Lorna Jean Edmonds, Reflections

There are special relationships between universities and then there are very special relationships. The partnership and legacy of 50 years of community, scholarly possibilities, cultural exchange, and enduring friendships that Chubu University (Chubu) and Ohio University (OHIO) have created together is unique, deep, and far reaching. The breathtakingly beautiful Cherry trees and their spring blossoms represent a distinguishing landmark that all can appreciate and for which OHIO has become renowned. Just imagine the zillions of photos that have been taken and shared among friends and families worldwide. Yamada House, named after Chubu’s late President and Chancellor, Kazuo Yamada has been the ‘home’ of our global affairs office and the Center for International Studies for many years. For those of us who work(ed) at Yamada, we have taken great pride and pleasure in making Yamada a warm and welcoming place to meet and work with others as has been our experience when we visit Chubu. OHIO cherishes these extraordinary contributions from Chubu and our longstanding relationship. These incredible gifts as well as our well-established academic connections have truly added an enduring vibrancy to our OHIO and Athens communities.

The Chubu-OHIO relationship and all who invested in its success is one of my most valued experiences while serving as OHIO’s Vice Provost for Global Affairs and International Studies. I am so grateful to all, at both Chubu and OHIO, who have made the continuation of this relationship possible and wish to thank you ever so sincerely. The students, the faculty, the staff, the leadership and the many academic and cultural experiences, events, and celebrations we shared together left an indelible mark on all of us and provided fantastic stories and memories for us to cherish and share. I too have a legacy of memories from being part of this distinct Chubu-OHIO partnership that I hold dear. One of my first was the 40th Anniversary of the Chubu-OHIO partnership we celebrated during the inaugural establishment of International Education Week at OHIO and the creation of the OHIO Tanaka award to celebrate and profile our Chubu international leaders!

Now 10 years later OHIO and Chubu are celebrating once again with a series of special events and recognitions to memorialize the now 50 years of friendship, connection, and academic success on both campuses. I was so touched reading the series of compelling stories compiled for this reflection series, reminding me of my connections with Chubu and underscoring the impact of this longstanding relationship on so many. These reflections bring to life the many hundreds and even thousands who have been, and are still engaged, from our Presidents and senior leadership to our faculty, staff, and students. They showcase how this partnership has shaped so many lives. It reminds one of just how important investing in such relationships is as we strive to be global in forging diversity, inclusion, understanding and cooperation as individuals and as institutions. We are all richer and enriched. This relationship is a pillar of global engagement; one that I am confident will succeed us all. I feel privileged to have been part of this journey and its legacy and I wish all involved the very best.