Jae Hong

Since day one at Dartmouth, Jae has sought to change the narrative around people of color in the outdoors, working tirelessly to make the outdoors accessible to people of all backgrounds and experiences. Since joining the sustainability community through “Sugar Crew,” Jae has risen as a leader, holding us accountable to creating accessible and inclusive programs both on and off the Dartmouth Organic Farm. Jae has also contributed greatly in the Dartmouth Outdoor Club (DOC), founding the “People of Color Outdoors” club, acting as a leader in that and several other DOC clubs, and providing key guidance while serving on the DOC Directorate.

We have been inspired by Jae’s positivity, empathy, and fierce commitment to making Dartmouth a better place for PoC. Jae’s work through the Sustainability Office, the DOC, and many more organizations and programs has created impactful change at Dartmouth not only for the many students Jae mentored, encouraged, listened to, and validated, but also at an institutional level through the changes they pushed for that will make this a better place for future generations of Dartmouth students.

Jae, I am so thankful to have been able to work with you over the past four years. I have learned so much from you (not the least of which is how to use emojis like a normal human!). Your continued hard work and your deep care for this community have not gone unnoticed. You show up for others in ways both small and large – picking up the slack for a team, checking in with peers who need support, creating and defending space for unheard voices, cooking meals for your community, and being a much-needed ray of sunshine in people’s lives. Your legacy will surely be felt at Dartmouth for a long time to come and we are deeply honored to present you with this Legacy Award.