| MSU Celebrates Formative Partnership with Ryukyus | |
| In May 2000, Michigan State University
will participate in the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the University
of the Ryukyus (UR), a member of the elite national university system of
Japan, which formally opened its doors May 22, 1950 in Shuri City, Okinawa.
An MSU delegation will attend ceremonies at the new campus in Nishihara,
May 19-23.
In a parallel ceremony on the MSU campus slated for May 12, Milton Muelder, MSU vice president emeritus for research development, will dedicate a traditional Japanese garden in honor of his late wife Kathleen and the relationship between the University of the Ryukyus and MSU. Muelder funded construction of the garden as part of an active learning project for horticultural students and as an educational cultural experience for the campus and broader community. (For information about the MSU dedication, contact the Department of Horticulture, the ISP Dean's Office, or the Asian Studies Center. Click here for photos of the garden by Tim Potter.)
Muelder's-and MSU's-relationship with the University of the Ryukyus is long standing. Muelder developed the original fundraising proposal for a collaborative partnership with the University of the Ryukyus in a response to an invitation of the American Council of Education and until 1957 was responsible for MSU's participation. Starting in 1951, Michigan State College (as it was then called) sent its first contingent of five faculty members to initiate its partnership with the University of the Ryukyus. Between 1951 and 1968, at least 45 MSU faculty members taught at the Okinawan university for three months or longer, many on assignments of two years. A number of the University of the Ryukyus faculty and graduates also studied at MSU. Many of the UR students and graduates who studied at MSU returned home to assume important positions at the university and in government, educational, and business positions. The exchange with UR has been the longest continuing project among MSU's overseas training and development programs. MSU's cross-cultural educational experience in Okinawa allowed the formation of a corps of faculty for subsequent projects overseas. The program also influenced MSU students to participate in international activities, including such programs as the Peace Corps. MSU's partnership with the University of the Ryukyus has been a 50-year mutually beneficial learning experience. It is an exemplary model of cooperation and an expression of sincere hope for humanity in modern global society. -Iwao Ishino |
