Written by: Rayhansyah Jasin
Edited by: Ahmed Labib Daiyan
Since March this year, President Haruaki Deguchi has returned to APU and conducted his day-to -day duties in-person. President Deguchi had undergone rehabilitation for more than one year and he has recovered significantly. Although he is paralyzed on the right side of his body and has to use the electric wheelchair all the time, he assures us that he will keep fighting and live his life to the fullest.
"I am inspired by the way everyone here is doing their best," said President Deguchi.
This almost two year time has been very challenging and hard for him. "The most disappointing thing was that I couldn't deal with the pandemic on campus myself," said President Deguchi, mentioning his eagerness to come back as soon as possible.
However, President Deguchi said that the support and encouragement from the people, especially students, kept him accompanied and it also allowed him to read more books.
President Deguchi appeared for the first time in a public engagement during the 2022 Spring Semester Entrance Ceremony. President Deguchi mentioned three important messages he always tells new students when they enroll. Desire for Lifelong-learning, Challenge Ourselves, and Making Friends. "I believe that these three things can really enrich your life", said President Deguchi.
President Deguchi also talked about classes resuming on-campus. He said that more than 900 international students have arrived in Japan this year yet many are still waiting. He reiterated his support for their arrival assistance and hopes that everyone can meet in-person as soon as possible. The return of campus life also reinvigorates APU's environment that can bring people from different cultures and values together.
President Deguchi also expressed his sadness with Ukraine. "The war has stolen many young people's learning opportunities." He stated that APU is preparing to accept refugees from Ukraine and support students as much as possible.
APU is constructing two new buildings in preparation for the opening of a new college of Sustainability and Tourism (tentative) and more international students coming to campus. "Both the new school building and the new AP House are characterized by many facilities for interaction and group work", remarked President Deguchi. He also mentioned the sustainability aspect reflected by the project in using locally produced Oita wood.
President Deguchi closed his thoughts with a message of encouragement to meet new people, travel to places, and read more books. "Let's expand our learning and research at campus together with APU, education for progress", said him. He looks forward with hope and optimism.
We would like to express our utmost gratitude and happiness for President Haruki Deguchi for accepting our request for this article. We would also want to thank the President office Staff for connecting and providing the access. We wish all of you and APU a very bright future.