TALK TO YOUR ROOMMATE By Ravi Raghuram
You’ve just arrived on campus. You’re frightened of the new experiences about to attack you from all directions. And you are attacked, literally, by none other than your own roommate. He leaps across your bags, trips, and as you pull him up, thinking What have I gotten myself into? and Why did I get the roommate with Tourette’s?, he grabs you and you find yourself in an intense embrace. Unbelievable? Believe it. This fantastic story is the true account of Satoshi Kawai (’07) and Leichombam Singh (’07), Soka’s own Romeo and Juliet. “There are problems in every relationship, but by putting yourself in [your roommate’s] shoes you can build a strong one.” says Leichombam. They have a mutual respect for each other’s decisions and rely on each other. Satoshi says, “Leichombam is mature, hardworking and smart. I guess we’re similar.” Emily Yamazawa (’05) said that there were serious problems between roommates in the first year—“people were fighting and moving out.” Watching Leichombam and Satoshi’s meeting was a moment for her—she had never seen “two absolute strangers who came together so beautifully.” Emily personally enjoyed having a roommate her first two
years. “I love having someone to live with— you have the companionship you need, someone to talk to and to share with.” However, she thought that cultural misunderstandings, bad communication, extreme habits and unrealistic expectations were the main reasons the roommate situation didn’t work out for people.
New Professors, New Hiring Policy By WuLa Dawson, Emily Frausto and Ryo Eugene Kondo
Next year SUA, AV will be complete with four classes. The last set of professors needed to accommodate 400 students will begin applying for positions soon. During phase I of SUA developShalini ment, this will be the last time that the Kapoor school will have to hire this many teach(’06) and ers at one time. The Board of Trustees Malena recently made changes in our hiring polBaizan icy that will affect these new hires. (’06)
shared some difficult experiences at Photo by Eddie Chen the beginning of last year. Their personalities clashed, coming from two very different backgrounds: North India and Argentina. They listened to music from their respective cultures and kept extremely different sleep schedules. Another issue was their different boundaries for personal space. Shalini described their first encounter: “She came up to me and tried to hug and kiss me, and I was really taken aback.” These differences caused many problems, but they soon became close, supporting each other when they were homesick or struggling with school. Their advice for roommate relationships that are still under construction: “Talk it out!” Both Malé and Shalini said the best way to remedy roommate troubles was simple verbal communication. Good luck, all you newlyweds!
The Pearl strives to emulate slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl’s efforts to bring out the human side of every story. Following his courageous model, The Pearl opens channels of communication in an endeavor to articulately and respectfully express differing opinions. The contributors of The Pearl reports intentionally on issues of concern for the campus, the local community and the globe, aiming to unify the campus towards the realization of the mission of Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo.
In order to attract senior faculty with tenure at other universities, the new system at SUA, AV will offer long-term contracts with the possibility of tenure with the Board’s approval. In terms of contracts, SUA, AV will offer salaries and benefits that are competitive with the market. Another aspect of the new system is the inclusion of ranking. There are traditionally 3 different ranks for (Continued on page 6)
Inside This Issue Letters Op/Eds Profile: Tetsuo Motoi Pascual Olivera Sunday Discussion Coming Out Week Sports Horror’scopes Founder’s Corner
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know today. And we surely would never have “unconscionable” act, I’m sure some other named a hall after this deviant. university would have overlooked this one violation of morality and still named a buildHowever, if it weren’t for the relationship ing after him. with the young freshman, Ava Helen, who later became his wife, he would never have Before any of you rebels start thinking you been interested in fighting for peace, and he can act like Linus Pauling or Ava Helen, reBy Timothy Van Campen surely would never have received the Noble member we at Soka University of America Peace Prize. Instead, he would have been don’t feel it is right to do as great people do. Barring the obvious fact that Soka University nothing but some boring scientist, who did Just because we named a building after that of America wasn’t in existence when Linus absolutely nothing humanistic. As Ava Helen Mohandas guy, doesn’t mean we think you Pauling began teaching, and that dead profesherself said, “You know, of course, my husshould start leading salt marches, does it? No! sors don’t make good ones, it’s a real good band would have preferred to have remained So, don’t any of you girls start getting the thing that Linus Pauling didn’t teach at Soka quietly in his laboratory thinking about his hots for Phat Vu or John Kehlen. And if you University of America. Had Linus Pauling scientific problems. However, people are do, keep it to your own filthy minds. And just taught at Soka University of America when more important than scientific truths.” because Jody and Jeff have different last his freshman student Ava Helen Miller was a names doesn’t mean that they are fair game student, he would have never been able to Perhaps being the rebel she was, Ava would either. Even if they weren’t married to each date her, as he did while he was her teacher at have told Linus Pauling something like, other, they are teachers and you are students, Oregon Agricultural College. Yes, with Soka’s “people are more important than poliso keep dreaming and stop scheming, because teacher-student relationship policy, he would cies.” Even if Linus Pauling got kicked out as crazy as it may be, a policy’s a policy! have never been the Linus Pauling we all of Soka University of America for his
