News in Brief

Ambassador gave a lecture at Kyudai

On December 7, the Australian Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Mr. John Philip McCarthy, visited Kyushu University to give a lecture for the students in the CSPA (Comparative Studies of Politics and Administration in Asia) program. In his lecture, His Excellency explained the role and work of the Embassy and the general themes of the Japan-Australia relationship. Both Japanese and international students, as well as faculty staff of Kyudai, attended the lecture and asked many questions of His Excellency. His Excellency said that this was a valuable opportunity for him to speak to people in a Japanese university.

Prior to the lecture, His excellency enjoyed visiting the library of Law Faculty where he appreciated very much seeing the first printing of "De jure belli ac pacis" by H. Grotius as well as "The Wealth of Nations" by A. Smith printed in the early 1800s.

Machiko Hachiya

Assistant Professor for International Programs Faculty of Law

Kyudai’s collection shown at City Museum

The Kyushu University Museum and the Fukuoka City Museum jointly presented "Natural Resources under the ground --- Coal, Gold and Geothermal heat," from December 18, 2001 to January 27, 2002, at an exhibition room at the Fukuoka City Museum. At a ceremony to open the exhibition, President Kajiyama said, "Kyushu University has collected samples and made findings through its research during its century of history. It is our duty to introduce these things to the public. I hope this exhibition, which shows the typical resources of Kyushu island, will give people the opportunity to take another good look at resources problems."After the President's speech, a ribbon was cut by the President, Mr. Kuwahara, Director of Fukuoka City Museum, Dr. Yukawa, Director of Kyushu University Museum, Dr. Ehara, Chief, Executive Committee of Exhibition, and Mr. Hayata, Director-General of Kyushu University.

The exhibition, which displayed about one hundred panels, samples, and ancient documents, provided people with an opportunity to learn about a wide range of the earth's activities and products, including the formation of coal, gold, hot springs and geothermal heat, as well as an insight into energy related problems.

The Mansfield Award -- for a strong partnership

On December 12, the 11th Mansfield Award, named in honor of former US Ambassador to Japan, Michael J. Mansfield (who served from 1977-1988) was awarded to former President of Kyushu University, Dr. Yoichi Sugioka. The award was presented at a ceremony held in the garden of the American Consulate, Fukuoka, attended by Dr. Sugioka accompanied by his wife.

The Chief Consular, Mr. Woo C. Lee gave a greeting as follows:
"This October, Mr. Mansfield passed away and we were afraid of the discontinuation of this award. However, the family of the deceased insisted that to mourn for the dead, they would like the award to be continued.
During his 6 years of presidency, Dr. Sugioka promoted bold university reformation plans. For designing its campus master plan, Kyushu University chose a Japan-US joint venture, which includes Cesar Pelli and Associates Inc. In addition, Kyushu University contributes by receiving many students from the United States for the JTW Program, which was the first in Japanese National Universities to be established. Dr. Sugioka's epoch-making contribution for the strong partnership between the two countries is highly regarded. On behalf of the Government of the United States, I would like to congratulate him on the receipt of this award, and also I would like to ask his continuing services for a deeper partnership between the two countries."

After the greetings of Mr. Maekawa, President of American Business Club, Mr. Hirayama, Vice-President of Daiei, and Dr. Kajiyama, President of Kyushu University, Dr. Sugioka said: "I am honored to receive such an award. This award is given for all the achievements made by Kyushu University in promoting cultural and academic exchange between Japan and the United States. I would like to say thank you to the Government of the United States, Chief Consular, Mr. Woo C. Lee, and President Maekawa. I would like to ask them to watch the performance of Kyushu University steered by President Kajiyama."