Tohoku University Recognizes Excellence: Honours International Alumni at Prestigious Award Ceremony

The Tohoku University International Awards and International Alumni Association Activity Award for 2023 were handed out at a ceremony on December 11 at Aobayama Campus.

The award winners, who returned to Sendai for the event, had the opportunity to visit University House Sanjo and other old haunts, as well as newer additions to the campus, like NanoTerasu, the next-generation synchrotron radiation facility which is scheduled to begin operations next year.

At the main ceremony in the evening, the award winners shared memories of their university days with an audience that comprised many international students. They also spoke of their personal and career achievements since graduating, and the benefits of having an active alumni association.

Tohoku University President Hideo Ohno then presented the International Award to Gargi Keeni (India) and Ruttikorn Varakulsiripunth (Thailand) for their positive contributions to their home countries and for promoting the university’s presence abroad.

The Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU) received the Alumni Activity Award, which recognizes groups that engage in activities that have strong social impact, while also cultivating ties between former students and the university.

One of IATU’s main activities this year was a webinar called “Let’s Study at Tohoku University,” which they hosted in cooperation with the Global Learning Center and the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia. The event attracted more than 200 interested participants.

In his congratulatory speech, President Ohno highlighted the university’s long-standing commitment to diversity, noting that its student body currently represents over 90 countries and regions. “Our award recipients were once part of this diverse student community, and now as alumni, they continue to be ambassadors for our university around the world,” he said.