Martin McNickle

Lloyd Rohler

8/29/10

COM 345

Welcoming Speech

Good morning, Chancellor, faculty, staff, students, and visiting members of the delegation from Kyoto University, and other distinguished guests. My name is Martin McNickle, and it is my honor to represent the UNC Wilmington student body in offering words of welcome to our international friends from Japan.

UNC Wilmington and Kyoto University are in many ways similar. Both institutions are young. Kyoto University was founded in 1897. UNC Wilmington was founded a mere 50 years later in 1947. Both universities are located in significant historical cities of their respective nations. While Kyoto is the former historical capital of Japan and one of the oldest cities in Japan, Wilmington is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Both cities have very rich histories and young tertiary learning institutions.

Both universities are known for their scenic campuses. Admittedly the terrain is markedly different, with Kyoto University’s numerous campuses are located in mountainous terrain with stunning views, while UNC Wilmington is located on flat terrain, with much unspoiled forest landscape, as well as a nature preserve, and a center for marine science on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway.

For the sixth consecutive year, UNC Wilmington has been named one of the best universities in the southeastern United States. The University of Kyoto ranks 11^th in the Global University Ranking. Both offer curricula based on liberal arts, and have very reputable research departments. As such, the missions of our fraternal institutions are not very different at all.

With the ever-improving relationship between the United States and Japan, this delegation is a testament to commitment to friendship and cooperation we all share. As such, and to strengthen ties on an even deeper level, it behooves us all to consider the benefits of establishing an exchange program. No doubt friendships and memories to last a lifetime can be had by all those involved. As a student with a very international perspective, I know first-hand the benefits of intercultural understanding.

Again, on behalf of the student body of UNC Wilmington, welcome and enjoy your stay. And now I yield the forum to chancellor DePaolo.