It’s a Real Good Thing Linus Pauling Didn’t Teach at Soka University of America
At the same time, I was learning a lot about myself. My friends were interested in girlfriends and I didn’t really want one. I had heard the words “faggot” and “queer” and By Andrew Reker knew what they meant. I never had thought I never knew I was Asian until I went into the that they could be thrown back at me. But, I’m sure, since I was rather non-sexual at a 6th grade. If this is a sign of how much I time of mass sexuality, some people thought knew of myself then, it was a bad omen. I don’t know why it took me so long to realize those words about me. this, but I didn’t think that I was any different Also at this time, I found that the guys were than the other White students who went to my school. However, I have traveled far from growing up and they were looking more and more attractive. But I knew deep in my heart, those days in elementary school in the 6th I KNEW that I couldn’t let on any attraction. grade to today, and here, in front of you, stands a much more confident, self-knowing, I knew it because of how the word “fag” or “faggot” is used, I knew by the problems at self-deprecating, Asian youth. my school of starting a Gay-Straight Alliance, Things started here and there and by seventh I KNEW just because everything and everygrade I knew the f-word, the s-word, and so one that I knew told me so. many not-so-innocent things. Other than The first time I was able to say, “I am gay,” that, I still felt that I led a comfortable life. even to myself, was the summer between my Things seemed to not change and I had a sophomore year and junior year of high group of—though sarcastic and cynical— school. good friends.
Letter from The Pearl Staff: Know Thyself
Slowly, I learned about the “real world” outside of high school. It seemed so free and unrestrictive. Finding sites where there were other gay and lesbian youth was my first taste of freedom; I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. It would take me another year to tell my best friends that I was gay and I couldn’t sleep the night I gave them my 3 page letter/rant about my own coming out process. Thankfully not one of them cared and they accepted me. I took the final step about two months ago and told my parents. There still are problems on both my side and my parent’s side; we have a long way to go. But I’m realizing so much about my parents as people in this process. They’ve told me they still love me. Coming out to them and their reaction was never as bad as my drama queen mind could make it. After a long process of coming out, I’m comfortable saying the words “I am gay.” And that’s such an accomplishment in itself.
Corrections The Pearl thanks photographers Lisa Kwan and Hyon Moon for generously submitting images from last month’s Spirit Rally. We apologize for omitting acknowledgment. The Pearl also apologizes for stating that Director of Safety and Security, George Wesson, implied that the dorm patios were meant to be used for smoking. We recognize that he does not develop dorm policies but only plays an advisory role to those who do and enforces established policies.
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Troubles, Not Troops, Come Home from Iraq By Michael Bianco
tions were false. But because this dashed Bush's hopes for a smoking gun, the report was shelved. On July 7, Wilson wrote in a New York Times op-ed that the White House already knew this claim was false when they
While US casualties are rising in Iraq and Presidential approval ratings are falling, many Americans worry that the administration lacks an exit strategy. Some see the new UN resolution 1511 as vindication for Bush and relief for the troops in Iraq. However, the US was forced to cede much of its power over Iraq to the UN with UN-Iraqi Governing Council talks on a timetable for sovereignty due by mid-December. And while foreign troops are still yet to rush to America’s aid, the Pentagon has called up more reservists in the past month. Added to these woes for Bush is one Joseph Wilson. As US-appointed inspectors have not found Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) cited as the justification for war, Bush has been haunted by his January State of the Union claim that Iraq tried to get uranium from Niger. Last year, ex-ambassador, Joseph Wilson, had been sent by the CIA to Niger to investigate. His report concluded that these allega-
Changes for Sacramento, Questions for Schwarzenegger By Michael Bianco
The ballots are in and the results are official: 55% of Californians said “yes” to the recall of Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger won with 47% of the vote. But don’t expect Schwarzenegger to assume office in Sacramento anytime soon. California law permits up to 39 days for each county to release their own official tallies, for these votes to be totaled by state, and for the statewide numbers to be made official by the Secretary of State. This gives the Democratdominated state government until November 15 to cede control of the governor’s office. In the meantime, outgoing Governor Gray Davis has signed landmark legislation in favor of labor, the environment and other Democrat causes. Schwarzenegger and Republican supporters have hailed their victory as a populist revo-
(Reuters)_
Joseph Wilson on NBC’s Meet The Press.
