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In honor of the 20th anniversary of its Aliso Viejo campus, ��ʮ����̳���µ�ַ of America will be celebrating throughout 2021 with the theme of “Soka Global Citizens: Embodying Wisdom, Courage and Compassion.”

Since its dedication on May 3, 2001, SUA has grown from 120 first-year students from 18 countries to 450 undergraduate and masters students currently representing over 35 countries.

About 55% of SUA students come from the United States and 45% are international. More than 60 countries have been represented on campus in the past 20 years.

��ʮ����̳���µ�ַ is also ranked in the Top 30 National Liberal Arts Colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2021”, along with ranking #1 in ethnic diversity, #1 in study abroad, #1 in percentage of international students, #4 in faculty resources and #6 in best value.

The 20th anniversary celebration will include:

• The inauguration of the ��ʮ����̳���µ�ַ Global Citizen Award, presented to an individual who has made a major contribution in the practice of nonviolence, protecting the environment, poverty and global justice, or 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. Nominations will be open until January 31, 2021 and the award will be made on May 3, 2021.
• May 3, 2021 celebration of the 20th anniversary of the dedication day for the Aliso Viejo campus.
• The dedication of ��ʮ����̳���µ�ַ’s new 90,000 square foot Marie and Pierre Curie Hall, which supports SUA’s new Life Sciences Concentration offering health sciences and pre-med classes.
• Hosting the World Summit of Educators conference in June 2021.
• ��ʮ����̳���µ�ַ’s annual “Celebrating a Vision of Peace” Gala on October 9, 2021, to raise scholarship funds. Almost all SUA students receive financial aid and students whose families make $60,000 or less per year receive full tuition Soka Opportunity Grants. SUA has provided $191 million in financial aid to its students over the past 15 years.
• Celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Soka Performing Arts Center, which opened in September 2011. In honor of its anniversary, Soka Performing Arts Center co-commissioned a new percussion concerto by Danny Elfman, which will make its world premiere with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by the US premiere at Soka in January 2022.
• A 20th anniversary web page sharing the history of the campus and its commitment to educating global citizens.

“As ��ʮ����̳���µ�ַ celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are honored that our new Global Citizen Award will be shining a spotlight on individuals who are using their wisdom, courage and compassion to lift up others and improve our world,” SUA President Ed Feasel said. “We’re also excited that we will be hosting the World Summit of Educators and sharing their wisdom with others. SUA’s 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 hope our entire 20th anniversary year will inspire others to give back to their communities.”