Coming from the small rural town of Hart, Michigan, Rigoberto ‘Rigo’ Rangel, a Kessler Scholar and 2025 University of Michigan graduate, experienced culture shock upon arriving in Ann Arbor for college. The bustling college town differed significantly from his agricultural hometown, but he quickly found his footing through the Kessler Scholars Program and established a solid foundation at the university.

“Being first-gen is somewhat of a struggle,” Rigo shared. “Coming to campus, not knowing how to navigate through the university, the lifestyle, and the system. It’s hard, and having a support group and peers who share the same struggles – helping each other navigate these problems or difficulties – is very meaningful. More than anything, I’ve relied on Kessler Scholars, particularly in those first couple of years, as a support group.”

“More than anything, I’ve relied on Kessler Scholars, particularly in those first couple of years, as a support group.”

– Rigo Rangel

Guided by his connection within the Kessler Scholars Program, Rigo was motivated to engage on campus by mentoring first-year business majors and joining an organization for Latinx students. He also formed a band called “Doble A,” which translates to “double A” or “A squared,” a common nickname for Ann Arbor, focusing on regional Mexican music.

“You start meeting new communities and joining new organizations and becoming more involved in the university in other ways,” Rigo said. “But I can say that the Kessler Scholars Program was my first gateway into really finding a foundation here at the university.”

Rigo credits the Kessler Scholars Program for offering distinctive workshops that helped him pursue a range of experiential learning activities. As a result, he completed two summer internships, securing professional experience as a credit analyst at a small community bank in his hometown and in internal auditing and compliance through the University of Michigan Credit Union.

Rigo Rangel with fellow Kessler Scholars from the University of Michigan.

“I think the Kessler Scholars Program offered me that initial boost at the university, which allowed me to do a lot of these things. More than anything, the network contributed to my success,” Rigo said.

As Rigo nears graduation, he will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, to start a full-time role with Bank of America. Eventually, he hopes to earn a master’s degree in business administration.

“Finding even more stability within myself and my personal life is important,” he said. “I want to build generational wealth for myself and my family, and hopefully someday have my own business.”