IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 10, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

                                         724.991.8302

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU to sign partnership with Japanese high school 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University on Tuesday will finalize its first partnership with a Japanese high school, Jissen Joship Gakuen, an all-girls school in Tokyo. The partnership will make it easier for Japanese students to attend SRU for their higher education.

            “Instead of saying there are 3,000 schools in the U.S. for them to consider, Slippery Rock University will be recommended most highly and information about the University will be given to Jissen students,” said Pam Frigot, SRU director of international services.

            William Williams, SRU provost, and Yukiko Matsuda, headmaster of Jissen Joship Gakuen High School, will sign the agreement. Frigot expects Jissen graduates to be enrolled at SRU by fall 2008.

            The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development contacted the Sakae Institute of Study Abroad in Japan about marketing Pennsylvania’s universities to prospective Japanese students. Sakae representatives visited SRU in April, and the new agreement evolved from that meeting.

            “We’re excited. They have a vision for expanding international education opportunities, and SRU is a great fit,” Frigot said. “We have a traditional exchange agreement with Kansai Gaidai University that has been in effect since 1979, but this is our first partnership with a Japanese high school.”  

            Jissen, founded in 1899, emphasizes the four pillars of dignity, elegance, independence and self-management.

            “SRU is the only Pennsylvania university with whom Jissen is affiliating. We look forward to welcoming their students to our campus,” Frigot said.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.