The 14th annual commencement ceremony took place at International House in Roppongi, Tokyo, in October for graduates of the M.A. TESOL program. This year's graduating class of 29 was the largest group ever, so it was standing room only for the ceremony. The audience included faculty, family, alumni, current students and even two new babies whose parents were in the graduating class. Following the entrance procession, opening remarks were made by Program Director, Terry Royce. TC's Vice President of Finance and Administration Fred Schnur was the keynote speaker. He reflected on the TC experience for graduates as they looked ahead to the future. After Schnur spoke, the John Fanselow Scholarship award was presented to Stanley Pederson for his creative and original approach to classroom practice. Then, Schnur and his wife Karen, the Director of Event Planning for Development, presented the letters of completion and gifts to the graduates. For some of the class members, who were lucky enough to attend the ceremony in New York City in May, it was a chance to celebrate again.

The M.A. experience in Tokyo has its own unique characteristics and was remembered by alumni Mitsumasu Iwasaki and two members of the graduating class, Gen Murai and Jodie Stephenson. Since the program is part-time, TC Tokyo students often find it challenging to balance the demands of work, school and family as they go through it. Murai remarked on how fulfilling his seven years had been and was glad that he had taken the "local train" approach as opposed to an "express" route to his studies. Stephenson commented on the unique bonds of friendship and professional support that had been created with both native and non-native speaker teachers who work in a variety of teaching situations.

The ceremony was followed by a lively reception of food and fun that included a rock music performance by alumni. These 2002 graduates will join hundreds of Teachers College graduates in leading the TESOL profession further toward a global view of the role communication plays in cross-cultural interactions.

Published Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003