In Memoriam: Naoko Takemaru, Japanese Translation and Interpretation Alum
| by Sierra Abukins
The Middlebury Institute community mourns the sudden death of Dr. Naoko Takemaru, a victim of the shooting at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in December. Naoko graduated from our Japanese translation and interpretation program in 1992.
She was an associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, within the UNLV College of Liberal Arts. A noted scholar, author, and award-winning educator, she had just recently marked her 20th year as a member of UNLV’s faculty. She coordinated Japanese language programs and taught numerous courses on Japanese culture, business, and language. In a message to the UNLV community President Keith E. Whitfield noted, “She was incredibly dedicated to her students, having earned the premier teaching award from the College of Liberal Arts.”
The Asahi Shimbun published this reflection about her life.
Our thoughts are with Naoko’s family and the many students whose lives she touched.