TONDABAYASHI, JAPAN – August 12, 2024 – Dr. Bryon Grigsby, President of Moravian University, had the distinct honor of representing the Honorable J. William Reynolds, Mayor of Bethlehem, at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Sister City relationship between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Tondabayashi, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The event was marked by an exchange of gifts and a symbolic tree planting ceremony with the Honorable Toshi Tada, Mayor of Tondabayashi.
The Sister City relationship, established in 1964, has fostered international and intercultural understanding, promoting appreciation and recognition of common bonds across national boundaries. This long-standing partnership has been instrumental in facilitating numerous exchanges and events, deepening the friendship and mutual respect between the two cities.
During the ceremony, President Grigsby conveyed Mayor Reynolds’ heartfelt message, emphasizing the significance of the 60-year bond and the shared commitment to continuing this fruitful relationship for many generations to come. The tree planting ceremony symbolized the growth and enduring nature of the friendship between Bethlehem and Tondabayashi.
Following the city celebration, President Grigsby participated in an exchange of gifts and a recognition ceremony with President Asao Hiroyoshi of Osaka Ohtani University. This event marked the 30th anniversary of the cultural and academic exchange between Moravian University and Osaka Ohtani University. Over the past three decades, this partnership has facilitated the exchange of scholarly ideas, research, and student experiences, greatly benefiting both institutions.
President Grigsby expressed his gratitude for the unwavering commitment of Osaka Ohtani University to this partnership. He highlighted the immeasurable benefits of shared knowledge, faculty, and student exchanges, and the crucial role cultural exchanges play in fostering mutual respect and understanding.
“The relationship between Osaka Ohtani University and Moravian University is a shining example of the power of international collaboration,” said President Grigsby. “Through education and cultural exchange, we have built bridges of understanding and created a more interconnected and harmonious world. Our partnership has been characterized by a spirit of cooperation and a shared vision for the future, and I am confident that it will continue to flourish in the years to come.”
The events of the day underscored the deep connections between Bethlehem and Tondabayashi, as well as the strong academic ties between Moravian University and Osaka Ohtani University. Both celebrations reaffirmed the commitment to fostering academic excellence, cultural understanding, and mutual respect, ensuring a bright future for these enduring partnerships.
Media contact(s):
City of Bethlehem
Stephanie Smith Augello
Chief of Staff
Email: saugello@bethlehem-pa.gov
Ph: 610.997.7921
Moravian University
Michael Corr
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Email: corrm@moravian.edu
Ph: 610.861.1365
About the City of Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a city of 75,000 people in eastern Pennsylvania, United States – a city known for its rich colonial and industrial history. Today, Bethlehem is experiencing an economic and cultural renaissance promising a future as bright as the city’s past.
About Moravian University
Moravian University is the nation’s sixth-oldest university, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian University degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian University is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to midsize independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian University focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.
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