2020 Fall SUA Founders Newsletter

Fall 2020

Soka Global Citizens: Embodying Wisdom, Courage, and Compassion.

I N TH I S I S S U E

4 | Honoring Danny Habuki 6 | Celebrating a Vision of Peace 14 | Faculty Q&A 16 | Life Sciences 20 | New President, New Initiatives 22 | Culture of Peace 25 | Gold Champions of Character 27 | The Celebration Continues Cover image: New “Wisdom, Courage, Compassion” bronze installation sponsored by Sohokai (SUA Undergraduate Alumni Association)

A M ESSAGE FROM THE PRE SID E NT

Dear Friends and Supporters, As the newly appointed president, on behalf of the students, staff and faculty of Soka University of America welcome to SUA Founders newsletter filled with exciting updates for our donors and friends.

During this unprecedented year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we virtually welcomed the members of the undergraduate Class of 2024 and the graduate Class of 2022 as we continue to conduct online classes in Fall 2020. In my new role, I have had the privilege to learn about each of the students during our informal one-to-one sessions where they expressed their appreciation for our wonderful donors providing them the opportunity to attend college with the support of Soka’s generous financial aid.

This academic year, we celebrate SUA Aliso Viejo campus’ 20th anniversary on May 3, 2021.

Our focus for the 20th anniversary will be re-committing to our founding principles and mission envisioned by our university founder, Daisaku Ikeda. Our theme, “Soka Global Citizens: Embodying Wisdom, Courage, and Compassion,” was inspired by Mr. Ikeda’s address at Teachers College, Columbia University in 1996.

With this in mind, the Board of Trustees created a new Trustee Professorship in Ikeda Studies. The trustee professor will be engaged in teaching and researching on Daisaku Ikeda Studies. I also established a steering committee for the year-long 20th Anniversary Project to lead a campus-wide discussion and effort on inculcating the founding principles and spirit into the culture of our community. For more details about my other initiatives, please read the article, “New President, New Initiatives.”

In October, we celebrated the 16th annual Celebrating a Vision of Peace Gala virtually with hundreds of viewers from around the world including many of you participating live. Though it was our first time holding a virtual gala, it was a rousing success with the funds raised equaling years past. Even though we could not gather together in-person, I felt connected to all of the attendees through our collective purpose and desire for future leaders for peace, human rights and sanctity of life to come from Soka.

I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to everyone – from the many Gala volunteers and staff as well as all the sponsors and donors whose contributions directly support student scholarships. I especially would like to recognize our Gala Chair Joan May and Honorary Chair Misty Fisher, and all the members of the Peace Gala Committee for their months of dedication leading up to the event. I also want to give special thanks to Linda Kennedy and the entire Development team for their hard work and support.

In closing, we will continue to strive harder to meet your expectations and actualize Soka’s mission of fostering global citizens committed to living a contributive life. We are truly thankful for our donors who support and believe in our mission given to us by our university founder Daisaku Ikeda.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Ed Feasel, PhD President

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

“We are truly thankful for our donors who support and believe in our mission given to us by our university founder Daisaku Ikeda.”

3

A S P E CI A L T R IB UT E

Inaugural President of Soka University of America

A With his focus on academic excellence and care for each student’s development and happiness, Danny ensured that every student received the best education possible as he encouraged a culture of care across the campus.

4

s many of you may know, Dr. Daniel Y. Habuki announced his retirement in June after completing his 27th year of service as the inaugural President of Soka University of America.

Soka’s Board of Trustees expressed their deepest appreciation to Danny for his years of dedication, sacrifice, and service toward the growth and development of Soka University. Under his unprecedented leadership, Soka grew tremendously and flourished from a small graduate program in the 1990s to one of the top 30 liberal arts colleges in the country.

With his focus on academic excellence and care for each student’s development and happiness, Danny ensured that every student received the best education possible as he encouraged a culture of care across the campus. With many Soka graduates being accepted into the top graduate schools and programs throughout the country and the world and advancing in their careers and professions, it is clear that his approach fostered the right environment for their growth and success. Danny established the Soka Opportunity Scholarship program to make Soka education available to students worldwide of limited means.

Through his tireless philanthropic efforts, Danny greatly expanded the university’s fiscal and campus foundation. Soka’s endowment has grown fivefold since its inception. The original campus was built and further transformed, with construction of a world class performing arts center, academic building, additional residence halls, and the recent completion of a new state-of-the-art life science building - the Marie and Pierre Curie Hall.

Danny shared that “None of this would have been possible without the tremendous vision, founding principles and support by our university founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, to whom I have dedicated my life’s work. I am deeply humbled and filled with appreciation to have had this opportunity to serve and to be surrounded by such dedicated staff, faculty, and students. And I especially want to express my appreciation to our alumni, the treasures of SUA, who are living our mission as global citizens and leaders each day in making the world a better place.”

