Brandeis alumnus gives $10 million to aid Japanese students

Brandeis University said Wednesday that it had received a $10 million gift from a Japanese alumnus to benefit students from that country.

The donation is the Waltham college’s largest single gift from an international graduate.

Toshizo “Tom” Watanabe, class of 1973, was inspired to found the program after attending an anniversary celebration of the university’s Wien International Scholarship Program, which meets the demonstrated financial need of international students. Watanabe is president of the Toshizo Watanabe Foundation and chairman emeritus at Nikken International Inc.

The Toshizo Watanabe International Scholarship Program will help international students in undergraduate and graduate programs and students enrolled at Keio University or Waseda University, both in Tokyo, who want to study at the Waltham campus.

Watanabe Scholars will receive full tuition and a stipend for living expenses.

Currently eight students from Japan attend Brandeis. Tuition is $53,260 per year.