May 6, 2009 - Professor Yuichiro Anzai will be concluding his tenure as President of Keio University on May 27, 2009 after having served in that capacity for eight years since 2001.

During Professor Anzai’s term as president of Japan's oldest institution of modern higher education, Keio University became a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities in 2002.

In 2008, Keio University hosted the first Annual Presidents Meeting ever to be held in Japan, in conjunction with its 150th Anniversary celebrations. The meeting showcased Keio University's numerous achievements and remains a strong testament to Professor Anzai's capable administration and effective leadership. It was also at this meeting that Professor Anzai was elected Chair of the APRU Steering Committee. He had served as Vice Chair from 2007 to 2008.

APRU Secretary General, Professor Ken McGillivray, expressed “deep gratitude and appreciation for Professor Anzai’s many contributions, particularly his dedication and leadership in helping shape the direction of the APRU network”.

During Professor Anzai’s tenure as Chair, APRU welcomed five new members, which was the single largest expansion the consortium had seen since its establishment in 1997.

Fellow Steering Committee member Professor Henry T. Yang, Chancellor of the University of California Santa Barbara, thanked Professor Anzai “for the visionary and dedicated leadership he has provided as Chairman of APRU. It has been an honor to work with him as a fellow member of the APRU Steering Committee. His commitment to collaboration and innovation has benefited not only higher education, but our entire global society.”

Professor Glyn Davis, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, also a member of APRU’s Steering Committee, conveyed great appreciation for Professor Anzai's leadership of both Keio University and APRU.

“He has brought wisdom and judgment to both challenge roles, and helped strengthen international cooperation across the Asia-Pacific. I join colleagues in thanking Professor Anzai for his enthusiasm and leadership in shaping APRU's mission and programs.”

Professor Anzai will be succeeded by Professor Atsushi Seike as President of Keio University. Professor Seike will assume office on May 28, 2009. The official announcement from Keio University on Professor Seike's appointment can be found here.