included it in Bush’s address. A week later, conservative columnist and CNN pundit Robert Novak mentioned in his column that Wilson's wife, Valerie Plame, was a CIA ex-
pert on WMDs. However, Plame was not just an analyst, but an undercover agent and her cover was now blown. Novak's original article cited two anonymous White House officials as the source on Plame. Whoever these officials were, they committed a felony that calls for up to ten years incarceration. The BBC has reported that Wilson accused Bush's chief political strategist, Karl Rove, of being behind the leak to intimidate potential whistle-blowers. Democrats have called for an independent counsel as an alternative to the current Justice Dept. investigation headed by Bush-appointee John Ashcroft. Such a counsel may do for Bush what Lord Hutton did for Tony Blair, who now faces polls that nearly half of Britain wants him to resign. If Rove is found to be the culprit, Bush will also be without the man who coined the term "compassionate conservative" for his 2000 campaign. Recently, Wilson has hit back, releasing an analyst briefing on dozens of media distortions created by the administration. Undeterred by White House intimidation, a new generation of Daniel Ellsbergs may appear. Come November 2004, Saddam may not be the only world leader removed from power.
lution that has saved the state from a tax and spend cycle spurred by special interest groups. However, the 45% who voted no to the recall, a percentage greater than the polls circulating in the press indicated, are likely to disagree. Whether one perceives the recall as a victory for the rugged individual against an out-of-control welfare state or as a right-wing, Republican hijacking of the democratic process, it is clear that Schwarzenegger, as one of the sole Republican office-holders on the state level, will face stiff opposition to his campaign promises, despite his showcasing of what he calls a bipartisan cabinet. This cabinet includes ultra-conservative, Pete Wilson, the former Governor who supported anti-immigrant Proposition 187, calling into question Schwarzenegger’s “socially liberal” stance.
trading market. While in the last days before the election Schwarzenegger faced allegations of sexual harassment and assault, other questions arose as to his connections with energy giants such as former Enron CEO Kenneth Lay. According to Greg Palast, a journalist for the British Guardian and the Observer, Schwarzenegger met with Lay at the Los Angeles Peninsula Hotel on May 17, 2001. Allegedly, they met to discuss the possibility of Schwarzenegger running for Governor and derailing state litigation that would require Enron and others to pay $9 billion in compensation to the state. This would turn California’s $8 billion deficit into a $1 billion surplus. None other than Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, Schwarzenegger’s former Democratic opponent in the recall race, leads this current litigation. With Schwarzenegger and Pete Wilson at the The Governor-elect’s first initiative, energy helm, an out-of court settlement looms, deregulation, may already land him in hot which means California will continue to water as the state struggles with a deficit wallow in deficits. While Californians likely that, though used for the lynching of Davis, have little patience for another costly recall, was largely caused, ironically, by Republi- it’s clear Arnold is about to discover can-supporting energy firms such as Enron “terminating the deficit” is nothing like the that manipulated prices in the energymovies.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed on the “Letters” and Opinion (“Perspectives”) sections do not reflect the opinion of staff, The Pearl, or Soka University of America, unless otherwise noted.
