Meet First-Year Students

Why choose Fisher? Learn about the Fisher experience from those who have most recently become members of the Fisher community.

First-year students are happy to share their personal stories detailing how they came to Fisher, what they like best about life on campus, and why they think you, too, should choose Fisher.

Mariangelis Gonzalez '23

First-Generation Scholar

Mariangelis Gonzalez

Mariangelis Gonzalez

Rochester native Mariangelis Gonzalez is an active member of the campus community and feels “thankful” to be a part of the First-Generation Scholarship Program. The School of the Arts graduate is exploring Fisher’s biology, Spanish, and political science programs.

Outside of the classroom, Gonzalez is a member of the Student Government Association, Fisher CRU, the Latino Student Union, Pre-Health Club, and Political Action Club. She is also an active volunteer at the American Red Cross and her church.

Gonzalez says that the First-Generation Scholarship Program provides opportunities to develop as a leader and be a part of something larger than herself. In her first semester at Fisher, she has already met “amazing people,” and feels supported by the Fisher and “First Gen Family.”


Maria Covelli '22

Financial Analyst at Moog, Inc.

Maria Covelli

Maria Covelli

Maria Covelli has carried many lessons from her time at Fisher to her current role as a financial analyst at Moog, Inc. She chose to study mathematics at Fisher because she felt this study area involved many aspects of life. “I use my passion for mathematics to help the company continue to grow,” she explained.

Covelli credits her undergraduate studies for her current success in her professional career. “The mathematics department at Fisher taught me how to marry my creativity and logical thinking to overcome mathematical challenges.” She also believes Fisher prepared her as a problem solver. “Every class is an opportunity to think critically, communicate unique ideas, and express creativity.” 

Now, Covelli recommends a Fisher education because of the sense of preparation she felt as she stepped into her professional role. “I would absolutely recommend the Fisher mathematics program to others. The department’s goal is to help you succeed and support you through your college career. I feel they did exactly that, and I am proud to say I was a part of their program.”


Riley Rease

Finance Major

Riley Rease

Riley Rease

As a member of the men's soccer team, Riley Rease has been quite busy during his time on campus. While he found Fisher through his soccer, his visit to campus sealed the deal.

He hopes to become involved in the business clubs at Fisher, perhaps one day serving in a leadership position in those clubs. He also plans to provide service to the surrounding community to help kids who may be struggling; he says he was once there and would like to give others a helping hand.

When asked whether he would recommend Fisher to others, his answer is unequivocally “yes.”


Sophia Sportelli

Service Scholar and Inclusive Childhood Education and Biology Double Major

Sophia Sportelli

Sophia Sportelli

When Sophia Sportelli first toured Fisher, she noticed the welcoming community, and she said she liked the idea of a smaller school so she could build relationships with her professors. And that’s exactly what she has done!

As a Service Scholar, she made immediate friends and connections with the faculty, whom she also said are always available to help. For her, Fisher “feels just like home and the community is absolutely amazing.”