Home > giving > Celebrating a Vision of Peace > Why Support the Peace Gala?

ALUMNI PROFILE

"I had been studying for my Master's Degree for a year at Columbia when they graciously invited me to stay and earn my Ph.D. without having to finish the Master's program." More
Gonzalo Obelleiro
Class of 2005

Why Support the Peace Gala?

About Soka University of America:

Soka = creating value

Soka University is a private, non-profit, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school located on 103-acres in south Orange County, California in the City of Aliso Viejo. SUA is just one mile from the beach (if you are a bird – seven miles driving) and located in the heart of Southern California’s abundance of cultural, educational, sporting and adventure opportunities.

Campus 1 Campus 4

SUA offers generous financial aid to both US and International students, with free tuition available to eligible admitted students whose earned family income is $60,000 or less (room and board fees still apply.) These financial aid packages are made possible through generous support from donors like you ! In order to ensure that no qualified student is denied education due to financial hardships, we need your support. (learn more here)

The Mission:

The mission of Soka University is to “foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.”

The Curriculum:

SUA offers a 9:1 student/faculty ratio (average class size 13) and study abroad is included in tuition so that every undergraduate spends a semester living and learning another culture. Proudly founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life, SUA offers a non-sectarian curriculum that is open to top students of all nationalities and beliefs.

The Students:

Approximately half of our students come from the US and half from more than 40 other countries.

Campus 2 Campus 5

Where are our students from? Click here to find out!

A student-focused campus, Soka University promotes and supports the well-being and growth of each student.

About Soka University of America's Peace Gala: Celebrating a Vision of Peace

What the Magical Night Consists of:

Click on any of the three images below to see how the Recreation Center is decorated for the Gala (or click here)!

Silent Auction (check for updates here!)

Starting at 6:00pm with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, you will be able to bid on great items! Some of the past items include: Baccarat champagne flukes, Disneyland themepark tickets, sports memorabelia, spa packages, travel packages, wines and different gift baskets that will surely meet your taste!

Students Welcome & Show Appreciation at Peace Walk

Students, some dressed in their native clothing, say thank you to Gala guests as they walk from the silent auction/cocktail party in Founders Hall Art Gallery to the main event in the beautifully decoreated Recreation Center.

Student Performances

Each year our talented students welcome guests and thank them in unqiue ways! To view student experiences please click here!


Student club Josho Daiko (Japanese Taiko Drums) welcome guests.	Zuleyka Shahin ('13) shares her journey coming to SUA (view here).	Student club Soul Wing performs a musical piece.

Live Auction!!

One of the most exciting parts of the evening is our live auction. Some of the past items include: Paul McCartney autographed guitar, lunch with Herbie Hancock, custom made clothing, $5,000 South Coast Plaza shopping spree, and cars.


Student Tahereh Mafi ('09) holds a guitar autographed by Earth, Wind & Fire.	Live auctioneer DawnMarie Kostnosis exciting the audience!	Guests Linda and Luis Nieves raising their bid number for an exciting item!