5 minute read
Commencement 2021
Advertisement
Class of 2021
Called to action by a 92-year-old American civil rights icon, the Soka University of America 2021 graduates celebrated from worldwide locations in a virtual commencement attended by hundreds of students, family, faculty, staff, and friends.
The May 28 event honored the university’s 17th undergraduate class and the sixth class of the master’s program in Educational Leadership and Societal Change.
In a recorded video message, the Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. spoke with the eloquence that inspired Martin Luther King Jr. to describe him as the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.
“I am deeply impressed by the fact that Soka University seeks to help each of the students who comes here to become a global citizen, a human being who exploits human creativity and who then shapes their work around how they can help the creative human being to emerge through their work and play through their families and the various vocations that they adopt,” Lawson said.
Inside each student is a singular “life force” or “soul force” that calls them to discovery and implementation. “Exploit it, because in exploiting it, you tap the most creative force of the universe,” Lawson said, referring to a core teaching of Gandhi.
President Edward M. Feasel then expressed deep appreciation for everyone who supported the graduates’ journey, and scholarship donors including the Makiguchi Foundation and the Lei Loi Tak Memorial Scholarship Program. President Feasel noted the graduates were leaving SUA at a time of great uncertainty in the world.
“I am confident, however, at SUA, you have developed the robust skills to tackle any challenge and to create harmony with any challenger that tries to derail you. Your persistent humanistic efforts at dialogue will continue to be key toward achieving this end,” he said.
As “Pomp and Circumstance” played, each graduate was celebrated by name. Students had submitted quotes before the ceremony, and many alluded to a rollercoaster yet hopeful senior year.
The students’ life force shone in brief video messages. Many recorded themselves in cap and gown. Rodas Dubie Bekele was among those who walked as if on a commencement stage and not thousands of miles from campus. Others, like Kelsey Castanho moved their tassels; Tanner Montagriff-Peck tossed his mortarboard in the air.
Student speaker Patricia Yukari Hirano congratulated her classmates who earned master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Societal Change. “The challenging time meant feeling the fear and doing it anyway,” she added, ticking off what habits they had to master when in-person classes were suspended.
Muskan Agrawal and Abigail Meyer spoke on behalf of the bachelor of liberal arts graduates. “My four years at Soka have taught me that we are all stronger than we know,” Agrawal said.
Meyer noted that the Class of 2021 was known for close bonds and shenanigans. “The community at Soka has not only brought me out of my shell, but it has the courage to say when something isn’t right, when I’m not right, and to encourage one another, during some of the most challenging times of our lives. It has shown me what the true meaning of support is.”
Dean of Students Hyon J. Moon read the Founder’s Commencement Message to the Class of 2021 in which he conveyed: “..all of you who are jewels of prodigal light, my warmest congratulations on this day! You have prevailed over challenge after challenge to celebrate your graduation with songs of triumph.”
The 2021 commencement made clear SUA is achieving its mission of fostering a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.
On Their Way to Change the World
In May, these SUA Graduate School students received their MA in Educational Leadership and Societal Change.
Takahiro Asano
Gunma, Japan I am planning to go to Taiwan to gain teaching experience. By utilizing the valuecreating pedagogy, I will try my best to uncover the highest potential of each student.
Anabella Afra Boateng
Kumasi, Ghana
I am creating a leadership and identity curriculum that I wish to teach to high school students.
En Ling Chow
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia In my next journey, I hope to contribute professionally as a supporting member in an education related fi eld. In my daily practice, I’d like to continue striving to embody and further develop the invaluable lessons and values I have learned from my time at SUA.
Laura Alison Cooper
Bury, UK After graduation, one of my main goals is to put my thesis research into practice and support the well-being of teachers. I see this as a crucial element in my mission to transform the education system of Great Britain.
Patricia Yukari Hirano
São Paulo, Brazil
My goal is to fi nd a job in the U.S. as an educational leader who embodies wisdom, courage, and compassion in my daily efforts. After I pursue a Ph.D., my ultimate goal is to build an NGO for youth leadership development and contribute to the development of Soka education in Brazil and across the globe.
Paula Pereira
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
I am applying for my Optional Practical Training (OPT) year in the US, where, hopefully, I’ll be able to support young people with their education.
