On January 28 (Tuesday), at Soka University’s Central Education Tower, a ceremony to send off international students from academic year 2019 for the Faculty of International Liberal Arts was held, at which certificates from the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship was conferred. The scholarship is conducted based on subsidies from the Makiguchi Memorial Foundation and is presented to student representatives of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts who participate in studying abroad.

At the ceremony, Dean Laurence McDonald shared his greetings, followed by greetings by Board Director Mikiya Takanashi, who shared that the Makiguchi Memorial Foundation was established by founder Ikeda to foster students that inherit the spirit of President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the father of Soka Education, while also contributing to the happiness of people and to world peace. Board Director Mikiya Takanashi said, “All of you, the students of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, are precious, upholding a great mission to contribute to our future society through your study abroad and, needless to mention, your studies and research at Soka University. Please take the best care of yourselves and make your study abroad a fruitful one as global citizens that make the world your stage.” He then presented a certificate of scholarship to the 40 students that were accepted for this academic year.

After the five students shared their determinations, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Yasunori Tashiro expressed his appreciation to the Makiguchi Memorial Foundation and, while recalling his experience of visiting China during his student years, said: “You may find four months to be short, but depending on how fruitful you make it, those experiences can be worth one or two years. To this end, please have a solid goal, knowing what you will gain through this study abroad, cherish each moment, and study hard. Please also have the awareness that you are Soka University students and that you always aim to challenge yourselves in various activities. I am praying that you will show significant growth and return home in high spirits.”

The following comments were shared by the students that received the scholarships:
“I will study at the University of Southern California. I will have many encounters and experiences that only someone in my position can enjoy, while never forgetting the purpose of my study abroad. I will challenge myself so that I can show to my parents and everyone that is supporting me how much I have grown, while always maintaining my sense of appreciation.” – Ms. Renwa Inoue, who will study at the University of Southern California in the U.S.
“Through this study abroad, I am determined to achieve living English skills as well as the ability to proactively take action and expand my circle of friendship as I transcend differences of language and culture. With pride and responsibility as a recipient of the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship for International Students of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, I will make my study abroad a time to significantly grow toward my dream of playing an active role on the global stage.” – Ms. Hiromi Ito, who will study at Griffith University in Australia