursuing innovation in sciences and arts. S&R Foundation President, Dr Sachiko Kuno, a 1977 graduate of the Faculty of Engineering, is also the Vice-Chair of the Chapter, through which the Foundation provides full support for the "Kyoto-DC Global Leadership Program", a short-term study abroad program that accepts about ten students each year and gives them opportunities to visit international institutions and universities for exchanges with researchers and specialists. This year's program had concluded successfully in February.

Professor Emeritus Yuzo Ohnishi, Special Assistant to the President of Kyoto University, attended the assembly and interacted with some 30 participants.

The assembly was preceded by a reception, during which participants enjoyed strolling around the gardens and taking light refreshments in pleasant weather conditions. Following an opening address by the Chapter's Vice-Chair, Dr Kuno, participants listened to an inaugural address from the new Chairperson, Shinichiro Uemiya, a 1975 graduate of the Faculty of Engineering, who had only recently taken over the role from former Chair Takashi Muragaki, a 1963 graduate of the Faculty of Economics. Then, the participants introduced themselves, one by one. Professor Ohnishi thanked Dr Kuno and other members for their contributions to the "Kyoto-DC Global Leadership Program" and gave a briefing on Kyoto University's current situation which included some key moves, activities of the Kyoto University Foundation, and other topics.

The lively assembly, in which stories about alumni and alumnae making the world their stage were introduced, wrapped up on a high note with a sublime pianoforte performance.