September 4, 2009
Hongik University in South Korea Honors Daisaku Ikeda for Contributions to Korean-Japanese Relations
Hongik University Vice President Kim Wan Chul (third from left) entrusts the certificate of honorary doctorate of literature for Mr. Ikeda, to Soka University President Hideo Yamamoto
On September 4, 2009, Hongik University in South Korea conferred an honorary doctorate of literature upon Soka University founder Daisaku Ikeda. The ceremony took place at the Soka University Central Tower in Hachioji, Tokyo, attended by Hongik University Vice President Kim Wan Chul and Dean Kim Tong Hun of Research Management and Strategic Planning. Soka University President Hideo Yamamoto received the award on behalf of Mr. Ikeda. The Soka University founder was recognized for his longstanding efforts to further educational, cultural and peace exchanges that have contributed to Korean-Japanese relations.
Hongik University began as a college in Seoul in 1946. Today, it offers comprehensive higher education in 14 colleges and 11 graduate schools at campuses in Seoul, Jochiwon and Daehakro, to over 15,000 students. Hongik has over 25 research institutes and conducts academic exchanges with over 32 institutions worldwide, including Soka University. The educational goal of Hongik University, whose name translates as "service to humankind," is to forge strong links between academia and industry that will benefit all of humanity.
[Adapted from an article in the September 5, 2009, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
