From February 18th to 19th, a delegation led by Chancellor Randy Woodson of North Carolina State University visited Nagoya University to celebrate the longstanding partnership between the two institutions. 

The event marked the 40th anniversary of the academic exchange agreement signed in 1985, as well as Chancellor Woodson's upcoming retirement after 15 years of leadership. A total of 17 participants, including deans from NC State, attended the occasion.

The first day featured a commemorative symposium, where both universities highlighted their history of collaboration.

 Chancellor Woodson delivered a lecture on NC State's history and its initiatives in industry-academia collaboration. One of the most noteworthy points was the $30 million funding the university received from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

 In the afternoon, students who had studied abroad shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural exchange.

Following the symposium, a panel discussion was held to explore the future of both universities. The participants exchanged views on the challenges facing educational institutions and strategies for future development.

A symbolic dogwood tree, the state tree of North Carolina, was also planted on Nagoya University's campus. Despite the chilly weather, the tree is expected to bloom beautifully this spring.

On the final day, both universities reaffirmed their commitment to fostering student exchange programs and staff training. Nagoya University plans to send a delegation to NC State this fall.

After stepping down from his role as Chancellor, Dr. Woodson intends to continue living near the university. 

Thanks to the cooperation of many individuals, this visit concluded successfully, further strengthening the bond between the two institutions.