Faculty members, students, graduates and guests gathered for the 5oth anniversary ceremony
On October 27 an event was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Faculty of Science and Technology.
At the ceremony that kicked off the 50th anniversary event, Chancellor Toshiaki Koso expressed his deep gratitude to faculty members, students, and graduates who have contributed to the development of the Faculty of Science and Technology. Father Koso stated in his welcoming speech that “he looks forward to their continuing contributions to the world and the human race by meeting tomorrow’s challenges in this new world.”
President Tadashi Takizawa, on the other hand, emphasized that the school owes a great deal to the Faculty of Science and Technology in many respects. The establishment of the Faculty of Science and Technology had helped lay the ground work for building Sophia University into a full-fledged university. The President then stated that the realization of university’s objective to integrate the humanities and sciences rests with the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Professor Takashi Hayashita, Dean of the Faculty paid tribute to their history that spanned over half a century. He showed the slides that reflected on how far they have come and what they have accomplished in 50 years. He said, “we will carry the legacy of our 50th anniversary and we will work together to achieve the objective of creating a new Faculty of Science and Technology unique to Sophia University.”
Franz-Joseph Mohr, S.J. received the testimonial on behalf of Cardinal Joachim Meisner
Then the ceremony was followed by the conferment of testimonial to Cardinal Joachim Meisner in recognition of generous endowment that we have received from Archdiocese of Cologne upon establishing the Faculty. On behalf of Cardinal Meisner, Franz-Joseph Mohr, former Trustee for Finance at Sophia School Corporation, received the testimonial.
Cardinal Meisner’s congratulatory message was solemnly read out. “May the blessings of the Lord be upon the Faculty of Science and Technology and Sophia University．And my prayers will always be with you for your growth and success in the years to come.”
The ceremony concluded with the closing statements by Mr. Osamu Masaki, President of Sophia University Parents’ Association and Mr. Norio Izumi, President of Sophia Alumni Association.
Dr. Ryoji Noyori
Professor Hayashita welcomed Dr. Ryoji Noyori to the stage to give his lecture entitled “A Message to Young Scientific Researchers － the New Era of Science.” Dr. Noyori won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2001 and he is now President of Riken.
He opened his lecture by reminiscing about the hardships of postwar years and his fascination with the work of Nobel Prize winner Hideki Yukawa. “As a young boy,” he addressed the audience, “I have always wanted to study chemistry and produce something new in the industry. My childhood dream was to make the world a better place to live.”
Dr. Noyori continued his lecture by stating, “New leaders must learn to take pride in their own culture and they should take a bird’s-eye view of the world. They must nurture the ability to bring together groups of multi-national people with diversified sense of values.” He thereby encouraged the student, “Young people should raise the level of understanding about a diversified world and be prepared to act with responsibility.”
“Science and Technology of tomorrow must protect the fundamental rights necessary to sustain life. And it is up to students and young researchers to carry out this pursuit for the people around the world.” The lecture closed with these words.
A banquet was held at New Otani Hotel to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Faculty of Science and Technology.
