![Alumni Leadership Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745959629/suffieldacademyorg/k9g393ngscijctdjnhra/20250428_AlumniLeadershipDayKonoHP.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745959629/suffieldacademyorg/k9g393ngscijctdjnhra/20250428_AlumniLeadershipDayKonoHP.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745959629/suffieldacademyorg/k9g393ngscijctdjnhra/20250428_AlumniLeadershipDayKonoHP.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745959629/suffieldacademyorg/k9g393ngscijctdjnhra/20250428_AlumniLeadershipDayKonoHP.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745959629/suffieldacademyorg/k9g393ngscijctdjnhra/20250428_AlumniLeadershipDayKonoHP.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745959629/suffieldacademyorg/k9g393ngscijctdjnhra/20250428_AlumniLeadershipDayKonoHP.jpg","width":2200}])
Suffield’s twenty-third Alumni Leadership Awards program took place on April 28, 2025. Taro Kono ’82 was this year’s recipient. The award was established to honor graduates who have displayed notable leadership in their professional careers or in humanitarian endeavors. It is our school’s highest alumni honor. The diversity of leadership roles recognized has been remarkable, including careers in medicine, law, finance, business, technology, journalism, the arts, entertainment, fashion, architecture, culinary arts, sports, education, military service, outdoor leadership. This year’s Suffield honored Taro’s noted government service.
Embarking on his political career in 1996, Taro secured a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Kanagawa’s 15th district. His tenure has been marked by a series of pivotal roles, from overseeing administrative and regulatory reforms to steering the nation's defense and foreign affairs. As Foreign Minister, he navigated complex international matters, addressing trade disputes and fortifying alliances. His subsequent appointment as Defense Minister saw him making decisive choices for Japan’s defense. In the realm of digital transformation, he championed the modernization of Japan's bureaucratic machinery, striving to eliminate antiquated practices and usher in an era of efficiency.
Taro spent three days on campus along with his wife Kaori. He visited classes, toured campus, and joined our community for several meals. It was Taro’s first time back at Suffield since graduating in 1982. His talk to our students and faculty was wonderful—both his reflections on his time at Suffield and his poignant words about international relations. Head of School Charlie Cahn said, “We are extremely grateful that Taro and Kaori traveled so far to spend time with us at Suffield. We have long wanted to recognize his incredible career and commitment to service. We are exceptionally proud to count Taro as a Suffield alum. We are hopeful that Taro’s words and this great Suffield serve as inspiration to our students as they pursue their personal and professional journeys beyond our school.”
