令和3年度千葉大学卒業式、大学院修了式・学位記授与式　学長式辞

21-09-28,Commencement Speech at
Chiba University,Commencement 2021

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Chiba University, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all of you who have just received your doctoral degree, master's degree, professional degree, or baccalaureate degree for your educational and scholastic achievements in Chiba University. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all of the family and friends who have supported you through your efforts.

Under the guiding principle of Chiba University, "Always Aim Higher," we aim to nurture global human resources to build up new leaders in various fields of society, infusing them with advanced expertise and strong ethics. I believe that all of today's graduates have put forth great effort in their studies, in line with the educational goals of Chiba University, and become experts in their given fields. I trust that the knowledge and experience gained during their time here at Chiba University will greatly aid them in creating something amazing in their future.

Today is the start of a new journey in your life. I hope and do believe that you will rise to leading positions in our society in the future. However, through your efforts and ambitions, you may face various problems and sometimes will have to contend with certain struggles. You will realize that our global society is facing a range of issues, such as environmental pollution, natural disasters due to global warming, and emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.

Society's leaders need the ability to understand the cultures, social systems, customs, and histories of people from around the world. In addition, you may need to foster in yourselves intellectual abilities, such as logical thinking and creativity, as well as build up your self-control and communication skills. While you have begun to master these abilities during your time at Chiba University, you will need to enhance them further through your own efforts while working as a professional in society.

You will soon face a few turning points in your life. You might have just started working for a new company, but in the near future, you may need to decide whether to stay at the same company or move on to another. Some of you will continue your lives as researcher in the Graduate School in Chiba University or other universities, but in a few years, you will need to decide whether to continue your academic career, such as going abroad as a Post-Doc, or to find work at non-academic institutes or companies.

Everyone experiences such turning points, at least two to three times in their life. When you find yourself faced with such a turning point, I suggest two things:

First, please try to make the choice that will be both favorable regarding your long-term goals but also a bit of a challenge. That way, you may earn valuable experiences and grow further, and thus become a real leader in your field. For example, I have been a researcher in the medical field for some time. Researchers prepare and give scientific lectures in English very frequently. If you are able to prepare a 60-minute scientific presentation in English, then you'll be astonished how simple preparing a 20- or 30-minute presentation in English is, or a 60-minute presentation in your mother tongue.

Second, when you're faced with the need to make a major decision, gather as much information as possible; ask the opinions of more experienced people and consider your options very seriously. Then, once you've made that decision, do your best to see it through and don't regret your choice. It is very important that you should do your best in your chosen way, as others, including both older and younger colleagues, may watch and evaluate your behavior.

Finally, I wish for each of you to strive to be leaders in your chosen field and work with confidence to better society. Once again, congratulations on your outstanding achievements, and good luck with your bright future!

Thank you for your kind attention today.

September 28th, 2021
Toshinori Nakayama
President, Chiba University