Fall Commencement Ceremony for Academic Year 2026, School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation (ISI) Sep.29,2026
The Fall Commencement Ceremony was held at the Ito Campus on Friday, September 25, 2026.
At the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation, eleven students were conferred their degrees and embarked on a new chapter in their lives.
During the ceremony, Dean ARAYA delivered a congratulatory address to the graduates. He stated, “Solving global issues in practice is truly difficult. Those of you who have identified problems should continue to consider how those problems can be solved. Those of you who have been able to propose solutions should now consider what is needed to put those solutions into practice.” He emphasized the importance of going beyond theories and ideas to consider practical factors such as cost, sustainability, and potential conflicts, as well as gaining practical experience while collaborating with diverse stakeholders in society. He concluded the speech by stating, “Graduation is not an end. It is the starting point of a new chapter in your lives,” encouraging the graduates to believe in themselves and move forward with confidence as ISI graduates.
In response, BENJAMIN JOSHUA LOWY, the graduate representative, delivered an address on behalf of the graduating class. Reflecting on the wide range of subjects he studied at ISI and his experiences collaborating with fellow students, he noted, “ISI has taught us how to look at problems from different perspectives, how to work with people who think differently, and how to keep moving forward even if the answer is not clear.” He also expressed his gratitude to his friends, faculty members, and staff, and reflected on his four years at ISI, saying, “Maybe that is what being interdisciplinary really means: not knowing everything, but knowing how to face something unfamiliar.” In closing, he encouraged his fellow graduates to remain curious, have the courage to change their minds, and not be afraid to take a path they had not originally planned as they move forward into their respective futures.
The ceremony also included an award presentation recognizing outstanding academic achievement. After the ceremony, commemorative photos were taken, and the graduates took their first steps toward the next stage of their lives.
Dean ARAYA delivering a congratulatory address
BENJAMIN delivering a speech as a graduate
Graduates taking their first steps toward a new chapter, watched over by their professors