Words by Jonathan Fehr ('09) | Director, Digital Communications and Alumni Engagement, TWU Alumni Network
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When Naoe Noguchi (’67) attended Trinity Junior College in 1965, it was a very different place than the Trinity Western University campus that exists today. The school had only been active for a few years and there were just over 100 students on campus. But the heart of the staff and faculty to create godly Christian leaders with thoroughly Christian minds was the same.
“One of my best memories of TJC is the chapel time we had every day,” says Naoe. “All the students were willing to go to the chapel and listen to Dr. Hanson. Not only did he give a message from the word of God, he practiced what he preached to us.”
To Canada from Japan
While studying at a junior college in Japan, Naoe attended Urawa Evangelical Free Church. A new pastor was hired, one who had studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He shared many stories with his congregation about his experiences in North America.
“When he told us the exciting news of a new Christian College in Langley, BC, I jumped at the chance to attend,” says Naoe.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t very easy to get a student visa, as there had never been any Japanese students attending Trinity Junior College before. But by the grace of God, she was approved. When she arrived in Vancouver, she was picked up at the airport by Trinity’s founding president, Cal Hanson, and his wife Muriel. Until the school semester started, Naoe stayed with the Hansons in White Rock.
Life with Trinity Western’s First President
While staying with the Hanson's, Naoe experienced family devotions for the first time in her life. Every morning, Cal Hanson would read the Bible to the whole family as they gathered around the table. They would then spend time praying for each other.
“This was a living example of how to live in Christian love, as a family,” says Naoe.
Another thing Naoe remembers clearly is how hard of a worker Cal Hanson was, and how he would leave early in the mornings to go on campus and help paint the walls.
“I was greatly impressed by a President who would work as a painter with such joy,” recalls Naoe.
“It is impossible to separate my memories of the college from my memories of Dr. Hanson,” Naoe adds. “When I think of him, I always remember his example of how to be humble, to pray moment by moment, to serve people more than to be served, and give the best we have to the Lord. He had a big spiritual influence on my time at TJC.”
Support from the Faculty
Life in Canada seemed to be going well at first. But as Naoe started school, she found it much more difficult to follow the lectures in English than she’d expected. But thankfully, she had help.
“I don't think I can find enough words to express how much people at Trinity helped me in my studies,” says Naoe. “If people on the campus didn't show me the love of Christ, I would have gone home.”
Naoe recalls one day, when she went to a Bible class led by Dr. Mattson, she found a letter on her desk. She feared it would be a letter advising her to leave because of her poor English ability. Instead, she found a kind invitation for her and Ruth Brown, Dean of Women, to join him at his home for dinner.
Another positive memory was how Benno Friesen spent extra time helping her in her English class, and how Naomi Skoglund often invited students to visit her trailer, where she’d listen to them and pray for them.
“I want to thank all the faculty and friends who treated me the same as all the other students, even though I needed much more assistance than the native English speakers,” says Naoe.
Life After Trinity
When Naoe returned to Japan in 1967, she started ELiM Cram School for junior high school students.
“I accept all students who would like to study with me, no matter whether they are good at studying or slow to understand,” says Naoe. She started this school because she wanted to provide both training and care to students, similar to what she received at TJC.
“I don't share the Gospel with them directly, but I hope all of our students have been refreshed by their time spent at ELiM Cram School and will recognize what a precious life they have received from God and will find ways to use their abilities for the world,” says Naoe.
Although she lives in Japan now, and it was a long time ago that she studied at TJC, Naoe still enjoys connecting with alumni whenever she can. She has had several opportunities to come back to see friends, to attend alumni reunions, and enjoyed a cruise to Mexico and Alaska with other alumni.
In addition to connecting with former classmates and old professors, Naoe has been delighted to find opportunities to support the school wherever she can.
“I enjoyed the privilege of working with Michel Mestre and sixteen TWU business students on their travel study in Tokyo many years ago and didn’t hesitate to ask companies to open their doors to the group,” says Naoe.
“I want to do something in return for TWU, because God had given me so much through my studies there,” says Naoe. “God provided a wonderful chance for me to enjoy many experiences and fellowship in Canada when I was young. I really appreciate the opportunity I had.”
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to find and fulfill their purpose in life. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vibrant faith community devoted to supporting godly leaders seeking to have a transformational impact on culture.
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Photos courtesy of Naoe Noguchi and TWU Pillar Yearbook.