George Araki received his doctorate in biological sciences from Stanford University doing work in ecological physiology. He began biofeedback studies in 1969 at SFSU. He became the Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Sciences and founded the holistic health program in 1976. See IHHS History for greater detail. He retired in 1999 and passed away June, 2006.

Dr. Araki was a visionary leader, who touched many people with his integrative thinking and his caring ways. Every year, since his retirement, IHHS faculty have selected a top Holistic Health student to receive the George S. Araki Achievement Award for Academic Accomplishment and Outstanding Contribution to Holistic Health. This award reflects the academic and service achievements characterized by George Araki. Each year we honor him and an outstanding student with this award.

Donations in his memory will be targeted for student scholarships and service awards. Donations can be made to: The Holistic Health Learning Center, c/o George S. Araki Student Awards, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., San Francisco, CA 94132.