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2022 Fall Matriculation Address by President Ishibashi

Message from the President

2022 Fall Matriculation Address by President Ishibashi

Congratulations to all of you who today become students of Kyushu University. On behalf of the entire Kyushu University faculty and staff, I would like to congratulate your families, friends, and all those who have supported and encouraged you on your path to university. 

Today, we welcome a total of 430 new students, including 30 undergraduate students, 344 graduate students, and 56 new international students on the short-term study abroad programs (JTW and JLCC). Again, I would like to extend to you a very special welcome.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are able to hold today’s entrance ceremony as usual thanks to thorough infection control measures. On behalf of the faculty and staff of Kyushu University, we are delighted to be able to celebrate our new students and the numerous others involved in their academic journey. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to you all upon your enrollment.

I would first like to ask you to think about why you chose to study at Kyushu University. Let me share with you the educational and academic philosophy of Kyushu University. This year, Kyushu University celebrates its 111th anniversary. Founded in 1911, Kyushu University is recognized for its high academic standards and cutting-edge research, which are built upon wisdom cultivated over more than a century of history and tradition.

Our Education Charter stipulates that our mission is to instill in our students a strong sense of humanity, social responsibility, global citizenship, and an appreciation for creativity and originality in scholarship. In addition, our Research Charter stipulates that we shall carry out our mission of handing down to future generations a basic attitude of respect for humanity’s timeless pursuit of knowledge and the wisdom realized therein. Kyushu University ascribes the highest value to creative and original research and pays the utmost respect to academic freedom and the autonomy of researchers, and we shall endeavor, according to our conscience and good sense, to promote research activities that respect human life and human dignity.

Universities are the repositories of the wisdom that has been passed down throughout human history. It is the mission of those of us gathered here today to learn from—and add to—this wisdom. Starting today, you are a part of that legacy.

From time to time, I would like you to remember the reason why you first chose to study at Kyushu University—that reason is at the heart of whatever it is that you want to learn here. I would ask that you approach your studies with sincerity, deepen your understanding, and fulfill your academic aims. We will do all we can to support you on your journey. Together we can create knowledge for the next generation.

Last year, Kyushu University was named a Designated National University Corporation. We also formulated the “Kyushu University Vision 2030”, a ten-year vision that outlines a path to transform our institution into a “university that drives social change with integrative knowledge”. Many new initiatives are already well underway. Kyushu University’s notion of “integrative knowledge” is knowledge that synthesizes the entire spectrum of research—from the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences and even design—to create the new insights and ways of thinking needed to solve the complex social issues facing humankind. Although you will all go on to deepen your understanding in a major field of study as you work toward your respective goals, I encourage you to challenge yourselves to explore additional subject areas and make a point of socializing with a diverse group of people. These challenges will lead to different perspectives and ideas that will, in turn, generate the integrative knowledge that leads to new discoveries and new values. I hope you will all be pioneers in applying this integrative knowledge. 

Kyushu University has four main campuses. Ito Campus is home to the latest research facilities and equipment, as well as the Central Library, which boasts the latest technology and a collection of more than 3.5 million books. The fourth floor of the Central Library houses the Dr. Nakamura Tetsu Memorial Archive. Dr. Nakamura, an alumnus engaged in medical activities in Afghanistan for many years. He devoted himself to the construction of irrigation canals for the stability of the region. Sadly, Dr. Nakamura was shot and killed there in 2019, but we at Kyushu University continue to honor his firm will and unwavering desire. Please take the time to visit the Dr. Nakamura Tetsu Memorial Archive.

In addition to Ito Campus, our university has the Hospital Campus, one of Asia’s leading bio-medical science centers equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities; Ohashi Campus, which serves as our advanced design center; and Chikushi Campus, our advanced science fusion center. The unique characteristics and configurations of these campuses combine to promote a variety of initiatives, including the expansion of joint research and the practical application and commercialization of research findings.

It’s an uncertain world in which the future is difficult to predict. Many of you may be anxious about what lies ahead as you begin your new student life away from your home, your family, and even your homeland. Kyushu University has established support and consultation services to help orient you to campus life, including infectious disease control measures, an enhanced educational environment, strengthened student support, and economic assistance for international students. Faculty and administrative staff are also doing their utmost to ensure that education and research activities can continue at the highest standards while ensuring your comfort.

In closing, I would like to again send you my warm welcome. We now became fellow compatriots to explore the world of knowledge. Your voyage of your study with your diligence will lead you to the bright future of yours and we will always be the guide and support. I wish you all good luck.

Tatsuro Ishibashi
President, Kyushu University
October 3, 2022