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President Motoi Uncovered
directly at people when talking to them. He seems to digest every word carefully. And when he can’t find the right word to describe
By WuLa Dawson This past summer Tetsuo Motoi spent almost two weeks working on an important speech and got four canker sores because of the pressure and stress. All of his hard work paid off at the Class of 2007 entrance ceremony where he encouraged students to take responsibility for the university. He also shared his excitement about the new school year by comparing something in English he is libel to make a very descriptive sound or gesture. He sees speaking English as one of his biggest challenges but he manages to express his heart. Tetsuo seems to have an ability to humbly encourage his classmates peer to peer. He himself although not one of Soka’s most scholarly students, in his first term here braved Dr. Balitzer’s American Politics and Government class, which was pretty intimiit to the act of giving birth. Besides his public dating for international students with no faspeaking Tetsuo has earned the respect of his miliarity with US political systems. classmates through his hard work, persistence Michiko Hoshino notices his versatility as his and easygoing attitude. But Tetsuo Motoi is more than just the Soka Student Government best quality, “He is well balanced—he can be serious at times, but he can also be silly.” And Association President; he is a brave student silly he can be. He has been known to introwith a passion to unite the students of Soka duce himself as “Tetsuo Motoi—International University of America, Aliso Viejo. Sex Symbol.” He also was spotted this past At first glance Tetsuo looks like your average Coming Out Week dancing wildly in the censophomore at Soka. He wears glasses, dresses ter of the dance floor with one of the drag in jeans and T-shirts, and he can often be seen party’s prettiest girls. in his bright orange ‘06 sweatshirt. But when Motoi believes that now is the time for stuyou get to know who he is as a person then dents to actualize the founding spirit of SUA, you understand what it is about him that AV. He hopes to help every student do this makes him stand out from the crowd. by encouraging them to take responsibility in Watching Tetsuo interact with others is inter- their own area of interest, whether it be in esting. When in a serious mood Tetsuo looks study, club activities, serving on an SSGA committee or expressing themselves thru art
and dance. Last April, while working toward the Student Festival, he came to realize that as students our conviction, determination and unity will determine the direction of SUA, AV. Before the festival, students were going in many different directions at the same time. Working with the “Big Five” (the festival organizers), he saw how important it was to unite the student body despite their differences. “I decided to devote myself to the school because I really love SUA,” Motoi explained. Several of his friends agree that the student festival really helped Tetsuo grow. “I think he went underwent more change through last year’s Student Festival. He gained confidence in the fact that the only way to truly unify this school is through one-on-one interaction and dialogue.” Takayuki Okada said. Michiko Hoshino said “It really surprised me when he almost started crying at the Festival—
throughout all my junior high and high school years with him, I have never seen him that close to tears. I realized that the Festival meant that much to him.” If you need someone to talk to about your mission in life or if you just feel like joking around Tetsuo is your man. Photos by Michael Bianco
Spanish immigrants, wanted Olivera to join with Royal National Spanish Ballet. Pascual the family cement business. His passion for and Angela Olivera were given the SUA AmBy Emily Frausto dance flourished despite all of the obstacles of bassador Award on February 26, 2002. Achis childhood in a small, Midwestern town. It was Pascual Olivera’s dream for many years He studied in Seville and Madrid from age 14 to perform at Soka University of America, and became a world-class dancer. Aliso Viejo on May 3, 2001. When President Danny Habuki received Olivera’s offer to Olivera fulfilled his dream and performed at dance at the dedication ceremony he wanted the dedication ceremony on May 3, 2001. He to tell him not to because he was concerned danced in spite of his poor health, possibly that dancing would aggravate Olivera’s poor risking his life because he wanted so much to health. At the time, he was in tremendous contribute to the founding of SUA. In rephysical pain from fighting cancer and strug- sponse to this performance, Michael Golden gling with the debilitating effects of chemoshared that, “He was a great example of the therapy. However, Olivera really wanted to spirit an artist should have, contributing selfcelebrate the opening of SUA, AV. lessly in this commercial world.” After a long
Pascual Olivera
battle Olivera died on Friday, September 19, At age five, Spanish dance deeply inspired 2003 of cancer at age 59. Olivera. Growing up in Canton, Ohio—the home of the National Football League Hall of Olivera performed for 27 years with his wife, Fame—he was not exactly in the ideal place Angela Del Moral – a former prima ballerina to start a career in Flamenco. His parents,
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Photo from Seikyo Shimbun
(Continued on page 5)
