The Dillard Journey
New Orleans, LA
Dillard University is a historically black, private university in New Orleans, LA that was founded in 1935. With a focus on liberal arts, Dillard produces broadly educated, culturally aware graduates.
The Japanese Studies Program, established in 1989, is the first such program established at any historically black college or university and the first for any college or university in the south central United States. It is interdisciplinary in nature and is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for future studies in areas involving a knowledge of Japan and Asia.
Eudith Rodney, mother of Ray Jr. and Montana Rodney, graduated from Dillard University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Mrs. Rodney utilized her degree while serving 23 proud years in the United States Marine Corps with most of her military career in Okinawa and Mainland Japan. Little did she know 30 years ago, that her son and daughter would attend the HBCU and continue her legacy in the Humanities Division. One of her teachers taught Ray Jr. this summer at Dillard.
The Mazda Foundation (USA) has been instrumental in supporting Dillard's Japanese Studies by awarding scholarship money to Dillard to support the students. The program began with a $40,000 contribution in 1998.
Mazda's contributions to the University increased dramatically in 2004 as John Mindel, president of Mazda North American Operations, visited Dillard University to preside over the first Mazda Day Celebration. In addition to presenting two awards to Doctor Michael Lomax (outgoing president of Dillard and newly appointed president of the United Negro College Fund), Mr. Mindel bestowed a check in the amount of $488,000. New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin was on hand to thank Mr. Mendel and praise the Mazda Foundation's continuing effort to promote higher international education.
Ray Jr. and Montana Rodney are currently Mazda Scholars and the first students to enter Dillard University with a complete Japanese background. They speak, read and write Japanese fluently. Ray Jr. aspires ambassadorial work to maintain the bridge between the United States and Japan. Montana hopes to enter the international business world. Both support each other while living on Dillard University's Campus which is oceans away from their beloved Japan, the country they consider their true home.
For more information on these outstanding siblings I strongly encourage you to check out their website:
www.antja.net
Posted By:
Tuesday, October 11th 2005 at 6:02PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
