2021
A Time for Reflection
Founder Daisaku Ikeda welcomes 40 study abroad students from Soka University of Japan to the new SULA campus in Calabasas, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. Mr. Ikeda asks the students to become international leaders and shoulder the establishment of world peace in the 21st century.
Learning that local residents in Calabasas wanted to study Japanese, SULA offers an introductory class for working adults in the evening. The program’s popularity spurs the creation of the Japanese Language Center led by Director Tomoko Takahashi and the addition of courses in advanced Japanese, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Russian.
Rosa Parks, a pioneer in the US civil rights movement, is the featured panelist for a Human Rights Lecture Series event, “Civil Rights for American Ethnic Minorities.” The next month, on Jan. 30, Mrs. Parks meets founder Daisaku Ikeda on campus. “I felt a spark of recognition pass between us because I, too, have spent my life working for a cause,” Mr. Ikeda says.
Renamed Soka University of America, the school becomes a degree-granting institution under founding Dean Tomoko Takahashi. Ten students enroll in a new MA program for teaching English as a second language. In his message to the first class, founder Daisaku Ikeda writes, “The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.”
After growing pains in Calabasas that included local opposition to expansion plans, Soka decides to build an additional campus in Aliso Viejo. The plan receives Rosa Parks’ endorsement with a letter to the Orange County planning agency: “The university shares my beliefs for a peaceful world of health and prosperity for its citizens and I know their progress is absolutely vital for the next century.”
Nine students in the inaugural Graduate School class graduate in Ikeda Auditorium in Minuteman Hall. Harvard professor emeritus John D. Montgomery, then director of the Pacific Basin Research Center, is the speaker. In his congratulatory message, Mr. Ikeda proclaims that Tsunesaburo Makiguchi’s vision of humanistic education has come to fruition in the United States.
Symbolizing courage, strength, and the role of teachers as mentors nurturing each student’s potential, the lion is chosen as Soka’s mascot. The logo, presented in royal blue, white, and gold, illustrates the collaboration of knowledge and wisdom in the service of humanity.
At founder Daisaku Ikeda’s request, the 103-acre site in Orange County’s coastal hills is designed to resemble a Tuscan village, incorporating plazas, terraces, and gardens to foster a natural connection between people and environment. A 4,000-acre wilderness park surrounds campus on three sides. Construction of the first 18 buildings takes two years to complete.
Orange County Supervisor Tom Wilson and 700 guests are present for the setting of the cornerstone of Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda Library. A time capsule is sealed, to be opened on SUA’s 100th anniversary in 2101. The entering class of 2001 later adds messages of hope to future students. A plaque located to the right of the library’s main door commemorates the capsule.
Featuring 600 guests and 100 volunteers, the Passport to the New Millennium in Ikeda Library is the first indoor event on the Aliso Viejo campus. The gala raises more than $75,000 for the Millennium Scholarship Endowment.
Linus Pauling Jr. and the Pauling family attends the academic building’s dedication on Pauling Plaza. The late Linus Pauling, good friend to Daisaku Ikeda and an ally of Soka Education, was awarded two Nobel Prizes, for chemistry in 1954 and for peace in 1962. Together they authored the book A Lifelong Quest for Peace: A Dialogue.
The exhibit in Founders Hall depicts Pauling’s life as one of challenge, deed, and conviction. Ikeda wrote the following: “Pauling represents the engagement of heart and mind. He did not allow the prestige that follows public intellectuals to prevent him from standing up against nuclear proliferation. His commitment to peace and humanitarianism never faltered.”
Three thousand guests attend and California Governor Gray Davis declares May 3 Soka University of America Day. Founder Daisaku Ikeda asks that the following four principles guide SUA: foster leaders of culture in the community; foster leaders of humanism in society; foster leaders of pacifism in the world; and foster leaders for the creative coexistence of nature and humanity.
Founder Daisaku Ikeda names the graduate school alumni association Soseikai. In Japanese, So is from Soka (“value creation”), Sei means “pledge” or “vow” and Kai means “group.” Soseikai is committed to working toward actualizing Soka Education in the world.
The first undergraduate class moves into two residence halls, appointed in cherry wood and providing a pantry, exercise rooms, multi-faith rooms, and laundry facilities. By 2005, eight halls had been completed and named by students: Sunset, Sunrise, Abeona, Somnus, Aurora, Horizon, Umoja, and Minutemen (later renamed Acjachemen to honor the indigenous people of California who inhabited the area).
Arun Gandhi speaks of witnessing his grandfather employ non-violent resistance to bring lasting change. Founder Daisaku Ikeda, in a message, urges students to embody Gandhi’s spirit, sharing that Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired by Gandhi’s peaceful protests. Soka opens the “Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace” exhibit.
One hundred twenty students from 18 states and 18 countries are welcomed by SUA President Daniel Y. Habuki, staff members, faculty, and administrators at the first Entrance Ceremony. With a pioneering spirit, the class dives into Soka’s liberal arts curriculum in one of three concentrations: humanities, international studies, or social and behavioral sciences.
