The Volunteer Center was established in 2003. Before the establishment of the Center, Rikkyo already had a long, successful history and tradition of volunteering activities. The origin of the Rikkyo volunteering spirit is exemplified by our founder, Bishop Williams, who provided us with a Christian example of “Living to serve, rather than living to be served” in his own life, which was defined by the words, “Reveal the path but restrain the ego.” Additionally, before the modern meaning of the word “volunteer” been introduced to the Japanese language, Dr. Paul Rusch, who was an Episcopal missionary and professor at our University, carried out his work to develop true volunteering spirit, especially in his work at Kiyosato, which connected its nature, an agricultural village, and young adult education.

The volunteering spirit continues unbroken within our students, and in addition to the vibrant activities being carried out by many student Christian groups, welfare groups, children’s groups, and volunteer groups, there is also a great deal of activities served by coming from alumni groups such as the Ladies Club. The primary school, junior and senior high schools of Rikkyo Gakuin also has a strong volunteer tradition, and has continued to carry out activities in various fields. At the Volunteer Center, we hope to help volunteer activities for the whole Gakuin to continue growing, tying together our history and our activities in the present day.