On Saturday, May 10, more than 500 Blue Jays will cross the stage at Elizabethtown College’s 122nd Commencement ceremony, joining a network of more than 24,000 living Etown alumni. The graduating class includes students who lived out the College’s Educate for Service mission, taking on leadership roles across campus, and leaving their mark on the Etown community.
Name: Saki Takatsu
Major: International Business, Data Analytics Concentration
Hometown: Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
Campus Involvement: President of International Club, Emotion, social media manager for the International Business major, fitness center attendant at the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness & Well-Being, team manager for Catering Services.
Why did you choose Etown?
I chose Etown because the opportunity to pursue a major in International Business aligned perfectly with my goal of connecting Japanese small businesses to global markets. I also appreciated the small, close-knit learning environment, which felt less overwhelming, especially since I was coming to the U.S. by myself.
What do you love most about Etown?
I love our motto, Educate for Service, and how even the business classes reflect that value. When I first entered the business field, I thought personal success was the only thing that mattered. But Etown helped me realize that I want to use business to solve community problems, pursuing economic growth and sustainability at the same time.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I’ll be working at Toyota in Japan in their Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) department. I was drawn to their commitment to supporting underserved communities by creating environments where people and businesses can grow sustainably.
What advice do you have for future Blue Jays?
Never hold back, even if you’re not confident. When I was a freshman and an international student, Etown professors believed in me and challenged me to grow. Say yes to things that stretch you, because everything that doesn’t break you will make you stronger.
– Saki Takatsu ’25