UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler to Host Sister City Delegation Oct. 15

October 12, 2015

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

October 12, 2015

UT Tyler will host 19 members from Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan who are visiting Tyler as the Sister City Delegation on Thursday, Oct. 15.

A barbecue luncheon will be served at noon Thursday in the Bill Ratliff Suite, located in the UT Tyler Ratliff Engineering and Science Complex – Building South.

Honorary guests will include Mayor Shuichi Akiba and Mrs. Akiba from Yachiyo City, Japan and City of Tyler Mayor Martin Heines. After the luncheon with members of the UT Tyler President’s Council, the visiting group will receive a driving tour of the campus

“We are so pleased to have this important delegation visit our campus and look forward to expanding our program offerings with them. We will have several of our UT Tyler alumni who have participated as Assistant Language Teachers in Yachiyo schools present as well,” said Dr. Teresa Kennedy, UT Tyler Office of International Programs executive director. “A special thank you to the College of Engineering for providing the luncheon venue, to Aramark for serving our BBQ, to the Music Department who will be providing entertainment for us and to undergraduate admissions who will be providing a tour of campus.”

The delegation will be in Tyler Oct. 14 – 19. Their overall agenda includes a welcoming event by Mayor Heines, a visit to the Rose Parade and Gladewater Opry, as well as meals with different groups each day.

Tyler Sister Cities is a non-profit citizen diplomacy network dedicated to creating partnerships between Tyler and cities around the world.

UT Tyler’s involvement with the City of Tyler’s Sister Cities Program began in 1983 under the leadership of President Emeritus Dr. George F. Hamm, whose commitment to the importance of global awareness and understanding played a significant role in the Tyler Sister Cities creation.

For more information, contact Nan McClurg, UT Tyler Office of International Programs manager, 903.565.0062 or nmcclurg@uttyler.edu.