Matt Ray

September 8, 2006

Prof. Lloyd Rohler

Speech 1

Speech 1

Good afternoon, distinguished members from Kyoto University and our own members of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I am extremely honored to speak to all of you on this glorious day. On behalf of chancellor Depaulo I would like to welcome you with open arms and respect.

Even though we may come from opposite sides of the earth we are all focused on the same goal. We would like to setup a program that allows both universities to better themselves though the use of foreign exchange programs. Our goal is to maintain a relationship that will carry us into the future with a better respect for our fellow students. And with that we will create bonds that will never be broken.

The chance for the students of Kyoto University students to come here will help them in ways they will never understand. It will give them the opportunity to experience a different culture and geographic region. It will give them the chance to move out of the mountains and experience life at the beach. Here class is followed by a short drive to the golden sand beaches to read a book or just live the easy life. Our classes are small and your students will have the opportunity to bond with their teachers. They will move from the technical college life to one where education is the main priority but it is followed by the pursuit personal gratification.

Here at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington we offer many programs and major opportunities ranging from a business college to environmental studies concentrating on coastal research. Students will be able to gain a vast knowledge in the business field a program that is nationally ranked among business schools. Our programs will give the students from Kyoto the ability to become fluent in fields made possible by this exchange program. Our students will be able to gain from your programs such as engineering, agricultural, and law. Those programs would not open to students here at U.N.C.W. This exchange program is giving these students opportunities to expand their minds and even their hearts.

Our students will gain from the cultural experiences they will receive upon arriving at Kyoto University. To experience the life of others is to obtain an education on foreign thought. Our students will learn new ways of learning, eating and even loving. They will have the chance to make bonds with people the people of Japan and achieve knowledge that would otherwise not be impossible.

In closing we have a saying here on the North Carolina coast, “May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon you face. And the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.” And that is exactly what we have accomplished here today. We have given our fellow students the opportunity to accomplish something that will take them to far away places and fulfill goals that are out of this world. Thank you and have a wonderful day.