To All Graduates and Program Completion Students 

Congratulations to all of you who have reached this important milestone of graduation or completion of your studies and are being awarded your degrees today. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every one of our graduates and degree recipients. 

I would also like to express my deepest respect and sincerest congratulations to your families and all those who have warmly supported and encouraged you throughout your journey to this day. 

During your years at Yamagata University, you have not only acquired knowledge and skills in your respective fields of study, but have also encountered many people and gained a wide variety of experiences. While there were undoubtedly fulfilling times devoted to your studies, research, and extracurricular activities, there may also have been moments when things did not go as planned, when your efforts did not immediately bear fruit, or when you faced significant challenges. I believe that each of these experiences has contributed to your personal growth and helped shape the character and resilience you possess today. 

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Yamagata University, I sincerely commend your dedication and hard work, and extend my warmest congratulations as you embark on this new chapter of your lives. 

The degrees conferred upon you today stand as a testament to the dedication and achievements you have accumulated through advanced study in your respective fields. However, this milestone does not mark the end of your learning journey. In an era characterized by rapid change and increasing uncertainty, it is more important than ever to build upon the knowledge and skills you have acquired at the university, to continue learning throughout your lives, and to cultivate the ability to create new value. 

From this day forward, each of you will follow your own path. Some will take their first steps into professional careers, while others will continue on to more advanced academic pursuits. Along these paths, many challenges and opportunities await. I encourage you to believe in your potential, embrace challenges without fear of failure, and continue striving toward your goals. 

At the same time, your success in reaching graduation or completion today is the result not only of your own efforts, but also of the support of many people, including your family and friends. I hope that, while never forgetting their gratitude for all that has been given to them and keeping in their hearts the support and kindness of those who have helped them along the way, they will each move forward confidently on their own chosen paths. 

As graduates of Yamagata University, I hope that each of you will contribute to society in your own way and play an active role in creating new value for the future. 

Yamagata University will always be your alma mater, and we will continue to support and cheer for you throughout your lives. Whenever you encounter uncertainty or difficulties along your journey, I hope you will remember your days here. The friendships you have formed and the connections you have built with faculty and staff will remain a lasting source of strength and encouragement. 

With my heartfelt wishes for your future success, happiness, and fulfillment, I offer these words of congratulations. 

Congratulations once again on this special occasion.

President Deguchi Takeshi, September 25 2026

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