News

Aerial photo of exterior of Founders Hall and the Performing Arts Center on SUA's campus

SUA Webinar Sheds Light on Israel-Palestine Conflict Amid Continuing Tensions

Mar 08, 2024

On Feb. 17, hundreds of members of the public and the SUA community gathered online for a webinar addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Office of Academic Affairs-sponsored event—held against

Leo the Lion speaks with Erica Baldaray in front of Founders Hall and Peace Lake before the start of the Heart of a Lion 5k.

Running With Courage: The Heart of a Lion 5K Returns to Campus

Mar 06, 2024

The Heart of a Lion 5K made a rousing return to SUA on February 23 after a four-year hiatus. Nearly 150 students, faculty, and staff gathered for the fourth annual event, which had been paused since

A woman wearing a VR headset is assisted by another woman.

Learning Clusters Examine Contemporary and Enduring Issues

Mar 05, 2024

The annual Learning Cluster empowers SUA faculty and small groups of 12 or fewer students to collaboratively design a month-long course centered on a specific problem or question, fostering shared

Fatima Rahman Professional Portrait

Beyond Borders: Professor Fatima Rahman Explores Intersection of Religion, Gender, and Politics in the Middle East

Mar 05, 2024

At a time of intensified conflicts around the world, Fatima Rahman, visiting assistant professor of International Studies at SUA since 2022, is committed to giving her students an education that

Dr. Bartoli rests his hand on his chin as he listens in during a class at Soka University of America

Bringing a Vision of Peace to a Divided World: Highlights From Prof. Andrea Bartoli's Recent Campus Visit

Feb 02, 2024

In a time of intense division and partisanship, the path toward peace can seem daunting. For Prof. Andrea Bartoli, however, “Peace is not only possible: it makes the future possible.” Bartoli, SIGS

A screenshot of a YouTube video featuring a SUA student talking during the new "Concentrations" video series.

New Video Series Demystifies the Liberal Arts

Feb 02, 2024

The new “Concentrations” video series highlights students from each of Soka’s five concentrations: Environmental Studies, Humanities, Life Sciences, International Studies, and Social and Behavioral

Councilman Ross Chun poses with a large group of students in front of the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace.

Councilman Ross Chun Treats Soka Students to a Festive Ice Skating Experience

Feb 02, 2024

Aliso Viejo City Councilman Ross Chun contacted Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities Michelle Hobby over the winter break and said he wanted to fulfill a promise he had made

Dean Hamersley poses in front of glass windows on Soka University of America's campus

Translating SUA’s Mission Into Action: An Interview With Dean Hamersley

Jan 31, 2024

M. Robert Hamersley, who was named Soka University of America’s dean of faculty in June 2023 after 16 years teaching and serving in a variety of leadership roles at SUA—including two years as

Alexander Harang gestures with his hand as he speaks at a podium with a microphone. He is wearing a grey three piece suit with a black tie.

Bolstering SUA’s Role as a Leading Peace University: An Interview with Prof. Alexander Harang

Jan 02, 2024

Born into a family of peace activists in Norway, Alexander Harang, distinguished adjunct professor, has deep experience in both the theories and practicalities of achieving peace. A longtime supporter

Giselle Velasquez ’15, wearing a pink suit jacket and speaking into a black glittery microphone addresses the gala attendees

The Road to Becoming a Humanistic Doctor: Giselle Velasquez’s 2023 Peace Gala Experience

Dec 20, 2023

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow alumni, and honored guests, thank you for joining us tonight at the Soka Peace Gala. It is a privilege and immense joy to stand before you and share my journey, my