Academic Events at SUA

Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo has been fortunate to welcome many distinguished guests in its short history since opening its doors in 2001.  Notable guests have included Nobel Peace Prize Winners Sir Joseph Rotblat and Betty Williams.  Guest speakers are hosted by the President's Office, the Dean's Office, the Office of Student Affairs, and through the various concentrations/programs and areas. 

SUA hosts an annual symposium series generously funded by the Nieves Family Foundation during the spring semester.  The symposia series brings leading figures together to address timely topics such as poverty and non-violence in the modern world. Please take a look at our archived symposia. The Pacific Basin Research Center also sponsors a distinguished guest lecture series inviting renowned scholars and experts on Pacific Basin issues each semester.  SUA's facilities which include a 150 seat, state-of-art lecture room in Pauling Hall, a Baroque style meeting room in Founders Hall, and a cozy, high-ceiling reading room in the Ikeda Library make for the perfect environment for intimate interaction with special visitors. 

2009-2010
Academic Lecture Series

September 20, 2009
Jay Heffron, Professor of History;
Orin Kirshner, Assistant Professor of American Government & Politics; James Spady, Assistant Professor of American History
An annual event marking Constitution Day - Whose Constitution Is It? The Supreme Court and Its Powers of Interpretation
A roundtable discussion featuring faculty perspectives on the U.S. Constitution
Sponsored by: HUM/SBS Concentrations

September 21, 2009
Film Screening of:  "Pray the Devil Back to Hell"
International Day of Peace Commemoration
A film by Abigail E. Disney & Gini Reticker, features the story of Liberian women efforts to win peace in their country in 2003
Sponsored by: International Studies Concentration

September 24, 2009
Brett Littman, Executive Director of the Drawing Center, New York City
From Lascaux Caves to AutoCAD
Highlighted curatorial decisions that have shaped the Drawing Center's programming; in depth look at history and significance of drawing
Sponsored by: Creative Arts Program

October 12, 2009
Arturo Albizures & Boris Hernandez - Film makers and community activists from Guatemala
Twenty Years of Documenting Community Activism and Historical Memory in Guatemala
A presentation by Arturo Albizures and Boris Hernandez of Asociacion Comunicarte; film screening of "We Have to Speak Out: Justice for Genocide"
Sponsored by: INTS/SBS Concentrations

November 10, 2009
The Slowind Quintet ensemble  from the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra
The Slowind Quintet
Informal recital and discussion performed by soloists from the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra featuring classical and 20th century contemporary music
Sponsored by: Creative Arts Program

November 12, 2009
Andrea Brache, B.F.A. ~ Dance Instructor
Master Class in Dance with Andrea Brache
A Master Class in Dance
Creative Arts Program

February 10, 2010
Dr. John Hall, School of Law, Chapman University
Khmer Rouge Tribunals
Lecture on the Khmer Rouge Tribunals
Sponsored by:  INTS/co-sponsored with UNA/OC