Sunday Night Discussion By Victoria Kraus The Sunday Night Discussion is an official committee of the SSGA Academic Department where students gather every Sunday evening to discuss and exchange ideas about speeches by our university founder, Daisaku Ikeda. The committee did not start off official though. It was during the first academic year, 2001-2002, that Tetsushi Ogata (’05) initiated an ongoing discussion in an effort to study the founder of SUA through reading the founder’s collected speeches to university students all over the world. A small group comprised of students, staff and faculty began to informally discuss the founder’s speeches to deepen their understanding of the purpose of Soka education at Soka University. Founder Daisaku Ikeda gave each member of the class of 2005 his book, A New Humanism, a collection of his university addresses. This was the first of many sources to spark discussion within the group. Tatsuaki Tomiyama said, “When I read his speeches to SUA directly I felt I could get insight about what I should do at SUA especially when I was feeling lost.” The interest in participating in these weekly discussions has grown just as much as the population has at SUA. SSGA’s Academic Department has officially sponsored the Sunday Night Discussions with its current committee head, Takayuki “Okachi” Okada organizing the weekly event. “At first, I was not thinking of taking responsibility for the discussion, because I was not so active about the discussion meetings last year, and even now cannot express myself well in English. However, Mitsuko Matsumoto and Grace Christianson asked me and motivated me to take the role,” Okachi explains. “As Sunday Night Discussion Committee, we are constantly having meetings to get feedback
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cording to Habuki, the Oliveras were given this honor because of their contribution to society and peace through dance, as well as their deep understanding and appreciation for the founding spirit of SUA. Angela said, “He lived for dance.” He was able to touch people through his dancing but he also choreographed, produced and directed dance performances. Flamenco is a partner dance where the male dancer’s intricate footwork is complemented by the movement of the female’s colorful, ruffled dresses. Angela and Pascual seemed to be partners on and off the dance floor supporting each other as artists, as humanitarian’s and in life’s struggles. Andy Worshill (’07), who knew Olivera personally, said, “Pascual and his wife are together were shining examples of people that understood the Founder’s spirit and made it their own… his dancing was the ultimate expression of his happiness, it was so inspiring to people.”
and facilitators meeting to improve each discussion meeting every week. One thing for sure is that I wish more and more people come to the meetings and think about the founder and the founding spirit.” The discussion does not obligate people who are interested in participating to come to every week. Discussion is open to everyone who has interest on a Sunday evening.
says. The Sunday Night Discussion is open to all students, staff and faculty members. The discussions aim to provide opportunities to deepen the understanding of the founding spirit of SUA, AV through sharing and discussing individual ideas and interpretations of the material read.
When: Sunday Night from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Game Room Jesse Goodspeed (’07) ran into the meeting on Who: Interested students, staff and faculty accident. “It was a good opportunity to under- Why: Learn and discuss what the founding stand what it was all about.” Jesse, since then, spirit of SUA, AV is and to study university has been attending regularly with thoughtful founder, Daisaku Ikeda insight and has been an active committee mem- How: Small group discussion on various colber full of suggestions to improve the discuslected university addresses and other speeches sions. “Facilitating was a lot harder than I by our university founder thought it would be…I definitely have taken the founder’s words to a deeper level, ” Jesse Kazuko Osada contributed to this article gay, lesbian, and bisexual students to express themselves.” He adds, “Coming Out Week was intended to create a closer relationship among the students.” Roberto feels so inspired that the By Vanessa Rubinfeld club has made such a huge impact on others he continued, “One student even asked me when It all started with a discussion and ended with a we were going to have another Identity Lounge. party…a drag party, that is. Identity sponsored He was surprised to know that it is an annual SUA, AV’s second annual Coming Out Week, event because he felt it was an event worth from October 7 to 10. The week included a having more consistently.” dialogue, a movie, a lounge and a drag party. The candlelit Identity Lounge, held in the Stu- Caisy Lun (’05) had everyone singing along to dent Center courtyard, was packed with stuher original lullaby, which was the finale to dents blowing bubbles into the air while listen- Thursday’s lounge. Lun shares that she joined ing to inspiring experiences and amazing musi- this club to support Roberto. She has gained a cal performances. deeper understanding about herself and others
Soka Students Keep on Coming Out
Organizers were pleased that 75 people attended the event despite the cool weather. Jennifer Leblanc (’07) joined Identity because her best friend is gay, and she wants to support him; she also led a dialogue on Tuesday night sponsored by Identity where a small group of students discussed many topics related to the issue of sexuality. When asked if the week’s activities made an impact, Jennifer remarked, “I think it made the biggest impact on the freshmen because it made people aware of others sexual identity, plus it’s always a growing process getting to know yourself and your identity.” She also adds, “It took a lot of courage for them to come out to the freshmen.” Robert Rios (’06) created Identity last year because he “felt this campus needed a space for
through her involvement with Identity. “I’ve learned to really have faith in people. It’s all about challenging our fears.”
