Dr. Michitoshi Soga joined the WMU physics faculty in 1968. In 1986, he transitioned to a half-time teaching load while serving half-time as an administrative officer for the Office of International Affairs. In 1993, Dr. Soga retired from teaching and worked full-time in the international office until his retirement in 1996. He worked tirelessly for decades to build relationships and linkages in Japan by setting up programs with Japanese universities, hosting Japanese students attending WMU, and helping to build a Japanese alumni network.
His 28-year legacy of bridge-building between his native land and Kalamazoo through the exchange of faculty, students, and business leaders was honored by Western Michigan University in 2006 with the founding of the Michitoshi Soga Japan Center. The Soga Japan Center commits itself to making fundamental advances in our knowledge of Japanese history, culture, business, science and technology. In so doing, it serves as a generative force in international education. For additional details about the Soga Japan Center and its work, please visit the Center's web site.
Dr. Soga passed away on March 3, 2013, but his legacy will remain within the Center. If you would like to make a gift to the Soga Japan Center in Dr. Soga's memory, please click the button above.