Countdown to Commencement 2025: Kessan VanGronigen

Kessan VanGronigen, a media and communication major, is this week's featured student in the “Countdown to Commencement” series. She was nominated by Jeremy Sarachan, an associate professor in media and communication.

Fisher has opened many doors for VanGronigen. She credits the video and storytelling course she took with Dr. Todd Sodano for helping her find her true passion, documentary filmmaking. She said this passion derives from her personal interest in having more creative freedom to help people tell their personal story. Putting this passion into practice, she worked with two artists in the Rochester area to collaborate and produce their own documentary titled, “Urban Alchemy.”

VanGronigen is very involved on campus and has worked extensively with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Cardinal Courier, and with the international organization, JASY. In his nomination, Sarachan emphasized that she was instrumental in planning the annual Spirit of Identity Week. He noted, “She is engaged, passionate, and charismatic in class, and she is passionate about making the world a better place.”

VanGronigen’s time at Fisher is a testament to her love and passion for learning and growing.

“I wanted to make my college experience the best that I could make it, and I believe getting involved on campus while devoting my time to anything I truly found interest in was the best way to do so. Whether that involves volunteering somewhere or doing something simple that they need,” she said.