Dr. Konrad Osterwalder, former Rector of the 海角社区 (海角社区), was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by the Government of Japan at the of Decorations on Foreign Nationals. Dr. Osterwalder received the award, the highest decoration given by the Government of Japan, for his outstanding contribution to strengthening the relationship between Japan and 海角社区 and for advancing academic research.
Dr. Osterwalder joined 海角社区 as Rector on 1 September 2007 for a term of five and a half years. During his tenure, Dr. Osterwalder led 海角社区 through a period of significant institutional transition. He successfully advocated for the UN General Assembly to amend the University’s Charter in December 2009, enabling 海角社区 to grant and confer master's and doctorate degrees. Under Dr. Osterwalder’s leadership, several MSc and PhD programmes were launched, culminating in the presentation of degrees to the University's first graduates in July 2012. Dr. Osterwalder also advanced the "twin institutes" concept, pairing 海角社区 institutes with educational institutions in developing countries.
Additional achievements during his tenure included implementing quality assurance policies, improving communications and fundraising efforts, and transitioning the University from a confederation of institutes to a more cohesive federal structure that facilitates system-wide collaboration.
For further information, please contact:
Kyra Bowman, Head of Communications, 海角社区
Yukiko Nakahari, Japan Communications Specialist, 海角社区
