National Park College (NPC) Honors program student Abby Hanks recently returned from
Hot Springs’ sister city, Hanamaki, Japan. She shared her experience with the NPC
Board of Trustees Wednesday during their regular monthly meeting.
Hanks shared that the sister city relationship between Hot Springs and Hanamaki began
in 1993. Local high schools have sister schools in Hanamaki and participate in an
annual student exchange. This year marked the first student exchange at the college
level with NPC and Fuji University.
Fuji University was established in 1965. The campus serves approximately 1,000 students,
with women totaling only eight to nine percent of the student population. The university
has a large focus on business degrees and robust athletic programs. Hanks had the
opportunity to observe a number of classes during her visit, including Business English,
Global Careers, Sports Psychology, and graduate level Economics. She also shared information
about her hometown with students there. “I gave plenty of presentations about the
College and about the city,” said Hanks.
Hanks’ trip took place in December and included a two-week home stay, cultural events,
and a meeting with Hanamaki Mayor Toichi Ueda. She spent the majority of her time
at the university, and with English instructor Dan Newbury, who is originally from
Hot Springs. Newbury has lived in Hanamaki for 18 years.
“We will actually be having a student from Fuji University visiting in March,” said
Hanks. “We are excited to have a new sister school relationship as we continue to
grow our sister city relationship.” She emphasized the importance of providing students
with access to new cultures and the exchange of values and ideas. She described the
opportunity as a “life changing experience” for both students and faculty.
NPC President Dr. John Hogan taught Hanks in his Honors Seminar class. “Abby is an
impressive person with a bright future in front of her. I am over-the-top proud of
this young lady. She is an incredible ambassador and representative for NPC, and a
great example of a nighthawk.”|
Photo courtesy of Abby Hanks.
