In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Keio’s Summer School at Downing College, Cambridge, a cherry tree planting ceremony was held at East Lodge Garden, Downing College on September 4th. Keio Summer School participants and representatives from Keio and Cambridge participated in the ceremony.
Participants from Keio University:
Professor Toshiro Tanaka, Faculty of Law and former Vice-President for International Programs and Exchange,
Professor Toshiyuki Takamiya, Faculty of Letters,
Professor Colin McKenzie, Faculty of Economics, and
Mr. Yoshiro Kato, Chief Administrator of the International Center.
Participants from Downing College, Cambridge:
Professor Barry Everitt, Master of the College,
Professor Peter Mathias, International Advisor to Keio University and former Master of the College,
Ms. Meryl Davis, coordinator of the summer program since its inception, and
University of Cambridge students who participated in the Summer School as teaching assistants.
Students of both universities enjoyed the commemorative dinner, and were reluctant to leave even after a long evening.
The newly planted cherry tree is now accompanied by a bronze plaque on Portland block stone. The engraving states that the cherry tree was planted to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Keio University’s summer school at Downing College and the many years of academic exchange between the two institutions. For visitors from Keio, this will be another attraction when visiting the University of Cambridge.
• Keio Summer School at Downing
The summer school offers a diverse array of lectures given by University of Cambridge faculty and ample opportunities for discussion and academic writing experience. Students are expected to deepen their knowledge of their major fields but also to broaden their perspectives. Interaction with local teaching assistants gives participants a chance to get a taste of the University of Cambridge and its 800 year history. Nearly 600 students have attended the summer school since it began in 1998.
