University of the East
Dr. Zosimo M. Battad
Chancellor

University of the East
Dr. Zosimo M. Battad
Chancellor

On the occasion of the 50th Founding Anniversary of Soka University, I together with over 30 thousand students and 800 academic personnel, staff and officers of UE, warmly convey our sincerest felicitations and best wishes.

Over the past half-century since your establishment on 2 April 1971 by your esteemed founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, SU undoubtedly achieved so much not only in the field of academics but also in its social engagement to advance, peace, culture and valueenriching education not only in Japan but the whole world. Anchored on the founding principles of Daisaku Ikeda, SU's Grand Design Initiative led to its recent and numerous accomplishments such as the establishment of the Faculty of Nursing, the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Faculty of Letters in the Distance Learning Division and the Graduate School of International Peace Studies. The university has enhanced its research capabilities by way of establishing research centers in collaboration with its industry partners, and by way of focusing on sustainable development, which Ikeda sensei advocated and dedicated more than a half-century of his life. Above all, SU validated its globalization and internationalization status by being selected for the Top Global University Project of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), beginning in the year 2014. Indeed, these are achievements, we as your partner and friend are all very proud of.

As it strides in her next century of existence, I pray that SU will continue to flourish, promoting and advancing the culture of peace, and in her ultimate mission of fostering global citizens that champions value creation to establish a more peaceful society for the next or any generation.