Young Alumni Giving

Daniel Tjie '17

Daniel Tjie

When Daniel Tjie’s parents immigrated to the United States from Indonesia, they made sure to impart to their son the crucial importance of getting an education. “That’s why my motivation is there to give back and support education for others,” the 2017 alumnus says.

Daniel attended Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences thanks to the financial aid package he received and understood even as a student that the financial assistance was the result of contributions in part from donors. “There were those who invested in me to help me get an education and get to where I am today, so I see it as a priority to pay it forward.”

Daniel attended Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences thanks to the financial aid package he received and understood even as a student that the financial assistance was the result of contributions in part from donors. “There were those who invested in me to help me get an education and get to where I am today, so I see it as a priority to pay it forward.”

Daniel first made a gift at the college’s Blue & Gold Society level as a senior, and he continues to give at that level in honor of faculty and staff members who have made an impact on his life. “Being a part of the Blue & Gold Society is an important way to show commitment to the IC experience,” Daniel says. “It’s rewarding to be in this circle and be recognized as a Blue & Gold donor.”

In addition to contributing financially, Daniel donates his time as a mentor, remaining in touch with economics professor Elia Kacapyr and mathematics professor David Brown to share job and internship opportunities for students.

“Even though I only graduated four years ago, I feel different being on the ‘giving end’ now. It comes from the heart when I give, because I feel for the students and want them to benefit as much as I did.”

DANIEL TJIE ’17

Jamie Shum '17

JAMIE SHUM ’17

“As a student, I enjoyed being active in various student leadership and research opportunities, including Senior Class Cabinet, Symphony Orchestra, Service Saturdays, Asian American Alliance, and diversity and inclusion–based initiatives, including ICUnity, as one of their student ambassadors. Today, I continue to pay it forward by supporting future generations of IC students, so they can be empowered and confident, and have an amazing education, opportunities, and experiences, just like I did. As director of engagement of the ICUnity National Board of Directors, I feel humbled to play a huge role in growing and supporting the IC student and alumni community, no matter their background, orientation, ethnicity, creed, etc., in genuine, meaningful ways that matter to me.”

Sabrina Knight '16

SABRINA KNIGHT ’16

“I was very active in student organizations, and a lot of my ‘extra’ experiences were due to giving to the IC Annual Fund. I attended several retreats through the Office of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs, was an editor for several semesters at The Ithacan, and was able to travel to New York City to compete in the National Student Advertising Competition my senior year. I always knew I wanted to give back as an alumna because my college experience consisted of opportunity after opportunity, both in and out of the classroom. The knowledge and relationships I gained from my time at IC would not have been the same without alumni. I hope to be able to give back and provide as much value to an IC education as was provided to me as a student, as well as contribute to the amazing network of alumni.”