Steve Dunham, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “Soka University of America could not have come this far without the extraordinary efforts of Dr. Daniel Habuki. In recognition of his sincere and heartfelt leadership over the past 27 years, the Board of Trustees has named Dr. Habuki as President Emeritus of SUA in deep appreciation for his years of service and dedication to the university.”

www.soka.edu

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

5

CE L E BR A T I N G A V IS ION OF P E A CE 2020

Soka staff, friends, and family simultaneously experienced the first virtual Peace Gala on Saturday, October 11, 2020. Undeterred by Covid-19, the Gala committee hosted this unique hour-long program that was broadcast to an audience of more than 1,000 people. Master of Ceremonies DawnMarie Kotsonis, who has entertained gala guests as the auctioneer for the past 15 years, led the audience through a fast-paced program consisting of speeches by President Emeritus Danny Habuki, President Ed Feasel, and alumni Kimiko Tsuchiya (2008) and Isamu Yoshioka (2005). See their speeches on pages 8-12. The evening wrapped up with a performance by one of the most beloved lyricists and composers of our time, Paul Williams.

Although the Peace Gala shifted to “virtual”, one thing that remained unshakably real was the support of you: our donors. That was evident by the more than $650,000 that was raised for the Soka Scholarship Endowment. Over the past sixteen years the Peace Gala has generated more than $9,875,000 to help Soka students, and a global pandemic did nothing to stop our dedicated donors from supporting emerging global citizens. The evening inspired each of us to continue supporting this grand mission.

Please mark your calendar now for the 17th annual Peace Gala that will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

The recording of the virtual gala can be viewed at: www.soka.edu/support-sua/peace-gala-video 6

www.soka.edu

Peace Gala guests watch from the comfort of their homes. continued on page 8 sua founders

|

Fall 2020

7

CE L E BR A T I N G A V IS ION OF P E A CE 2020

Danny Habuki, President Emeritus

G

ood evening. I am Danny Habuki, President Emeritus of Soka University. For the past 15 years we gathered on our beautiful campus in Aliso Viejo. But the year 2020 has brought unprecedented changes to our world. Because of our appreciation for our community of donors and friends, and our desire to protect everyone’s health, tonight we are launching our first online Peace Gala at a safe social distance.

What an extraordinary world we live in when technology allows us to be together to celebrate tonight!

For almost 30 years, I have had the honor of overseeing the creation of Soka University of America and experienced the joy of watching it grow. I am very proud of the young people who have gained their wisdom on our campus and now compassionately work to make our society better.

“I am very proud of the young people who have gained their wisdom on our campus and now compassionately work to make our society better.”

I would like to thank you all for believing in our mission and supporting us with your generous contributions. On a personal note, I also want to thank you for your belief in me.

It has been my honor to work with each of you to make Soka one of the top liberal arts schools.

As I move into retirement, I am confident that SUA will be led in a new direction with the great leadership of my longtime friend and trusted team member, Dr. Ed Feasel. Ed has been beside me at SUA since 1998 and has progressed through various positions including Professor of Economics, Dean of Students, Dean of Faculty, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

It is my deepest honor to introduce you to the President of Soka University of America, Dr. Ed Feasel, who will now provide the official welcome to our 16th annual Peace Gala.

8

www.soka.edu

Ed Feasel, President

T “Just as we are taught to become human in so many ways, such as accumulating knowledge and learning tradition and culture, education should also foster what it means to be part of a global community.”

hank you, Danny, for both the kind introduction and your years of service to SUA. Welcome to our guests watching us from the comfort of your homes. We appreciate your willingness to attend this unusual online Peace Gala and for your continuing support of our mission to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.

While one may ponder exactly what it means to be a global citizen, I would like to share with you the definition outlined by our university Founder, Daisaku Ikeda, in a speech he delivered at Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1996, titled Thoughts on Education for Global Citizenship. He stated 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 surrounding and extends to those suffering in distant places.

These three attributes of global citizens, while innate in our lives, unfortunately are often not the traits we see most prevalently displayed in society, where instead self-centered material satisfaction and expansion are the focus. It is in our efforts to become global citizens, while pursuing our own personal growth continued on page 10

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

9

CE L E BR A T I N G A V IS ION OF P E A CE 2020

Ed Feasel Welcome cont. and advancement, that we seek to develop that aspect of our lives that represents our greater selves, an awareness of and a connection to a larger body, community, and society.

During this unprecedented time of a global pandemic and the many ways it is exposing long standing racial and economic inequities, now more than ever it’s critical to humanity that we pursue our commitment to support students on their journeys of personal growth and inner transformation necessary to become global citizens. This includes committing to an ethical and spiritual dimension of service and responsibility to each other, while mastering our lesser egocentric selves. Just as we are taught to become human in so many ways, such as accumulating knowledge and learning tradition and culture, education should also foster what it means to be part of a global community. To quote Mr. Ikeda again: “Education is a uniquely human privilege. It is the source of inspiration that enables us to become fully and truly human.”

Here at Soka University we are privileged to dedicate our lives to these ideals through our continuous commitment to Soka education, which is essential if we are to avoid and overcome the social ills and environmental degradation and destruction that we bear witness to today.

Coming at this unprecedented moment, the 2020-21 school year marks a major milestone in Soka’s history for this is our 20th year of operation, and I’m inspired by the many ways our community has stepped up: • First, the incredible efforts and commitment of our current students, staff, and faculty, all of whom, during this pandemic, are striving to create value despite the difficult circumstances they face.

• Second, SUA’s founding values of peace, human rights, and the sanctity of life, which in combination with our mission and founding principles, as given to us by Mr. Ikeda, form the basis of SUA’s endeavors in education for global citizenship.

