Connie Klein, Mackenzie Hicks, Rus Kiser, and Laura Fetting, members of the Staff Senate’s Employee Development Committee, coordinated this year’s annual summer conference, offering short learning courses for Dickinson State University staff and faculty.
The 2024 conference focused on connections and community, providing a platform for campus members to share their expertise. Among the presenters was Shunsuke Aoki, coordinator for the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI), a cultural outreach program aimed at bringing Japan and the U.S. closer, one person at a time.
During his two-year assignment at Dickinson State, Aoki has delivered presentations to schools, libraries, and other community groups on various topics including Japanese calligraphy, sushi making, language classes, origami making, and samurai history. Aoki noted that in the two years he has been in North Dakota, he has presented to more than 4,000 people and traveled 8,389 miles. This spring, he led DSU Agriculture students on a 10-day tour of Japan.
The July 16 conference marked Aoki’s final presentation before he returns to Japan later this month. He discussed the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, noting, “Experiencing other cultures is important. It provides opportunities to gain mutual understanding, embrace diversity, and cultivate problem-solving skills.”
Participants learned that samurai cherished the tea ceremony as a way to relax after battles. To make matcha tea, one needs matcha powder, a tea whisk, and a chawan tea bowl, which traditionally features décor only on one side. The ceremony room is simple, featuring a tea kettle, wall art, and seasonal flowers. Guests should open and close the door to the room using both hands, honor the ‘master’ by admiring the art and flowers, and then sit and eat a sweet.
During the ceremony, guests follow these steps:
- Pick up the bowl with their left hand.
- Place the bowl on their left palm.
- Rotate the bowl twice with their right hand.
- Drink the tea.
- Make a noise indicating their final sip.
The 2024 Employee Development Conference at Dickinson State University highlighted the power of cultural exchange and community building. As the event concluded, participants left with renewed cultural awareness, fostering an inclusive and interconnected campus community.
The committee extends a sincere thank you to the presenters and the attendees.