Degree Conferment Ceremony for AY 2016 Held
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On March 21, 2017 (Tue), the degree conferment ceremony for AY2016 was held at the University of Aizu auditorium. 245 individuals, including 200 students graduating from the Undergraduate School of Computer Science and Engineering, 41 students completing the Master's Program, 4 students completing the Doctoral program were conferred with degrees that will help them contribute to society in their own way.
At the conferment ceremony, University President Ryuichi Oka conferred diplomas to Undergraduate Representative Tomohiro Saito, Master's Program Representative Yuta Kobiyama to each of the students completing the Doctoral program. In his address, President Oka spoke that "Faced with times like these, all of you will soon experience first-hand how the fundamental technologies you studied in the undergraduate program will be used to create the world of the future.Whether you are going straight to work, or going on to graduate school, many days of epic struggle await you. If occasion requires you to take a roundabout path, I suggest that, from time to time, you do so without hesitation."
Following congratulatory addresses by the Governor of Fukushima and Aizuwakamatsu City Mayor, current students who have shown superior academic performance and research results were presented with awards. Undergraduate Representative Masashi Yoshida stated his reply address.
After the conferment ceremony, commemorative photos were taken, diplomas were presented to each student, and a UoA Supporters Association-sponsored Graduation Party was held at the UoA cafeteria. At this party, which symbolizes the end of student life for most of these students, participants enjoyed pleasant conversation and taking commemorative photos.
Students who were commended are as listed below:
| President's Award | Saito, Tomohiro (Undergraduate School) |
|---|---|
| Kobiyama, Yuta (Master's Program) | |
| Award of Excellence | Yoshida, Masashi (Undergraduate School) |
| Miyagi, Takeyuki (Undergraduate School) | |
| Kato, Keisuke (Master's Program) | |
| The award from Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Tohoku Division | Senba, Shogo (Undergraduate School) |
| "Encouragement Award" from Information Processing Society of Japan, Tohoku Division | Yasuda, Yuhi (Undergraduate School) |
| The award from the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Tohoku Division | Kaminokado, Shogo (Undergraduate School) |
| The award from Aizu Area Foundation for the Promotion of Education and Science | Kaji, Satoshi (Undergraduate School) |
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With the long winter finally leaving Aizu behind, and with the imminent arrival of spring, we find ourselves in a season that calms the spirits. It is my great pleasure to see you gathered here today at this Degree Conferment Ceremony. On this day, 200 undergraduate students, 41 Master's students, and 4 Doctoral students will be receiving their hard-earned degrees, for which I offer my heartfelt congratulations.
Today, we are joined by the Governor of Fukushima Prefecture, the Chairperson of the Fukushima Prefectural Assembly, and the Mayor of Aizuwakamatsu City, who have come here to celebrate your graduations along with members of the faculty and administrative staff. However, no one could be happier on this long-awaited day than the friends and family who have supported each of you graduating students for all these years. On behalf of the university, please allow me to express my deepest gratitude to all these family members, friends, and supporters.
Each of you graduating today is either joining the work force, or is advancing to graduate school. But what sort of era awaits? Both Japan and the world at large are entering an era that is less stable and full of change. For example, ICTs such AI, robotics, and big data are steadily advancing, which some predict will cause the loss of jobs. However, while some jobs will be loss, others will be created. Just as the case has been in the past, the nature of work will continue to change.
Faced with times like these, all of you will soon experience first-hand how the fundamental technologies you studied in the undergraduate program will be used to create the world of the future. This applies to those of you will be entering society at large, as well as those furthering your education as graduates. When that happens, you will likely realize that no matter how great the innovation is, most of the components at its core are ordinary, simple technologies. I also think that you will realize that, just like how sunlight provides us near-limitless energy, opportunities to innovate are available to everyone.
Whether you are going straight to work, or going on to graduate school, many days of epic struggle await you. If occasion requires you to take a roundabout path, I suggest that, from time to time, you do so without hesitation.
It has been six years since the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. The revitalization of Fukushima and Japan is now in full swing, and has entered a phase of acceleration. I have high hopes that all of you will participate in, and contribute to this revitalization as computer scientists and engineers.
In closing, please allow me to once again congratulate you all on your graduations and to wish you success in your chosen career paths.
March 21, 2017
Ryuichi OKA,
President,
The University of Aizu