TagSoka University of America

How a week in the Amazon changed 13 students’ view of nature.

“At Soka, we believe that education does not begin when you choose an area of study or take an exam,” said Ian Read, the associate dean of faculty, addressing the Class of 2029 during the academic opening session on Aug. 7. “Education begins when you start to ask meaningful questions about yourself and think about

Actor and humanitarian Orlando Bloom served as the keynote speaker for the Soka University of America 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 23 at the university’s Soka Performing Arts Center. Following is an excerpt from his address. by Orlando Bloom I imagine you are all feeling a mixture of curiosity, excitement and, I hope, a sense

Soka University of America graduates the Class of 2025.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—The Soka Institute for Global Solutions (SIGS) held the second in a three-part symposia on Peace and Reconciliation in East Asia from April 17 to 19 at Soka University of America (SUA) in Aliso Viejo, California. The symposium, which centered on approaches to peacebuilding based on East Asia’s historical context, brought together SUA

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—A clear trend has emerged among Soka students: Between 70% and 80% will enter the workforce upon graduation. In today’s rapidly shifting job market, even the most well-prepared graduates can feel uncertain about the next steps after earning their degree. To bridge this gap, Soka University of America (SUA) has launched the Career

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—Soka University of America announced actor and humanitarian Orlando Bloom as the keynote speaker of the 2025 commencement ceremony, which will be held on May 23 at its Soka Performing Arts Center. SUA President Edward M. Feasel said that Mr. Bloom embodies everything they hope their graduates become, noting that as a UNICEF

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.— “Why do you do what you do?” For two uninterrupted minutes, one person spoke while the other simply listened. The interactive exercise sparked meaningful connections and transformed theory into practice during the Soka University of America (SUA) event themed “The Art of Connection—Part 1: Wisdom,” held March 28 on the university campus.

Can religion become a force for peace? This question guided students in a Soka University of America Learning Cluster taught by university professor Testushi Ogata. The students traveled to Boston to visit 10 different places of worship and met with scholars, religious representatives and peers at other universities. By studying real cases and engaging in

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—Jazz titan and global humanitarian Herbie Hancock will receive the 2025 Soka Global Citizen Award, Soka University of America (SUA) announced in a statement. The honor celebrates Mr. Hancock’s six-decade journey as a musical innovator and cultural bridge-builder whose influence stretches far beyond the keyboard. “Herbie Hancock embodies what it means to be

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—What do you get when you combine the mission of Soka University of America with the spirit of the Olympics? Sokalympics—a daylong event held March 9, 2025, and organized by the university’s Student Leaders Assembly (SLA) to create opportunities for students to foster meaningful bonds within and across different classes and communities. The

TORONTO—The Soka University of America Model United Nations (MUN) club earned its first “Best Small Delegation” award at the North American Model United Nations Conference, held Feb. 20–22 in Toronto. The annual, university-level MUN conference hosted at the University of Toronto drew some 200 delegations from around the world, where students debated topics drawn from

The following excerpts are from Stephen S. Dunham’s keynote address to the 2024 Commencement Ceremony held at Soka University of America (SUA) in Aliso Viejo, Calif., on May 24, 2024. Dunham is the chair of the SUA Board of Trustees, involved in the establishment of SUA since 1992 and a trustee since the university’s opening

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—In the fall of 2020, just months into the pandemic, the Soka University of America Class of 2024 began college life in the rarest circumstances, meeting classmates and professors for the first time via Zoom. In his welcome message to the class, SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda said that nothing had ever prevented the

The following keynote address was presented by Wanjira Mathai at Soka University of America’s 2023 commencement ceremony, held in Aliso Viejo, Calif., on May 26, 2023. Mathai is a renowned Kenyan environmentalist and activist, currently serving as the vice president and regional director for Africa and global partnerships at the World Resources Institute. She is

The following is Soka University of America Founder Daisaku Ikeda’s message to SUA’s Class of 2023, which was read at its commencement ceremony on May 26, 2023.  To be young is to sow the seeds for the future. The seeds sown by youth can overcome any and all hardship; they are able to flower and

Soka University of America graduates the Class of 2023.

Asle Toje, deputy leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the council tasked with selecting the annual Nobel Peace Prize recipient, visited Soka University of America (SUA) in late January to tour the campus, speak with faculty and work closely with students. After several days, he sat down for an open dialogue with Alexander Harang, an

Soka Heritage Hall, which chronicles the history of Soka University of America (SUA) and the heritage and founders of Soka education, opened on campus this October. “Visitors to the hall will embark on a journey of SUA’s heritage and the vision of the founders of Soka education, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda,” SUA

Soka University of America (SUA) continues to rank highly among liberal arts institutions, achieving national rankings in Best Colleges, Campus Ethnic Diversity, Best Value Schools and Most International Students, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2023.” U.S. News & World Report ranks SUA: #29 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie) #1 Financial