佐藤敬氏　スピーチ

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome President Dunn, Steve and Jane. I was one of the students to WMU in 1962 from Keio. There were altogether 64 students. Of the 64, 10 are here with us now.

Let me talk about memories of WMU. It was a 6 weeks seminar and boys stayed at Hoekje Hall and girls at French Hall. I wonder if those dorms are still there. We were very impressed by the hospitality and kindness of not only WMU faculty and students but citizens who invited us to their homes during weekends. Dr.Soga was not yet there, but instead, Rev. Mochizuki was there playing the same role to help us in many ways. Besides lectures on American civilization, there were many social programs including home stays. My home stay was with Mr.Casler’s family. He was with Upjohn. I enjoyed American daily life with them for the first time.

Ever since then, for 50 years I still exchange cards with him. He should be more than 80 years old. When earthquake and Tsunami of 3.11. hit us, he immediately sent me e-mail to confirm if I was safe. WMU was always kind enough to us and the impact of our experience there was so strong as we were 21 years old then. We enjoyed everything, except the sad accident of Yukiko Murakami. She was loved by everybody in Kalamazoo. The exchange program born out of this accident, thanks to WMU and Keio, is lasting 50 years.

On the 23rd of May, there was the 50th year anniversary reception at Keio at the presence of President Dunn. As he explained about WMU now, times are different, but today so many people gather here because we are thinking WMU is our alma mater, and Kalamazoo is our hometown. I hope we continue this relationship with WMU and Kalamazoo forever. Thanks to the first president Kitagawa, the second president Uyetani, the third president Oshima, and many other members for continuously developing the Kalamazoo Kai and preparing for this wonderful Mitsubishi Club party today. I also thank to Mr. Fujishima,　today’s chair.