Introduction

Spring 2016 Degree Awarding Ceremony for the Gifu University United Graduate School of Agricultural Science and the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences

It is our great pleasure to hold the Spring 2016 Degree Awarding Ceremony today for the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science (UGSAS) and the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences (UGSVS). I would like to express our sincere congratulations to all those who have been awarded a doctorate degree, as well as to the professors who guided the students to today's success. I would also like to congratulate your families, who are present here today. We are deeply grateful for this diverse atmosphere at the graduation ceremony of Gifu University Graduate Schools, because - as I mention in every degree awarding ceremony, especially those in spring that see the participation of many international students - we are steadily promoting internationalization and adult education as an important mission. This is the ideal for our Graduate Schools, which gives me an even stronger sense of pride.

The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science and that of Veterinary Sciences were established in 1991 and 1990, respectively. Currently, a large number of graduates play an active part in various sectors, including educational institutions, private companies and public organizations, both in Japan and overseas. Today, our Doctoral Courses are highly recognized both domestically and globally, which can be attributed to the efforts of our graduates. Now, you will begin a career path in which your ability will truly be appreciated based on your performance and achievements.

From the above perspective, the first thing I would like to remind you of is, that maintaining and utilizing the networks you developed in the Doctoral Courses will be useful. It is of paramount importance to maintain human networks when you play a leading role in the research and educational communities, as well as in activities in the public/private sectors. Closely keep in touch with the professors and laboratory staff of your Doctoral Course, as well as your colleagues and senior/junior alumni members. This will help you keep up to date on education, research and human resources, providing significant support to further develop your activities in the future.

The University, which offers the Doctoral Courses of the United Graduate School, is also exerting continuous efforts to establish such networks both in Japan and abroad. We have established overseas offices and laboratories that can help you with your education, research and business development in different forms. Collaborative relationships, which are built in Japan through participation in the United Graduate School, will lead to international contributions and to further improvement in industry, the economy and welfare services in Japan and abroad.

Secondly, I would like you to keep the development of the younger generation in mind. It is of course understood that you will be committed to working diligently in education, research and social activities. However, in order to seek greater potential and further achievement, developing next-generation human resources and building a synergistic relationship with them is essential. We hope you will take on this challenge from a comprehensive point of view.

These are the points that I would like you to keep in mind. Before ending my message, I would like to reaffirm that you have completed an educational program for highly skilled experts and advanced researchers, and have therefore been awarded a doctorate degree today. The knowledge and skill you acquired in the Doctoral Education program form a foundation that will help you leap into a broader future. Keep your aspirations high, as they will allow you to achieve higher goals. I sincerely look forward to seeing and hearing about your successes both inside Japan and around the world.

I wish you all good luck. Congratulations again.

March 13, 2017
Hisataka Moriwaki
President of Gifu University

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