Gifu University Held a Symposium to Mark the 50th Anniversary of the Health Administration Center -University Wellness
On Monday, September 1, 2025, Gifu University hosted the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Symposium of the Health Administration Center: "University Wellness". The event drew about 300 participants on-site and 170 online, including not only Gifu University students, faculty staff, and alumni, but also health administration professionals from universities across Japan and other related stakeholders.
The symposium opened with remarks from President Kazuhiro Yoshida, followed by congratulatory addresses from Professor Yuji Yamamoto (Director, Health Administration Center, Shiga University; Board Member, Japan University Health Association), Professor Shintaro Yanagimoto (Vice Director, The University of Tokyo Health Service Center; President, the Japanese National University Council of Health Administration Facilities), Professor Katsumi Nakagawa (Director, Medical Service Center, Ritsumeikan University; Chair, International Exchange Committee, Japan University Health Association), and Professor Takahisa Nishizu (Dean, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University). A video message was also shared by Dr. Kiki Caruson, Vice President for USF World at the University of South Florida, one of Gifu University's partner institutions.
Professor Mayumi Yamamoto, Director of the Health Administration Center, delivered a keynote lecture titled "50 Years of the Health Administration Center and the Road Ahead," highlighting key milestones such as the digitization and integration of health data, enhanced research through data analysis, strengthened collaborations, disability support, and ongoing infectious disease control. She also shared a vision of advancing evidence-based health support and fostering university-wide well-being.
For the special lecture, Mr. James Wilkinson, CEO of the American College Health Association (ACHA), presented "Well-being Initiatives in American Universities," introducing innovative approaches to student wellness and campus well-being across the U.S. The event also featured a vibrant dance performance by Gifu University's street dance club MEC, energizing the audience.
Finally, in the closing remarks, Vice President Makoto Sugiyama reaffirmed the Health Administration Center's pivotal role in supporting the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, while expressing high expectations for its future development.
