Videos with Purpose: Michael Larson ('21)

Hometown: Everett, Washington 
Academics: Sociology, Leadership Studies, Solidary & Social Justice 
Extra-curriculars: Videography, Comprehensive Leadership Program, Meals on the Margin, Gonzaga Outdoors 

Michael Larson (‘21) is class act, a well-loved student on a path to make the world a better place.  

Michael first visited Gonzaga with his brother and saw campus with friends he had attended leadership camp with the summers prior.  “I was sold on the community in just the way that people interact with one another. The university was small enough to where you would see people and find familiar faces all the time,” Michael said.

“I heard about Gonzaga’s mission statement and just really loved that it focuses on social justice and serving the poor and vulnerable and being agents of change in this world.” 

“I heard about Gonzaga’s mission statement and just really loved that it focuses on social justice and serving the poor and vulnerable and being agents of change in this world.” 

Michael came to college with an undeclared major, but knew he wanted to serve and help people. That was clear the summer before starting his freshmen year when he attended the Gonzaga Out of Bounds (GOOB) trip to Montana. While mountain biking with fellow incoming Zags, an elderly white man swerved purposely and shoved Michael in an apparent act of racism. That was the moment when Michael new what his major would be.  

“The only reason that man pushed me was because the color of my skin,” he says.  “I had to switch into a sociology class because I knew I wanted to figure things out for myself.”  

His first sociology class and ignited his passion for “everything from employment, to housing, to all of the different ways black people are disadvantaged in society. These are all things that I'm going to face when I get older,” says Michael. 

Visual Storytelling with Purpose

“I’ve always had a passion for filmmaking,” Michael says, “to make films and capture stories that make people care about certain issues.”  

At Gonzaga, he has found a way to combine his love for filmmaking and discussing important topics. “I always try to make people care enough to do something, to take action.”  

Every year at GU, Michael has produced thought-provoking documentaries on social topics. His first-year project, “Zag Stories” was done in partnership with the multi-cultural education center (now Diversity, Equity, Community Equity). Next was “I Commit,” and a third project addressed masculinity. This year, he is documenting his experience in Chile, partnering with the Center for Global Engagement, capturing his experience before returning due to COVID-19.  

What's his dream? 

“Where I am right now is my dream job,” he says. “I think it's always been to serve others and people that I love and just be making a difference in some small capacity or big capacity.” 

 “There are many ways that Gonzaga can improve, and as students, we have power to make change for the next generation, he says. “So try and find a way to get involved and leave Gonzaga in a better place than when you came.”