Sara Griffin

29 August 2007

Welcoming Speech

Good Morning. I would like to welcome you all to this special event at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. To our distinguished guests, visiting from Kyoto University, Chancellor Rosemary DePaulo, UNCW faculty and staff, and fellow students, my name is Sara Griffin. It is my honor to speak to you today about the new exchange program beginning this year between UNCW and Kyoto University.

This day marks a significant event in both university’s histories. It marks the beginning of new experiences for students and staff coming from two different cultures.

The second university established in Japan, Kyoto University opened its doors on June 18^th 1897. Kyoto thrives in offering students several areas of study. Diverse subjects such as life science, economics, engineering, social studies, and arts only name a few. Aside from classroom activities, Kyoto’s offers students numerous extracurricular activities as well, ranging from lacrosse to traditional Japanese martial arts. This university wishes to offer academic freedom while providing structured programs to enhance student’s knowledge and aspirations.

Upon arrival at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, students of Kyoto will find a school rich in academic achievement. We offer a range of bachelor’s and graduate degree programs as well as numerous programs to encourage campus involvement. A constantly growing University, UNCW allows its students to form an educational experience that suits their passions, while enhancing their desire to learn at the same time.

It is safe to say that both the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Kyoto University students will be in for a treat when trading places at these universities. Kyoto students accustomed to beautiful mountain ranges will be immersed in a coastal town where laidback trips to the beach and wearing flip-flops to class is common practice. UNCW students familiar with life at the warm shoreline will have a chance to put on their hiking boots with the striking landscape of Mt. Daimonji, and Mt. Yoshida surrounding the university.

Whether you are coming to historic Wilmington, North Carolina, or traveling across the ocean to beautiful Kyoto University, I can assure you that both of the prestigious institutions offer enormous opportunity. Speaking as a senior here at UNCW, I can tell all of our guests from Kyoto that despite the distance and diverse cultures separating our universities, we here at UNCW welcome all of you with open arms. We look forward to helping you further your academic careers. I am glad all of you could attend this memorable event. Thank you for your time and attention.