College of Health and Welfare 20th Anniversary Celebration Held
20 years of progress and human connections for the future
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On Saturday, October 31, 2026, J. F. Oberlin University College of Health and Welfare held its 20th anniversary celebration at the Salenburger Hall on the Machida Campus. On the day, about 160 people gathered, including about 100 alumni, 10 former faculty members, and 30 current faculty members, creating a warm moment of reunion and exchange while reflecting on 20 years of progress.
This celebration was held as an opportunity for graduates and faculty who have been involved in the faculty to reunite and deepen connections across generations, including the predecessors of College of Health and Welfare, including the Social Welfare Management Course in the Department of Business Management in the Faculty of Management and Policy and the Department of Health Psychology in the Faculty of Letters.
Part 1, the "Commemorative Gathering," began with an opening prayer by Toshiyoshi Dobashi, Director of the J. F. Oberlin Gakuen Chaplain Christian Center. During the prayer, gratitude was also offered to the three teachers who have already passed away and have supported the school until now. Wrapped in warm prayers that reminded us once again that we are watched over and supported by God, the celebration opened in a calm atmosphere.
Part 1, the "Commemorative Gathering," began with an opening prayer by Toshiyoshi Dobashi, Director of the J. F. Oberlin Gakuen Chaplain Christian Center. During the prayer, gratitude was also offered to the three teachers who have already passed away and have supported the school until now. Wrapped in warm prayers that reminded us once again that we are watched over and supported by God, the celebration opened in a calm atmosphere.
Next, Professor Mitsuji Miyazaki, Director of the College of Health and Welfare Health and Sports Area, introduced the purpose of the association and the history of the College of Health and Welfare. In the commemorative speech, Professor Emeritus Keisaku Kubota, Professor Emeritus Hideaki Akune, and Mr. Yoshitaka Kato (Vice Principal of Chofu Shiragiku Kindergarten), a first-term College of Health and Welfare student, took the stage.
Professor Emeritus Kubota spoke about the background leading up to the founding of College of Health and Welfare and the accumulation of health psychology education and practice in the J. F. Oberlin University that laid the foundation. At the core of this was reaffirmed a commitment to education aimed at realizing each individual's happiness. Professor Emeritus Akune spoke about the warm and kind hearts of J. F. Oberlin University students, and how that spirit is deeply rooted in the community. Mr. Kato also reflected on his fulfilling student life at J. F. Oberlin University and spoke about the expansion of learning that continues even after graduation.
Professor Emeritus Kubota spoke about the background leading up to the founding of College of Health and Welfare and the accumulation of health psychology education and practice in the J. F. Oberlin University that laid the foundation. At the core of this was reaffirmed a commitment to education aimed at realizing each individual's happiness. Professor Emeritus Akune spoke about the warm and kind hearts of J. F. Oberlin University students, and how that spirit is deeply rooted in the community. Mr. Kato also reflected on his fulfilling student life at J. F. Oberlin University and spoke about the expansion of learning that continues even after graduation.
In the second part, a roundtable meeting was held that leveraged connections among health sciences, social welfare, mental health welfare and practical psychology, childcare, and Major and departments. The graduates reunited with their beloved mentors and colleagues, shared updates on their recent lives, and celebrated each other's growth and achievements. For faculty, it was a valuable opportunity to experience the growth of graduates active in various fields of interpersonal support, and for graduates, it was a place to expand new exchanges and connections among themselves.
Finally, the event concluded with various announcements from the Alumni Division, which supported the event, and a message from Alumni Representative Ms. Kato, saying, "Taking this reunion as an opportunity, let's continue to connect with each other."
Over the past 20 years, the connections between people have been woven by many graduates and faculty members. This celebration made us once again realize the importance of these relationships. College of Health and Welfare will continue to value the passion and connections for education cultivated so far, and will continue to contribute to the health and happiness of each individual through educational and research activities.
Over the past 20 years, the connections between people have been woven by many graduates and faculty members. This celebration made us once again realize the importance of these relationships. College of Health and Welfare will continue to value the passion and connections for education cultivated so far, and will continue to contribute to the health and happiness of each individual through educational and research activities.
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