2010 Commencement

The Institute of Buddhist Studies’ 2010 Graduation Ceremony was held in Berkeley on May 14, 2010. Graduates included: G. Kenji Akahoshi of San Jose, David Kazuyoshi Fujimoto of Hawaii, Jon Brett Turner of Orange County, and Mutsumi Fujiwara Wondra of Orange County. Ms. Wondra is currently studying at Ryukoku University, Kyoto. Her husband, Mr. Alan Wondra, accepted the degree on her behalf. Mr. George T. Aratani, a long time supporter of Institute of Buddhist Studies, was presented an Honorary Doctorate. Upon the conferring of the honorary doctorate to Mr. Aratani, Rev. Dr. David Matsumoto stated that Mr. Aratani could not be present to receive the award, but was truly appreciative. Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka received the degree on behalf of Mr. Aratani. The commencement address was presented by Dr. Paul Harrison, co-chair of the Ho Center Buddhist Studies at Stanford University, who spoke on the expanding interest in Buddhist Studies, which is based on the discovery of new documents in ancient languages closer to the Buddhaâ€s time. Copies of this footage are available on DVD for students, friends, and family. Please contact contact Scott Mitchell for more information.