University of Nebraska – Omaha and Shizuoka University Renew Partnership

Thursday, Oct. 31st, marked the formal renewal of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and Shizuoka University (SU)’s sister university agreement.

Four decades after they took a chance on the innovative idea, representatives from UNO and SU gathered to celebrate and rekindle a vital friendship.

Representatives from UNO, including Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., were in attendance in Shizuoka, Japan, to celebrate and hear from the many students, faculty and staff whose lives have been changed over that time.

“This relationship truly took what we in Nebraska would call ‘Maverick Spirit’ – roughly translated to tenacity, daring, hard work – or just plain grit,” Gold told a crowd of roughly 70 guests at a 40th anniversary ceremony hosted by Shizuoka University. “I personally look forward to furthering and strengthening our partnership, bringing together the same ‘Maverick Spirit’ with Shizuoka University’s commitment to freedom and enlightenment’ and creation of the future.”

Thursday’s ceremony was the culmination of a multi-day visit to Japan by UNO administrators, faculty and staff, which also included a UNO alumni reception in Tokyo; visits with Shizuoka University leadership; and meetings with Shizuoka City Deputy Mayor Shigeyuki Konagaya and Shizuoka Prefecture Vice Governor Akihito Yoshibayashi.

“The reason this partnership has lasted so long is because it has been a meaningful one and will continue on into the future,” Konagaya said. “It is my hope that our students will continue to work together to develop a better world for the next generation.”