• Third, YOU, our donors, many of whom come from humble backgrounds and often are not officially affiliated with SUA but have supported our university because of your belief in our mission and hope for our students to become world leaders.

• Finally, our many alumni living around the world, who came to SUA even though we are a young and, in many ways, still unproven university. These alumni are striving to show the value of their SUA education in their respective communities and professions, as living proof of the positive impact of their educational experience.

Finally, as we embark on our 20th anniversary year, we have been horrified and appalled by the extent to which racism remains embedded in our society. For this reason, we intend to concretely challenge the racist actions and prejudices that exist in our society by adopting many campus initiatives, including the creation of the new SUA Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Human Rights. It is my hope that this center will examine and explore how to confront what Mr. Ikeda, in his 1993 Harvard University address, termed “the arrow of a discriminatory consciousness” that has plagued the minds of humankind for thousands of years.

Our need-blind admissions process enables all applicants to be considered regardless of their ability to pay. As a result, we can consider applicants from around the globe with richly varied life experiences who have a passion to give back to their home communities and societies. Eighty eight percent of students receive need based financial aid and SUA has provided more than $191 million in financial aid over the last 15 years. Recently, I have been personally meeting with each of the incoming students and many of them have shared their appreciation for the generous financial aid they are receiving, On behalf of the students who benefit from the proceeds of the evening, as well as from the faculty and staff at SUA, I would like to thank the members of the Peace Gala committee, led by Honorary Chair Misty Fisher and 15 year Chair Joan May, for sharing their time and talents in creating this evenings event.

Our unique way of improving the world one bright mind at a time can only be accomplished with your help. I invite you to join us on the road to educating global citizens committed to creating value in a world that desperately needs it by continuing to support Soka.

I’ll ask DawnMarie to introduce you to two SUA alumni who have created value in their communities by helping fight COVID-19.

Thank you.

10

www.soka.edu

Good evening everyone, I’m Kimiko Tsuchiya from the SUA class of 2008. I was born in Japan. As a child, I immigrated to the US with my parents. I remember using food stamps to buy groceries and watching my father struggle to support my family. The circumstances of my birth caused me to forever be classified as an international student thus I was not eligible for financial aid at many educational institutions.

While researching universities, I was attracted to SUA’s global vision and commitment to a life that would guide me to contribute to society in a positive way. When I visited the campus in Aliso Viejo, I was overjoyed to discover that Soka would also offer me financial aid based on my academic achievements and my family’s economic circumstances.

Kimiko Tsuchiya (Class of 2008)

I loved the diversity and the opportunity Soka provided to learn about different cultures. Although my vision was to study medicine, and SUA did not offer the science classes necessary to get into medical school, I felt the humanistic training was essential to becoming a compassionate physician. During my four years at Soka, I founded the Medical Path Group for students interested in medicine. I was further supported by the university through unique SUA scholarships, including the Brian Daisaku McCloskey Memorial Scholarship and the Makiguchi Scholarship. And the life-long friendships formed during my years at SUA ignited my desire to face challenges because of our shared commitment to lead contributive lives.

After graduating from SUA, I took the required pre-med courses at Mills College, then received my masters from John’s Hopkins. My journey to become a doctor was fraught with many obstacles including a serious illness. I persevered, having learned from our founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda to have hope, to transform all struggles and suffering in my life into deep, relatable empathy for all people. Eventually I received my Doctorate from Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school, I was able to go to Peru and Malawi (or South America and Africa) for medical missions, which were truly life changing for me as well as the people I was able to help. That I could make a difference in the lives of these people and communities was humbling.

I am currently a family medicine resident physician at Desert Regional Medical center in Palm Springs, California. As a frontline worker during this global pandemic, I have seen many patients tragically die from COVID-19. The unpredictability of life has been a reminder for me to embrace the core values at SUA that guide us to always value each person and to provide the most trusted care. My desire now is to dedicate my life to the global health arena and next I plan to do a global health fellowship and engage in annual global medical mission trips.

As a private university, Soka chooses to provide financial aid to international students, like me, who have a dream to make the world a better place. It is because of your kindness and generosity in supporting Soka that I was able to receive a world class education that prepared me to become a compassionate doctor working to make the world better for everyone. Thank you so much.

“It is because of your kindness and generosity in supporting Soka that I was able to receive a world class education that prepared me to become a compassionate doctor working to make the world better for everyone.

Thank you so much.”

continued on page 12 sua founders

|

Fall 2020

11

CE L E BR A T I N G A V IS ION OF P E A CE 2020 ACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Isamu Yoshioka (Class of 2005) Good evening everyone, I’m Isamu Yoshioka from the class of 2005. I was born in California but grew up in New Jersey, and I am the oldest of three children. Growing up, I would say that we never wanted for anything and my parents were always supportive of my education, but after graduation from high school, we simply had no savings to pay for a university tuition.

In my senior year of high school, at the strong urging of my parents, I visited Soka University even though I didn’t have any interest in a liberal arts school. But after visiting the campus and speaking with professors, I made up my mind that I wanted to be a student there, because I knew in my heart that it would provide a solid foundation for my life. I was overjoyed to learn of my eligibility to receive financial aid that would make my dream of attending Soka a reality. That financial aid was made possible because of generous donors like you who support Soka.

