Trine staff, students attend Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit

FORT WAYNE — Trine University staff members and exchange students participated in the second annual Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit, held April 26 at Purdue Fort Wayne.

The event is hosted by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. Trine University students and staff have participated in the event both years.

“We have a great relationship with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, and have continued to develop relationships through their connections,” said Mari McHenry, director of international community services.

Naoki Ito, consulate-general of Japan in Chicago, served as keynote speaker. He shared about continued business partnerships between Indiana and Japan, and potential growth as his nation enters the Reiwa Era, with Crown Prince Naruhito ascending the Japanese Chrysanthemum Throne.

“The State of Indiana has the largest number of Japanese-owned companies in the U.S., and Consul General Ito reinforced the importance of companies continuing to invest in the state,” said McHenry.

The university has expanded its network through the event. Ito helped a Trine international student obtain a visa to visit Japan. A visit to campus by Yamate Gakuin High School resulted from a connection made at the summit, and the university is in discussions to possibly host a career fair focused on Japanese companies.

Photo: From left, Kohei Suzuki, an English as a Second Language student, Jenson Jiang, associate director of global partnerships and graduate school, Linda Cooper, employment specialist, Mari McHenry, director of international community services, and Miyuki Tsuchida, an English as a Second Language student, at Trine University’s table at the Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit on April 26.