AMBASSADORS TO JAPAN |

The Ambassadors to Japan Program was born out of the Yamato Kogyo/ANC Foundation Scholarship Gold Tournament, which began in 1991.  At that time, Mr. Hirokyui Inoue, President of the Yamato Kogyo Company, wanted to do something in this area to show his appreciation for the people here.

The golf tournament has raised over $190,000 (from 1991 to 2004) for student scholarships since that time.  Then, nine years ago he made an announcement at the tournament inviting students to visit Japan.  It was his hope that the students would learn about the Japanese culture and bring that knowledge back to this area.

The first ambassadors traveled to Japan in 1996.  Since its inception, several ANC students have traveled to Japan through the program.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROGRAM?

It's an opportunity for our students to travel to Japan for a two-week stay to learn about that country.  The trip is totally paid for by the Yamato Kogyo Company with the ANC Foundation paying the airfare.

The students usually travel in May immediately following commencement and just prior to the summer semester.

Students stay in hotels, the Yamato Kogyo Dormitory, and the homes of Yamato Kogyo employees -- to experience the Japanese way of life.

Once they come back, they are available to speak to classes and organizations such as Rotary about their travels.

While there, they truly are ambassadors not only for ANC or the state of Arkansas, but the United States.

HOW ARE THE STUDENTS SELECTED?

There is a fairly rigorous selection process.  Students meeting the criteria are invited to apply.  The criteria include:

• 3.0 GPA

• Enrolled in ( 9 ) credit hours or more

• 30 hours completed

• Planning to graduate from ANC

• Ages 18-24

JAPAN AMBASSADORS TO DATE |

2009    [photos]

Josh Cooke

Chelsea Becker

2008    [photos]

Hunter Veach

James Whitaker

2007

Zachary Barnett

Brittany Rayburn

2006

Krista Haynes

Brittany Jarred

2005

Kaleigh Gates

Casey Hill

2004

Jonna Clark

Hollie Pfeffer

2003

Rachel Walker

Kelley King

2002

Natalie Johnson

Ed Bracey

2001

Victoria Walker

Christina Crawford

2000

Katie Hester

Christina Weber

1999

Tonia Person

Jansen Cahoon

1998

Ondreia Ray

Michael Stovall

1997

Misty Watts

Janice Bragg

From visiting ancient temples to grocery shopping, ANC's Ambassadors to Japan have the opportunity to experience the Japanese way of life firsthand.  This opportunity is made possible through the generosity of the Yamato Kogyo Company of Japan.  Because of the commitment of its leaders, Yamato Kogyo has helped to foster the importance of learning and education in this area.  We are proud to be a partner in the Japan Ambassadors Program and look forward to providing continued educational opportunities to our students.