ALISO VIEJO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 10/29/07 -- Soka University of America (SUA) announced
that its Third Annual Peace Gala, Celebrating a Vision of Peace, held at
the scenic university campus in Aliso Viejo on October 13, 2007, exceeded
its goal of $1 million, with a net benefit of approximately $825,000 going
directly to SUA students via the Scholarship Endowment. Nearly 560 guests
experienced an evening of elegance, culminating in a breathtaking musical
performance by Tony-winning composer Duncan Sheik. The concert featured the
haunting music from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, "Spring
Awakening," and other selections. Sheik was accompanied by a string section
which included talented SUA and UCI student musicians. Poet, lyricist and
fellow Tony-winner of "Spring Awakening" Steven Sater was also on hand as a
special guest.
By popular demand, Patrick Duffy, best known for his role as Bobby Ewing on
TV's "Dallas," returned for the third consecutive year as the Master of
Ceremonies for the evening. DawnMarie Kotsonis led a lively auction,
contributing nearly $124,000 to the evening's total proceeds, including a
Sorrel River Ranch Getaway with Private Jet purchased for $20,000; and two
guitars signed by Duncan Sheik that were acquired for $40,000 each.
"We are truly appreciative of the unfailing generosity and loyalty of our
donors and sponsors," said SUA President Daniel Y. Habuki. "SUA is
extremely fortunate to be supported by those who recognize and understand
the importance of an education based on the principles of peace, human
rights and the sanctity of life. Their contributions open the door for
many students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to come from
around the world to participate in SUA's unique educational experience."
The annual event is held to raise funds to provide scholarships for Soka
University students. A unique aspect of the university's curriculum
requires that all students participate in a semester of study-abroad during
their junior year, for which they receive academic credit equivalent to
four courses. SUA was the first college in the nation to require this
semester-long study-abroad experience, which is included in the cost of
tuition. This requirement reflects SUA's educational philosophy of creating
relevance for students between their classroom study and the world around
them.
"Meeting so many of the students was just short of overwhelming for Linda
and me," said Luis Nieves of the Luis and Linda Nieves Family Foundation
which supports several academic and student programs on campus. "Such
enthusiasm, genuine sincerity, and heartfelt appreciation were a wonder to
behold. We were, and are, so moved, and ever more deeply appreciative of
having such an opportunity in this life to support those students from
behind the scenes
Editors Quick Notes:
WHO: Soka University of America
WHAT: Third Annual Peace Conference, Celebrating a Vision of Peace.
WHEN: Saturday, October 13, 2007, 5:00 p.m. Underwriters reception,
cocktails, 7:30 p.m. dinner
WHERE: Soka University of America - 1 University Drive, Aliso
Viejo, CA 92656
WHY: To provide scholarships for Soka University students
TICKETS: $300 individual, table sponsorships ranging from $5,000
to $100,000
Soka University is open to top students of all races, nationalities and
religions. About half of SUA's students have come from the United States
and half from more than 30 other countries. Soka University's Aliso Viejo
campus opened in 2001, and was accredited in 2005 by the Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Soka University has graduated three classes, with students admitted to such
prestigious graduate schools as Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Stanford, Columbia,
NYU, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine and USC. For more information, please visit
www.soka.edu.
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Media Contact:
Kathleen Janson
janson communications
949.654.2512 Email Contact