“Even among my own colleagues, there is a great deal of fear and stress, especially when we consider the risk that we place on our own family and loved ones. But in these moments, I remember that this is what Soka prepared me for.

My work is not only to treat diseases but to provide humanistic hope to every person I meet.”

12

As a student, I was inspired by my classmates’ diverse experiences and goals to contribute to society. It is what ultimately gave me the courage to pursue what I thought would be too difficult a path for me – becoming a medical doctor. Upon graduation, I entered a pre-med postbaccalaureate program at Columbia University, where I took classes part-time while working as a research assistant. It was during this time, to my shock, that I was diagnosed with what my doctor described as an incurable kidney disease that would eventually put me on dialysis for the rest of my life. Because of this, I became afraid that my dream of going to medical school would not be possible. But when I dug down deep inside, I recalled the promise that I made as a Soka student to the university founder and all those who supported us: that I would become a doctor no matter what!

I am happy to say with treatment, my kidney function started to improve and by the time I started med school two years later, I was in full remission. By graduation, my nephrologist said that I was officially “cured.”

I went on to complete my residency training in Emergency Medicine which was challenging but also very gratifying. Every day I was able to help and encourage patients experiencing some of the toughest days of their lives. This was incredible training for the practice I currently enjoy at a hospital in Los Angeles where the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the way we practice medicine and take care of patients.

On a typical day now, my face is covered with a mask and face shield throughout my entire shift.

For any patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, I wear an additional N95 mask, goggles, gown, and gloves. To limit exposure, my conversations with patients are usually kept brief. We also limit the number of times we enter their rooms to preserve PPE. And family and friends are often asked to wait outside, while my patients are left alone in their rooms with the doors shut. I see daily the impact that this pandemic has on my community. Even among my own colleagues, there is a great deal of fear and stress, especially when we consider the risk that we place on our own family and loved ones. But in these moments, I remember that this is what Soka prepared me for. My work is not only to treat diseases but to provide humanistic hope to every person I meet.

Thank you so much for allowing me to pursue my dream of becoming a compassionate doctor.

I hope I never have to treat any of you. I recently learned that, like me, many of our donors struggle to make a living that allows them to contribute to Soka University. For that you have my utmost appreciation. I hope you will continue your support so that people like me will have the opportunity to pursue a career that contributes to society. www.soka.edu

SOHOKAI FUNDRAISING CAM P A IGN

Sohokai Alumni’s Fundraising Campaign to Commemorate SUA’s Sohokai alumni launched its first fundraising campaign for the 20th anniversary of Soka with an auspicious goal of raising 20th Anniversary $500,000. This campaign is not only to celebrate the first two decades of their alma mater, but also for them, as the Young Founders, to demonstrate commitment to fostering an enduring connection to Soka and its mission. Soka was established by donations from over 20,000 ordinary individuals from around the world who believe in the vision and mission set forth by our university founder, Mr. Daisaku Ikeda. Soka celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Aliso Viejo campus against the backdrop of a once-in-a-century global pandemic. As alumni, it is a significant time to recommit to the principles and mission of Soka University to ensure alumni can continue the legacy of countless donors who made SUA possible. To date, alumni have raised more than $250,000.

Reaching $500,000 to Continue the Legacy sua founders

|

Fall 2020

13

F AC U L T Y H I G H L IGH T

FACULTY 1. PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF BACKGROUND ABOUT YOURSELF.

My middle school geometry teacher showed me a world I immediately fell in love with – where truth met deductive proof and assumptions were made explicit. I knew at that point I wanted to study mathematics. It was the aesthetics of the subject, its beauty, that attracted me more than the practical applications. Through great fortune, I experienced a sequence of fine teachers and knew that teaching mathematics was the career I wanted, to share the wonder and the beauty.

2. FROM WHICH INSTITUTIONS DO YOU HOLD DEGREES?

My degrees are in mathematics. I received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.

3. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO SUA?

I was drawn to SUA by the opportunity to build a new liberal arts college with a focus on educating students from all over the world, and to teach and inspire them in the universal principles of mathematical thinking.

4. WHAT DISTINGUISHES SOKA STUDENTS IN YOUR OPINION?

I deeply admire Soka students’ commitment – both to their studies and to social causes.

5. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

My discipline is concerned with the pursuit of necessary truth. In real life, that’s not usually attainable, but I am inspired by those who pursue and defend truth. I’m also inspired by people who get the big picture. Examples: Newton, who created new mathematics to put together a coherent view of the universe. Obama, a man not only of intelligence but also one of integrity and values.

6. DO YOU HAVE OTHER REFLECTIONS ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A FACULTY MEMBER AT SUA?

Even though we have no mathematics major, I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented students and teach almost every standard undergraduate mathematics course.

After attending large research universities, I’ve taught for 40 years now in small liberal arts institutions and I find the atmosphere much more stimulating and exciting.

