President's Graduation Ceremony Address?

Osaka City University
President Tetsuo Arakawa
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Congratulations to all the undergraduate and graduate students who have graduated today. I know that your parents and other family members have anticipating this day for a long time. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.

During the past year, the world has been at the mercy of the new coronavirus and we had no choice but to cancel the entire graduation ceremony as we did last year, to ensure the safety of everyone. This was a very painful and difficult decision. I am sure that you have all struggled throughout last year, especially concerning life at the university – a time that is irreplaceable. However, in a certain way, you all have had a valuable experience that you rarely encounter.?

We have learned a lot from COVID-19. ”Online” has become ubiquitous and a new way of life has sprouted. Now is the time to turn the difficulties of the past year into an opportunity to create new values.?

At Osaka City University, you have already completed your studies to exercise leadership in society and have developed your individual strengths. From now on, I would like you to become leaders and find solutions that lead to the happiness of mankind. To do so, it is important to refine your intuition and communication skills.?

“Intuition” comes from the Latin intueri which means “to observe”. Intuition is not a feeling. It is the ability to look at things objectively, based on experience and information, and with sensitivity. Humor and wit will be the key to communication skills. In Taiwan, measures against COVID-19 have been a great success, and some say it is because they have won the hearts of the citizens by incorporating humor into the strict recommendations.?

Now, everyone is being asked to refrain from going on graduation trips and even from going to thank-you parties that involve dinners. Our hearts are broken. Our staff members have been thinking hard about how we can make this graduation day memorable for everyone and came up with "Nano-gura Tourism". Nano" is a unit smaller than "micro” and "gura" is graduation. This is a graduation trip at a very short distance, where we take all possible measures to prevent infection. It is full of surprises that we have put our hearts into. After passing through the main gate of Sugimoto Campus, another world awaits us. Please drop by each department after the graduation ceremony with your friends and relive the memories of your alma mater.?

Last but not least, now is the time to practice your leadership skills. I am confident that you are proud to be “Ichidai” graduates, to play an active role in a global community, and work towards the well-being of humanity. I also hope that you will always cherish the friendships you have made here, and keep in mind that your alma mater is a home you can always come back to, as you strive to realize your dreams.?

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all of you today.