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Gifu University Health Administration Center 50th Anniversary Symposium Held
Commemorative Symposium Held to Mark the 50th Anniversary of the Gifu University Health Administration Center
On Monday, September 1, 2025, Gifu University convened a commemorative symposium entitled “Gifu University Health Administration Center 50th Anniversary Symposium – University Wellness” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Health Administration Center. The event drew approximately 300 attendees to the university auditorium, with an additional 170 participants joining online. Attendees included current students, faculty and staff, alumni, and health professionals from universities nationwide.
The symposium commenced with opening remarks by President Yoshida, who extended heartfelt congratulations on the Center’s milestone and expressed sincere appreciation to all individuals and organizations that have supported its development over the past five decades.
Subsequent guest addresses featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Yuji Yamamoto, Director of the Health Administration Center at Shiga University and Board Member of the Japan Association of University Health and Counseling Centers (JAUHCC), who commended Gifu University’s pioneering efforts in health management and its significant contributions to the well-being of both the university community and the broader region. Professor Shintaro Yanagimoto, Chair of the Council of National University Health Facilities and Deputy Director of the Health Promotion Headquarters at the University of Tokyo, emphasized the indispensable role of health administration centers as institutional infrastructure, underscoring that the health of students and staff forms the foundation of academic excellence.
Professor Masaru Nakagawa, Chair of the International Collaboration Committee of JAUHCC and Director of the Health Center at Ritsumeikan University, offered congratulatory remarks highlighting Gifu University’s longstanding commitment to wellness and its global engagement. Representing Gifu University internally, Professor Takahisa Nishizu, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, expressed gratitude for the Center’s support of international students and mental health initiatives. A video message from Vice President Kiki Caruson of USF World, University of South Florida, conveyed warm congratulations and reaffirmed the pride in the partnership between the two institutions.
Professor Mayumi Yamamoto, Director of the Health Administration Center, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Fifty Years of the Health Administration Center and the Path Forward.” She reflected on the Center’s historical milestones since its establishment in 1974, including the digital integration of student health data, the implementation of the CCAPS mental health screening system, and the resulting enhancement of research output. Looking ahead, Professor Yamamoto advocated for a strategic vision focused on elevating wellness for all students, strengthening internal and external collaborations, advancing support for students with disabilities, reinforcing infectious disease countermeasures, and promoting evidence-based health initiatives through data utilization to foster institutional well-being.
The special lecture featured Mr. James Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the American College Health Association (ACHA), who presented on “Well-being Initiatives in U.S. Universities.” Mr. Wilkinson introduced ACHA’s guiding principles on student wellness and campus well-being, shared findings from national student surveys highlighting the mental health crisis, and emphasized the importance of systemic approaches and data-driven strategies. He asserted that cultivating a supportive campus environment is essential to student success and remains a critical area for ongoing development.
Following the lectures, the university’s street dance club MEC delivered a vibrant performance, symbolizing the symposium’s theme of wellness. Twenty-seven student dancers showcased an energetic and engaging routine that captivated the audience.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Vice President Makoto Sugiyama, who reaffirmed the central role of the Health Administration Center in promoting health and well-being within the university and expressed optimism for its continued advancement. He also extended his gratitude to all participants and stakeholders, marking the successful conclusion of the event.
Prior to the symposium, President Yoshida received a courtesy visit from ACHA representatives, including CEO James Wilkinson, incoming President Andreea Baker, and former President Dana Tasson. Joined by Professor Yamamoto, Professor Fukao, Associate Professor Horita, and staff from the Student Support Division, the meeting featured a robust exchange of views on future wellness initiatives in higher education. This visit is expected to further strengthen the collaborative relationship between ACHA and Gifu University.
The symposium commenced with opening remarks by President Yoshida, who extended heartfelt congratulations on the Center’s milestone and expressed sincere appreciation to all individuals and organizations that have supported its development over the past five decades.
