Dr. Kunihiko Ogawa may have died of cancer earlier this year, but a recently planted cherry tree arbor along Kit Carson Drive on the EKU campus serves as a reminder of his lasting contributions to international understanding and friendship.

Ogawa, a professor of English at Japan's Yamanashi University, was the liaison in 1993 when EKU and Yamanashi initiated an agreement for the exchange of students and faculty. More than 100 students have already participated in the exchange.

At a dedication ceremony, Dr. Dan Robinette, dean of EKU's College of Arts and Humanities, said the arbor "honors the memory of the vision and intercultural commitment of Dr. Ogawa."

Dr. Neil Wright, director of international education at EKU, said Ogawa was "a noted authority on American culture and the teaching of English in Japan. He had a popular TV show on American culture ... and published many books on teaching Japanese to English speakers. One might say he was the Bill Moyers of Japan.

"But to those of us who knew him in Richmond, Kentucky, he was a friend as well as a highly esteemed teacher and colleague. We want to remember him because of his rich intelligence, his deep commitment to the welfare and cultivation of all the students involved in our exchange, and his kindness as a host to our students and faculty who have visited Yamanashi.

One of those exchange students, Brian Ragsdale, spoke at the ceremony.

"He was very enthusiastic in everything he did," Ragsdale recalled. "I hope for myself and all the others that we can carry on that enthusiasm."

In 1994, Ogawa brought the first group of 24 Yamanashi students to study English in a special summer English As a Second Language program directed by Dr. Joy Allameh, assistant professor in EKU's Department of English. He stayed the entire summer, participating in every group activity.

"With sorrow, we dedicate these trees," Allameh said at the ceremony, "but also to celebrate his life."

Others on hand for the ceremony included Kazuhiko Nakamura, associate professor, Department of Health and Physical Education at Yamanashi, and Masahiro Shiojima, with the Student Affairs Section at Yamanashi.

The arbor is located on the east side of Kit Carson Drive between the Brewer Building and the Rowlett Building.