On the evening of September 11, a candlelight vigil is organized by students at Peace Lake. The vigil, which draws about 300 people, reshapes students’ thinking about their role as global citizens. Students later send a letter to President George W. Bush, urging him to respond to the attack in a spirit of non-violence.
Soka celebrates its first birthday in Aliso Viejo with the International Festival. More than 100 vendors and 3,500 people from communities throughout Orange County enjoy music, performances, food, and children’s activities.
Uniting around the theme of “Defining SUA”, the first student festival is held. Centering on small discussion groups, it marks a turning point for the pioneering class. They discuss the mission and founding principles of SUA and deepen their understanding of their role as young founders.
The Summer Bridge program launches in Calabasas to help non-English-speaking students admitted to the BA program in Aliso Viejo. In 2007, the program is moved to Aliso Viejo.
Soka, the first US liberal arts college to mandate a study abroad semester, sends 35 students overseas in the fall and 64 in the spring. Students study in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, China, Cuba, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Taiwan.
In Learning Clusters, Soka’s students and faculty collaborate to design project-based research seminars held each January. Issues related to social justice, marginalized communities, and the diverse cultures of Southern California and across the world are often explored. The experience transforms students as they work to embody the imaginative empathy characteristic of global citizens.
Established in 1991 by founder Daisaku Ikeda to advance research on the peaceful development of the Asia-Pacific region, the Pacific Basin Research Center operated from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government until moving to Aliso Viejo. Harvard Professor Emeritus John D. Montgomery was the first director.
Resolved to promote growth through sportsmanship, community outreach, and competitive experiences, Soka athletics is launched with men’s and women’s swimming teams. The Lions, who regularly win sportsmanship and service awards, now field men’s and women’s soccer, cross-country, track and field, and women’s golf teams.
Students receive a letter from Mr. Ikeda informing them he cannot attend Soka’s first commencement ceremony in Aliso Viejo. He encourages them to take full responsibility for SUA, writing, “it is my sincere hope that in sharing the same determination and conviction as myself, you, as young founders, will muster up the strength to build a new history of Soka Education for the future generations to come.”
The Soka Student Government Association (now the Soka Student Union) publishes For the Leaders of the 21st Century, a collection of speeches, messages, essays, and poems written by founder Daisaku Ikeda. The student leaders hope to inspire future SUA students to contribute to the further development of young founders.
The student-run Soka Education Student Research Project studies Tsunesaburo Makiguchi’s value creating pedagogy to better implement the philosophy of Soka Education in their lives. About 75 people attend presentations and small group dialogue in the first conference.
Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury, former under-secretary general of the United Nations, is the speaker at SUA, AV’s first commencement ceremony. In his congratulatory message, founder Daisaku Ikeda asks graduates to emulate Helen Keller’s spirit of “fighting optimism,” and to never forsake their dreams.
SUA receives Initial Accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission — four years ahead of schedule.
The inaugural Peace Gala is held in the Athenaeum with Patrick Duffy, star of CBS’s Dallas, serving as the first master of ceremonies. Since 2005, Soka Peace Galas have raised more than $9 million to benefit the scholarship endowment.
Sohokai, which translates to “Treasures of Soka,” has grown to 1,500 alumni since its establishment. It spans several regional chapters and professional networking groups across the globe, with a mission of strengthening lifelong friendships and fostering enduring connections to SUA.
The Extended Bridge Program, a two-semester intensive English language program, is created to help non-English-speaking students who are conditionally admitted to the BA program. The first class is made up of 21 students from Japan and Korea.
“On the Path of Peace,” written by the SUA Song Committee and titled by founder Daisaku Ikeda, is presented at SUA’s seventh annual student festival. The committee intends for the song to unite Soka students and instill hope during challenging times.
Soka’s fourth concentration requires students to take a multidisciplinary approach in solving the complex problem of how humans can sustainably live on the planet. It fulfills one of Soka’s founding principles to foster leaders for the creative coexistence of nature and humanity.
Hiromasa Ikeda, son of founder Daisaku Ikeda, is on hand to dedicate the new concert hall during Soka’s 10th anniversary in Aliso Viejo. He later is the featured speaker at the commencement of the Class of 2011.
Three years after the presentation of “On the Path of Peace,” Daisaku Ikeda composes a song in response, working with composer Wayne Green over a period of two months. “Light of Hope,” is presented to the students at the welcome reception for the incoming Class of 2015.
This new program prepares students to study abroad in France or Senegal by building necessary skills such as reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and exploring social customs and traditions in French-speaking countries. It is the first program to give students a study abroad opportunity in Africa.
The Soka Performing Arts Center (PAC), featuring a 1,000-seat concert hall with acoustics designed by Yasuhisa Toyota, opens with a concert by Orange County’s Pacific Symphony. The PAC hosts SUA’s commencement ceremonies and internationally renowned speakers and performance artists.
Wangari Maathai Hall, named for the renowned Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist, holds classrooms and faculty offices, while the Black Box Theatre hosts student performances and more intimate PAC events. Maathai Hall, the PAC, and the Black Box Theatre are the first LEED Gold-certified buildings on campus.
The Performing Arts Center establishes an annual concert series with the Pacific Symphony Chamber Orchestra led by Maestro Carl St.Clair. Joined by a special guest artist, these intimate afternoons of exquisite music focus on one or two composers and their works.
