Welcoming Speech

Honored guests of Kyoto University, Chancellor DePaulo, and distinguished members of the UNCW community, welcome to this special occasion. We are delighted to have you here today to support the combined unity of two astounding schools. My name is Steven Nelson, and it is my pleasure to speak on behalf of the student body here at UNCW. We have taken great strides in creating more opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom. With our combined efforts, it is my hope that we will work together with Kyoto University to establish a new international exchange program.

UNCW has well-established programs in several countries throughout the world, but this will mark the first collaboration with Japan. It is important to enrich your life with other cultures and see the different opportunities that are available to you. Through an exchange program, students will be able to seize the opportunity to grow in their education and become more diverse in their thinking. It is our goal that everyone prospers and grows through their education. We feel that this will be made more possible through a program at Kyoto University.

UNCW stresses the importance of becoming more involved on campus (offering over 150 student organizations), and to take advantage of every opportunity around you that will expand you knowledge. A new exchange program will open the doors to new thinking, a broader vision, and more cultural awareness. This program will have a positive affect on the student body as a whole and will become a celebration of diversity between two prestigious universities.

Founded on June 18, 1897, Kyoto University is the second university established in Japan. It is one of the leading and most recognizable schools in Japan with more than 200,000 students having received an education. Like UNCW, the standards are high for Kyoto University and their engrained traditions have led them to be successful for the past century. Among there three campuses, Kyoto University takes pride in expressing academic freedom and an active aspiration to learn. They believe in being an active role in an international society, and UNCW would be honored to join them in their efforts.

Between the obvious cultural differences, there are also some similarities that these two universities share amongst one another. We both place top priority and commitment to research. Between Kyoto’s 13 research facilities, they offer students a chance to explore all types of molecular biology to different forms of genetics. UNCW takes great pride in their marine biology program that is top ranked nationwide. Through local research centers and technology on campus, UNCW is always making progress in the marine biology field.

UNCW is only half the age of Kyoto University, but we have managed to establish ourselves as an attractive, credible institution for learning. Our Business school ranks among the top in the state and we also have successful Nursing and Education programs. Our small class sizes and friendly atmosphere will assure a positive experience and a superb learning environment.

Students participating in the exchange program will find that Wilmington is great place to explore and have fun. UNCW is located conveniently near Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington. We have several award winning restaurants and a wonderful nightlife to look forward to. The port city has other attractions such as the Battleship and Fort Fisher that will definitely be worth your time. Whether you are relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll on the river downtown, you will find yourself enjoying the laid back, southern comfort.

Everyone desires to have a good education through a dependable source. Kyoto University stands tall among others and has proven to be that dependable source. We believe that the development of an international exchange program with Kyoto University is a huge building block for learning and understanding the world around us. Thank you all for your time and attention, and we look forward to taking full advantage of this tremendous opportunity.