Dr. Harada explains the significance of The Giving Tree.

A young Japanese maple tree, identified on a plaque as The Giving Tree, was planted May 14 between the Alumni Memorial Union and Old Main in honor of Kohei Suzuki, chairman of the Japanese-based company G.S. Eleteck Inc., the parent corporation of G.S.W. Manufacturing Inc. in Findlay.

Since 1993, Fumiko Harada, Ph.D., professor of Japanese and special assistant to the president, has arranged learning visits to Japan for UF personnel, other local educators and community leaders. Her goal was to develop ties with and understanding of the Japanese culture as more Japanese companies opened plants in Findlay, bringing non-English speaking employees and their families into the community.

When Harada proposed her idea to local companies in the early ’90s and asked for financial support, Chairman Suzuki offered to personally fund the trips.

Suzuki continued to be the primary supporter for the project for 11 years. As other companies became financially stable, they also contributed funds.

As a special adviser to 12 Japanese companies in Findlay, Harada has helped many families adapt to life in Findlay, and has helped many educators and other community members welcome non-English-speaking community members.

Harada, who will retire this year, organized the tree planting ceremony because she and those who have benefited from Suzuki’s generosity wanted to express their gratitude to him for making their experiences to Japan possible.

Harada named The Giving Tree after a book by the same name, written by Shel Silverstein.