Founded in association with BluePort Jazz, the Jazz Festival brings together acclaimed jazz musicians to celebrate the uniquely American art form. It aims, in particular, to honor the ongoing surprise of musical innovation and lyrical expression embodied in the work of premier artists like Branford Marsalis.
One of classical music’s most celebrated artists, Grammy Award-winning cellist and Kennedy Center honoree Yo-Yo Ma thrills a sold out audience at Soka Performing Arts Center, an appearance co-sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
Herbie Hancock, legendary jazz pianist, composer and humanitarian, addresses the graduating Class of 2013, encouraging them to “be brave enough to break the rules and think outside the box.” Other commencement speakers have included Nobel Laureates, United Nations ambassadors, and renowned scholars.
Six students are accepted to Soka Graduate School’s new master’s program in Educational Leadership and Societal Change. A luncheon reception and lectures are held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Soka Graduate School and the start of the new program.
Soka University of America hosts the first Dialogue on the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence at the Athenaeum, chaired by Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury. Chowdhury is a Bangladeshi diplomat and former UN under-secretary-general who was instrumental in the UN adopting the “Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace.”
The undergraduate Class of 2005 holds its 10-year reunion, welcoming back 83 of 100 alumni in the class, along with many family members. As a class, they donate $20,000, pushing their total contributions to the school beyond $100,000 and earning a Founders Circle Plate. They also receive a message from Mr. Ikeda.
Education professionals from 32 countries gather for the World Summit of Educators, an event initiated and organized by the SUA graduate school classes of 2016 and 2017. It culminates in a celebration of “The Speech that Changed the World,” featuring keynote speaker Betty Reardon, director of the Peace Education Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, and special guest Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury.
The SUA Student Affairs department hosts the inaugural Heart of a Lion run-walk, kicking off a new campus tradition. The evening event—featuring a 5K run and 2.5K walk—is planned and managed by the athletic department.
Eighteen “young scientists” attend the ceremony for a new 90,000-square foot science building, representing future SUA students entering health fields. Other special guests include local government officials, SUA science faculty, and Soka Student Union officers.
The Student Movement for the Culture of Peace club hosts their inaugural symposium. The club is founded to create a “student-centered network” of global citizens to support the United Nations at the local level, with a focus on nuclear disarmament and sustainable development in order to contribute to creating a sustainable world.
Soka Athletics joins the LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program as a founding member, and the first National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics institution, pledging its commitment to inclusion and providing a supportive and safe environment for LGBTQIA+ athletes, students, and community members.
The partnership gives Soka students access to CGU’s accelerated degree programs in international studies, education/teaching credential, and business administration while completing their undergraduate work at Soka.
Soka Performing Arts Center and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County strengthen their partnership with plans for a full philharmonic series and the expansion of the music Education Outreach Program that serves more than 4,000 children annually.
The Luis and Linda Nieves Observatory, named for longtime benefactors, features an advanced research-grade telescope that enables precision viewing of galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial bodies. The remote operating system can be used by researchers and students anywhere on earth.
Led by the Black Student Union and Students of Color Coalition, the conference is part of a larger movement on campus to hold the university accountable to its Black students and students of color, bring African and Ethnic Studies to campus, and hire full-time Black faculty, among other demands.
SUA announces a campus closure, in compliance with state and county health directives. Students return home and continue classes online for the rest of the term. Non-essential staff are asked to telecommute. International Festival, Commencement, and the remaining Performing Arts Center season are cancelled.
After 27 years, Daniel Habuki announces his retirement. During his time as president, he focused on academic excellence and care for each student’s development and happiness. Through his philanthropic efforts, Dr. Habuki also greatly expanded the university’s fiscal foundation.
After serving in Daniel Habuki’s administration for more than 20 years, Edward Feasel is appointed the second president of Soka University of America. With the belief that leadership is always a position of service, Dr. Feasel shares that he is looking forward to serving the Soka community.
Dr. Feasel announces the launch of the 20th anniversary project under the theme, “Soka Global Citizens: Embodying Wisdom, Courage, and Compassion;” the creation of the new SUA Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Human Rights; the establishment of the SUA Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and a new Trustee Professorship in Ikeda Studies.
Students start the Fall 2020 semester, which is conducted entirely online. Laptop computers are shipped to first-year students, who complete an online version of New Student Orientation led by student mentors, staff, and faculty.
About 50 students officially begin Soka’s fifth concentration, Life Sciences, an interdisciplinary curriculum taught in the new Marie and Pierre Curie Hall. “Our students are going to be super well-prepared to go into a laboratory,” concentration director Susan Walsh says, “be that a graduate school laboratory, a government laboratory, biotech, or pharma, to do summer internships.”
The Athletics Department establishes the Thomas Wyatt Balman award in honor of Wyatt, a talented swimmer and friend to all who passed away on October 13. Wyatt is the first to receive the Lions’ highest honor; in subsequent years, it will be awarded to the student-athlete who exhibits the exceptional behavior, enthusiasm, positivity, and sportsmanship that Wyatt personified.