The message from President regarding the Kumamoto earthquakes

On behalf of Kyushu University, I would like to express our sincere condolences over the loss of so many precious lives in the recent Kumamoto earthquakes.  We extend our deepest sympathies to all who have been affected.

Kyushu University’s campuses, I am relieved to tell our many partners, colleagues, graduates, and friends, fortunately were not directly impacted, given the distance from the Kumamoto region.  Our community thankfully was safe from harm, though we remain today greatly concerned with the well-being of those who suffered injury and displacement.  

The University, in the aftermath of the devastating events, has been participating accordingly in the recovery efforts, dispatching Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and sending supplies of water and food.

We have formed a special campus support team to direct local responses.  And we have created a liaison group, comprised of national university presidents in the Kyushu and Yamaguchi areas, with the aim of providing efficient, long-term assistance to Kumamoto University.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology and the Japan Association of National Universities, we are acting more broadly as representative of all involved institutions in bringing relief to Kumamoto University. As may be needed, Kyushu University will enable continuation of the education and research activities of institutions experiencing disruptions by welcoming their students and scholars to carry on here.

We will offer, for example, financial aid, including tuition exemptions and other assistance, to students who have been affected by the earthquakes, minimizing the interruption of their learning.

We fervently hope, and are committed to doing our utmost, for Kumamoto’s speedy rehabilitation and return to normal conditions. To this end we welcome and are most grateful for everyone’s contributions.

 

April 21, 2016
Chiharu Kubo
President, Kyushu University