Where will St. Mike’s 2026 seniors go next? Spotlight on Benjamin Riggs ’26

Benjamin Riggs ’26 (Photo courtesy of Benjamin Riggs)

As Benjamin Riggs prepares to graduate from Saint Michael’s College in May, he is also getting ready for a significant relocation across the country. 

The Plainville, Massachusetts, native will soon be moving from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the picturesque landscapes of Big Sky, Montana. 

A Business Administration major with minors in Finance and Economics, Riggs will begin his career in property management and real estate once he’s settled out west. 

At Saint Michael’s, Riggs balanced his academic course load with being a member of the varsity men’s lacrosse team. In a Q&A interview, Riggs spoke about the lessons he learned at Saint Michael’s and how he plans to use his undergraduate experience to help shape his professional career.  

The following Q&A interview has been lightly edited for style and clarity. 

Saint Michael’s College: What are your career/education plans after graduating from Saint Michael’s College?  

Benjamin Riggs: After graduating from Saint Michael’s College, I will be moving to Big Sky, Montana, where I have accepted a position as an Assistant Property Manager at the Yellowstone Club. 

SMC: How did Saint Michael’s College support you to get to this point?

BR: Saint Michael’s played a major role in preparing me for this opportunity, especially through my experience as a student-athlete on the men’s lacrosse team. Balancing academics and athletics pushed me to develop strong time management skills, discipline, and resilience. One of the most impactful aspects of that experience was learning how to lead and communicate effectively within a team, particularly in high-pressure situations — skills that I know will translate directly into my professional career.

SMC: What will you take with you into post-grad life from your education at Saint Michael’s? 

BR: What I will take with me most from Saint Michael’s are the relationships I built along the way. My teammates, coaches, professors, and peers have all had a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally. These relationships helped shape my values, work ethic, and perspective, and they will continue to influence me long after graduation.

SMC: What are you most looking forward to after graduation?  

BR: I am most looking forward to starting this next chapter in Montana and fully immersing myself in a new environment. I’m excited not only about the role itself, but also about the opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge myself in a completely new setting.

SMC: Do you have a career/education goal for the next five years?

BR: Over the next five years, my goal is to develop a strong foundation in property management and real estate, gaining as much practical experience as possible.