Kazuko Osada (’05) thought the event was amazing and was moved at how people were really expressing their hearts. Growing up in Soka schools in Japan Osada never thought about these issues much she said, “I wasn’t biased but I thought that it was just not my thing. That’s why I didn’t come last year. This year, I thought I would come for half an hour—it was so cold—but ended up staying and learned a lot. It’s helping me think about who I am too.” During Coming Out Week, the club showed the movie “Beautiful Thing,” And Friday’s drag party was a big hit drawing over 100 students to the beautifully decorated “Gay-m” room with Freshman winning points for having the most students gender bending. Identity’s next steps include organizing support and counseling for students who are questioning their sexual identity. The club is always open to new members of all persuasions email rrios@soka.edu for more information.
Photo by Lisa Kwan
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New Hires, New Policy (Continued) professors: assistant, associate and full. Rank typically indicates one’s experience and success regarding research and publication.
1. New hires are to be made into the
Responding to a request from the Board, the faculty drafted a proposal for a new policy that was approved by over 90 percent. After much deliberation, the faculty’s proposal included a traditional tenure system without rank. This proposal was significantly different from the one the Board adopted. Although open to discuss these issues, individual Board members refrain from speaking on the Board’s behalf outside of official Board meetings. The official minutes of the most recent board meeting suggest that they intended these new guidelines to attract a competitive pool of applicants and simultaneously give them the flexibility to meet the school’s needs. At the same time, as the institution matures, President Danny Habuki anticipates that they may find a different policy more appropriate five or ten years into the future. But the merits of this new system are still under question. A faculty forum was held shortly after the decision was made during a teleconference on August 25, 2003. According to Professor of Music Composition and Theory Michael Golden, “One impact of short term contract situations is that a faculty member who has one must devote a great amount of time and energy to finding future employment, and in my experience that detracted from my ability to give one hundred percent to my students." Many faculty members were dissatisfied with the lack of clear communication between them and the Board. When the Board decision was announced to the faculty, no reasons were given for their decision. Several faculty members felt that a proper and timely explanation could have minimized some confusion and distress. In early October, Habuki traveled to Denver, Colorado to meet with Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Steve Dunham. Habuki met with Dunham to discuss many issues
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New Contract System from the draft minutes of the August 25 Board of Trustees meeting
including Board/faculty dynamics. During their next visit, October 31-Nov 2, the Board intends to allot time to speak directly with faculty members. Concerning the next Board meeting, Habuki replied, “I am confident that at the board meeting we will move forward…this will be the first step for the Board and faculty to have better communication and a better working relationship.” The faculty executive committee will also be invited to participate in the Education and Personnel Subcommittee meeting. There will also be an opportunity for students to meet with the Board at 1:00 on November 1 in the 4th floor Ikeda Library Reading Room. In addition, students can voice their concerns through the Shared Governance Department (SGD). SGD usually meets every Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 in the Game Room. When asked about the next Board meeting, Dunham replied, “As a board member, I hope for continued communication with students and faculty.”
Shape SUA… Shared Governance invites students to meet with the Board on November 1 at 1PM at Library 4th Floor Reading Room
traditional rank system and promotions through the ranks shall be made in accordance with traditional academic procedures and standards. 2. New hires are generally to be made under flexible renewable term contracts with terms based on the market and negotiations. 3. For hiring senior faculty, the administration may consider offering such inducements as tenure, longer-term contracts (e.g., 10 years) or other special recognition to be worked out on an ad hoc basis. Since only a small number of senior faculty are to be hired, any grants of tenure, longer term contracts, or other special recognition are to be approved by the Board. 4. The will be a new title of “Lecturer” for the employment of teachers who might not be deemed eligible for a position tied to a professorial rank.
