Alumnae pledge $3 million to Building Dreams

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Two Bowling Green State University alumnae have pledged leadership gifts to the University’s Building Dreams campaign. The contributions, totaling $3 million, were announced Sept. 29 as graduates began to arrive on campus for Homecoming Weekend.

The gifts of Jean Pasakarnis Buchanan from South Harwich, Mass., a 1952 biology graduate, and Hiroko Nakamoto, a 1954 fine arts graduate who maintains residences in Tokyo, Japan, and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., will enhance programs within their areas of interest.

Buchanan’s gift, a $2 million trust, will provide support for the biological sciences, including a visiting professor, upkeep and augmentations to an electronic learning center, and two scholarship funds.
Buchanan spent her career as a cytotechnologist, microscopically examining cells for signs of infection, precancerous or malignant changes. She is retired from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

She served as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1971 to 1975 and was pivotal in establishing the BGSU Boston Alumni Chapter. For her commitment to the BGSU and to her community, she was presented the Alumni Community Service Award in 1972. As a student at BGSU, she was a member of Beta Beta Beta biology honorary, Alpha Phi sorority, the sociology club, sailing club and off-campus club. She and her husband Bob, who is a 1950 BGSU graduate, are members of the BGSU Presidents Club and Heritage Society.

Nakamoto’s donation, a cash gift of $1 million over five years, will provide funds for the newly approved peace studies curriculum and enhance the Asian studies program.

The 1954 graduate came from Japan to BGSU to expand her education. As a student, she worked hard to excel in her studies and in her new life in America. She was a member of the World Students Association, and was named to Delta Phi Delta, the art recognition society. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and further study at the Pratt Institute in New York City and Europe, she has had an illustrious career in architectural interior design.

She is a member of the BGSU Foundation Board, National Campaign Steering Committee and Presidents Club. In 1973, she was the first former international student to be named a Distinguished Alumna. She also received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts in 1992. She designed the Japanese Ceremonial Tea Room, which was created in 1992 in the Fine Arts Center. Nakamoto has been very influential in generating gifts to BGSU from friends, business associates and other Japanese alumni.

Most recently, she has shown her commitment to society with her involvement in refurbishing the railway station at Hiroshima, making it a Gateway to Peace.

“We are honored and deeply grateful that these two distinguished alumnae have chosen to enhance their very generous support to the University,” said Dr. Don Nieman, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “Jean's continued support of teaching and learning in biology helps assure that BGSU students will have rich opportunities to pursue the latest knowledge in the life sciences.

“Hiroko's gift will enhance the strength of our Asian studies program and allow us to create a new peace studies program, thereby offering our students a deeper understanding of critical global issues,” Nieman added.

“Hiroko Nakamoto and Jean Pasakarnis Buchanan embody the best of BGSU,” said J. Douglas Smith, vice president University advancement at BGSU. “Through their passion for life and their commitment to excellence, they have touched countless number of lives in their respective communities and beyond. Their gifts to the University where they got their start will help students for years to come reach their fullest potential.”

Both gifts will be counted as part of Building Dreams: The Centennial Campaign for Bowling Green State University. The focus of the $120 million fund-raising campaign, which continues through December 2008, is to increase scholarships, enhance faculty and leadership positions, strengthen programs, build for tomorrow and sustain the University. To date, more than $82 million has been committed to the campaign.

(Posted September 30, 2005 )