Delegation from Bunkyo Gakuin University Visits CSB/SJU

In April of 2009, President Akiko Shimada of Bunkyo Gakuin University (BGU), Tokyo, Japan, visited the CSB/SJU campuses. The primary purpose of her trip was to visit the grave of the late Br. Dietrich Reinhart, president emeritus of St. John's University. Two years ago in Tokyo, Br. Dietrich awarded Pres. Shimada the President's Medal in recognition of her and BGU's efforts on behalf of CSB/SJU students studying in Japan. Five to seven BGU students attend CSB/SJU annually as exchange students, and BGU hires two CSB/SJU graduates each year. Pres. Shimada was accompanied by Ms. Noriko Kataoka of the International Programs Office. Ms. Kataoka regularly works with staff in the CSB/SJU Asian Studies program, the Office for Education Abroad, Admissions, and Academic Advising. She had the opportunity to meet many of these parters, as well as conduct important business. Together, she and Pres. Shimada attended St. John's Day, which commemorated Br. Dietrich's service, and Pres. Shimada brought a wreath for his grave, honoring the deep friendship the two shared.