Countdown to Commencement: Gianna Giglio

This week’s soon-to-be graduate featured in the “Countdown to Commencement” series is Gianna Giglio, a media and communication major. Giglio is the first nominee in the history of the series to be nominated by four members of the faculty and staff.

Her nominators included Media and Communication Department Chair Jeremy Sarachan; Dr. Michelle Laura Flood, visiting assistant professor of media and communication; Dr. Todd Sodano, associate professor of media and communication; and Tiffany Nicholas, assistant director in the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.

Giglio has fit a lot into her time at Fisher as a member of the Fisher Dance Team and as vice president of Fisher’s chapter for Best Buddies, a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Last fall, she was a nominee for the Champion of the Year Award through the Western New York Chapter of Best Buddies International.

“Gianna has left an indelible impact on this community through her commitments to learning, service, and community-building. Not only has she been a stellar student, but she has also endeavored to put so much good into the Fisher community. Her natural leadership skills and investment into campus demonstrate how much she cares about the community,” said Flood. “I will remember how much she truly cares about Fisher's culture and the wellbeing of the people here on this campus.”

Giglio was also very involved in the Media and Communication Department, diving into the role of Cardinal Television manager for three of her four years.

“She has very successfully run Cardinal TV and has raised the level of the classes in which I’ve taught her,” said Sarachan.

Sodano agreed in his nomination. “Everywhere Gianna goes, she becomes a leader, brings out the best in the people around her, and makes us all smile. Gianna makes my job so much easier – she’s a pleasure to work with, works hard, never complains, wants to see the world, and take in as many experiences as she can.”

Nicholas first met Giglio when the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership was interviewing for Orientation Leaders, a position filled by Giglio. In her nomination, Nicholas called Giglio “a wonderful gift” to the Fisher campus. 

“Her dedication to her schoolwork and programs is evident in the work she does through projects and with Cardinal TV, and her passion for her clubs is clear anytime she talks about them. She’s well-liked among her peers and her kindness and compassion spreads far,” said Nicholas.

An impactful senior, Giglio, who also managed to fit the role of mascot on her résumé in her senior year, said that Fisher has also impacted her in many ways.

“I definitely have grown up here. Making friends, joining clubs, and being involved has matured me and made me grow up to who I am today,” she said. “Anything that I’m involved in I give a 110% effort, and I feel that I can make a difference, so I will do everything I can to make a difference.”