Tensaye Zemene ’26
Psychology Major, Interdisciplinary Minor
At St. John Fisher University, Tensaye Zemene, has discovered her purpose and is proving what is possible with the right support. In just two years, she will complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in interdisciplinary studies, a major accomplishment made possible by careful planning and strong guidance from her professors and advisors.
As a first-generation student, Tensaye arrived at Fisher unsure of her path but found a supportive environment that helped her thrive. She fondly recalls a mindfulness and philosophy class where students could openly discuss their feelings—a moment that showed her Fisher’s commitment to personal well-being. She also found that her courses helped her better understand people, sparking a growing interest in advocacy and service.
Outside the classroom, Tensaye has connected with other students by joining the Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, and Latin Student Union. These communities helped her step outside of her comfort zone and form lasting friendships. She also enjoys the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center, appreciating that it remains available during the summer and after graduation.
Tensaye credits scholarship support with making her education possible. “I’m very grateful because I don’t think I could attend Fisher without this support,” she said. “It’s something I’m very proud of and thankful for."
Looking ahead, Tensaye plans to attend law school with a focus on family law. “Fisher gave me the mindset that I can accomplish anything I want if I put my mind to it.”
Dallas O'Keefe ’27
Marketing Major
For Dallas O’Keefe, St. John Fisher University is more than a place to earn a degree—it is where she is learning to lead, give back, and shape her future. A marketing major in the School of Business, Dallas was drawn to Fisher for its hands-on approach to learning and its strong sense of community.
“I’ve always loved creativity and business, and marketing is the perfect mix of both for me,” she said. In one of her favorite classes, she helped design an interactive escape room to apply course concepts through a team-based challenge. “It really pushed us to collaborate and think creatively.”
Dallas is president of the Student Gaming Club and ESports Teams and is taking the initiative to launch two new student organizations: Video Game Night Club and We Can Make a Difference, a charitable group focused on spreading kindness through small acts of service. She also volunteers at School of Business events, works in Admissions, and works at the front desk in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center. “I love helping others. Any way that I can help people, I try to do it,” she said. “Fisher gives me opportunities to be a kind person who lifts others up.”
She appreciates scholarship support for her Fisher education. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so grateful,” she said. “The School of Business is amazing. It’s beautiful, and I’m so thankful for an incredible building to learn in.”
Dallas plans to take all that she has learned and use her marketing skills, with hopes of eventually owning her own business after graduation. One of her favorite quotes is, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire,” by St. Catherine of Siena. Those words remind her of what Fisher represents for her: Fisher is a place where she is becoming the person that she’s meant to be with the support of Fisher, donors, the Fisher community, and her family.
Jason Weng ’26
Accounting and Finance Double Major
Jason Weng is studying accounting and finance at Fisher and is a First-Generation Scholar.
As a residence hall assistant, student-athlete on the track and field team, and vice president of the Asian Student Union, Weng is very involved on campus. He also works off-campus and has been able to complete two internships with local accounting firms. Thanks to the First-Generation Scholarship, he is able to juggle all of these responsibilities and truly immerse himself in the Fisher experience and in the Rochester community.
“Volunteering with Action for a Better Community as a tutor for adults in GED math has been one of my favorite experiences. It’s rewarding to give back to the community. I have also volunteered for local non-profits and initiatives such as G2 Please Play and Encompass, and have seen firsthand how students can contribute to the community around them,” Weng said.
After graduation, he plans to pursue his master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. to have the opportunity to teach at an institution of higher education crediting his Fisher professors with inspiring him to do so. “My professors have had such a strong impact on me, and I want to be able to do the same for others someday,” he said.
Jessica Carone ’25
English and Legal Studies Double Major
Jessica Carone has always been interested in law, and English has been one of her favorite subjects. With the two fields complementing each other, particularly analytical reasoning and writing, following this path as an undergraduate student has been a rewarding experience for Carone.
A scholarship recipient, she is actively involved in clubs and organizations on campus and sits on the executive board for three of those clubs. “Being involved in these organizations has helped me connect with more students and shape events that strengthen our campus community,” she said.
She credits her scholarship assistance for the experiences she and her peers have had, and she acknowledges that Fisher’s growth, in particular from a college to a university, has happened in part because of the sustainable support from donors.
After Fisher, Carone has her sights set on law school.
“My time at Fisher has given me a strong foundation in legal studies, and my professors have been incredible mentors. Being involved in so many campus activities has also helped me grow and develop the interpersonal skills I’ll need as a future lawyer.”