Upon the first anniversary of our loss of Timothy Jaehyuk Han YC’23, an exceptional leader, committed to our mission, and beloved by all, the Optimates Society 501(c)(3) in New Haven, Connecticut, has established the Timothy Jaehyuk Han Memorial Fund.

Beyond being an intellectual force within the Conservative Party (CP) at Yale, Tim was foremost a fiercely kind friend. His friends now seek to honor him with a fund in his name, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the organization that gifted us with Tim’s company.

Gifts to the Timothy Jaehyuk Han Memorial Fund can be given in Tim’s honor ahead of (and after) the 2025 Alumni Debate and Banquet, held on April 4th and 5th. Donations can be received through a Timothy Jaehyuk Han Memorial Fund PayPal campaign link, accounted for separately from the general Optimates Society income.

Funds collected under the memorial fund will be managed at the discretion of the Executive Board of the Optimates Society in consultation with those who knew Tim best, so that funds be disbursed in such a way that honors the character and qualities of a dear friend. Any outlay of funds must be approved by the Board or by Board-delegated volunteers under the Board’s oversight, with an annual statement on fund disbursement.

The first purchase with the Memorial Fund will be a bench in Tim’s memory, situated in the garden of 34 Lynwood Place, New Haven, CT, providing a quiet and contemplative space.

Our goal is to begin fund collection ahead of the Alumni Banquet and to host a memorial for Tim, including an unveiling of the bench, at 4pm on Saturday, April 5th.