The Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence began in July 2006 as the result of a generous gift from Kazuo Inamori and the Inamori Foundation of Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Inamori, founder of the Kyocera Corporation, believes that “people have no higher calling than to serve the greater good of humankind and society” and “the future of humanity can be assured only through the balance of scientific progress and spiritual maturity.” The Inamori Center will foster the development of future leaders who will, in the words of Kazuo Inamori, “Serve humankind through ethical deeds rather than actions based on self-interest and selfish desires.”
Dr. Inamori forged a friendship with Case Western Reserve University’s Professor Arthur Heuer, based on mutual admiration and a shared dedication to engineering advanced ceramic materials. After being introduced to our university by Professor Heuer, Dr. Inamori was impressed by CWRU’s focus, character, and strong tradition of innovative engineering. In 2006, CWRU presented Dr. Inamori with an honorary doctorate degree. Recognizing the opportunity to supplement existing centers of excellence with a university-wide center for ethics, Dr. Inamori and The Inamori Foundation board members were inspired to support the creation of the Inamori Center.
May 2007: Highlights from the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence Dedication Ceremony