Soka University of America (SUA) held its 14th annual Peace Gala and raised over $900,000 for scholarships on Saturday, October 13, 2018. 450 guests began the evening with a cocktail reception and silent auction in Founders Hall Art Gallery. They then crossed the bridge over Peace Lake, which was lined by SUA students holding candles and personally thanking them. After a thunderous greeting by the SUA Taiko Drummers, guests entered the Recreation Center, which had been transformed with a stunning black and gold décor with crystal chandeliers by Irene’s Events. Student Trey Carlisle shared his experience at Soka, followed by a live auction, dinner by Coastal Catering, entertainment, and dancing.
Entertainment for the evening featured Clark Beckham, fan favorite and runner-up in the 2015 season of American Idol. Mike Sakellarides, the weekend host on 94.7 The WAVE, served as Master of Ceremonies. Founding members of the Soka Gala Committee, Joan May and Dita Shemke, served as event co-chairs for the 13th consecutive year. Auctioneer DawnMarie Kotsonis led the live auction featuring an adventure in Tibet with a visit to the Mt. Everest Base Camp, an autographed Wayne Shorter Emanon CD/Album box set, an album autographed by Elvis Presley, a guitar autographed by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, and a $5000 South Coast Plaza gift certificate.
“We’re very proud that Soka University is ranked #22 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and Top 15 Best Value by U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2019” rankings. We’re also ranked #2 in Faculty Resources, Diversity and Social Mobility, which is nice recognition as we celebrate the 17th anniversary of our Aliso Viejo campus,” noted SUA President Daniel Habuki. “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 are extremely grateful to our Peace Gala sponsors and guests for their contributions to Soka Opportunity Scholarships, which provide full tuition scholarships for admitted students whose families make $60,000 or less a year. Half of our entering class received those scholarships this year.”
Soka University is a private, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school located in Aliso Viejo, CA. SUA offers an 8:1 student/faculty ratio and study abroad for every undergraduate student, which is included in tuition. www.soka.edu
Soka University of America is a private, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school in Aliso Viejo, CA. SUA is ranked in the top 25 liberal arts colleges in the nation by US News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2019.” Soka University offers an 8:1 student/faculty ratio and study abroad for every undergraduate student. Founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life, SUA is open to top students of all nationalities and beliefs. About 60% of Soka University’s students come from the US and 40% have come from more than 45 other countries. Admitted students whose annual family income is $60,000 or less may be eligible for full tuition Soka Opportunity Scholarships. Additional scholarship opportunities are available for higher income levels.
Photo Credits: Soka University
Article Submitted By:
Wendy Harder
Director, Community Relations
Soka University
