Is it possible for a university to embody virtue and knowledge? Here at Kyoto Notre Dame University, it is not only possible. It is the very foundation upon which this institution was built.
Kyoto Notre Dame University, or KNDU as it is also known, stands as a testament to the power of education and moral grounding. It is a small, private university for women located here in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. KNDU is one of several Catholic universities in Japan. The name Notre Dame itself means “Our Lady” in French.
Let’s delve into its origins. The story of KNDU begins in 1948. The Kyoto Catholic Church reached out to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. They wanted to establish a school for women. Four sisters answered the call. They journeyed to Kyoto and founded a junior high school. The seeds of KNDU were sown. In 1961, the university was officially founded. The Department of English and Literature was founded then too. The university officially became Kyoto Notre Dame University in 1994.
KNDU’s mission is reflected in its motto: “Virtue and Knowledge”. The university aims to instill not only academic knowledge. It also wants to instill morals and a strong sense of values in its students. The core tenets are respect, communication, sympathy, and action. The university’s goal is clear. It strives to cultivate cultured and refined women, embodied by Our Lady, the Virgin Mary.
KNDU has several departments. Each department offers unique certifications. Students can pursue certification as teachers, librarians, or museum curators. KNDU also offers a special program with ANA, All Nippon Airways. This program is designed for aspiring flight attendants. Students learn about business manners, hospitality, and the airline industry. The program is open to all students in the Department of English and Literature.
KNDU has a global outlook. It welcomes students from around the world. Many international students come from China. Students also come from Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The university also fosters global connections through its study abroad programs. Students can study at partner universities around the world. This includes institutions in the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
As you stand here, you can see that Kyoto Notre Dame University is more than just a place of learning. It is a place where students are encouraged to grow. They grow intellectually and morally. KNDU provides a values-oriented education. It emphasizes the spiritual development of each student. The graduates are recognized for their excellent quality. They embody the university’s motto of “Virtue and Knowledge”. The university is located near the Kyoto Botanical Garden, Kyoto Concert Hall, Shimogamo-jinja shrine, and Daimonji-Yama.