Subsequent guest addresses featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Yuji Yamamoto, Director of the Health Administration Center at Shiga University and Board Member of the Japan Association of University Health and Counseling Centers (JAUHCC), who commended Gifu University’s pioneering efforts in health management and its significant contributions to the well-being of both the university community and the broader region. Professor Shintaro Yanagimoto, Chair of the Council of National University Health Facilities and Deputy Director of the Health Promotion Headquarters at the University of Tokyo, emphasized the indispensable role of health administration centers as institutional infrastructure, underscoring that the health of students and staff forms the foundation of academic excellence.
Professor Masaru Nakagawa, Chair of the International Collaboration Committee of JAUHCC and Director of the Health Center at Ritsumeikan University, offered congratulatory remarks highlighting Gifu University’s longstanding commitment to wellness and its global engagement. Representing Gifu University internally, Professor Takahisa Nishizu, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, expressed gratitude for the Center’s support of international students and mental health initiatives. A video message from Vice President Kiki Caruson of USF World, University of South Florida, conveyed warm congratulations and reaffirmed the pride in the partnership between the two institutions.
Professor Mayumi Yamamoto, Director of the Health Administration Center, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Fifty Years of the Health Administration Center and the Path Forward.” She reflected on the Center’s historical milestones since its establishment in 1974, including the digital integration of student health data, the implementation of the CCAPS mental health screening system, and the resulting enhancement of research output. Looking ahead, Professor Yamamoto advocated for a strategic vision focused on elevating wellness for all students, strengthening internal and external collaborations, advancing support for students with disabilities, reinforcing infectious disease countermeasures, and promoting evidence-based health initiatives through data utilization to foster institutional well-being.
The special lecture featured Mr. James Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the American College Health Association (ACHA), who presented on “Well-being Initiatives in U.S. Universities.” Mr. Wilkinson introduced ACHA’s guiding principles on student wellness and campus well-being, shared findings from national student surveys highlighting the mental health crisis, and emphasized the importance of systemic approaches and data-driven strategies. He asserted that cultivating a supportive campus environment is essential to student success and remains a critical area for ongoing development.
Following the lectures, the university’s street dance club MEC delivered a vibrant performance, symbolizing the symposium’s theme of wellness. Twenty-seven student dancers showcased an energetic and engaging routine that captivated the audience.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Vice President Makoto Sugiyama, who reaffirmed the central role of the Health Administration Center in promoting health and well-being within the university and expressed optimism for its continued advancement. He also extended his gratitude to all participants and stakeholders, marking the successful conclusion of the event.
Prior to the symposium, President Yoshida received a courtesy visit from ACHA representatives, including CEO James Wilkinson, incoming President Andreea Baker, and former President Dana Tasson. Joined by Professor Yamamoto, Professor Fukao, Associate Professor Horita, and staff from the Student Support Division, the meeting featured a robust exchange of views on future wellness initiatives in higher education. This visit is expected to further strengthen the collaborative relationship between ACHA and Gifu University.
Opening Remarks: Yoshida Kazuhiro, President of Gifu University
Guest Addresses: Yuji Yamamoto, Director and Professor, Health Management Center, Shiga University; Director, Japan University Health Association (JUHA)
Guest Addresses: Shintaro Yanagimoto, Vice Director and Professor, Health Service Center, University of Tokyo; President, Japanese National University Council of Health Administration Facilities
Congratulatory Messages: Katsumi Nakagawa, Director and Professor, Medical Service Center, Ritsumeikan University; Chair, International Exchange Committee, Japan University Health Association (JUHA)
Congratulatory Messages: Takahisa Nishizu, Director and Professor, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University
Congratulatory Messages: Kiki Caruson, Vice President, USF World, University of South Florida
Lecture: Mayumi Yamamoto, Director and Professor, Health Administration Center, Gifu University
Special Lecture: James Wilkinson, CEO, American College Health Association (ACHA)
Dance Performance: Street Dance Club MEC
Closing Remarks: Makoto Sugiyama, Vice President of Gifu University
Scenes from the Venue
Group Photo (Symposium)
In Front of the Venue (Gifu University Auditorium)
Near the Entrance of the Venue
Courtesy Visit to President Yoshida’s Office
