Dec. 10, 2024

David Barranco Calixto’s family sacrifices allow him to gain a quality education at Ferris State

Inspiring is an appropriate description for the story of Ferris State University’s David Barranco Calixto, who will graduate summa cum laude on Friday, Dec. 13, with dual majors in Accounting and Finance and a minor in Computer Information Systems.

Barranco Calixto came from Mexico to Shelby, Michigan, for seventh grade, joining the family of his uncle while learning a new language and culture as he approached his teens.

“I left my mother and siblings to pursue my education and had to learn English,” Barranco Calixto said. “That was rough, adding on those classes along with my regular school day. I would spend four hours studying English and two to three hours each night on my studies. It was a lot to take up over eight months, but I got the language down and it really helped me.”

Barranco Calixto progressed through his classes at Shelby High School and earned credits in dual enrollment through Muskegon Community College. Ferris State was the closest university to home, but not his immediate choice for higher education.

“I was thinking of attending a larger school, but knew I wanted to major in both accounting and finance,” Barranco Calixto said. “That helped me make Ferris my choice, since I knew something about their programs with my cousin on the campus and having toured the university.”

Barranco Calixto accepted the Richard E. Veazey Endowed Scholarship, and the Eva C. and Joseph C. Wurzer Memorial Accountancy Endowed Scholarship, having experienced this aspect of educational support early in life.

“I had a scholarship for my schooling through a bank in Mexico, that would continue to increase over the years so when I got to college, it would cover my expenses,” he said. “My Ferris scholarships meant I could stay focused on my studies and manage other expenses by working in the summer.”

He kept a strong focus on his studies but saw opportunity in joining the Academic Support Center as a finance tutor and taking part in the Accounting Association, which included serving as the chapter’s treasurer.

“The Accounting Association was a big help, because there are so many ways we can take our career,” Barranco Calixto said. “We learn a great deal from different companies who come to campus and speak about their operations. That was my first exposure to Plante Moran, which have offered me a position following graduation.”

Another chance to prove himself and make professional connections came through the ACG (Association for Corporate Growth) Corporate Cup, organized by the ACG’s West Michigan chapter. Collegiate teams from the Midwest and beyond took part in the 2023 event with Barranco Calixto joining other Ferris business students in the competition.

“We were given two weeks to review a merger/acquisition and create reports on the financial and managerial aspects of the transaction,” Barranco Calixto said. “I was involved in studying financial aspects of the presentation, which we made to professionals in the field, a great real-world experience.”

Barranco Calixto also made a long-term contribution to Ferris State’s involvement in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, spending three years on a student team processing the returns of qualified clients.  

Faculty advisor Emily Zoet said David grew his people skills and gave back to the community through this program.

“He became my right-hand man and never missed a session,” Zoet said. “I am only starting to realize how much I will miss him as a student and colleague.”

Barranco Calixto said VITA gave him the opportunity to grow from intake with clients and processing returns to serving in a review role for the operation.

“We learned how to get the best information from clients while making them feel comfortable with our process,” he said. “It is a nice feeling to produce even small additions to their refund, because that can make a big difference in their personal finances. Some clients would return each year and ask for me, which was a great feeling. This really helped them and myself as well, as I gained greater communication skills by spending two nights a week in this seasonal program.”

Another chance for Barranco Calixto to rise in his understanding and responsibility came in an internship with an Oceana County fruit processing company, where he had worked on the production team for several summers.

“I could take up accounts payable activity and other financial aspects of the operation,” Barranco Calixto said. “It brought a job offer from that company, but I pursued my interests in public accounting.”

As he advanced through his final year at Ferris, the College of Business recognized Barranco Calixto with a 2024 Student Excellence Award at the close of the Spring semester.

“It has always been very nice to receive Dean’s List letters throughout my days on campus,” he said. “That was a great experience to hear the stories of the other nominees and feel proud I had been selected for the College of Business’ honor.”

Coming to his final exams and commencement exercises gave Barranco Calixto a chance to reflect on the results of his priority on learning and service in his chosen field. That included being sure to credit Zoet, his adviser, for contributing to his success.

“I cannot say enough about what Emily did to help me build my schedule and chart a course to complete my degree, with its majors and minor,” Barranco Calixto said. “She also had a great understanding of what was possible for my career path, based on what we decided would be best for my skills and interests.”

“David is a quietly awesome student and person,” Zoet said. “I know what he has gone through to make it this far, taking up our most difficult degrees and excelling in each of them. Plante Moran is one of our leading corporate recruiters and they certainly have taken one of our best students.”

Buoyed by a college career enhanced by good advice, Barranco Calixto hoped to share thoughts with other Ferris students he hopes will help as they work toward their degrees.

“I know and really appreciate the value of our registered student organizations and volunteer opportunities,” he said. “You can get involved as a freshman and learn from your peers’ experiences there. The ‘RSOs’ provide great industry exposure, and we benefit from any or all of these involvements.”

With graduation and the start of a career at a leading accounting and business firm imminent, David is ever closer to enjoying the rewards because of being a first-generation student with demonstrated excellence.

“It was a tough choice to move to Michigan, I have a sister I have never met. But by staying focused on career-based opportunities I am proud to have achieved my goal,” Barranco Calixto said. “I have been with my uncle’s family and watched them build their careers while my cousin and I earned our degrees, which makes both of us feel great. I will work to help my mother get what she needs, since our hometown in Mexico is becoming less safe. Being able to contribute to my family’s finding a better place to live is my new goal and opportunity.”