The award ceremony for the 2022 Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship for the Faculty of International Liberal Arts was held Thursday, July 28th at Global Square. Funded by the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to Faculty of International Liberal Arts students participating in study abroad programs.

Following opening remarks by Laurence Macdonald, Dean of the Faculty of International Liberty Arts, Chairman Mikiya Takanashi of the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation spoke on the establishment of this fund through the efforts of the founder Daisaku Ikeda in order to perpetuate the ideas of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the father of Soka education by fostering students who will contribute to human happiness and world peace. Chairman Takanashi stated, “Every student in the Faculty of International Liberal Arts is an important individual on a great mission to contribute to the future of society through studying abroad. I hope you will enjoy a fruitful experience studying abroad.”

After two recipients expressed their appreciation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Yasunori Tashiro spoke, thanking the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation for its generous support and addressed the scholarship recipients saying, “While your study abroad may be short, it will change your stance toward learning, letting you seize more opportunities for growth. I am confident that studying at a university overseas will broaden your horizons. I hope you have a healthy, meaningful experience studying abroad.”

Scholarship recipients made the following comments.
l During my study abroad, I will not fear the differences felt through diversity, but rather welcome them as an opportunity to broaden my horizons, then use what I have learned in my Faculty’s Cross-Cultural Understanding [HV1] class to learn more from there. I will not forget my gratitude to all those who have supported me and will put my mental and physical health first as I study.
(Karen Ono, studying abroad at the University of Southern California, USA)
l I will strive to overcome language and cultural barriers to stand on par with students whose native tongue is English. I would also like to learn more about sociology, my field of interest, with students and professors who come from different backgrounds than the Japanese. Furthermore, I would like to learn in a humble and proactive manner based on respect for diversity and a willingness to learn from the individuals in front of me.
(Rika Kumagai, studying abroad at Griffith University, Australia)