Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821

November 26, 2002 OKINAWA NATIVE, FORMER UNM STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGES UNIVERSITY WITH SHI SHI DOGS The University of New Mexico was honored in an acknowledgement ceremony by former Okinawan student, Yutaka Miyagi, who studied at the school in 1950-51. The ceremony was a tribute to UNM for the kindness bestowed upon Miyagi while he was a student. As part of the ceremony, which is deeply rooted in Okinawan custom, two Shi Shi dogs were presented as a token appreciation, to express his thankfulness, and in acknowledgement of his association with the University. Vice President for Advancement Judy Jones accepted the gift on behalf of UNM. Shi Shi dogs are mythical statues originally used as guardians to the entrances of buildings, preventing evil spirts from entering. They are seen as symbols of good luck and fortune. Miyagi, who was enrolled in the business college and studied economics at UNM, was part of an education program under the auspices of the Institute of International Education in a partnership sponsored by the United States Army Garrison Command in Okinawa. The program was initiated during post-war U.S. occupation of Okinawa and Japan, and continued through 1972 when Okinawa reverted back to Japan as a Prefecture of Japan. During the 20 plus years the program was promoted and administered, more than 1,000 Okinawans were sponsored and afforded the opportunity for higher education at colleges and universities throughout the country. Miyagi was one of the initial recipients of the program promoting higher education among Okinawans who wanted to prepare themselves as civic leaders, directors and managers of companies, both public and private, impacting the economy and becoming a force in affairs involving Okinawa and the government. Prior to his retirement, Miyagi was the executive vice president of the Okinawa Economic Association where he advanced the causes for Okinawa Economic Development through research, consulting, marketing and helped promote developing and established businesses in Okinawa and the region. # # #

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