Jonathan Merzel, PhD Professor of Mathematics

14

www.soka.edu

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

1515

L I F E SC I E N CE S C ONC E N T R A T ION

The Life Sciences (LS) concentration features an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides a solid foundation in the sciences with courses that embody the latest discoveries in biology and chemistry and a pedagogy that challenges students to apply what they have learned to realistic scenarios. Within the Life Sciences concentration, students practice science through authentic research experiences that train students in experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

When Life Sciences students graduate, they should be able to: • Demonstrate technical laboratory skills through the generation of novel data in the context of authentic course based research • Demonstrate problem-solving and experimental design skills • Acquire and synthesize scientific knowledge • Communicate science effectively OPPORTUNITIES

•

One goal of the Life Sciences concentration is to prepare students for post-graduate study in medical and affiliated health fields (dental, veterinary, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, nursing, pharmacy, etc) or graduate study toward a doctoral degree in the sciences.

• In addition, students should be well-prepared to directly enter the workforce after graduation in biotechnology, basic or medical research, or pharmaceutical careers as laboratory technicians.

• Students will also be able to use their scientific training in diverse careers, such as those related to policy, communication, law, forensics, education, and food science.

AREAS OF FOCUS

• Biochemistry • Genomics and Genetics • Biology • Pre-Health

16

By Casey Chaffin, Class of 2021 The novel coronavirus has left Soka University of America’s new Life Sciences building empty but has not stifled scientific research among students and faculty.

Within the Life Sciences concentration, three research projects are underway - two independent studies and one internship facilitated by a partnership with Soka University of Japan (SUJ). The projects focus on uncharacterized genes from the yeast genome project, the design of chimeric proteins, and programming for sugar chain informatics. In total, eight students are working with three professors. “The idea is all the students can get some novel research experience even though we can’t be together,” said Susan Walsh, director of the Life Sciences concentration.

Due to the nature of virtual school, students are currently focused on research to help them understand relevant scientific concepts. The ultimate goal for these projects, Walsh said, is for students to claim co-authorship of an academic paper written alongside their professors. “If the students do this work and then craft a good proposal, we have a script to follow once we get into the lab,” Walsh continued.

Anh Nguyen, class of 2023, is a member of the independent study focusing on chimeric proteins. She said while online classes have been difficult in unforeseen ways, the intellectually engaging nature of scientific research has kept her motivated. www.soka.edu

SERVICE LE A RNING­

“Mainly I’m just curious, and as a scientist I want to understand everything,” said Nguyen, who is currently living in Vietnam.

What engages her about the chimeric protein project, taught by biochemistry professor Rob Levenson, is the potential for practical application. Each student has chosen a set of proteins to fuse with a particular function in mind, and Nguyen said hers is potentially related to cancer.

While she’s realistic about the potential for a medically viable result, she said the process of the research still drives her. “I barely know anything, but I can start to think about curing disease,” Nguyen said. “I feel like I’m still doing something even when I’m studying.”

Ran Fukazawa, class of 2023, has been working with a faculty member from SUJ on a bioinformatics project. The internship was originally planned for the summer and cancelled once the coronavirus hit. However, Fukazawa, who lives in Japan,

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

reached out to the faculty member in charge of the project and asked if she could continue the internship remotely during the fall. Because the internship focuses on computer programming as a means to conduct research on sugar chains, the SUJ professor agreed to work with her. Fukazawa came to Soka with an existing interest in computer programming and found something familiar in the structure of DNA. “If we unwrap our DNA, it’s just nucleotide sequences,” Fukazawa said. “It’s just letter coding.” Fukazawa was struck by how the seemingly infinite combinations of only four nucleotides - GTCA - can result in a world of diversity. “That makes the human body and living organisms simple and complicated at the same time,” she said. While her internship was originally scheduled for three months, Fukazawa hopes SUJ will extend that period so she can continue working on the project remotely into the spring.

Ran Fukazawa

17

AL UM N I H I G HLIGH T

Charlie Chin (Class of 2012) “I express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Ikeda for founding Soka University of America and the countless donors – many of whom come from humble backgrounds and ordinary means – for giving their all to our school so that we, the students, could attain a world-class education.”

A couple of weeks before my senior year started, I wrote a letter to t o the founder of Soka University of America, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. I shared with him that I wanted to go to law school to acquire the tools to be a servant for those suffering from injustice. Two days before taking the Law School Admission Test, I received a response from Dr. Ikeda. I will never forget the promise that I made to Dr. Ikeda.

A few months after graduating from Soka University of America in 2012, I entered law school at the University of California at Davis. The transition from college to law school was very smooth because Soka had prepared me tremendously well for law school. Soka’s rigorous academic standards gave me the skills that I needed to succeed in law school. In addition, the employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities that I had while I was a Soka student gave me a foundation for a future career in law. I was, and I will always be, deeply appreciative of the preparation that I received at Soka.

Today, I am an Attorney At Law in the State of California. I am currently working as a staff attorney for the Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers, Inc. Los Angeles County has the most extensive court system in the United States dedicated to child welfare proceedings. As court-appointed defense counsel, we represent parents and serve the most vulnerable families of Los Angeles County. On a daily basis, I appear in court, defend parents against allegations of abuse or neglect of their children, and help parents reunify with their children when child protective services detain children. Most of my clients are low-income and are persons of color. Many come from marginalized communities. I love my job because I get to genuinely assist people who need help. I am grateful to be in my position because I get to help preserve what people value most – families.

My Soka education was not limited to classroom lessons, nor did it end on graduation day. At Soka, I engaged in heartto-heart dialogues with students from all walks of life, and I continue to do so with the individuals I encounter in life.

