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ICU Founder's Day Commemorative Service

Update: June 15, 2023

A service to commemorate ICU's founding was held at the University Chapel on June 15 (Wed.).

The service is held every year in remembrance of the day when the university was officially established at a meeting of the organizing council of Japanese and North American Christian leaders who gathered at YMCA Tozan-so in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, on June 15, 1949. On the same day, the Board of Councilors and the Board of Trustees were inaugurated, and the founding principles as well as a fundamental education plan were laid down.

In 1953, four years after its founding, the university received approval from the then Ministry of Education to establish itself as an educational corporation. This year marks the 70th anniversary since its dedication as a university open to all regardless of nationality, race, religion, or culture.

At the service presided over by Acting Director of Religious Center, Professor Jeremiah Alberg, "In Old Galilee When Sweet Breezes Blew" was played and Matthew 28:16-20 was read. President Shoichiro Iwakiri delivered a message titled "In Humility and Service".

Message by Shoichiro Iwakiri, President

Hello, everyone. We are gathered here today in the Chapel to commemorate 74 years from the founding of ICU. In 1949, the founders decided on the formal name and mission of the University at a conference held in Gotemba from June 13 to 16. Four years later, the University began offering classes. Therefore, we are also celebrating our 70th Anniversary from the establishment

Recently, Trustee Tomioka uploaded a lecture, The Philosophy of ICU Engraved in its Genesis , which he delivered during the C-Week, on YouTube.
He gives a lucid account of the historical circumstances under which ICU was established, including how the University garnered the hope and expectations of not only Christians, but also a very large number of citizens around the globe. I would strongly recommend that you watch this video if you have not yet had the chance to do so.
【Youtube】"The Philosophy of ICU Engraved in its Genesis" (Tetsuro Tomioka)

The founding philosophy of ICU has been very clear: to cultivate individuals to become peacebuilders in the world. In this intense yearning for peace among Christians and non-Christians alike, who all had suffered the devastation of World War II, people saw Christianity as a new hope to make a significant contribution to the world.
Let me elaborate. If the University's mission had merely focused on academic prowess in the field of science and technology and in transforming and creating culture, there would have been no need to include "Christian" in the name of the University.
I believe the founders included this adjective because they deemed it necessary to emphasize the importance of conscience, humility and sincerity of the soul in academic research and education. They had seen enough of human arrogance, despots exerting power over nations and humans killing each other. In reaction to this hubris, the University would follow the example of Jesus Christ in administering its affairs with respect for each individual loved by God, including those who suffer, are discriminated against, and are steeped in poverty, united by neighborly love in the pursuit of peace and happiness. It is this spirit that gave birth to this campus.

This year, the new Troyer Memorial Arts and Sciences Hall opened its doors for further academic exploration. The renovation of the Science Hall and University Hall will follow. ICU is always changing: these transformations result from a myriad of possibilities. We must make wise decisions about what to demolish, preserve and build anew. We inherit and pass on our history and traditions, give them meaning, and challenge ourselves to grapple with the unprecedented. It is my sincere hope that ICU, nourished by the thoughts of alumni who built the foundation of their lives on this campus, will stand firm on its founding principles and continue to grow.

Let me conclude this speech on a personal note.
When I was appointed President three years ago, I printed a passage from Michel de　Montaigne's Les Essais and placed it on my desk in my office. I recently framed the piece of paper with the quote, as I felt the French philosopher deserved a little more respect.
The passage is from Book 2, Chapter 12:

"I have known in my time a hundred artisans, a hundred labourers, wiser and more happy than the rectors of the university, and whom I had much rather have resembled." (English translation by Charles Cotton, 1685-6; edited by William Carew Hazlitt, 1877)

For Montaigne, the true worth of a man lies in his actions and deportments. And to be "excellent" means to be excellent in virtue, with "innocence" and "simplicity" related to the notion of excellence.

I would hope that my work be simple and excellent.

Let us pray.
Dear God, may ICU, commemorating 74 years from its founding, be faithful to Your will through our actions and deeds. And may we all, in humility and service, be wise and happy in accord with Your will. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.