The International Center is pleased to sponsor “A Celebration of Japan,” an exhibit of Japanese artifacts donated to the center by the Haley family. Ron, ’70, and the late Beverly (Grimes), ’69, Haley were both natives of Slater, Mo., a small rural town of 2,000 best known as the childhood home of Steve McQueen.

Through Ron’s career with Mobil Oil Company, the Haleys enjoyed many opportunities to live and work abroad. Ron said that his most memorable assignment was Tokyo, Japan. “While the language barrier often was challenging, the cultural experience was phenomenal and a huge eye-opener.” He said he gained great respect for Japanese traditions and customs, and was able to develop some fluency with the language.

“Education shouldn’t stop when you leave college,” said Ron. He hopes Mizzou students will take advantage of opportunities to live and work outside of the United States. “You will discover that the international experience will provide rewarding, life-long memories and benefits.”

Life and learning did not stop after Ron’s retirement. He worked hard and was fortunate to retire from Mobil at the young age of 51. Since then, he has continued to expand his interests in other cultures. After Beverly’s passing, Ron found renewed happiness and married his current wife, Barb, in 2017. Both love to travel and, in 2018, added four new countries to their list of places visited.

Special thanks to International Center staff members Dottie Heibel and Lauren Pate for designing the exhibit.