UM-Flint's Fuentes charts her own course to a Maize & Blue award

Hannah Fuentes spent years trying to finish a college degree. This spring, she's graduating from the University of Michigan-Flint as a Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar — the institution's highest academic honor for undergraduates — with a degree in anthropology, minors in business and historic preservation, and certificates in geographic information systems and humanistic inquiry.

"My path hasn't been linear," Fuentes said, "but I've been saying yes to opportunities and following my interests, and somehow it's all come together."

Fuentes' selection of UM-Flint was driven primarily by practicality —  the university is close to her hometown of Chesaning. "With young children at home, I had to think about my commute and the Michigan weather," she said. "I worried about leaving class and not being able to pick up my kids on time. But I also wanted to invest locally."

She started at UM-Flint as a business major, but the fit was never right. "I found myself breaking down with every new semester," she said. "I realized I had spent my entire adult life worrying about getting a 'good job' and contributing, and I'd never thought about studying something that truly interested me."

After a frank conversation with her husband, she started over. Browsing the course catalog, she landed on anthropology.

"I'd be lying if I said Indiana Jones had nothing to do with that decision," Fuentes said. "The classes were fascinating, so I changed majors." It was then that she noticed GIS paired well with anthropology and, having always loved maps, decided to add the certificate. A fellow student's mention of a cemetery internship piqued her interest. "I figured, why not try it out? And I loved it so much, I added a minor in historic preservation."

That instinct to say "yes" defined her academically and professionally. Undergraduate research with Greg Rybarczyk, an associate professor of geography, through the university's Undergraduate Research Opportunity program, proved to be a turning point. It eventually led to an internship at The Henry Ford Museum in 2024, which grew into her current full-time role as a GIS analyst on the museum's business intelligence team.

"My UROP work with Professor Rybarczyk is what helped open the door when I applied, because it gave me real, technical experience," Fuentes said. "It also helped me to see how GIS could be used in the real world for helping people."

She also credits the faculty who shaped her thinking along the way. "While Professor Rybarczyk offered me my first UROP opportunity, which helped me see how my academic work could have a real-world impact, Thomas Henthorn brought history to life through immersive, hands-on learning experiences throughout Flint. And in anthropology, Jennifer Alvey and Daniel Birchok provided mentorship and opportunities by encouraging my involvement in research and working to ensure all their students have the access and support they need to thrive."

Balancing coursework, a career, and raising a family meant leaning heavily on the people around her — and on the institution itself. 

"I've continuously witnessed moments which demonstrate how faculty see their students as individuals, not just enrollment numbers," she said. "They make space for us, support us, and truly care about our success."

When her youngest son's school closed unexpectedly, she had to choose between missing class and bringing him along.

"I felt so scared walking in, wondering what everyone would think," said Fuentes. "But the students and staff were all welcoming, and my son loved the experience. That moment really exemplified how faculty go above and beyond to remove barriers and support students. It's something I'll never forget."

Looking ahead, Fuentes is considering graduate school, guided by the same principle that has driven her throughout.

"From the beginning, my goal has been simple: I want to help people," she said. "I've always been fascinated by people, and I've never found myself in a role that I couldn't enjoy to some extent."

As for being named a Maize and Blue Scholar, Fuentes is still processing the honor. "I think it symbolizes the future, opening doors for graduate studies and continued growth," she said. "It also speaks to the incredible school everyone has created here. I had tried countless times to engage and finish my degree elsewhere, but it wasn't until I came here that I found the environment I needed to succeed."