A Special Homecoming Day | Jiro Kokuryo (Dean, Faculty of Policy Management)
2012.02.20
Although it may seem trivial compared to what struck the Tohoku region, the greatest regret I had as dean regarding the Great East Japan Earthquake was losing the opportunity to congratulate the graduating class of March 2011 while seeing their faces. As for the graduation ceremony itself, thanks to our great Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, we were able to hold an online graduation ceremony and had a reasonably enjoyable time, doing our best with things like having students sing "Wakaki-chi" together on Twitter (you can still watch it here: All-Juku http://live.wide.ad.jp/0323/ , SFC http://live.wide.ad.jp/sfc/ , Graduate School of Media and Governance & Graduate School of Health Management http://live.wide.ad.jp/0329/ ). However, we on our end could not see the faces of the graduating students. The Take-off Rally was also canceled. What was even more painful was that we couldn't grant the wish of the graduating students who wanted to come to campus one last time. Due to damage to some buildings and power outages, we couldn't confirm safety, so access to the campus was restricted throughout March, and in the end, they were unable to gather.
Ever since, I've spent the past year feeling as if SFC would remain defeated by the earthquake until we could see everyone's faces and congratulate them. That's when the idea emerged to hold a "Homecoming Day," not just for the class of 2011 but for all alumni, to gather together. The idea is to hold an event where we can support the Take-off Rally for the class of 2011 and all discuss the post-earthquake world. It will be held at the SFC campus on Saturday, March 24, 2012. We plan to hold sessions to report on the various initiatives SFC has promoted in response to 3.11 over the past year and to discuss the future, along with an enjoyable reception. https://www.sfc.keio.ac.jp/alumni/hcd.html You can register at this link (although you are welcome to come without registering, it would be helpful for us to forecast demand), so I hope you will register and join us.
After announcing the event, I was delighted to find that not only did many alumni offer their cooperation, but also several retired faculty members, including multiple former deans, expressed their intention to participate. With such a nostalgic, fun, and powerful lineup of attendees, it looks like we can hold a grand rally for the SFC community to overcome the earthquake and create the future together.
With the hope of deepening community interaction on this occasion, a Facebook page has also been created. Facebook We would be grateful if you could "Like" the page or post that you will be attending.
To the class of 2011: why not come in your formal attire, bring your diplomas, and take photos with us on the day? (Alumni who graduated before 2011 are also welcome to wear their furisode!)
(Date of publication: 2012/02/20)