The Geiko International Office held the “Geiko International Reunion 2024” on November 16th, 2024.
The alumni event primarily aimed to build a network of international graduates, creating an opportunity to share diverse career paths and experiences. Simultaneously hosted at the Design Commons of Kyushu University’s Ohashi Campus and online, the reunion gathered 33 participants from around the world, including 19 alumni, 9 current students, and 5 faculty members.
The event began with opening address by Professor Akira Omoto, Dean of the Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, followed by a speech from an alumni representative and an update from Geiko by Associate Professor Gerard B. Remijn, Director of the Geiko International Office. The highlight was a keynote panel showcasing four alumni who shared their diverse professional journeys. The panelists included a lighting designer based in the UK, an entrepreneur from Bangladesh, a faculty member from an overseas university, and a faculty member from Faculty of Design, Kyushu University. Following these inspiring alumni talks, participants mingled freely both in-person and online, enjoying heartwarming reunions and creating new connections.
Participants shared feedback such as, “The diverse career paths of our senior alumni provided hope and courage for my future” and “Interacting with alumni from different backgrounds gave me new perspectives.” Beyond positive comments, constructive suggestions were also raised, including “expanding participation to include Japanese students,” “developing interaction mechanisms between on-site and online participants,” and “establishing continuous communication channels.”
The Geiko International Reunion, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, proved to be an invaluable opportunity showcasing the international talent development of Kyushu University’s School of Design, Graduate School of Design, and its predecessor, Kyushu Institute of Design. The Geiko International Office remains committed to pursuing global exchange possibilities and strengthening the international alumni network.
The alumni event primarily aimed to build a network of international graduates, creating an opportunity to share diverse career paths and experiences. Simultaneously hosted at the Design Commons of Kyushu University’s Ohashi Campus and online, the reunion gathered 33 participants from around the world, including 19 alumni, 9 current students, and 5 faculty members.
The event began with opening address by Professor Akira Omoto, Dean of the Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, followed by a speech from an alumni representative and an update from Geiko by Associate Professor Gerard B. Remijn, Director of the Geiko International Office. The highlight was a keynote panel showcasing four alumni who shared their diverse professional journeys. The panelists included a lighting designer based in the UK, an entrepreneur from Bangladesh, a faculty member from an overseas university, and a faculty member from Faculty of Design, Kyushu University. Following these inspiring alumni talks, participants mingled freely both in-person and online, enjoying heartwarming reunions and creating new connections.
Participants shared feedback such as, “The diverse career paths of our senior alumni provided hope and courage for my future” and “Interacting with alumni from different backgrounds gave me new perspectives.” Beyond positive comments, constructive suggestions were also raised, including “expanding participation to include Japanese students,” “developing interaction mechanisms between on-site and online participants,” and “establishing continuous communication channels.”
The Geiko International Reunion, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, proved to be an invaluable opportunity showcasing the international talent development of Kyushu University’s School of Design, Graduate School of Design, and its predecessor, Kyushu Institute of Design. The Geiko International Office remains committed to pursuing global exchange possibilities and strengthening the international alumni network.
