ASU alumnus Ian Danley received an award last week from the White House honoring him as a “Champion of Change.”
The Champions of Change program honors everyday citizens making a difference in their community and invites them to the White House to share their ideas for the future. Danley received the award for his efforts regarding immigration reform.
However, he was unable to attend the award ceremony due to a recent diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that spreads from one lymph node group to another. Regardless of the diagnosis, Danley said it was the greatest week of his life.
“My whole life changed in one week,” Danley said.
College of Public Programs Dean Jonathan Koppell said their programs are about promoting public service and giving students the experience and tools to make a difference. Koppell said Danley is the epitome of what the school stands for.
“He is passionate and committed to his community,” Koppell said of Danley.
With a master’s degree in public administration from the College of Public Programs, Danley has spent the past 10 years involved in immigration reform, specifically the youth, workers and families that deal with the challenges of immigration.
Danley is on the governing board of the Phoenix Union High School District and serves as a board member for Promise Arizona, an organization dedicated to equal opportunity among all Arizona residents.
Some of his other political activities include directing his own leadership programs for youth at Neighborhood Ministries, a local church and mobilizing members of his community to support immigration reform.
“Immigration reform has to include a fair and accessible road map to citizenship for the millions of aspiring Americans,” Danley said.
He said he felt appreciated and humbled to receive the award from the White House, including a letter signed by President Barack Obama. He was very thankful to be recognized for his work. Although Danley is proud to accept the award on behalf of the community, he feels he is just one leader among many.
Fifteen-year-old Francisco Bustamante, a youth leader personally affected by immigration reform, said this motivated him to get involved with Danley’s efforts through a leadership class at his church.
“It has been a real journey and he deserves it!”
In the hopes that immigration reform passes this summer, Bustamante has been working side-by-side with Danley to go out into the community and gain support through petitions. He said their goal is to make change for undocumented people.
Danley is confident this is going to be a historic year for immigration reform. He said he will stop at nothing and cancer is not going to hold him back, either.
Contact the reporter at cwadzita@asu.edu
