Student Spotlight: Hannah Bennett ’26

The Student Spotlight Series is a new feature to highlight Saint Michael’s students’ lives in all corners of campus. Students’ answers have been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Hannah Bennett ’26, from Bedford, New Hampshire, is majoring in Digital Media and Communications and minoring in Religious Studies.  

What brought you to Saint Michael’s College?  

Saint Michael’s College is a second home for many students and the moment I stepped onto campus I could feel that. I

Hannah Bennett ’26

wanted a place where everyone wanted to contribute to enriching the community. I also understood that, for me to succeed academically, I would need to be in a smaller school where the class size was smaller. This would provide more time with professors and opportunities for them to challenge me. When applying to different universities, I always went on tours with my parents. Every time I would ask questions, and I befriended some of my former tour guides whom I still talk to today. I came and toured three times when I was accepted at Saint Michael’s. My first tour guide was so honest throughout his tour. He wanted to know what the other prospective student and I wanted to know and tailored the tour to us. He answered all the questions we had with poise and tried to be as engaging as he could. I knew that I wanted to make Saint Michael’s College my future home after that tour. The feeling I had during the tour and the interactions between him and almost everyone on campus was incredible!  

Where do people see you on campus? (What are you involved in? How do you spend your time?)   

Students can find me all over campus! I work in the office of Student Life a few days a week, where I am an office assistant. I am also a tour guide so you can see me giving tours to prospective students and helping with admitted students days! Currently, I can also be found conducting interviews around campus as I am taking Reporting for Media (DMC-205) where I write for the student newspaper: The Defender, as well as local publications.   

What is your favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s?  

The professors are incredible, so experienced in their fields, and willing to share their expertise with all of their students. They also provide opportunities for their students that you couldn’t find at other institutions. The French Department, headed by Peter Vantine, the Center for Global Engagement headed by Jeffrey Ayres, and Study Abroad headed by Peggy Imai, offered me a scholarship this summer to study and intern in Paris, France. Three other students and I were lucky enough to be recipients of this amazing opportunity to live, work, and take classes fully funded by this program. 

What is your favorite thing to do on campus?  

I love to spend time with my friends studying on the second floor of the Durick Library, in front of the large window. It has the best views on campus! 

How are you hoping your St. Mike’s education will prepare you for the future? (Do you have after-graduation plans?)  

My St. Mike’s education will allow me to have a true liberal arts perspective with global insight and the tools to help me succeed in the future. My education will also help me to do well and do good in my community and help me to enrich my future communities. After graduation, I plan to work within the digital media and marketing world on the management side. I find immense joy in helping brands showcase their products and creating experiences to make others fall in love with them, just as I do.