Father of WVC international programs student donates $10,000 to WVC

 

Naohiki Arakaki, father of the first Wenatchee Valley College international programs student from Okinawa, Japan, made a $10,000 donation to WVC on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, in appreciation of the experience it has given his son Taka. Arakaki, the president of the Okinawa Chamber of Commerce, presented the check wrapped in a red ribbon to WVC President Jim Richardson, who accepted it with a short bow, in front of the donation plaques at Wenatchi Hall.

 

Richardson and Marco Azurdia, WVC vice president of student development, showed their appreciation for Arakaki’s donation by presenting him with two plaques, one for the Okinawa Chamber of Commerce and one for his personal office. The plaques were signed by Richardson, Azurdia, WVC International Student Coordinator Miko Stephens and Wenatchee Mayor Dennis Johnson, who attended the presentation.

 

“Your son has been a great addition to our college,” Richardson said. “This donation will help bring other Takas to our college.”

 

“I really appreciate the hospitality for my son,” Arakaki said through an interpreter. He added that Okinawa is a small island with limited resources, thus it is important for their children to receive quality educations. He vowed to help bring more Japanese students to WVC.

 

Taka Arakaki plans to transfer to a university to continue his education and is looking at various schools in the state.