Japan/Delaware alumni association

He’s a towering suited executive. She’s a diminutive kimono-clad homemaker. But the pair––both alumni of the English Language Institute and graduates of the University of Delaware––have something important in common.

Like many of their Japanese compatriots, Yoshimasa Niino (ELI ‘90, UD ‘95) and Junko Mori (ELI ‘87, UD ‘91) like to keep in touch with significant people throughout their lives. Both wanted to stay connected to friends they had made at the University of Delaware. Together, they decided to plan a reunion. They planned a “nomikai”––an informal type of party with food and drink––so that everyone could socialize easily with each other.

Japan alumni organizers Junko Mori, Yoshi Niino and Miki Toda with visiting ELI faculty Wendy Bulkowski and Janet Louise

Little did they know that their first get-together on October 3,1998, would result in a countrywide Japan/Delaware Alumni Association, which today includes several hundred members.

That first year was difficult. But Junko and Yoshi got help organizing the reunion from Miki Toda (ELI ’87, UD ‘91), and ELI Director Scott Stevens provided them with a list of addresses for 300 Japanese graduates from ELI. However, due to the difficulties of translating place names from English script to Chinese characters, many invitations did not reach their destinations. Only 29 of their old friends met at the first reunion.

Nevertheless, some unexpected benefits became clear.

“We just wanted a way to keep in touch with old friends,” said Yoshi. “But business connections are also created at these reunions.”

“They provide excellent networking opportunities,” Junko remarked, “and a way to make new friends.”

The original founders from Tokyo realized that the English Language Institute and the University of Delaware have a strong exchange relationship with Kobe Shoin Women’s University in Kobe, Japan.

In 2002, they invited a graduate of that university, Sayaka Funae (ELI ’93, UD ’94), to help organize the Kansai area of Japan, where Kobe is located.With the help of another ELI grad, Hitoshi Nakauchi (ELI ’90), a reunion was held that year at the Portopia Hotel in Kobe.

This year the Japan/Delaware Alumni Association had two reunions: one in Tokyo and the other in Kobe. Organizers hope to include other active areas of Japan in the future.

How To Set Up Your Very Own ELI Alumni Association:

• If possible, brainstorm with ELI graduates you know from your country.
• Contact ELI for names and addresses of other graduates from your country.
• Plan a reunion. Decide the location, date and costs. Invite everyone on your list.
• Contact ELI director Dr. Scott Stevens to see if any ELI faculty or staff can attend your reunion.
• Get your alumni contact information posted on ELI’s website by contacting webmaster Lowell Riethmuller (lowell@udel.edu). That way, alumni can find you.
• Have fun at your celebration get-together. Decide if you want to elect officers, collect dues. Plan future activities.
• Consider a newsletter to maintain contact.
• If you have an annual reunion, vary the location to different areas of your country so everyone can participate.
• Let ELI know about your activities. Send pictures for our newsletter and web page.

You may contact the Japan/Delaware Association coordinators for further advice.

Yoshimasa Niino: yoshi7054xinye@hotmail.com
Junko Mori: junkomori@jcom.home.ne.jp
Sayaka Funae: S.Funae@astrazeneca.com