Meet the Next Wave of Scholars: Mike Hannigan
Over the course of eight weeks we are introducing “the next wave” – a group of Scholars who embody the potential that can be realized when talent meets opportunity. In them, we see a brighter future for us all.
Meet Mike Hannigan, a 2026 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar from Greenfield Community College in Massachusetts who is now attending Amherst College where he is studying political science and government.
Mike grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts but never thought attending the college was part of his future. However, his story demonstrates the incredible opportunities that start to appear when you follow your curiosity and begin to imagine more.
Listen to Mike talk about his background in farming and how that has led to his interest in agricultural policy and environmental science. After starting an on-campus group that participates in gleaning, which involves going to farms and collecting the excess produce that has been left behind after the main harvest has taken place and donating it to local food pantries, Mike now sees a future career for himself in nonprofit or government.