The University of Lethbridge’s longest and most active international partnership marked another significant milestone recently when ULethbridge and Japan’s Hokkai Gakuen celebrated its now 45-year relationship.
Initiated in 1981 with a faculty exchange, which was followed five years later by a student exchange, the partnership has prospered ever since, deepening bonds, understanding, respect and cooperation.
“At a time when global understanding is more important than ever, this partnership stands as a powerful example of what higher education can achieve,” says Paul Pan, ULethbridge’s Executive Director, International. “Universities have a unique role in bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and preparing future generations to tackle global challenges with curiosity, respect, cooperation and different perspectives.”
A delegation from Hokkai Gakuen, led by Chairperson of the Hokkai Gakuen Board of Governors, Seiichi Yamazaki, Hokkai Gakuen University President, Hiromi Morishita and Hokkai School of Commerce President, Masato Dotoku, travelled to Lethbridge and took part in a signing ceremony and gift exchange, extending partnerships that will see the Faculty Exchange, Summer Student Exchange and Semester Student Exchange continue for another five years.
More than 150 faculty members between the two institutions have participated in exchanges over the 45-year relationship, while more than 500 summer students have exchanged in the 40 years since that program was created.
“The impact of these exchanges cannot be measured solely by programs or numbers,” adds Pan. “Their true value lies in the people whose lives have been transformed by the opportunity to learn from one another. Every student who studied abroad, every faculty member who collaborated internationally, and every guest who was welcomed onto our campuses has contributed to strengthening the bonds between our institutions, our community and our countries.”