TagSoka University of America

As Soka University of America (SUA) celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Aliso Viejo, Calif., campus on May 2, 2026, Katherine King had witnessed nearly every chapter of the university’s journey firsthand. From helping open the graduate school at the Calabasas, Calif., campus in the early 1990s to now serving as executive vice president for

On May 11, 2026, Soka University of America (SUA), shared exciting news regarding the potential purchase of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) campus. The boards of trustees of SUA and Middlebury have authorized a letter of intent and are currently working toward finalizing the agreement. SUA and Middlebury have already shared a three-year

Scholar and author Sarah Ann Wider delivered the keynote address at the Soka University of America Class of 2026 commencement ceremony. In the following excerpt, Wider encourages graduates to inspire hope through imaginative empathy, heartfelt contribution and the shared work of building a world in which all can thrive. by Sarah Ann Wider I am

Soka University of America graduates the Class of 2026.

An Interview With SUA President Ed Feasel

This spring, students at Soka University of America (SUA) are demonstrating that the path to a meaningful career begins not after graduation but from the moment they step onto campus. Through initiatives like Career Week and the Bridges to Business (B2B) Leadership Circle, SUA students are gaining real-world experience, deepening their sense of purpose and

Five SUA students share how their spring studies are shaping their perspectives and commitment to contributing to society.

A quiet bench near the student center at Soka University of America (SUA) bears a powerful reminder of history: a cast bronze plaque commemorating the meeting between civil rights leader Rosa Parks and SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda on Jan. 30, 1993. During that visit to SUA’s former graduate campus in Calabasas, California, Parks and Ikeda

Soka University of America alumni Michael Sasaki (Class of 2005) and Miho Saito (Class of 2014) are being recognized internationally for their short film The Brain That Cried Wolf, a work that approaches mental health, identity and fear with honesty, humor and compassion. The film was recently named runner-up for Best LGBTQIA Short Film at

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

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—The Soka Institute for Global Solutions (SIGS) hosted its 2025 Global Citizenship Education Conference from July 10 to 13 at Soka University of America (SUA). The conference brought together 80 pre-K through 12th grade educators from 11 countries, united by a shared mission: to build a community of practitioners seeking to implement global

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