News

Two lines of people participate in a water-balloon toss during the Welcome Back event on SUA's campus.

Celebrating Connection and Campus Spirit at Welcome Back Community Event

Oct 07, 2025

Laughter, cheers, and the scent of fresh-grilled burgers filled the Campus Green on September 19 as the Soka campus community came together for SUA’s annual Welcome Back Community Event. Local

The textbook, “The Pacific Basin: An Introduction" is photographed in front of a white and green bokeh background.

SUA Faculty Textbook Reaches New Audiences with Korean Translation

Oct 06, 2025

Korean-speaking audiences now have access to a seminal textbook that embodies the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary approach to education at SUA. “The Pacific Basin: An Introduction,” originally

A woman is wearing a navy blazer over a white shirt, with a gold whistle necklace. She is smiling at the camera with her arms crossed.

Erica Baldaray Recognized as NAIA Female Trailblazer of the Year

Oct 06, 2025

At Soka University of America, creating opportunities for others is a crucial element of leadership. This year, Assistant Director of Athletics Erica Baldaray so fully embodied this spirit that the

Foroogh Farhang crosses her arms and smiles at the camera outside on SUA's campus.

Meet Foroogh Farhang, Assistant Professor of Middle East and North African Studies

Oct 01, 2025

Assistant Professor of Middle East and North African Studies Foroogh Farhang joined SUA’s faculty this summer. Before teaching in the International Studies Concentration at Soka, Farhang taught

Two students dig with shovels during a native plant species workshop.

How a Week in the Amazon Changed 13 Students' View of Nature

Oct 01, 2025

Thirteen SUA students stepped off the boat into the Kambeba Indigenous community near Manaus, Brazil, in August to begin conversations that would reshape how they see humanity’s relationship with

2025 Academic Award winning SUA students pose in Founders Hall with Dean of Students Hyon Moon, President Ed Feasel, and Dean of Faculty Robert Hamersley.

Honoring Scholarship and Service: SUA Students Receive Prestigious 2025 Academic Awards

Sep 26, 2025

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

Foroogh Farhang crosses her arms and smiles at the camera outside on SUA's campus.

Soka University of America Welcomes Anthropologist Foroogh Farhang to the Faculty

Sep 15, 2025

When displaced Syrians in Lebanon struggle to bury their loved ones with dignity, they reveal something profound about how communities endure amid displacement. That question sits at the heart of a

340 participants raise their arms and pose for a group photo during the 25th anniversary of Earth Charter event.

SUA Deepens Commitment to Sustainability at 25th Anniversary of the Earth Charter

Sep 10, 2025

Twenty-five years ago, world leaders, scholars, and activists gathered in The Hague to adopt the Earth Charter, a landmark declaration weaving together human rights, ecological responsibility, and a

A girl wearing a blue zip-up sweater smiles at another student as they participate in an icebreaker activity.

Education With Purpose: Orientation Helps First-Years Set the Course for Meaningful Academic Journeys

Sep 09, 2025

“At Soka, we believe that education does not begin when you choose an area of study or take an exam,” said Associate Dean of Faculty Ian Read, addressing the Class of 2029 during the academic opening

Composite image of Bijou, Lana, and Aakash

From the Himalayas to Aliso Viejo: Class of 2029 Students Share Stories of Growth and Discovery

Sep 09, 2025

As part of SUA orientation, three members of the Class of 2029 —Aakash Baral, Bijou Bolton, and Lana Ikeda — took the stage, continuing a tradition of representative students sharing their journeys