The SUA Community Reflects on Daisaku Ikeda's Impact

“SUA’s founder had always been my pole star, which was steadfast and indicated the direction forward with dazzling light whenever I lost my way. Mr. Ikeda’s courage and perseverance to empower ordinary citizens called forth within me the determination to cultivate my character, not confined to knowledge, to become a person who champions the dignity of each individual and never stops working for the happiness of humankind.” Michika Nishikawa ’25

“In 2007, a year following our first alumni meeting, Dr. Ikeda officially gave SUA’s undergraduate alumni the Japanese name Sohokai (Soka Treasures Group). His visionary leadership and work as a dedicated citizen who tirelessly advocated for peace, culture, and education provided us with an example that gives us the confidence to pursue our unique journeys as global citizens in action.” Soka Alumni Association Board

“For many years, Daisaku Ikeda has been a guiding light in my life, providing lessons on the significance of instilling wisdom, courage, and compassion in the youth. Through his teachings I have come to recognize the transformative power of education in shaping individuals who can contribute to creating a more peaceful world for everyone. SUA holds a special place in my heart because it is an institution committed to embodying these principles. One of the key reasons I support SUA is to ensure that young people, regardless of their financial means, can acquire the tools necessary to courageously exhibit compassion and positively impact the world.” Miki Singer, SUA donor

“I believe that by supporting SUA, we are contributing to the continuation of Mr. Ikeda’s mission. SUA is not just an educational institution; it is a place where the values and principles espoused by Mr. Ikeda are embodied and passed on to future generations. It is my hope that by continuously supporting SUA, we can collectively walk the path that Mr. Ikeda has paved for us—a path of positive change, understanding, and unity. Mr. Ikeda will be remembered and missed.” Chris Chen, SUA donor

“I entered SUA a quiet, scared, self-centered girl. At SUA, my heart started to fill, little by little, with Mr. Ikeda’s immense vision for peace, compassion for all people, and hope that youth are the key to creating a peaceful world. During a challenging time in my senior year, I was very fortunate to receive a gift from Mr. Ikeda, which was the following quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “If we wait for it to work itself out, it will never be worked out!” As a proud alumna now, I reflect on this quote every day, as I believe SUA’s founder was encouraging me (and all of us) to take full responsibility for the world we see in front of us and to be a positive catalyst for change. With the deepest possible gratitude for Mr. Ikeda, it is my honor, pride, and joy to donate to SUA—to support more youthful dreamers working for peace for generations to come!” Karla Meier ’08, SUA donor

“Reflecting on my own journey, I had the incredible privilege of meeting Daisaku Ikeda when I was 22. The profound respect and compassion he exhibited toward me have left an indelible mark on my heart. It is this transformative encounter that fuels my unwavering commitment to SUA. Mr. Ikeda’s vision in founding SUA was to educate young minds to become global citizens dedicated to the betterment of humanity. This noble purpose has inspired my support for SUA over the years.” Steve MacDonald, SUA donor

“We are in urgent need of leaders who embrace peace and uphold the value of human dignity. Daisaku Ikeda, inspired by his mentor Mr. Toda’s vision, advocated that education’s essence lies in nurturing individuals of strong character who actively contribute to and enhance society, ultimately working towards a peaceful world. It is for this reason that we support Soka University of America. Our goal is to help cultivate exemplary young individuals who will contribute to the creation of a harmonious society, demonstrating profound respect for every individual as a human being.” Mel and Cherry Hillis, SUA donors

“In 2001, my father’s company went bankrupt, and we experienced severe hardships as a family. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ikeda at Soka Gakuen on September 16, 2001. I was inspired by his encouragement. I realized that I didn’t need anything because I had my mentor. Overcoming various obstacles with his guidance in my heart, I was even proud of my financial challenges. Since then, my own company has been growing successfully, so we have been able to support Soka Gakuen, SUJ, and SUA. My eldest son Eiichi graduated from SUA. SUA is the hope for world peace, and together with students and alumni, we will strive to make Mr. Ikeda’s vision a reality.” Hideyoshi Sato, Tokyo, Japan, SUA donor

“Mr. Ikeda kindly offered to plant a tree at SUA in memory of my late father who passed away in 2002. My family made our first visit the following year. Deeply inspired by the philosophy of Soka spreading in the U.S., I have visited SUA eight times with 100 people. I will continue to advance and carry out my father’s wish of contributing to Mr. Ikeda’s vision for education. Thank you, Mr. Ikeda.” Kenichi Maeda, Kanagawa, Japan, SUA donor

“Mr. Ikeda shared that the culminating undertaking in his life would be in the realm of education. I started to contribute to Soka education and SUA with my late husband and son in my heart. I was impressed not only by the beautiful campus, but also by the sincerity of the president, students, faculty, and staff. I felt Mr. Ikeda and Soka’s philosophy. SUA is the hope of the world! Please carry on the spirit of Mr. Ikeda and soar on the path of your mission!” Kyoko Inoue, Osaka, Japan, SUA donor

“I have visited SUA seven times, welcomed by jacaranda flowers. In my youth, I dreamed of going to the United States. On one occasion, when I mentioned this to Mr. Ikeda, he encouraged me by saying, ‘Do your best where you are now in Osaka, Japan.’ I am grateful to Mr. Ikeda and SUA for helping me achieve my current happy life.” Ichiko Kodama, Osaka, Japan, SUA donor

“At the Kansai Culture Festival in 1966, I was inspired by Mr. Ikeda’s guidance and determined to live for the happiness of others. I became a teacher and strove hard for humanistic education for many years. In 2012, I received the World Education Contribution Award from Mr. Ikeda. In 2015, I attended the commencement ceremony and decided to make a donation to SUA and Soka education. With deep gratitude for Mr. Ikeda, I will continue to support SUA and spread the philosophy of Soka with all my friends!” Shuko Tokuda, Nara, Japan, SUA donor

“SUA … Soka University of America … Just seeing these words, I am filled with courage and hope! When I donated to SUA in 2000, my bank clerk learned about SUA and said, ‘Such a wonderful university is being built in America. You are going to use your money for scholarships for students from all over the world? That’s wonderful!’ Mr. Ikeda encouraged us to raise youth to become leaders for the future. Now, my wish of having a student from my hometown study at SUA has come true. SUA students, please enjoy student life without regrets. We look forward to your mission to contribute to world peace.” Suzuko Kikuchi, Kanagawa, Japan, SUA donor

“I have been donating to SUA since 2001. I am convinced that SUA is the most powerful and influential academic institution for promoting world peace, and I feel happy to be contributing to this cause by making a small donation every year. I am happy to know that Mr. Ikeda is always present in my life. It is my greatest desire to contribute to his vision for education in the next life.” Moriaki and Masako Hino, Osaka, Japan, SUA donors

“On September 15, 1979, Mr. Ikeda’s visit to our home was the 30th of his 600 visits to Soka Gakkai pioneer members’ homes. My father, Toshiharu, had served as a city council member of the Komei Party, and Mr. Ikeda praised him as a person of great integrity. My children and grandchildren all attended Soka schools, and one of them graduated from SUA. We, the Omachi family, will continue to support SUA, the best university for global citizenship education.” Fumio and Toshiko Omachi, Tokyo, Japan, SUA donors