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.