Dear Esteemed Soka Supporter,
At Soka we are committed to providing an education aligned with the visionary principles set forth by our university founder, Daisaku Ikeda. We bring together students from diverse corners of the globe to cultivate the essential elements of global citizenship. Guided by our exceptional faculty and inspired by each other, Soka students engage in an exploration of life’s critical themes, drawing from various disciplines and world perspectives. Post-graduation, our alumni utilize the wisdom gained during their time at Soka to compassionately and courageously contribute to the betterment of society.
To ensure that no deserving student is deprived of a Soka education due to financial constraints, we must persist in building our scholarship endowment. Our annual gala, “Celebrating a Vision of Peace,” serves as a significant avenue for contributing to this noble cause. Since its inception, this gala has played a pivotal role, generating more than $13,000,000 to support the realization of our educational mission.
In an era where much of today’s education system focuses primarily on preparing students for jobs, Soka University stands apart. We recognize that the true purpose of education extends beyond mere vocational training; it is about shaping each student into a better human being. Your support for Soka is paramount in advancing this unique vision. We firmly believe that those who genuinely envision peace can actively work towards its realization. Your contribution to Soka’s scholarship endowment will further our mission to foster a steady stream of global citizens dedicated to leading contributive lives.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Linda Kennedy Executive Director of Philanthropy
The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.
A Proud Heritage
Soka University of America started with a bold ideal to make the world a better place. Make it smarter. More peaceful. More sustainable. More attentive and compassionate.
We make the world better with every graduate because we admit top students from around the world, committed to our mission, regardless of their ability to pay tuition costs. Then we challenge them intellectually. Send them abroad. Have them live on campus to gain a sense of a global community. The result is a deeply felt wisdom – together with knowledge – generating a uniquely global perspective few other universities can match. One hundred percent of our students receive financial aid. We could not offer this if not for generous donors like you who support our vision of peace. Your generosity allows us to continue Soka’s mission of nurturing courageous, compassionate global citizens using their wisdom to improve society.
Helping students learn how to create value in their lives, their communities, and the world are central tenets of Soka education. Founded by Daisaku Ikeda, educator, author and recipient of 408 honorary degrees and the United Nations Peace Award, the Soka school system has established a
tradition of humanistic learning and scholarship where the focus is on each student’s growth and development.
Soka University of America is founded on the belief that student-centered education is the best way to promote peace and human rights by fostering a global humanistic perspective on the world in which we live. The curriculum aims to integrate service to the community, nature and humanity with the actualization of individual achievement and happiness. Learning is pursued through developing a close and humanistic relationship between teacher and student. We believe dialogue between teacher and student is a key element in cultivating the type of wisdom and intellect that fosters global-minded individuals.
The atmosphere of diversity and humanism at Soka University has attracted students from around the globe. This year approximately 475 students, representing more than 40 countries and 34 states will call Soka their educational home. In addition to this multi-cultural campus experience, students in their junior year undertake a required study abroad program furthering their international experience.
daisaku ikeda, founder of soka university of america, stated in a message at teachers college, columbia university, on june 13, 1996:
“I think I can state with confidence that the following are essential elements of global citizenship: The wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all life and living.
The courage not to fear or deny difference, but to respect and strive to understand people of different cultures, and to grow from encounters with them.
The compassion to maintain an imaginative empathy that reaches beyond one’s immediate surroundings and extends to those suffering in distant places.”
Soka University of America
20 th Anniversary Peace Gala
Benefiting the Student Scholarship Endowment
Saturday, October 12, 2024
sponsorship levels and benefits
Peace $100,000
n Illustrious dining table for ten
n Special listing on all printed materials and website
Hope $50,000
n Distinguished dining table for ten
n Special listing on all printed materials and website
Dignity $25,000
n Superior dining table for ten
n Special listing on all printed materials and website
Compassion $10,000
n Premier dining table for ten
n Special listing on all printed materials and website
Tolerance $7,500
n Priority dining table for ten
n Listing on all printed materials and website
Equality $5,000
n Dining table for ten
n Listing on all printed materials and website
2023 Peace Gala in Review
The 19th annual Peace Gala, Celebrating a Vision of Peace, held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 gathered 334 attendees to the venue, while countless more tuned in to the live broadcast.
One of the evening’s highlights featured a moving address by Giselle Velasquez, a Soka alum from the class of 2015. Giselle shared her inspiring journey postgraduation, which saw her embark on an accelerated doctorate program and ultimately establish her own acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine practice. She credited her time at Soka for providing a humanistic foundation that shaped her into the nurturing doctor she is today.
DawnMarie Kotsonis skillfully led the proceedings as the evening’s emcee as well as guiding the audience through an exciting live auction. A lively performance by Dean Torrence, co-founder of the iconic rock ‘n roll duo
Event Co-chairs:
Misty Fisher
Joan May
Arch Asawa
Norah Broillet
Matilda Buck
Chris Chen
Joyce Joko Cheong
Judy Chow
Grace Christianson
Dana Collins
Soka University’s 19 th Annual Peace Gala raised over $1,600,000 for the scholarship endowment
Jan & Dean, added an extra layer of entertainment. During the silent auction, guests enjoyed bidding on items such as gift cards, jewelry, artwork, wine, and other luxury items. Memorable items from the live auction included a South Coast Plaza shopping spree, a five-star Napa getaway, a Goodyear Blimp ride, a NASCAR experience, and a prized Lakers Legends Autographed Jersey.
The generosity of both in-person and virtual donors played a pivotal role in the gala’s success. In total, over $1,600,000 was raised, contributing significantly to the Soka Scholarship Endowment. As we reflect on this memorable evening, we look forward to the positive impact these funds will have on the education and growth of future Soka scholars.
The video of the virtual portion of the 2023 Peace Gala can be viewed at our Soka University of America YouTube page.
2024 Gala Committee
Bethany Colman
Clarissa Douglass
Michelle Forsythe
Teresa Fu
Eileen Hayden
Clothilde Hewlett
Mary Patrick Kavanaugh
Pavitra Kavya
Linda Kennedy
John Marzullo
Nicky Mimuro
Terry Mitchell
Linda Kennedy, Executive Director of Philanthropy
Sheila Peterson
Diane Pritchett
Stephanie Rogers
Coleen Scherf-Ghara
Harumi Shimamoto
Carolina Shorter
Miki Singer
Megumi Tanaka
Geoff Westropp
Emiko Yamagishi
Masayo Yoshida
Phone: 949-480-4072 • E-mail: lkennedy@soka.edu
Tax ID number 95-3909672