February 10, 2023

The Betty and Hiro Ogawa Award recognizes a student involved in the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) who honors their legacy by promoting understanding between the U.S. and Japan. This special award celebrates the life of Hiro Ogawa and his wife, Betty, an American student who he met through FIUTS programs while studying at the UW.  The Ogawa family continues to support this annual award in recognition of the importance of promoting peace and international understanding.

Focus on Japan is preferred though not required. FIUTS membership is presumed, but joining before submission can be honored: https://www.fiuts.org/membership ($25). This fee goes to more than 100 annual free student excursions, workshops and other events in the company of international students and local students with global interests. FIUTS also offers a range of work-study and volunteer roles for students. If the $25 fee is a barrier, they can contact Claire Cuccio at claire@fiuts.org.

The Ogawa Award grants one flexible scholarship each year to a University of Washington undergraduate, graduate, or professional student from any country in recognition of their work to promote cross-cultural understanding between Japan and the United States through their involvement in FIUTS programs. The deadline is this Monday, February 13 (apologies for the short notice). The selected recipient will be notified on February 15, and the award will be presented on the stage at Benaroya Hall during FIUTS CulturalFest on February 25, 2023.

If you know current students who are deserving, financially strapped, or otherwise who could benefit from this award, would you kindly share it with them or forward it to your other relevant contacts or networks?