Written by Carissa Hansen, Digital Strategist
Alyx LaBranche has passion, an artistic flair, and grit to light the way to his bright future.
LaBranche is also no stranger to hard work and perseverance. With a challenging upbringing and lack of financial support, he started working at just 14 years old to provide for his family. LaBranche doesn’t let adversity define him. Instead, his hardships have fueled his ambition to be a positive force for change inside and outside his community.
LaBranche began his academic journey earning his associates degree in media art and communication art at Macomb Community College in 2021. Then he wanted to further his education by finding a university that accepted his credits and offered financial aid.
The first aspect of Rochester Christian University that was attractive to him was the close-knit community feel of campus. “[It’s] smaller, more hands-on, [and] we see our president—we see him interact with students,” he said.
LaBranche said the university works on inclusion, employs an ‘everyone is welcome’ attitude, hosts personable events, and is a close-knit and accessible campus. He also felt the community was in line with his own values. LaBranche said he is passionate about “the arts and equal rights, diversity, equity and inclusion and what it truly means to be equitable and inclusive.”
In his studies, LaBranche has focused on a particular career path: “…They can teach me journalism, marketing and public relations so I can utilize all my artistic and creative talents,” he said. LaBranche enjoys drawing, painting and 2D animation. He has utilized the skills he learned from Macomb Community College to work on “Shield Media” and the “Blackberry Winter” cover.
LaBranche worked under the marketing and communications department at RCU, while also working as an intern producing marketing videos for Dutton Farm’s workforce development department. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication.
LaBranch speaks highly of several of his professors including Dr. Naomi Walters, chair of the Department of Theology and Ministry, Melissa St. Pierre, assistant professor of English, and Dr. Carol Cooper, chair of the Department of Mass Communication:
“I love Carol. She’s so nuanced, so understanding and [has] seen so many things.
She understands so much [and] she gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, understands a perspective. She is able to hold relationships that are personal or professional that she completely disagrees with,” he said.
LaBranche envisions working as a visual communicator for an organization that focuses on human rights, such as The Trevor Project or GLAAD.
He also said he has been inspired by President Brian Stogner who said he wants students to leave RCU better off than they were. LaBranche agrees, and said he would like to, “ …have enough money to donate so much money. [I want to] be able to drop off Christmas presents on people’s porches.”
