SEATTLE - Longtime Big Bend Community College administrator Mike Lang was honored for his support of the Japan Agriculture Training Program (JATP) with an award from the Emperor of Japan.

Lang recently received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, from Consul General Kiyokazu Ota in a ceremony at the consul's official residence in Seattle.

Former BBCC president Bill Bonaudi received the Consul General Commendation Award for his support of the JATP during his 17 years as president.

Ota praised Lang for his "contribution to the development of agriculture in Japan, development of Japanese young people and the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States."

"It was a pleasure working with the Japanese students, because of their eagerness to learn and their willingness to absorb American culture," Lang said.

Lang was a BBCC administrator for 34 years and director of JATP for 18 years. He served as vice-president of instruction and student services, and was recognized by college trustees as vice-president emeritus after his retirement.

Lang is the fourth Moses Lake resident to be decorated by the Emperor. The others were former Port of Moses Lake executive manager Clyde Owen, former BBCC trustee Paul Hirai and the late Robert Mason, former JATP director.

The ceremony was part of a reception for program participants returning to Japan. The 18-month program assigns Japanese agricultural students to American farms; some of the host farmers attended the reception, along with English teachers from BBCC who helped the students negotiate their first attempts at English.

The college has sponsored JATP since 1967; more than 5,000 trainees have completed the program.