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Dave Amoroso • Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc.
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MILWAUKEE, WIS. — Dr. Alexander P. Durtka, Jr., the President and CEO of the International Institute of Wisconsin (IIW), was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun by the Honorable Naoki Ito, the Consul General of Japan based in Chicago, at a reception and dinner at the Wisconsin Club on Sat., Feb. 16.
Durtka was presented with the award, which is conferred by the Emperor of Japan, for his contributions to the Japan – United States relationship. A board member of Wisconsin Chiba, Inc. and president of the Japan America Society of Wisconsin, Durtka has played a key role in fostering people-to-people Japanese-Wisconsin exchange, particularly through the Wisconsin-Chiba relationship. Durtka, who has planned and facilitated events that highlight Japanese culture in Wisconsin, including the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, is recognized for his dedication to the expansion of grassroots exchange between Japan and the United States, contributing to a deeper understanding and elevating Japan’s presence in local communities.
The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The badge that was presented features rays of sunlight from the rising sun, with the design symbolizing energy as powerful as the rising sun.
The IIW, an organization dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective for more than 80 years, initiates, coordinates, and sponsors a variety of activities and programs appropriate to the fulfillment of its purpose. This includes immigration and social services, refugee resettlement, citizen diplomacy, and interpretation and translation. In addition, the IIW produces the annual Holiday Folk Fair International, with the 2019 event to be held Fri., Nov. 22 – Sun., Nov. 24 at the State Fair Park Exposition Center.
Editor’s Note: Attached is a photo of Dr. Alexander P. Durtka, Jr. (left), the President and CEO of the International Institute of Wisconsin, receiving a plaque from the Honorable Naoki Ito (right), the Consul General of Japan based in Chicago, as part of the Order of the Rising Sun award ceremony.