Bio Statement
Daniil Lazuka has a deep commitment to community engagement, cultural connection, as well as creative and personal growth. Over the past year, he has been active both on campus and in the wider Ithaca community. Daniil volunteered at PorchFest in both Fall 2024 and Fall 2025, helping manage traffic flow and ensure attendee safety at one of Ithaca’s largest annual events. That experience strengthened his appreciation for the local community. He also served at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, assisting with food sorting and packaging during the Thanksgiving period, and contributed to preparing the youth library for future programming with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Spring 2025.
On campus, Daniil has been heavily involved in student media and cultural organizations. As an aspiring filmmaker, he was involved in 17 short and feature film productions so far, assuming different positions, from Director or Producer to Grip, Assistant Camera, Actor, Editor, etc., allowing himself to explore different roles on film sets and engage in collaborative work with many other talented creatives. He also worked as a camera operator for ICTV’s Newswatch and later as a Sound Production Assistant and Writer for After Hours, developing hands-on production skills that enriched his understanding of studio work. He remains an member of New York Film & Television Student Alliance, where he meets industry professionals, participates in workshops, and was selected for the Alliance’s annual New York City trip, a recognition of his engagement and dedication.
As a co-founder and treasurer of Ithaca College’s Slavic Club, Daniil plays an essential role in fostering community for Slavic students and promoting cultural unity. His work centers on securing funding, budgeting, and assisting in organizing events, which helps create meaningful spaces where students can connect through shared heritage
What does it mean to be an IAP Scholar?
Being an IAP Scholar means having a community of students that believe in and support each others’ potential. Concise program requirements, such as SLIs, community involvement, engagement with fellow scholars, and retreats are effective reminders that we are all responsible for using my opportunities to create support, belonging, and positive change for those around.
