Image: Andrew Samwick (far left) pictured with Martha Putallaz, former Executive Director of Duke TIP, and David Shaywitz, another Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented youth.  This past May, Duke TIP recognized Dr. Andrew Samwick as an alumnus of the program with a Distinguished Alumni Award at its Grand Recognition Ceremony for his leading research on economic policy, his commitment to education, and his public service.

We invite you to watch this short video featuring Samwick, now a professor of economics and director of The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Public Policy at Dartmouth College, about his life-changing experience at Duke TIP.

Dr. Andrew Samwick, Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient from Duke TIP on Vimeo.

Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential.  Samwick remembers always feeling welcome, special, and inspired during his time at Duke TIP.  “Something I learned at TIP is that a great educational experience consists of a home with mentors and peers,” he recalls.

The program’s profound impact on Samwick as a youngster also inspired his brother, Matthew Samwick ’88, to consider applying to Duke:

“It was odd that my little brother made it to college before me, but that speaks to the caliber of a Duke TIP student.   Andrew’s whole experience wound up changing my life,” Matthew Samwick reflected.  “I was in awe of Duke as a place and my little brother’s positive experience at Duke TIP helped form the basis of my wanting to become a Duke graduate,” he said.  “As an undergraduate student, I experienced the influential interactions and education learning environment my brother had spoken so highly of after attending Duke TIP.  Today, Andrew continues to support the TIP program by gifting to the program and my connection to, and support of, Duke will last beyond my lifetime.”

Duke TIP has become a global leader in gifted and talented education thanks to the generosity of donors like you.  Planned gifts can support everything from student programs to financial aid, and will continue to prepare our future leaders and educators for generations to come.

To learn more about supporting Duke TIP through a planned gift, please contact a member of our team.

About the author

Jeremy Arkin

jeremy.arkin@duke.edu

With more than 15 years of experience in gift planning and development, Jeremy helps alumni find ways to support Duke that complement their larger personal and financial goals. He understands the ins and outs of giving techniques that involve tax, retirement and estate planning. He also develops strategies for donating complex assets such as real estate and private business interests. When he’s not at work, Jeremy attempts to channel Ron Carter and Ray Brown while playing his double bass.