First-Generation American and Harvard-Westlake Alum Pays It Forward

Danny Seo and his wife

Twenty-five years after Danny Seo ’96 graduated from Harvard-Westlake School, it remains an integral part of his life. He’s a past president of the Alumni Board and currently serves on the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Alumni Advisory Council.

Danny has friends and a professional network spanning several decades of Harvard-Westlake alumni. An early boss of his was a graduate in the Harvard School class of 1970. The emcee of his wedding rehearsal dinner was an alum who graduated from the school 12 years before him, and a speaker at his wedding graduated eight years after him. Today, Danny serves as a mentor to alumni 20 years younger than him.

“The school has given me relationships decades ahead of and behind me, based on our common experiences and values,” Danny says. “I always knew HW would be a big part of my life, but I didn’t know it would be this enriching.

“My time at HW was the most incredible and diverse experience of my life,” he continues. “Everyone respected each other, and it was all about doing well. It was cool to do well.”

A first-generation American, Danny considers education “the great equalizer.” He believes in paying his success forward and has included Harvard-Westlake in his will.

Danny Seo and his wife

“My HW education propelled me into my success and ability to give back,” Danny says. “Giving to HW makes me feel grateful and extremely proud. I go to the school events and see the kids we put out into the world, these future leaders and doers, some of whom wouldn’t be able to go to HW without our help. When I donate money, I want to know it’s being well spent. At HW I can see it just by looking at the kids. It’s the best use of money there is.

“I support the institutions that have given me the most, to which I owe the most. For me that’s Harvard-Westlake.”

Support What Matters Most to You

For Harvard-Westlake to remain a transformational educational experience for every student, the school relies on financial contributions of all sizes from our entire community, including alumni. To learn about your future giving options, contact Kate Villasenor at 818.487.6622 or kvillasenor@hw.com.