Soka has taught me the importance of respecting human life and the need to create a more peaceful world. I strive to apply the lessons that I learned at Soka.

From the bottom of my heart, I express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Ikeda for founding Soka University of America and the countless donors – many of whom come from humble backgrounds and ordinary means – for giving their all to our school so that we, the students, could attain a world-class education. Thank you.

18

www.soka.edu

IM PLICIT BIAS TRA INING

S

oka took a significant step in creating awareness and providing tools to engage in more culturally competent conversations amongst the campus community. Earlier this year, Soka sponsored Implicit Bias and Cultural Competency Awareness training sessions for all faculty and staff. During the summer, virtual sessions were open to all undergraduates and graduate school alumni association members.

Dr. Bryant T. Marks, Sr. conducted all of these trainings. He is the Founding Director of the National Training Institute on Race and Equity and a professor in the Department of Psychology at Morehouse College.

Scott Bower (Class of 2015) stated his impression: “I wanted to share how wonderful and insightful the workshop on implicit bias was. I’m very glad I had this opportunity to learn more about this relevant and important topic! And to learn from such a distinguished, charismatic, and engaging individual is a major plus.”

Dr. Bryant T. Marks, Sr.

To create a community where each person feels valued, respected, included, and welcomed, Soka plans to conduct similar trainings on an ongoing basis.

“...wonderful and insightful...” sua founders

|

Fall 2020

– Scott Bower ’15

19

F RO M P R E SI D E N T F E A S E L

In July, Soka University of America Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Edward M. Feasel as the second president of Soka University of America. Dr. Feasel has had a long and distinguished career at Soka, beginning in 1998 as SUA’s first Dean of Students at the Aliso Viejo campus. He has also served as Dean of Faculty, as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, and most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Feasel has also been active in his role as Professor of Economics, mentoring many students over the years. He assumed the duties of SUA President on July 17, 2020.

In August, President Feasel announced a year-long, 20th-anniversary project under the theme, “Soka Global Citizens: Embodying Wisdom, Courage, and Compassion.” Some project highlights include: • A new Trustee Professorship in Ikeda Studies. The trustee professor will be engaged in teaching and research on Daisaku Ikeda Studies.

• Establishment of a steering committee for the 20th Anniversary Project with appointed representatives from students, staff, faculty, administration, alumni, and the Board.

The steering committee will lead a campus-wide effort to inculcate the founding principles and spirit into our community’s culture.

• The creation of the new SUA Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Human Rights intended to be a resource for the community to carry out dialogue on important issues. The center will host outstanding individuals from around the world whose work is essential to increasing our understanding and progress on addressing the problems confronting our society, including global and local ethnic conflict, as well as systemic and institutional racism in our country.

• The search for a new faculty position in Black Studies was announced. The search will be led by Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim Dean of Faculty Michael Weiner and a search committee consisting of the co-directors and fellows of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Human Rights.

• The SUA Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been established with Maya Gunaseharan appointed as the Manager of Diversity Initiatives and Community Building.

President Feasel said, “We are a young institution, but I believe the mission of our university is immensely critical for our society to realize a world of peace, the wish of all good-hearted people. Let us strive to live up to our university’s mission and become a model of a community of global citizens leading contributive lives.”

President Feasel received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley and his B.A. in Economics magna cum laude from Yale University. Prior to coming to Soka, he worked at the Public Policy Institute of California, U.C., Berkeley, George Washington University, Central European University in Prague, Czech Republic and the University of Economics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Dr. Feasel has published numerous scholarly articles and books, most recently Trade Policy and Economic Growth in Eras of Globalization, and Japan’s Aid: Lessons for Economic Growth, Development and Political Economy.

20

www.soka.edu

In honor of the 20th anniversary of its Aliso Viejo campus, Soka University is inaugurating a Global Citizen Award, presenting it to an individual who has made a major contribution to the global community and inspired positive change in one of the following areas: • The practice of nonviolence in human society • The study of ecological realities and means of protecting the environment • The focus on poverty and global justice • The awareness of human equality and dignity The prize will be awarded annually and will include an award of $25,000 to carry on the winner’s work. The call for nominations will open on November 18 each year with a deadline for nomination submittals of January 31. The recipient will be announced on March 16 of each year.

The first Global Citizen Award will be presented on May 3, 2021, Soka University of America’s 20th anniversary dedication day.

“As Soka University celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are honored to shine a spotlight on individuals who are using their wisdom, courage and compassion to lift up others and improve our world,” noted SUA President Ed Feasel. “Our mission is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life, people who will give back to their communities and make this world a better place.

We encourage nominations of people who are outstanding, inspirational examples of the positive impact of individual effort.”

For nomination criteria and submittal instructions, please visit www.soka.edu/globalcitizen-award. Nominations can be electronically submitted to SokaGlobalCitizen@ soka.edu or by mail to Soka Global Citizen Award Committee, Soka University of America, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Questions regarding the nominating process may be directed to SokaGlobalCitizen@soka.edu.

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

21

7 TH A N N U A L D IA L OGUE O N T H E CULTURE OF PEACE

The Case for Dialogue: Living the Culture Mitsue Yamamoto Pembroke ’06 once invited three government representatives who’d objected to a project to meet for tea to discuss how they could work together to achieve their individual visions. Another time, she organized a structured dialogue among relevant groups after a protest directed at her office.

