Kieran is currently a junior at Penn State. With gratitude, he credits his previous scholarships as allowing him to explore various career paths and to connect with diverse groups at school. Through this exploration, he discovered a strong passion for film production, which he has declared as his major. He credits the financial support from the NFFF with giving him the stability to pursue his creative goals and reduce the stress associated with managing personal finances to obtain his education.
Kieran’s growth has come from his involvement with the Delta Kappa Alpha Cinematic Society, a group dedicated to students passionate about the cinematic arts. This organization played a significant role in shaping his identity and ambitions even before he officially chose his major. While the society requires a modest fee to participate, many students are forced to leave due to financial constraints. Kieran acknowledges that without the NFF scholarship, he might have been among them. He expresses deep appreciation for the continued support, which has not only helped him afford tuition but also enabled him to engage in life-changing extracurricular opportunities.
Adjunct Lecturer Kate Oberholtzer describes Kieran as always respectful, responsible with his work, and thoughtfully engaged. She says, “he was a leader, an energetic and enthusiastic student who could be counted on to contribute positively to the class dynamic while bringing passion into each class.”
