Josai University Educational Corporation

NEWS

Ceremonial Planting of Roses from the University of Economics, Prague, Held at Seiko Mizuta Memorial Rose Garden on the Sakado Campus

On May 31, a ceremonial planting was held for three types of roses donated by sister school, University of Economics, Prague, at the Seiko Mizuta Memorial Rose Garden on Josai’s Sakado campus (located in Sakado, Saitama). A four-member delegation from Polish sister school University of Lodz led by Economics department Chair Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski and former Chancellor Jan Rydz, who was in Japan for a visit, also participated in the ceremony.

The three types of roses planted in this ceremony consisted of the Seiko Mizuta rose, a new type named after the former Josai Honorary Chancellor, the Czech rose Gruss an Teplitz, donated by the University of Economics, Prague, President Hana Machkova, and another new type of rose, the Hana Machova, presented by Josai to the university president in return for her generous gift.

President Machkova attended the opening ceremony for the Josai International University Rose Garden, which took place in November 2015, following the World University Presidents’ Forum as part of Josai’s 50th anniversary festivities. It was President Machkova’s deep appreciation for the garden that inspired this donation. Both the Seiko Mizuta and Hana Machkova roses were designed by renowned rose grower Toshio Tomiyoshi and received awards for Best New Rose at the International Rose Convention.

Chancellor Noriko Mizuta said in her introductory remarks, “This rose garden, which was founded to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Josai Junior College, has been the beneficiary of rose donations from around the world and is maintained through the hard work of Josai staff and community members.” Joking, she added, “Someday, we might even receive roses from Poland.” She continued, “I hope that all of you will continue to cherish this international rose garden and foster its beautiful flowers.” Following the Chancellor’s speech, participants including local elected officials of the prefectural assembly, members of the alumni association, and student council and exchange student representatives, took turns unloading soil to cover the young rose bulbs.

Polish delegation greeted by Central European exchange students

Polish delegation greeted by Central European exchange students

Joining the planting ceremony are (from right) Economics department Chair Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, Chancellor Mizuta, and Saitama prefectural assembly member Takashi Kinoshita

Joining the planting ceremony are (from right)
Economics department Chair Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, Chancellor Mizuta, and Saitama prefectural assembly member Takashi Kinoshita

Commemorative photo of the planting ceremony

Commemorative photo of the planting ceremony




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