Pembroke, Deputy Regional Program Coordinator at the International Organization for Migration, UN Migration Agency in Nairobi, Kenya, was one of four Soka alumni who spoke at the 7th Annual Dialogue on the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence about how they have used the power of dialogue in their work.

Pembroke ’06

Bogdonoff ’11

“I believe dialogue with action is about respect,” said Pembroke, “but also the courage to be open and vulnerable.”

This year’s dialogue, “Living the Culture of Peace in 2020,” was held virtually on Oct. 2 due to the pandemic. The event commemorated the spirit of the 1999 United Nations Declaration and Programme of Action on the Culture of Peace. It also honored the vision of SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda and Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, former Under Secretary General and High Representative of the United Nations, for their lifelong commitment to building a culture of peace that has provided the inspiration for the annual dialogues.

Cook ’11

22

Casals Fernandez ’18

Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Weiner opened the event, and moderator Tetsushi Ogata, visiting Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, noted that one benefit of the pandemic was that people from all over the globe could attend.

www.soka.edu

of Peace in 2020 as a mixed-race person. Cook is now Lead Learning Behavior Specialist at Noble Street College Prep in Chicago, and emphasized the importance of engaging in dialogue with the youth “on what it means to exist,” which, for her, is the basis of Ogata asserted the importance of putting SUA’s founding “creating values in the classroom.” principles into action during this challenging year. “Now is the time when we need a culture of peace, more than ever, because Anna Taeko Casals Fernandez ’18, a consultant at the World Bank our society faces significant challenges,” he said. “But it is also and the International Organization for Migration, UN Migration true that when we need a culture of peace, such an ideal seems Agency, described her personal journey toward becoming an to be drifting further away from us.” agent of change. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Fernandez said her Soka education taught her that dialogue is not about The speakers who followed Ogata each reflected on how SUA’s “drawing differences, but finding commonalities.” She uses that liberal arts education contributed to their own efforts in building as a guide at work, giving attendees examples of how the lesson a culture of peace during both a global health crisis and a time of of “respect” translates into concrete practices. social upheaval.

The event closed with attendees, stimulated by the speakers’ After Mitsue described her experiences of “having dialogue with stories, enjoying a Q&A about how each could embody global people who did not seek dialogue initially,” Leonard Bogdonoff citizenship’s virtues in their own lives during this unprecedented ’11, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Milk Video in time.

New York, discussed his experiences working in the tech field.

Students, staff, and faculty joined the event from across the US, as well as countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, India, Japan, Russia, Somalia, Taiwan, and Venezuela.

Bogdonoff, who has worked in the private and public sectors, and said he has a particular passion for connecting art and technology, observed that Soka taught him to see even worldly pursuits like power, wealth, and fame as opportunities “to seek new values” by learning from people who are different from you and using one’s creativity to impact the world.

Born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Jennifer Cook ’11 described experiencing inequalities in the classroom firsthand sua founders

|

Fall 2020

“I believe dialogue with action is about respect, but also the courage to be open and vulnerable.” – Mitsue Pembroke ‘06

23

N EW S T U D E N T OR IE N T A T ION

Class of 2024 New Student Orientation

By Brian Durick, Director of Student Services A typical first week for a new Soka student includes getting to know classmates, taking a campus tour, and meeting professors and support staff face-to-face. Orientation for the Class of 2024 looked a little different.

The shift to online education for the Fall of 2020 required a creative approach to provide information and build community amongst 102 students living in 19 countries spread across 12 time zones. Beginning in July, materials and recorded presentations on academic courses, concentrations, registration, and university resources were posted online for students to access at any time.

Traditional Welcome Week events were reformatted into small group live video sessions which were held several times each day to accommodate students living in different parts of the world.

On August 9th, the week began in small groups led by Student Orientation Leaders (SOLs) who initiated introductions and led virtual ice breakers such as Zoom Bingo, charades, and Soka Jeopardy. Orientation Leaders continued to host online social events throughout August to connect students with classmates and build a sense of community.

The week continued with sessions on Soka’s founding principles.

Dr. Jason Goulah, Professor of Bilingual-Bicultural Education and Director of the Institute for Daisaku Ikeda Studies and Education at DePaul University, shared an explanation of Ikeda philosophies, which was followed by small group discussions where students could share their own insights and thoughts with classmates.

24

Academic Orientation provided a look at Soka’s overall program.

Faculty directors of each academic concentration (Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Life Sciences, and Social Behavioral Science) and students met in small groups for interactive discussion about courses, research topics, and career options related to each concentration.

The week concluded with the I Am: We Are – Diversity Series.

Developed to explore the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the series featured both Soka staff and guest speakers as facilitators helped students explore topics such as identity and culture, unconscious bias, courage in storytelling, humanistic dialogue, and community building.

Following Welcome Week, a new initiative was introduced to students: the Be In Step Program. Each incoming student was paired with a Student Affairs staff guide with whom they met individually on a weekly basis during the month of August.

The experience was designed to mimic the type of on-campus interactions between students and staff and to provide a “go-to” resource for new students as they navigated the first month of college.

