A series of events honoring Toshio Sato, Elon's first international student, has been awarded a "Best of CASE District III Award."
An event honoring Elon University’s first international student, Toshio Sato, has earned recognition from a global nonprofit association dedicated to advancing education.
The Toshio Sato dinner, family visit and Global Commons dedication received a “Best of CASE District III Award” from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The award, presented in the Special Events, In Person (Multi-Day) category, recognizes the planning and execution of the celebration during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2025.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is the global nonprofit association dedicated to educational advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—and “championing education to transform lives and society.”
Sato arrived at Elon in 1914 from the rural town of Wakuya, Japan, with the support of church and community leaders who recognized her potential. She pursued her education through the challenges of World War I and the global influenza pandemic, graduating as valedictorian in 1920. During her time at Elon, she served as president of the Women’s Association for Self-Government, an early predecessor of Elon’s Student Government Association.
To celebrate Sato’s legacy and her lasting impact on international relations between Japan and North Carolina, her descendants, the Kato family, were invited to visit campus for a week in October 2025.
“Watching the Sato-Kato family walk the Elon campus, and connect with North Carolina as Toshio Sato and Kameichi Kato did decades ago, was deeply emotional and the pride they emanated was palpable,” said Kari Taylor, deputy chief integration officer, who was one of the event organizers. “We are honored to have provided this beautiful opportunity for them and to be a part of their family legacy.”
Planning for the celebration began eight months before the dedication, when organizers extended an invitation to the Kato family. Save-the-date notices were also sent to the Japanese consulate and Japanese executives. Following the family’s acceptance, a small committee coordinated their travel from Japan and developed a weeklong itinerary to welcome them to campus and the surrounding community.
“Witnessing the lasting impact of Toshio’s decision to attend Elon and having the opportunity to meet her descendants brought that legacy to life in a powerful and personal way,” said Lizzie Hill, senior director of presidential stewardship, who was one of the organizers of the event. “We are fortunate to work alongside so many talented colleagues throughout CASE, making this recognition particularly humbling. To be honored among such outstanding peers is both a privilege and a testament to the collaborative spirit that made this project possible.”
Led by the President’s Office, the extensive preparations included travel coordination, historical research and cultural awareness training. The planning committee brought together representatives from University Advancement, University Communications, Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences and University Archives.
Additional campus partners included Automotive, Print Services, Harvest Table, Event and Space Management, the Elon Police Department, Event Technology and The Inn at Elon. External partners included photographer Scott Muthersbaugh and Blossom Betty’s.
The collaboration ensured that the celebration not only honored Sato’s remarkable journey but also created meaningful opportunities for her descendants to connect with the university and community that shaped her experience more than a century ago.
“This award is an extraordinary testament to the partnerships that we have at Elon,” said Taylor. “We planned meticulously and studied for eight months, ensuring that every detail was creatively, intentionally and carefully crafted. From the meaningful color palettes to the meals we shared and various displays around campus, the team deeply understood the mission and provided a beautiful experience for the Elon community, and ultimately the Sato-Kato family.”
