Transfer Students Find Their Place on Campus

You could say that Donavan Ruther ’20 has always envisioned himself at St. John Fisher College. Both his aunt and his brother are Fisher graduates; so when he finished his associate’s degree at Monroe Community College, it was easy to see himself on campus.

You could say that Donavan Ruther ’20 has always envisioned himself at St. John Fisher College. Both his aunt and his brother are Fisher graduates; so when he finished his associate’s degree at Monroe Community College, it was easy to see himself on campus.

When he arrived at Fisher, he said he found a peaceful, easygoing environment, where everyone—from professors to students—help each other. “Fisher is inspiring, because the professors here push you to expand your horizons in a specific field of work,” he explained.

A media and communication major, Ruther is involved with Cardinal TV, serving as on-air talent for "Fisher News Brief” and “For Your Entertainment.”

“These were beneficial for me, as doing these shows for CTV helped give me more experience in the television industry,” Ruther said. “Being involved in Cardinal Television was the most memorable activity I have done at Fisher. This honestly changed my perspective in a positive and strong way, ethically.”

The Rochester, New York native also had an up-close look at video production as a featured student in the College’s new advertising campaign, “See Yourself at Fisher.” (You can see Ruther at the :23 mark.)

A member of the Dean’s List, Ruther said he is receiving a top-notch education. “Fisher has given me the confidence to know that I can succeed in my chosen field after graduation,” he said.

Sophie Shemirani ’20 said it didn’t take long to adjust to the new environment at Fisher. She transferred to the College from a university in California, and was happy to find a place close to her family in Pittsford, New York, that offered a small campus with a breadth of academic opportunities.

“Fisher is a very close community of students and staff, one that you won’t experience at many other schools,” she explained. “The professors, advisors, and peers are all willing to help you feel more comfortable. As soon as I started classes, I knew I belonged here. Everyone knows someone that has graduated from Fisher, and if you ask any of those alumni, I bet they will tell you how much they loved their experience.”

A psychology major with a minor in biology, Shemirani hopes to pursue a career in the medical field. She said the alumni connections, hands-on experiences, and fieldwork are all stepping-stones to achieving her professional goals.

And, she’s ready to have a bit of fun on campus, too, and plans to participate in the Teddi Dance for Love next year.

“Fisher students all share similar values, motivations, and goals for our futures and campus is such a comfortable, dedicated, and motivating place to learn and grow,” she said. “Transferring was one of the best decisions I made for myself.”