While the Class of 2024 may be spread globally, the events of Orientation allowed them to come together to find friendships, build community, and begin their college journey together.

www.soka.edu

AT H LE T ICS

By Erica Baldaray, Assistant Director of Athletics The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the NAIA Character Advisory Committee, and the NAIA National Office announced the highlights and results from the 2019-2020 Champions of Character scorecard on Wednesday, September 9, and selected the Soka University of America Lions as a Gold-Champions of Character Five-Star Institution.

Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to being Champions of Character and earned points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional Student-Athlete grade point averages and minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the academic year.

The Champions of Character programming provides training for Student-Athletes and professional development opportunities for coaches and staff. The values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and leadership are put into play and accounted for at all NAIA schools.

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

25

G I VIN G

I

f you are 70.5 or older, giving from your IRA is an incredibly tax-savvy way to support Soka. But between recent legislation, confusing qualifications, and complicated forms, this type of giving has been filled with roadblocks disincentivizing smarter giving – especially in a year that has been as challenging as 2020.

will go to immediate use to support Soka students. In a year of financial difficulty for many, QCDs are just as impactful as cash gifts without breaking the bank.

Many donors are thinking about alternative methods of giving this year, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity. Below are some common myths about making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

Fact: The CARES Act indeed waived required minimum distributions, or RMDs, for 2020. That means that this year, there is no minimum amount you are legally required to remove from your traditional IRA account. But it’s false that this legislation removes the importance, or the benefits, of giving from your IRA. QCDs are still tax-free and will still reduce your future tax burden.

Myth: A QCD won’t provide immediate benefits to myself or Soka University of America this year.

Fact: QCDs are one of the most beneficial ways to support Soka University and your personal finances. QCDs are one of the only forms of giving that allow you to make a generous gift without dipping into your annual income. And your gift 26

Myth: I’m not legally required to withdraw money from my IRA in 2020 because of recent legislation, so I shouldn’t create a QCD.

Myth: There’s no easy way to find and complete the necessary paperwork to make a QCD.

Fact: Our supporters have expressed their frustration and confusion when trying to support Soka University through

their IRA. That’s why we’ve partnered with FreeWill to provide an easy-to-use resource to help you learn more and get started on your QCD – in 10 minutes or less, at no personal cost.

FreeWill’s tool helps to complete the paperwork for you and requires no sensitive security information. You can use this tool to: • Create your QCD for Soka University • Request a tax acknowledgment letter for a QCD you’ve already made • Download the forms you need if you’d prefer to finalize your QCD offline • Learn more about QCDs and giving from your IRA to see if it’s right for you Get started at FreeWill.com/QCD/Soka If you have any further questions about IRA giving, please contact Linda Kennedy at 949-480-4072.

www.soka.edu

20TH ANNIVERSARY CAM P A IGN

THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES As we continue to celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of Soka University in Aliso Viejo on May 3, 2021, many generous donors have excitedly reserved their spots on the special donor Celebration wall inside the new Marie and Pierre Curie Hall.

There is still time to ensure that your name, or the name of someone you wish to honor, is placed on the 20th Anniversary Celebration wall. You can give a one-time donation of $2,000 in the following ways: • Mail your check to: Soka University Office of Development 1 University Drive Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 • Go online with credit card at give.soka.edu • Transfer appreciated assets worth $2,000 to Soka University of America • Make a donation from your retirement account (Required Minimum Distribution) Special announcement: All donations for the 20th Anniversary Campaign WILL count toward traditional benefactor giving level recognition.

To request a brochure or ask questions, please contact Linda Kennedy, Director of Philanthropy, at lkennedy@soka.edu or 949/480-4072.

sua founders

|

Fall 2020

27

Soka University of America Publisher Soka University of America President Edward Feasel, PhD Executive Editor Linda Kennedy

Editor Dana Collins Graphic Design Cathy Cervantes Photography Courtesy of SUA Photography Office and Mark Howlett Photography

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

1 University Drive

PAID

ALISO VIEJO, CA PERMIT #113

Aliso Viejo, California 92656 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Have You Moved Recently?

We would like to keep you informed of the wonderful news from Soka, so if you have a new address, please let us know by going to our website www.soka. edu/giving/u.s.-donor-addressupdate.aspx or send an email to Coleen Scherf-Ghara at cscherfghara@soka.edu or contact her directly at (949) 480-4073. If you know someone who has mentioned they no longer hear from Soka, please make sure they contact us so we can update their information.

Soka.University.of.America CelebratingAVisionofPeace suayoungfounders (UG Alumni) @sokauniv @suasohokai

As part of our efforts to reflect and recommit to our founding principles during our 20th anniversary, Soka relaunched its official Instagram account on May 3rd with a new focus on telling the stories of the remarkable individuals in our Soka community.

With a global audience that’s grown three-fold since relaunching, @sokauniv is a highly engaged online community interested in all things Soka. Daily posts focus on campus news and highlight the stories and accomplishments of students, alumni, staff, faculty, and donors.

Subscribe to @sokauniv on Instagram and you’ll be the first to hear important breaking news. You’ll be inspired by student and alumni profile videos and photos. You’ll discover posts about Soka founder Daisaku Ikeda’s educational philosophy and dialogues with leading figures around the world. You’ll also get the inside scoop on Soka sports, behind-the-scenes stories, and campus events.

Sign up today to receive all news, events and information from Soka University by email.

Go to www.soka.edu/about/news-subscribe

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM