On Monday, September 14, 2026, the "2nd Memorial Partners Seat Donation Nameplate Unveiling Ceremony," hosted by the President of Keio University, was held at the Mita Campus North Building Hall.
The "Memorial Partners Seat Donation" is an optional course established as part of the "KEIO Mirai Stories Fund," which launched in November 2024. This initiative places commemorative nameplates honoring donors on each seat in the Mita Campus North Building Hall, a venue for various events such as ceremonies and international symposiums. As a unique form of giving that leaves a lasting mark of support in the history of Keio University, we continue to invite widespread contributions.
The event was attended by many donors and related parties. President Kohei Itoh expressed his gratitude for the support and spoke about how, in addition to tuition fees, support from various sources—starting with donations—serves as a great power in further enhancing Keio University's educational and research environment and supporting the learning and challenges of the Keio students and researchers who will lead the next generation.
Furthermore, the Director of the Office of Fund Raising reported that the donations collected through this initiative are being used to create comfortable spaces for students and to further promote projects by the Keio University Student Conference (KUSC), leading to the realization of a better society and future.
In the renovated North Building Hall, attendees viewed the nameplates installed as a token of gratitude to the donors. It was an opportunity to report that the university's environment is being improved through their support and to express our gratitude once again.
The unveiling ceremony concluded in a peaceful atmosphere where the warm support of the participants for Keio University could be felt, featuring commemorative photos and informal conversation.
Many comments were received from donors, such as: "I believe I am who I am today because of the knowledge, networks, and diverse experiences I gained at Keio University, and I want to give back even a little of what I received," "I look forward to your continued production of leaders who will guide the world," and "Along with this token of gratitude to my alma mater, I hope for the further improvement of the learning environment for the Keio students who will lead the future, and for the fulfillment of their achievements."
After the unveiling ceremony, campus tours were conducted in two groups. Many participants were visiting the campus for the first time in a long while, and they toured the storage facilities of the Keio Museum Commons and the memorial rooms in The Old Library, which are usually not open to the public.
Due to the nameplate installation schedule, the 2nd unveiling ceremony invited those eligible for nameplates who had donated by the end of June 2026. Those eligible for nameplates who donated from July 2026 onwards will be contacted for the 3rd unveiling ceremony, scheduled to be held in the 2027 academic year or later.
We will continue to engage in education, research, and medical activities that lead to the future, empowered by your warm support. We look forward to your continued support.