Thión Lee

Thión Lee’s interest in working in student activities was inspired by his own experience as an undergraduate at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, where he served as president of the student event planning board and as a member of the college’s major events committee. 

He joined Russell Sage College as assistant director of student activities in August 2024, and now collaborates with student leaders, the Student Life team, and colleagues across the college to plan lively and diverse activities. 

Learn more about him in the following Q&A.

How did your experience as a college student inspire your interest in a career in higher education and student life? 

The higher education experience in most individuals’ lives is temporary and once they are done with it, they are off to the next chapter in their lives. So, I have always believed it important to make those years as memorable for students as much as possible and I have found no better way of doing that than through engaging them in their campus life! 

From planning self-care events to full-scale, week-long festivals, I have seen the joy radiating off students’ faces when they are making fun memories. That has propelled me to continue my work, assisting students with having unforgettable times on their campus!

Tell us more about your work at Russell Sage! What are some highlights?

In my short time being a part of the Sage community, I have really appreciated and admired the energy from the students to want to engage with me in making sure their experience on campus is fun, engaging, and inclusive of everyone.

As someone relatively new to the Troy and Albany areas, what local spots are you excited to visit (or what local spots have already become favorites)?

As a huge foodie, I enjoy the taste of new foods and flavors that I can then explore with my own personal cooking! 

A few places on my list that fellow staff and students have shared with me to try are Moliendo Cafe, Aria Kabab, Mazadar Mediterranean Kitchen, and the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market!

What is your advice for students, about making the most of college life?

Don’t rush to adulthood! It may appear to be very glamorous from the outside and provoke you to want to get to it as soon as possible but I encourage all students to enjoy the college life as much as they can. Take advantage of opportunities and engage with other students. 

YOLO, or You Only Live Once! Not only are your college years short, but we only have so many years on this earth to enjoy our life and we should be living each moment with happiness, enjoying what we are doing and continuing that for as long as we physically and mentally are able to.

What interests do you have outside of work?

As aforementioned, I enjoy food significantly so I am always exploring new dishes to make from various cuisines around the world and incorporating my own flavor into them. And I can’t forget my dog that I enjoy taking on adventurous walks that also helps me explore new areas and local spots that I am still familiarizing myself with. Lastly, the sports side of me enjoys football and football — or soccer as they say — whenever I can catch a match to watch. Go New Orleans Saints and Real Madrid!