NEWS

Congratulatory Message by Kakutaro Kitashiro, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Update: July 4, 2016

As Chair of the Board of Trustees of ICU, let me congratulate you on the successful completion of your studies at ICU.

This is a major achievement in your life. It is also an important milestone. That means it is an excellent time for you to pause, congratulate yourself and then consider your goals and priorities for the next chapter of your life. What are your dreams and goals? What is most important to you? What will you do to make those dreams and goals a reality?

So with that in mind, I would like to talk to you today about three things. These are things that I have found to be very important as I have lived my life. I hope that they help you, too.

First, you should use your talent to serve God and people. I assure you that you have a unique capability that no one else can imitate. It is your responsibility to use your talent to serve God and people, not just yourself. I have found that when you focus on serving God and people, it adds a richness, depth and satisfaction to your life than cannot be equaled by simply seeking to serve yourself.

Second, I am sure you will face difficulties and challenges in your life. That happens to everyone. It is a part of life. The question is: How will you respond when you face them? I have found that you will be much more successful in overcoming these difficulties by being positive, optimistic and tough. This approach served me well in my career. When I became president of IBM Japan at age of 48, I was the youngest member of the board and IBM Japan was facing financial difficulty. I had to change the business model of the company by reducing hardware sales and increasing software and services revenue. I had to restructure several non-performing businesses. Obviously there were many uncertainties and there were people who said it could not be done. But I was positive and optimistic and believed we could do it. I maintained that attitude. With a positive attitude and tough discipline, I was able to turn around the company in two years.

Third, I mentioned earlier that this is an important milestone in your life. A milestone is one of those times when you look forward toward the future but also reflect on the past and how you got to this point. So as you look forward, I ask you not to forget how you got here. I ask you to remember this beautiful campus, faculty members and friends here at ICU. This is a very special place. ICU was founded sixty-three years ago by the donations of many Japanese and Americans. But the university's operation cannot be supported by tuition fees alone. We rely on generous donations by ICU alumni and ICU supporters. In order to sustain ICU's excellent liberal arts education, I urge you to make contributions, whatever the amount may be, once you start working. Your success was enabled by those who have made contributions before you. So, like passing along a torch in a relay, I ask you to support the young students who will come to ICU after you. As you appreciate your days in ICU, I hope you will support your Alma Mater.

In summary, I have highlighted three important things. First, enrich your life by using your talent to serve God and people; second, enhance your ability to overcome difficulties by being positive, optimistic and tough, and third, help future generations of ICU graduates by supporting ICU, your Alma Mater.

Congratulations again on your commencement. I give you my best wishes for your future.