Graduates tossing their caps in celebration

2022 Commencement Ceremony

On Friday, May 27, 2022, the graduating Class of 2022 celebrated the first in-person commencement ceremony in three years. Students and their loved ones gathered in the Soka Performing Arts Center to commemorate the occasion.

Congratulations Class of 2022 on an aerial view of campus
Watch: Full 2022 Commencement ceremony
President Ed Feasel and 2022 Commencement Speaker Shirin Ebadi pose with the awards

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Shirin Ebadi

Dr. Shirin Ebadi, recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize and the first woman to serve as a judge in Iran, delivered the commencement address for SUA’s 2022 Commencement Ceremony.

Read the transcript of her speech Learn more about Dr. Ebadi

Founder's Message to Class of 2022

Aerial view of SUA campus

Now more than ever, I ask you to manifest the true value of Soka’s global citizens, doing so in good cheer with wisdom and resilience, to brighten our world in this century from the stage of your respective mission in life.

Founder's Message - 18th Commencement Ceremony
Message from SUA Founder Daisaku Ikeda to the Class of 2022

Ceremony Photos

Click on an image to enlarge.

Four graduates pose with the Soka University of America banner in front of the Peace Lake Travertine Wall
The Class of 2022 graduates pose in front of the Peace Lake Travertine Wall holding the Soka University of America banner
The Class of 2022 graduates pose in front of the Peace Lake Travertine Wall
Aerial view of President Feasel addressing graduates and their families at the 2022 Commencement Ceremony
Graduates celebrate with gold and blue streamers flying around them
The graduates begin walking out of the Performing Arts Center during their recessional
Members of the choir applaud for the graduates above a row of flags showing countries the graduates represent
President Ed Feasel poses with the graduate he presented the Founder's Award to
A masked graduate's hat reads "Made in SUA"
A masked graduate waves to the crowd
A graduate raises both arms in celebration
A row of masked graduates applaud
Graduates holding a sign saying, "We walk for the classes of 2020 and 2021" in honor of the graduating classes whose commencement ceremonies were cancelled due to Covid.
A graduate holds up a sign saying "thank you" in multiple languages
Commencement Keynote Speaker, Dr. Shirin Ebadi, speaks at the lectern

2023 commencement will be held on Friday, May 26.

View Academic Calendar