Proposed hires for 2004-05 Senior appointments will be at either the Associate or Full Professor Level. Chinese: 1 junior Japanese: 1 senior Spanish: 1 senior Political Science: 2 seniors (1 for American government, 1 for US foreign policy and Latin American politics) Sociology: 1 junior Anthropology: 1 senior Economics: 1 junior Asian Studies: 1 senior Latin American Studies: 1 senior Philosophy: 1 senior History: 1 senior Ethnomusicology: 1, rank open Literature: 2 seniors (1 for 19 th and 20th Century British and Continental literature, 1 for general with an interest in 19 th Century American) Painting and Drawing: 1 senior Digital Arts: 1, junior or lecturer Writing: 1 senior and 1 junior Chemistry: 1 senior
GOAL GOAL GOOOOAAAALLL!!!!!! By Daman Chhikara
The match was played on September 28 with the All Star University Village (ASUV) With God at their side, the men took aim. It was soccer club. Mitsu Goi was the liaison beno less than a “Battle Royale” for the men of the tween the two teams. The team is a part of Soka Soccer Club, who were ready to pour their life an American League for Japanese players into thier second official game. The students stand- living in Los Angeles and Orange County. ing on the side of the tracks was all set to support The four-year-old ASUV soccer club is the their beloved soccer men. Cries of “Give me an S, most recent Champion of their league. At Give me an O, Give me a K, Give me an A,” were the end of the game, Kazuki Nakamoto, heard from small clusters of girls (guys, try harder leader of the club, said, “It was nice playing next time), as the match began, till the first goal at Soka. It was a nice ground, and we just struck. played to enjoy ourselves.” He hopes that the tow teams can play together on a regular Stunned! ...the crowd didn’t give up hope. basis. In the first third, with Soka captain Koichi Nishio (’06) off the field, 3 goals were scored against Soka’s team. But at the beginning of the second third, Shinsuke Tanaka (’05) blasted the football to the top corner of the goal from center; though saved, the goalkeeper looked fazed. The fans knew that an aggressive attempt by Soka would follow. The visitors again scored, but the home team’s spirits were still high. The golden moment wasn’t far away. A pass by Billy Nakajima (’05) from the right side of the field to Mitsu Fujii (’05) in the center, who quickly turned and rocketed the ball into the goal, brought the supporters back to their feet.
of the Soka team, Shawn Campbell (’06), who did not play because of illness, commented on the team’s loss by saying, “I think it is up to everyone to create unity and to learn to trust each other.” The captain, Nishio, further added on, “We prepared for this game and everybody practiced so hard. The next step is to concentrate when we practice. We will not increase our practices because we also have to study.” On the other hand, the star of the show Fujii could only say, “That was the only goal scored. I was happy but I wanted to score more.”
Photo by Michelle Weaver
In order to allow all players a chance to play, the game was divided into half-hour thirds. When the final whistle blew, the score was 5-1 in favor of the visitors. The Co-captain
President Danny Habuki, who watched the whole match said, “I saw the goal— Mitsu did a great job. I can really tell now that we have three classes. Two years ago we didn’t have this many people to support the team.” The game turned out to be a unifying experience for all students who came together to cheer. It was a complete ball. Be it slogans of “I say Leicham, you say Bomb… Leichambam Leichambam” or “Go Billy…Ohhhh…Billy” the audience kept the players in high spirit. We wish our soccer team great success in the future, and extend our appreciation to the LAJ league for playing with us.
was the second year such a world-wide dedication has taken place.
