
Esteemed colleagues,
The JLD and Commemorative Event Task Force are delighted to present a special blog series to coincide with our recent special event entitled 原点を見直し、未来を見つめる Our Origin Story: Fuel for the Future. The goal of this event and this blog series is to learn about how the JLD came into being directly from the members who made it happen, going all the way back to our founder and first-ever administrator, John Bukacek. Fellow contributors include Celine Sutherland Browning, Hiroki Fukuyama, Ken Wagner, Paul Koehler, Manako Ihaya, and more. Through the insights of former leadership members and graders, our members can learn not only how the very first language division of the ATA came to be but how their innovations and contributions helped our division grow and thrive.
We hope that gaining this level of perspective and insight will inspire current and future members as we face unprecedented challenges in the form of AI and social uncertainty. Please take a moment to read these articles and reflect on the origins of the JLD, where it came from, where it’s going, and how we can work together to sustain a vibrant professional community.
For house-keeping purposes, this post will also serve as a primary post with links to all articles in this series–see links below. Members are invited to access the event recording through the JLD Blog’s members only section.
Happy reading,
The Commemorative Event Task Force
Akiko Sasaki-Summers, Junko Kusuda, audra lincoln
Commemorative Blog Posts: List in alphabetical order by first name
- Céline Sutherland Browning (July 2, 2025)
- Hiroki Fukuyama (July 2, 2025)
- Ken Wagner (July 2, 2025)
- Manako Ihaya (July 9, 2025)
- Paul Koehler (July 9, 2025)
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