News

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

Members of SIGS pose for a photo in front of a tv screen featuring Andrea Bartoli, Executive Adviser of SIGS

SUA Alumni Discuss Expanding Global Citizenship Education at Inaugural Conference

Dec 18, 2023

Exploring how to bring the principles of global citizenship into classrooms from pre-kindergarten through high school led to lively discussions among the Soka University of America alumni who returned

Aerial view of Founders Hall and Peace Lake with clouds and the sun on the horizon

President's Message: Our Unwavering Commitment to Peace and Opposition to War

Dec 14, 2023

As president of Soka University of America, I reaffirm a fundamental principle that lies at the very heart of our institution: an unwavering opposition to all forms of war and violence. War is counter

Aerial view of Soka University of America's campus at sunset

SUA Opens Nominations for Fourth Soka Global Citizen Award

Dec 04, 2023

Soka University of America is opening nominations for its fourth Soka Global Citizen Award. The award is presented to an individual who has made a major contribution to the global community and

SUA student chorus signs the Light of Hope in front of drawing of Daisaku Ikeda

Honoring SUA Founder Daisaku Ikeda: An Extraordinary Life Dedicated to Actualizing the Vows of One’s Youth

Nov 30, 2023

SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda conveyed his hopes and expectations for SUA in an original song he wrote in 2011 titled “The Light of Hope” to celebrate the 10th anniversary of SUA’s founding in Aliso Viejo

A student presents during the Impactathon as two people smile and look on

Impactathon Offers Inspiration and Real-World Lessons for Soka Students

Nov 29, 2023

More than 30 Soka students in this year’s Impactathon began the business pitch competition with ice breakers, including a prompt to brainstorm what they could create with candy and plastic toys. Then

2023 scholarship awardees with university officials

Recognizing Our 2023 Scholarship Award Recipients

Nov 28, 2023

The recipients of Soka University of America’s top academic honors—the Ikeda Scholarship, the John D. Montgomery Scholarship, the Soka Merit Award, and the Academic Excellence Award—met with President

SUA student news host

New Video Series Takes SUA by Storm

Nov 28, 2023

The Weekly Soka News, aka WSN, is a dynamic new video series dedicated to keeping the Soka community informed and engaged. The lively student hosts make the videos a weekly source of enthusiasm

Watercolor art of Daisaku Ikeda in front of Peace Lake and Founders Hall with a group of students at his side

President's Message: Founder Daisaku Ikeda’s Passing

Nov 20, 2023

Dear Soka Community, It is with deep sadness that I share with you our university founder Daisaku Ikeda passed away from natural causes at his residence in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on the evening of Nov. 15