American Studies Program at Willamette University

Check out this video that some Japanese artists living in New York created.  You may want to grab a tissue! 

上を向いて歩こう Ue o Muite Arukō (I keep my head up high)"SUKIYAKI" Quarantine Japanese Artists in NYC This is a difficult time not only for freelance artists like ourselves, but everyone from restaurant workers, students, family members and especially medical...

Spring is definitely here! The wisteria is starting to bloom on the sky bridge, as well as other pretty blossoms around campus. @ Willamette University

Congratulations to the seven students who were accepted to the . Read all about them here: https://tinyurl.com/y9a4opc9

It’s been almost 10 years since the Tomodachi “friendship” garden was created, thanks to a generous donation by Margaret Bagley. There was a lovely dedication ceremony on April 22, 2011. The garden is thriving and enjoyed to this day. Thanks, Margaret! @ American Studies Program at Willamette University

Scenes from a quiet campus this morning.

This year's Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat has been cancelled. The World Beat Festival is one of Salem's best annual events and we will miss it a lot. ASP students often perform and volunteer in other ways each year. Hope to see you in 2021!

We are sad to announce the cancellation of the 2020 World Beat Festival due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdown periods being extended throughout the state, performers unable to gather to rehearse, many organizations already cancelling large events in the summer, and the general sense of uncertainty, the Board of Directors of the Salem Multicultural Institute made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s festival.

Our mission: to encourage and promote intercultural understanding, is especially relevant now as we draw inward by necessity. While our gallery space is closed during this time, we will be posting more content on our Facebook and Instagram pages in connection with the current exhibition “Windows to Japan: A Glimpse of Japanese Culture.”

We hope to see all of you again once this pandemic has passed, and you can expect the Salem Multicultural Institute/ World Beat to return with renewed enthusiasm and vigor.

Not the usual way we say goodbye when an employee leaves. It was a Zoom farewell today for Michelle Fensler (WU18). Michelle graduated, worked in Japan, and came back to work at TIUA. We are not losing her altogether though, as she begins working at Tokyo international University this fall! Good luck and we’ll miss you, Michelle! @ Willamette University

*This photo was taken in Feb. 2020.* The American Studies Program at Willamette University and Tokyo International University of America has been suspended in light of the current global health crisis. The students participating in this year's program have returned to Japan.

As recently stated by Willamette University President Stephen Thorsett, "Our hearts have been with these 93 students, who had long-prepared for a year of study and travel in the United States, only to have the pandemic scuttle their plans before they even had a chance to settle in."

We especially want to thank all of the staff, faculty and administrators at TIUA and Willamette University that assisted in helping the students have a successful departure.

We will be evaluating the situation as it evolves and hope to resume the program in the fall.

The TIUA offices are closed from today, complying with the Oregon Governor's Executive Orders, but staff are working from home. For questions, please contact Barby Dressler, Director, University Relations at [email protected].

Some of the campus blossoms! @ Willamette University