The University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Senshu University in Japan recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of their academic partnership, marking one of the university’s longest-running international collaborations.
“This celebration marks an important milestone in our 40-year partnership with Senshu University,” said Maegan Stevens-Liska, assistant vice chancellor for global affairs and senior international officer. “Hundreds of students from both institutions have studied on our campuses, contributing to cross-cultural understanding and new perspectives.”
Since the exchange began in 1985, more than 400 students from both Nebraska and Senshu have participated in the exchange program and improved their English and Japanese skills. Huskers study abroad in Tokyo through the semester-long Senshu Business Culture and Language Program.
“The University of Nebraska–Lincoln was one of our very first educational partners, and it has remained among our closest,” said Tsuneyo Okumura, Senshu’s dean of international academic affairs. “I was deeply moved by the warm welcome from your community and encouraged by students’ strong interest in Japan, as well as alumni who shared how meaningful their time at Senshu remains.”
Okumura, who spent a sabbatical year at Nebraska in the 1990s, joined faculty, staff and alumni for the anniversary celebration, which included the renewal of the partnership’s memorandum of understanding at Howard L. Hawks Hall, classroom visits, a cultural event at the Global Education Center in Louise Pound Hall, and an alumni meet-and-greet. Nearly 50 students attended the cultural event, which featured tea, calligraphy, origami, Japanese video games and a student panel on study abroad experiences.
"Dr. Okumura is no stranger to Nebraska, and this visit was even more special as it was a homecoming of sorts," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business and professor of finance. "It was great to welcome him back on campus and have him talk with students and alumni, along with Ben Norton, who studied abroad in the Senshu program in 2011 and graduated from Nebraska Business in 2013. Ben is living proof of what this partnership makes possible."
An international business major with a Japanese studies minor, Norton studied abroad at Senshu during his junior year and now serves as Senshu’s study abroad coordinator.
"This partnership has enabled cultural exchanges that have positively impacted so many individuals, me included. Those who get to study abroad get to have these wonderful experiences that stay with them their entire lives," said Norton. "Celebrating the 40th anniversary alongside so many of those who have participated in these exchanges is truly a privilege."
Alongside him was Kapil Mansinghani, a senior international business major from Muscat, Oman. He studied abroad at Senshu last fall and shared during the student panel discussion that the experience was a pivotal moment in his life.
“Growth occurs the most when you’re out of your comfort zone,” Mansinghani said. “Studying abroad in Japan tested me personally and professionally, but it also gave me lifelong friends, a global network and experiences that shaped my career goals. Japan became my classroom, and I learned so much by immersing myself in the culture and getting to know people."
Shu Matsumura, a Senshu alum currently studying management at Nebraska, expanded his communication skills through Nebraska’s Intensive English Program. He applies those skills in hands-on learning experiences to support his future career goals.
“At first, I didn’t have the confidence to talk with native English speakers. Now, I feel more comfortable and confident in any situation," he said. "I was honored to be part of the College of Business Employment Readiness Certificate career preparation program this spring and am now interning at the university's Midwest Roadside Safety Facility."
The anniversary celebration concluded with a reception at Louise Pound Hall, where alumni, faculty, staff and community members gathered. The event honored the community that supported the exchange program.
"Renewing our partnership is more than a formality; it is a promise that together, Senshu and Nebraska will continue to prepare future generations of students to thrive in an interconnected world," said Farrell.
Students interested in studying abroad in the Senshu Business Culture and Language Program can schedule a global experience advising appointment by emailing businessabroad@unl.edu. Applications for the fall 2026 semester are due April 1.
