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Dillard University And Mazda Launch $80,000 Scholarship Program

19 October 1998

Dillard University And Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. Launch $80,000 Scholarship Program

          - Program supports students in Japanese Studies Program -

    NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 16 -- The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. will
contribute $40,000 in scholarship funds to Dillard University to support
students in the Japanese Studies program.  The university will match the
scholarships on a dollar for dollar basis.
    Annual scholarships will be awarded beginning with the 1998/1999 academic
year.  The program is designed to enhance the learning experience of current
students and encourage future students to enroll in the Japanese Studies
program.
    Mazda's support of the Japanese Studies program stems from its desire to
foster greater awareness and understanding of Japan and its role in the
international community.
    "Today's graduates are faced with a highly competitive global business
environment.  Understanding the complexities of that environment is key to
their future success," said Richard Beattie, president and CEO of Mazda North
American Operations and chairman of the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc.
    Established in 1989, the Dillard University Japanese Studies Program was
the first of its kind at a historically black college or university.
    "Internationalization of our curriculum is a key component of Dillard's
strategy for the next millennium," said Michael L. Lomax, president of Dillard
University.  "Our Japanese Studies program is a key component of that
strategy," he added.  "Through Mazda's generous support, we are able to
enhance our Japanese Studies program and provide a unique learning experience
for our students.  We are excited about this partnership, and see this as a
first step in an on-going relationship between Dillard and Mazda.  We look
forward to expanding our partnership on a variety of levels."
    "The vision and leadership demonstrated by President Lomax in his first
year at the university drew us to Dillard," said Beattie.  "We were impressed
by his exceptional dedication and enthusiasm, and his team, including
Professors Makoto Fujita and Masako Dorrill.  Under their guidance, graduates
of this program will be well prepared for the challenges of the global
community."
    Dillard University is a private, historically black, liberal arts
institution.  Dillard has as its purpose the development of graduates who are
broadly educated, culturally aware, concerned with improving the human
condition, and able to meet the competitive demands of a global and
technologically advanced society.
    The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. was established in 1990 to demonstrate
Mazda's commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities in
which it does business.  In addition to education, the Mazda Foundation
supports charitable organizations that promote literacy, environmental
conservation, cross-cultural understanding and social welfare.
    Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and
marketing, customer service and parts, and research and development support of
Mazda vehicles in the United States.  Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO
has approximately 800 dealerships nationwide and is owned by Mazda Motor
Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan.