This webpage is a celebration of the life of Dr. Sue-Je
Gage. Here, we hope that those who were fortunate enough to have known her can
share in their memories, thoughts, stories, and expressions of condolence. This page lets you leave a tribute message, but there are many other ways to share by using the Life, Gallery, and Stories, tabs. Please fill this site with your memories of Sue-Je.
Sue-Je was an Associate Professor of Anthropology at
Ithaca College, and was an invaluable part of the academic community whose
approach to her work was deeply rooted in a commitment to our shared humanity.
She was one of the warmest, most thoughtful, and conscientious professors and
individuals that any of us has known. Those fortunate to have had the pleasure
of participating in her classes or working with her in any other capacity are
aware that she dedicated so much of herself to her students. Her door was
always open and she cared very deeply about them and their success.
Sue-Je also cared deeply about her colleagues within her
department and the greater Ithaca College community. She was kind, thoughtful,
and funny, and always offered a helping hand when needed. She was a valued friend
and colleague that will be sincerely missed. In addition to teaching in the
Department of Anthropology, Sue-Je served as Faculty Advocate and was an
affiliated faculty member in the Center for the Study of Culture, Race, and
Ethnicity and in the Women’s and Gender Studies program. Her research focused
on identity and race, and more specifically on belonging and citizenship and
the dimensions of state power in defining its citizenry. As the first ever Faculty
Advocate at Ithaca College, she embodied all that the College had intended with
the creation of the position; she was an approachable and neutral listener, an
insightful counselor and diligent fact-finder for faculty members, and offered
thoughtful guidance to chairs, deans, and the provost in addressing individual
and collective faculty concerns.
We hope that this site provides an opportunity for those
of you that knew Sue-Je, in whatever capacity, to share in your thoughts and
expressions of condolence, but also to celebrate and remember Sue-Je’s life.
Please feel free to share images, stories, videos, or anything else that makes
you think of the wonderful person that Sue-Je was and the incredible life that
she lived. We know that as her colleagues and students, we will find therapy here, and we
know that Sue-Je’s daughter, sister, and mother will appreciate seeing how many
people she touched through her kindness.