University celebrates environmental activist David Suzuki as fifth recipient of the Inamori Ethics Prize
CLEVELAND, Sept. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Case Western Reserve President Barbara R. Snyder today announced that the Inamori Foundation has committed an additional US$1 million to advance the work of the university's Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence. The news came as the university honored academic and environmental activist David Suzuki as the fifth recipient of the annual Inamori Ethics Prize.
"David Suzuki, throughout your career you have consistently emphasized the importance of ethical leadership in the areas of environmentalism, sustainability, science education, and climate justice," Provost W.A. "Bud" Baeslack III said during ceremonies at Severance Hall.
A native of Canada who earned his undergraduate and doctoral degrees in the United States, Suzuki spent more than 40 years as a professor of genetics at the University of British Columbia. He also turned his abiding love for science and the environment into a decades' long career hosting the television series, The Nature of Things. In 1990 he founded the David Suzuki Foundation to help suggest ways that individuals and organizations could take steps to help the Earth.
As part of the ceremonies, Snyder also recognized foundation President Kazuo Inamori for his passion for promoting ethical and humane leadership around the world. The founder of Kyocera and, later the telecommunications giant DDI, Inamori also is an ordained Buddhist priest and volunteers as president of a private management school known as Seiwajyuku. In 1984 he founded the Inamori Foundation with his own personal financial commitment. Seven years ago the foundation awarded US$10 million to Case Western Reserve to foster ethical leadership.
"This award honors individuals whose history of philanthropic service has made a profound, positive and lasting impact locally, nationally, and internationally," Snyder said. "Dr. Inamori's influence not only pervades our campus, but the world."
The additional US$1 million commitment will allow the center to expand its programs, among other activities. As part of this year's celebration, the center announced publication of a new annual academic publication, The International Journal of Ethical Leadership. With the assistance of a translator, Dr. Inamori conveyed his appreciation Thursday evening.
"My wish," he said, "is that this university continue to be a world leader in the field of ethics."
