Welcome Class of 2025

On August 10th, 2021, Soka University formally welcomed the Class of 2025 to the Aliso Viejo campus. The 134-member class, Soka’s largest incoming class, was officially welcomed by President Ed Feasel, as well as the Soka Student Union President Yuka Hombo, in the Performing Arts Center. Following the hour-long celebration, students enjoyed a catered dinner outside on the campus green.

Earlier that day, New Student Orientation kicked off with the Welcome to SUA session, where students met the Dean of Students, Hyon Moon, and various directors, as well as their Student Orientation Leaders (SOLs). There was much anticipation leading up to this moment, as some students had arrived a week prior to complete their quarantine in their rooms so they could attend orientation activities in-person. During this session, students also had an opportunity to gather in smaller groups with their assigned SOL and fellow Core I classmates.

Following the session, students met with campus security, health center staff, campus counselors, and other areas that provide tools and resourcesfor students to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Knowing safety was on the forefront of their minds, students were informed of Orange County and California’s COVID-19 status, and the university’s COVID-19 precautions and protocols.

In following COVID-19 precautions, the SOLs held the Class of 2025’s Icebreaker Night outside the next evening. Traditionally held in the Student Affairs lobby, it was a night of fun and games that allowed students to meet each other in a relaxing way.

Orientation activities continued throughout the week. One of the highlights was Michelle Hobby-Mears, Associate Dean of Students, and Maya Gunaseharan, Manager of Diversity Initiatives and Community Building, hosting a daily morning session on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion topics. In addition, students completed an online mandatory training on Unconscious Bias and were introduced to the Campus Climate Support System. Students also had an opportunity to remotely delve into the founding principles of SUA with Dr. Jason Goulah. The week’s events concluded with a joyful showcase of students’ talent at the traditional Talent Blast.

On September 3rd, the university welcomed its second-year students, the Class of 2024, to the campus for the first time. Since their first year was held remote due to the pandemic, an abbreviated three-day orientation was held. Second-year students had an opportunity to reconnect with their Core I classmates, as well as finally meet the rest of their class in smaller groups.

After more than a year of having no students on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SUA community was elated to see the campus bustling with students who expressed their appreciation for being able to finally have in-person classes and interactions.