26 Questions with a Class of 2026 Graduate
Communication major and commencement student speaker Héctor Malavé '26 talks what prepared him for the future and who he'll never forget at 91°µÍø.
Héctor Malavé was born and raised in the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico. He joined the pack at 91°µÍø in 2021 as a Reading Collegiate Scholar and is now a member of the Class of 2026, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Film and Creative Cultural Arts. Driven by a passion for storytelling, Héctor has dedicated himself to directing both theatrical productions and films that explore culture, identity, and the human experience. His creative work has been recognized with selection for the Reading Film Fest 2025. He also competed outside Berks County at the KCACTF Region 2 Festival in Pittsburgh, where he received the Most Outstanding Director award. In addition, he dedicated himself to highlighting community-based stories in the 91°µÍø Community News Lab, serving as the First Student News Reporter. In the future, Héctor plans to continue pursuing his passion for the arts and storytelling, striving to create meaningful and impactful stories for diverse audiences.
Learn more about Héctor’s journey at 91°µÍø and what’s next for him:
You’re about to graduate, how are you feeling?
I feel so excited and so blessed.
Now that you’re graduating, what would you say to yourself before you started college?
I would say: Hector, do not rush through things. Whatever is meant for you will happen.
What made you choose 91°µÍø?
The Reading College Scholarship.
What is your major?
I'm a communication major with a minor in theater.
What inspired you to choose those?
I love telling stories.
You have a lot of pins. Do you have a favorite?
Yes, I do. I'm a first-generation student, and this "I'm First" pin means a lot to my family and me. But, I think I will pick the Franciscan Servant Leader pin overall. That's my favorite because it highlights all the service I have done without having to get anything in return.
- What has been the most memorable class over the last four years?
Multimedia Production Video with Professor Christopher Shipley.
- How about your favorite experiential learning opportunity?
Working with the Reading Film Office on multiple productions in the local area, especially serving as a video production assistant for a commercial for Roblox.
- You were also a Fellow at the O'Pake Institute for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship. What was that like?
It was so much fun. I worked with many clients.
- Any favorite projects?
Working with the Reading Film Office to organize their Reading FilmFest.
- You also completed over 100 service hours, what does that mean to you?
It feels rewarding and healing to see how much work I have done for the community, and it has shown me how there is so much more to accomplish in the community as well.
- Not only did you achieve all of those things, but you're also the student speaker for commencement. How does that make you feel?
I'm so thankful and excited to serve as the voice for the graduating class of 2026.
- Who's one person from 91°µÍø you'll never forget?
Dr. Jodi Radosh from the Communication Department.
- What makes her so unforgettable?
She's unforgettable because during her meetings she really showed that she cares about my career and she provided me with opportunities that I would never expect.
- Did you live on campus?
I started as a computer, and then became a resident.
- What was your favorite thing to do in Reading?
Grabbing food with friends in Broadcasting Square or West Reading.
- What couldn't you live without in your residence hall?
My books and my aroma diffuser.
- What was your favorite meal on campus?
BBQ boneless wings with loaded fries from Courtside.
- What did you enjoy doing off campus?
Go on hikes, go to the movies, and take pictures around the area.
- What else were you involved in outside the classroom?
I was involved in theater acting and directing.
- What’s one goal that felt so far away before you started college?
Oh my gosh, I think that goal was seeing myself and my name on the big screen.
- What was your favorite show you performed in and directed?
My favorite show was The Adding Machine, where I got to perform, and my favorite show I ever directed was Solis Marquez.
- What helped you the most during your college journey?
The 91°µÍø faculty, my professors, my advisors, and, of course, my friends. I also think service learning, where I got hands-on experience for what I wanted to do in the future.
- So, what’s next for you?
I'll be going. So that Disney College program on June 8.
- Lastly, was college worth it?
College has been worth it and has been life-changing.