The Japan Center for Michigan Universities will mark its 20-year anniversary May 18 with a three-day anniversary celebration at the JCMU campus in Japan. More than 200 students, faculty, administrators and alumni from Michigans 15 public universities, government representatives from Michigan and the Shiga Prefecture and representatives from JCMUs partner universities in Japan are expected to attend the events. JCMU has provided a wide variety of high-quality language, culture and professional programs for university students from Michigan and other states since the center was established, said Dawn Pysarchik, MSU associate dean for International Studies and Programs. Located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, JCMU is the centerpiece of a 40-year Michigan-Shiga sister-state relationship. Its also the only international consortium program of the 15 Michigan public universities. From its early stages as a language and culture program in 1989, JCMU has served an average of 200 students each year and provided expanded opportunities for faculty to gain international experience through networking. Programming ranges from full academic years to summer programs to short courses to internships in various fields of study. Since the launch of JCMU with its language and culture core, the possibilities and availability of programming for Michigan students has been strengthened and expanded to include an array of professional elective courses ranging from comparative health care to environmental science and will include hospitality business in the future, Pysarchik said. The creation of JCMU represents a unique commitment between Shiga Prefecture and the state of Michigan to promote international education and to prepare the citizens of both countries for the realities of the global economy.

We are proud that the center has created important bridges between Michigan and Shiga," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Though many miles apart, Shiga and Michigan share the mutual goals to protect our valuable natural resources and educate our citizens for this 21st century global economy. The cross cultural exchange our young people experience at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities is important for all." JCMU has made studying in Japan accessible and affordable to a wide range of students, regardless of previous background, training or experience. We are continually impressed with the number of students who have subsequently gone on to work in American companies doing business in Japan as well as Japanese companies, Pysarchik said.