On Saturday, September 12th, Soka University and Soka Women’s College held the September graduation ceremony for the academic year 2020 at the Discovery Hall of the Central Education Tower “Global Square.” At the ceremony, doctoral degrees were awarded to 4 students in the graduate school doctoral program, master’s degrees were awarded to 24 students in the graduate school master’s program, a Juris Doctor Degree was awarded to one student who completed law school, bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 41 students who completed undergraduate school, and associate degrees were awarded to 8 Soka Women’s College students.

At Soka University, in addition to the regular March graduation ceremony, a September graduation ceremony is also conducted, which started from the 2003 academic year. A thorough prevention of countermeasures were in place to avoid the spread of the virus, and the ceremony was shared online for the parents and guardians.

At the start of the ceremony, a commemorative performance “Mother,” was given by Associate Professor Hiromi Adachi of the Faculty of Education, which was followed by opening words by President Noboru Mizumoto of Soka Women's College. Board of Trustees Chair Yasunori Tashiro introduced founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda’s message. The founder encouraged the incoming students of Soka University and Soka Women's College, calling out to them at a time when common sense does not apply amid the Covid-19, that they are global citizens, who shine even more brightly, as they polish their humanistic wisdom of value creation.

Mr. Gautam Prakash (Completed the doctoral course in the Graduate School of Economics, Economics major) took the podium representing the graduating students. In conclusion, President Yoshihisa Baba encouraged the graduating students, in his farewell remarks, saying, “Today, when changes are expected in various fields, when you encounter obstacles out in society, please remember your alma mater, manifest your never-give-up spirit, and overcome them.”