The Japan America Society of Minnesota is recognizing two former deans for their dedication and contributions to Japanese language studies.
Ann "Junko" McCarthy and Patty "Murasaki" Thornton have been named recipients of the 2024 Mondale Award for Japan-Minnesota Partnership.
The Mondale award, named after former vice president Walter Mondale, who served as ambassador to Japan from 1993-97, recognizes “outstanding contributions to the building of understanding, cooperation and respect between the people of Japan and Minnesota.”
McCarthy and Thornton are considered pioneers of K-12 Japanese language education in Minnesota, creating the first generation of middle and high school Japanese language learners in the state.
In 1986, McCarthy established the first high school Japanese language program at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. Thornton created a similar program in 1988 at Susan B. Anthony Middle School.
Concordia Language Villages reached out to McCarthy with the goal of starting a Japanese language immersion summer program. As rapidly grew, McCarthy recruited Thornton, who contributed her experience in language education and curriculum development.
More than 35 years later, they continue to be involved in activities in support of the Mori no Ike program.
Thornton has also worked as a pre-service teacher educator at the University of Minnesota and as the Summer Program director of Concordia Language Villages. In this role, she helped establish the philosophy of teaching language embraced by all Concordia Language Village programs.
The two will be Nov. 16 in Hopkins, Minnesota. The gala also serves as a fundraiser for scholarships for students to go to Japan.
The provides up to $2,000 for students who will be attending a semester at an accredited program in Japan. It’s open to undergraduate students at any Minnesota college or university and North Dakota State University.
is a program of ×ö°®ÊÓƵ. It is a recognized leader in global education, offering language and cultural programs in 18 languages. Every year, Concordia Language Villages engages thousands of youth, educators, and adults from across the United States in language and cultural learning. Whether in a world-class immersion camp setting in the North Woods of Minnesota or high-engagement virtual programs, youth and adults at all levels of language proficiency who seek to “live the language” can take part in programs as short as a weekend or as long as a lifetime journey.