OBJECTIVE.
The following is a New Year message from Rikkyo University President Yangchoon Kwak.
I wish you all a Happy New Year.
2019 is shaping up to be an exciting and busy year. I sincerely hope 2019 will be a wonderful year for everyone associated with Rikkyo University. I also am praying for world peace in the year ahead.
The year 2018 was extremely significant for Rikkyo University, which marked 100 years since the university campus moved to Ikebukuro from Tsukiji and 20 years since the College of Tourism and College of Community and Human Services opened on the Niiza Campus. Several important events held to commemorate the 100th year of the Ikebukuro Campus were conducted under the theme of “Together with the town of Ikebukuro” and were made possible thanks to the generous cooperation extended by many people in the local community.These events symbolized how much Rikkyo University has been loved by local people during the century since the campus moved to Ikebukuro. I believe this is the culmination of the university’s unstinting efforts to connect and forge cooperative ties with its neighbors. I am committed to strengthening these ties further in 2019.
The year 2024 also will be momentous for Rikkyo University as it marks the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding. As we look toward this approaching milestone, in 2019 we will kick off efforts to attain goals stipulated in the “Basic Plan for Comprehensive Development.” This plan encompasses our “Mid- and Long-term Vision,” “Goals to be Attained in 2024,” “Core Strategies,” which are central to future-oriented reform, and “Basic Strategies” for our continuous efforts at reform. We will compile an action plan to implement the Basic Plan for Comprehensive Development and actively seek ways to accomplish tangible results so we can facilitate the PDCA (plan-do-check-action) cycle. This is a crucial process, especially as we enter an era in which society demands an even higher quality of education and for the results of this education to be clearly visible. Consequently, we must carefully determine how to help society better understand the quality of education available at Rikkyo University and how to convey information about what we can offer.
In Chapter 12, Verse 32 of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, there is a passage, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” This means God, our Heavenly Father, loves us and sincerely wishes to give us heavenly blessings so we should not worry. We should believe in God’s love and have hope for the future.
These words encourage us to go forward with hope on a new path – in our case, reforming the university for the future – rather than standing still out of fear and uncertainty. Indeed, I believe it is imperative that Rikkyo University heeds these words more than ever before. We must have the courage to boldly step forward, and not be deterred by things beyond our control. Even an attempt that ends in failure deserves to be applauded rather than criticized, as it will have demonstrated that taking a path different from the one chosen is better.
Courage and generosity will shape our efforts in the run-up to the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding. We will resolutely take on challenges without fearing failure, but we will be brave enough to take a step back if mistakes are made.
To live up to the lofty expectations society has for Rikkyo University, it is essential that each one of us combines our wisdom and works together. A bright future lies ahead. I wholeheartedly believe this and will do everything I can to make this a reality.
I would like everyone associated with Rikkyo University to join me in pooling our skills and knowledge to ensure the success of the university’s 150th anniversary commemoration and carve out a glorious new chapter in our history.
Finally, I wish you all many blessings for the upcoming year.
January 1, 2019
Rikkyo University President Yangchoon Kwak
2019 is shaping up to be an exciting and busy year. I sincerely hope 2019 will be a wonderful year for everyone associated with Rikkyo University. I also am praying for world peace in the year ahead.
The year 2018 was extremely significant for Rikkyo University, which marked 100 years since the university campus moved to Ikebukuro from Tsukiji and 20 years since the College of Tourism and College of Community and Human Services opened on the Niiza Campus. Several important events held to commemorate the 100th year of the Ikebukuro Campus were conducted under the theme of “Together with the town of Ikebukuro” and were made possible thanks to the generous cooperation extended by many people in the local community.These events symbolized how much Rikkyo University has been loved by local people during the century since the campus moved to Ikebukuro. I believe this is the culmination of the university’s unstinting efforts to connect and forge cooperative ties with its neighbors. I am committed to strengthening these ties further in 2019.
The year 2024 also will be momentous for Rikkyo University as it marks the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding. As we look toward this approaching milestone, in 2019 we will kick off efforts to attain goals stipulated in the “Basic Plan for Comprehensive Development.” This plan encompasses our “Mid- and Long-term Vision,” “Goals to be Attained in 2024,” “Core Strategies,” which are central to future-oriented reform, and “Basic Strategies” for our continuous efforts at reform. We will compile an action plan to implement the Basic Plan for Comprehensive Development and actively seek ways to accomplish tangible results so we can facilitate the PDCA (plan-do-check-action) cycle. This is a crucial process, especially as we enter an era in which society demands an even higher quality of education and for the results of this education to be clearly visible. Consequently, we must carefully determine how to help society better understand the quality of education available at Rikkyo University and how to convey information about what we can offer.
In Chapter 12, Verse 32 of the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, there is a passage, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” This means God, our Heavenly Father, loves us and sincerely wishes to give us heavenly blessings so we should not worry. We should believe in God’s love and have hope for the future.
These words encourage us to go forward with hope on a new path – in our case, reforming the university for the future – rather than standing still out of fear and uncertainty. Indeed, I believe it is imperative that Rikkyo University heeds these words more than ever before. We must have the courage to boldly step forward, and not be deterred by things beyond our control. Even an attempt that ends in failure deserves to be applauded rather than criticized, as it will have demonstrated that taking a path different from the one chosen is better.
Courage and generosity will shape our efforts in the run-up to the 150th anniversary of the university’s founding. We will resolutely take on challenges without fearing failure, but we will be brave enough to take a step back if mistakes are made.
To live up to the lofty expectations society has for Rikkyo University, it is essential that each one of us combines our wisdom and works together. A bright future lies ahead. I wholeheartedly believe this and will do everything I can to make this a reality.
I would like everyone associated with Rikkyo University to join me in pooling our skills and knowledge to ensure the success of the university’s 150th anniversary commemoration and carve out a glorious new chapter in our history.
Finally, I wish you all many blessings for the upcoming year.
January 1, 2019
Rikkyo University President Yangchoon Kwak