Photo: overview shot of the ceremony

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) held its 2015 commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 7 at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo. The TUJ ceremony was part of the 128th commencement of Temple University (TU), which took place on May 8 at Main Campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The commencement in Japan was attended by five TU delegates headed by President Neil D. Theobald, together with Ms. Margot Carrington, Minister Counselor, Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Tokyo.

This year the combined commencement at Main Campus and TUJ honored a total of more than 9,000 graduates. At TUJ, a total of 203 students graduated from the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, receiving their diplomas on stage in their regalia.

Total number of graduates in the TUJ Class of 2015: 203

Photo: Mr. Lonnie O. Moulder Jr. delivering the keynote address.
Mr. Lonnie O. Moulder Jr. delivering the keynote address

Mr. Lonnie O. Moulder Jr., PHR ’80, TU Trustee, and CEO and Co-Founder of TESARO, Inc., a U.S. biopharmaceutical company, delivered the keynote address. Mr. and Mrs. Moulder pledged $5 million to endow the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research. In the speech titled ‘Embrace the World and Be a Leader,’ he said, “because of the good feelings I have about Tokyo, and because I am a graduate of Temple University, I feel a certain kinship to all of you which enables me to perhaps more fully appreciate and enjoy this very special day with all of you.” Mr. Moulder added, “As you leave this special place, TUJ, please recognize that you are also being asked to lead and that you are prepared to lead. Lead your company, institution, organization…all need you to be a leader.”

Photo: Four graduate speakers representing each degree program
Four graduate speakers representing each degree program

At the ceremony, four graduating students gave speeches on behalf of fellow graduates in the undergraduate and graduate programs (Education, Executive MBA, Law). They spoke about their memories of life at TUJ and their future ambitions, expressing appreciation to their family and friends. See the passionate speeches given by four graduates here.

Some of the new graduates experienced the 3/11 earthquake in 2011. Looking back at the disaster and Japan’s recovery afterward, Samat Materna, class of fall 2014, an art major from Germany, commented, “It was very sad, and it makes you realize that you can’t achieve anything by yourself and really need to come together—as a country, as a community—and help as much as possible.” Materna added, “I stayed (in Japan)…and thought it was a great learning experience…and have really enjoyed myself for the past four years.”

The event was streamed live on the internet, allowing friends and family around the world to tune in and share the experience with the graduating students. You can view the recording below.