Trine initiates partnership with Japanese university

Trine initiates partnership with Japanese university

 

What started as Trine University’s participation in an economic development group’s reverse-trade mission grew to become a springboard for the school to foster long-term relationships with two Japanese universities. After two years of working through the details of an exchange program, Trine signed a second agreement in November.

Several years ago, Trine Senior Vice President Michael Bock traveled to Japan with the representatives from the Steuben County’s economic development corporation. The group was hoping to entice businesses to come to Indiana and join the 42 Japanese companies already at work in the state. Larry Ingraham, who has more than 30 years of experience in Indiana’s trade relationship with Japan, led the economic expedition.

While in Japan, Bock met with the governor of Tochigi and representatives from Hakough University and Utsunomiya University. After returning home, Bock and Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II were invited back to Tochigi, where they met with government officials and university leaders.

According to the Japan-America Society of Indiana, the state of Indiana has almost 15 sister-city relationships with Japan, including a sister state partnership with Tochigi, a prefecture. Indiana colleges and universities have a long-standing tradition of interacting with Japan. Cross-cultural exchanges began with Hoosier schools in the 1890s.

“Following in the footsteps of state government’s endeavor to build relationships with Japan – especially Tochigi – we thought this could be an amazing opportunity for Trine University to build upon the already strong educational foundation,” Bock said. “As our students enter the workplace, they need to be prepared to do business globally. These new exchange programs will provide our students with tremendous educational and cultural opportunities, preparing them for the future.”

After a Japanese delegation visited Trine this fall, Brooks and Utsunomiya president Takeo Shinmura, entered a five-year, educational partnership to exchange ideas, students, faculty academic materials and research.

“We are thrilled to reach this agreement with Utsunomiya University,” Brooks said. “And we are excited about the opportunities it will afford our students.”