2024 Fall Degree Ceremony
The University of Hyogo held its 2024 Fall Degree Ceremony on September 18th, during which a total of 25 students were awarded the bachelor degree.
This ceremony marked the graduation of the second cohort of international students from the Global Business Course (GBC) at the School of Economics and Management, who had enrolled in September 2020.
The ceremony was held in person and was streamed LIVE online.
The ceremony began with the conferment of degrees, with President Makoto Kosaka handing a diploma to each graduate.
President Kosaka addressed the graduates in his ceremonial speech: “Our world is in the midst of a rapidly advancing digital transformation. To remain key players in the next generation, it is indispensable to develop the ability to see through the flood of fakes and cultivate original creativity based on multidimensional thinking. When we pray for others, their names become our names. With your flexible intellect and powerful imagination, all of you will cut your way into the borderless society of a peaceful future.”
Trinh Phuong Mai from Vietnam delivered the farewell speech as the representative of current students. During her speech, she emphasized the following: “Since that first day at GBC, I believe you have all grown so much. Together, you have learned about business and how to embrace cultural differences. You have made lasting friendships and created unforgettable memories. Most importantly, you have become a real part of the GBC family. As you move on to the next chapter of your life, no matter if you start working or keep studying, stay in Japan or go back to your countries, carry with you the important lessons you have learned and the good memories you have made here in GBC. Use your skills to create positive change in the world, as the GBC motto reminds us, ‘It is our turn to create the future.’”
Gerrald Anantasa, the representative of graduates, gave the acknowledgment speech. “I would like to tell you a short story on this special day. The story started in 2020, during the outbreak of COVID-19. Each one of us, 34 international GBC students, was sitting behind an 11—to 16-inch screen attending the 2020 GBC entrance ceremony, which was a bittersweet start to our academic journey. A sense of curiosity grew through that limitation. Making each of us wonder what each of us is like beyond that tiny screen. Each day was filled with excitement and a lingering anxiety about whether we would meet each other in real life or not. After four months of waiting, we all finally met in our lovely new home, The Global House, where we made small steps and grew closer to each other.”
He continued his speech and expressed his gratitude towards the University's officials, the Japanese government, and the companies that provide financial support for GBC: “As we worry about tomorrow, I want you to remember your yesterday. This short story reminds you that you have been through it all. Made new friends, learned new languages, met people from countries you did not know, and even worked in an unfamiliar environment. There is nothing you can not do. As you stand here today, remember that making it to this moment is proof of your strength and resilience. The future may seem uncertain, but you have already shown you can overcome challenges. Trust in yourselves—because if you have made it this far, you can handle whatever lies ahead.”
After the ceremony, the graduates enjoyed taking photos with friends, parents, and others. The venue was filled with the smiling faces of the graduates, creating an even more festive atmosphere.
