Bob Loy, MPIA 1999, Receives Award on Behalf of the Emperor of Japan
The Order of the Rising Sun Award on Behalf of the Emperor of Japan to Alum Bob Loy
07/23/2012
Alumni James R. (Bob) Loy was recently the recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun Award on behalf of the Emperor of Japan. The Order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in social or occupational welfare, or preservation of the environment. Loy received the Order for his outstanding service to the Japanese people throughout his 10 years in the country.
In June this year, Loy will retire as a Colonel with a career spanning 28 years, multiple continents, and numerous fields of work including infantry, military intelligence, and international relations. He is a decorated war veteran.
Most recently, following last year’s devastating earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown in Japan, Loy was one of the first-responders and immediately volunteered to visit the affected area to coordinate efforts by U.S. military forces and aid workers to deliver much-needed help and supplies.
Despite graduating from IR/PS over a dozen years ago, Loy’s enthusiasm for his alma matter has not wavered. He seeks out fellow alumni wherever he finds himself around the world and constantly speaks highly of the program to those who may be considering it. As the only member of his immediate family to receive a graduate degree, he deeply values the education he received at IR/PS, and he has used his speciality gained at IR/PS to serve the U.S. through diplomatic relations with the Japanese.