Photo Courtesy of Daniel Pearl Foundation
sion for music provided opportunities for friendship and dialogue across cultures. According to the Daniel Pearl FoundaThe Daniel Pearl Foundation—an organi- tion, “In every town, in every country, in By: Ryo Eugene Kondo zation dedicated to addressing the root which he lived, he joined a band, orchescauses of his murder—sponsored the first tra, or chamber group.” Participants in over 100 concerts around the world are remembered Daniel Pearl’s “Annual Daniel Pearl Music Day” last life by dedicating their performances to year. Performers in 18 countries participated in this event, and it was a deemed the late journalist. Daniel Pearl would resounding success. This year, the organihave turned 40 on October 10 of this year. Instead in January of 2002, he was zation, founded by Pearl’s family and killed by Muslim Extremists in Karachi, friends, continued this tradition by invitPakistan. In remembrance of his love of ing performers who had concerts that fall music and search for understanding, per- in between October 7 and 19 to dedicate their performances to Daniel Pearl. formers devoted a space in their programs or time on stage to take a stand for Daniel Pearl himself was a talented violinist, fiddler, and mandolin player. His pastolerance, humanity and harmony. This
World Celebrates Pearl’s Birthday
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What’s your defining feature? A: A glazed-over look, even when you’re not in an intro class B: You’re hairy in places you shouldn’t be, but you’re not Greek C: Your “bewitching” good looks D: You’re pure evil E: Your mother’s eyes, your father’s nose and an anonymous victim’s ears. F: Your dazzling pearly whites What’s your favorite movie? A: Dead Man Walking B: All Dogs Go to Heaven C: Love Potion #9 D: It E: Son of Frankenstein F: Dead and Loving it What’s your favorite song? A: “Thriller” B: “Blue Moon” C: “I’ve Put a Spell on You” D: “Send in the Clowns” E: “Bring me to Life” F: “You Only Hurt the Ones You Love” What’s your worst fear? A: Nothing fazes you B: Tight clothes C: Puritans D: Defective balloon animals E: Mobocracy F: Class at 8:30 am
What do you look for in a cute boy/girl? A: A hat size 14+ B: What meaty calves they have C: The size of their wand D: A sense of humor E: A person of diverse organs…*ahem*… origins F: A pulsing jugular vein What’s your favorite pick up line? A: I could stare at you for hours. B: Raw animal passion…think about it. C: Wanna go make some magic together? D: You know what they say about men with big floppy shoes. E: How bout you and me bolt? F: What’s your blood type? Each letter corresponds to a different monster. Add up your score and embrace the new you. Mostly As-Zombie: Guess core still hasn’t worn off yet. Get some sleep and rejoin the land of the living! Mostly Bs-Werewolf: You might have lost a few friends during this last full moon, but don’t worry, they’ll forgive you as the bite marks disappear. Mostly Cs-Witch or Wizard: Don’t let Res. Life catch you brewing potions in your room! Mostly Ds-Evil Clown: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Mostly Es-Frankenstein: You are a true global citizen! Mostly Fs-Seductive Vampire: At Soka we embrace all identities even kinky ones.
founder’s By Victoria Kraus
corner
Most of us come to a time in our lives when we question our existence. I was 15 years old The Soka, or value-creating, education system was when I first confronted this quesfounded out of a desire that future generations should tion with a mind that was beginhave the opportunity to experience this same kind of ning to seek an answer to the humanistic education. It is my greatest hope that the meaning of life. It was a painful graduates of the Soka schools will become global citi- process but I eventually overcame zens who can author a new history for humankind. it and felt my life grow, establishing the first speck of what would As [Tsunesaburo] Makiguchi stated, "Educational become the solid rock of my sense efforts built on a clear understanding and with a of self. But if we do not take acdefined sense of purpose have the power to overcome tion, we can never answer this the contradictions and doubts that plague humankind, question or any question. Our uniand to bring about an eternal victory for humanity." versity founder, Daisaku Ikeda, reminds us not to sit around idly - Daisaku Ikeda, speech “Thoughts on Education for and rust, but to continuously act with purGlobal Citizenship,” Teachers College, Columbia Unipose. He quotes the French scholar, Arnauld, versity. June 13, 1996, from the book Soka Education. who said, “Have we not all eternity to rest
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If you are interested in submitting art to The Pearl, please contact Kanika Batra at kbatra@soka.edu
Horror’scopes
‘ By Pumpkin and Loquacia Not quite in the Halloween spirit yet? Take this quiz and find out which Halloween monster you have most in common with!
in?” Spending four years of my life at school, where I can question and develop myself critically is my privilege. With that, it becomes my obligation to “take the world into my own hands.” This consists of overcoming “the contradictions and doubts” that plague me as well as humankind, as the founder of Soka education Makiguchi states. To all those who struggle with what I struggle with – sitting and thinking too much about sitting and thinking too much – get up and start creating the solid rock within yourself. Dr. Ikeda encourages us to keep working toward finding a solid sense of purpose.