Arianna Ridderbusch is helping to blaze a trail at ComArtSci long after she last walked across its stage. The two-time alumna (B.A. 2017, M.A. 2020) currently serves as Vice President of Community Impact at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. There, she leads initiatives that showcase her company’s core values through corporate philanthropy. Ridderbusch says a key part of that goal is helping the on-campus community. Below, is an adapted graduate voice about Ridderbusch's impact on current students.

 

“We’re able to support (students) in a variety of ways,” said Arianna Ridderbusch, of her position at MSUFCU. “That includes scholarships, mentorships and partnerships with every college, athletics, and alumni. For me, as a ComArtSci graduate, I also enjoy participating in a variety of programs. It’s just been such a rewarding experience to return to the college and be able to give back through an amazing organization.”  

MSUFCU is a supporter of Ignite the Future, a ComArtSci initiative empowering first-generation college students and those from historically marginalized backgrounds. At its core is a mentorship program that guides students from the end of their high school years to the start of their post-college career. Ridderbusch is one of those mentors. 

“Last year was super exciting,” she said. “We invited our marketing and community impact teams to have a networking day. We did some speed rounds to allow students to meet professionals in the field. It’s such a pleasure to be able to figure out how can we support these first-year, first-generation students.” 

MSUFCU also donated laptops to ITF students. This year, MSUFCU led the renovation of the former MSU Dairy Store in the Student Union, transforming it into a marketplace and social gathering spot called “In Good Taste.” MSUFCU has invited Ignite the Future students to create a mural that will stand in the new space. 

Through MSUFCU, Ridderbusch is also working with the Games and Entertainment Lab to create a virtual reality game that helps players build financial literacy skills. 

“Getting to leverage student talent to share (the game) with our whole membership is really exciting,” she said. 

Ridderbusch will soon begin her second year as an Ignite the Future mentor. Her first experience has already reaped its rewards. She says the best part is helping students celebrate the successes along their journey. 

“My former mentee was looking at internships and where she wanted to go, and we were able to chat about how there's different steps you can take that will get you there, and that it’s not always this linear line,” Ridderbusch said. “She was able to secure an internship with Consumers Energy. I don't remember the last time I've been that excited than when I got her message that she got the job.”