NEWS

Happy new year from APU. I hope that the coming year is prosperous and full of joy.

2018 was my first year at APU. This year was full of unique—and sometimes bewildering—experiences. Your support and warm encouragement has helped me navigate this new world. Thank you.

I will continue to tackle new challenges in the coming year. In 2018 we collected feedback from the APU community on the future vision of APU. Using your input, we will continue to work through 2019 to develop a detailed plan for APU, with an eye toward establishing a tourism-related college in 2021.

There is no question that the mission of a university is to provide well-developed education and research. I am determined to work toward advancing the quality of our education. Launched in July last year, the APU Startup Program is committed to furthering the conviction that diversity gives birth to new values.

At the end of 2018 we launched APU's first crowdfunding efforts, and revamped our donation website under the name and concept of One APU. I love this phrase; for me, One APU embodies the idea that students, alumni, faculty, and staff come together with members of the local community and a broad range of APU stakeholders in order to develop a better university.

In 2019 we will also be looking toward 2020 and the 20th anniversary of APU's founding. I hope that you will join us through your support.

Finally, whether you are returning alumni or someone stepping onto campus for the first time, I would like to invite you to visit APU.

I look forward to seeing you here.

Haruaki Deguchi
President
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University