Alumni Alert

BILS Alumni: Where are they now?

Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies (BILS) alumni leverage their Bucks experiences to achieve success after graduation and share how you can do the same! To learn more about our alumni or to submit your own BILS alumni story, please contact Julie Hoenisch at julie.hoenisch@bucks.edu or 215-968-8227.

 

Regina Karluah

Regina Karluah '15

“Think about what you will do today and how it will impact your tomorrow.” During the 1989 civil war in Western Africa (Liberia, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire), Regina Karluah’s family faced unspeakably violent circumstances. Throughout terrible adversity, however, her family was thankfully able to remain together and ultimately make their way to settle in the United States. Although physically distant from her home country, Regina keeps it close in her heart and mind in her current work as founder of the non-profit Echoess of Africa*, which provides educational opportunities both domestic and international, focusing on the growth of youth and providing accessible resources for better education. Bucks was an important first step on Regina’s journey to becoming the entrepreneur and humanitarian leader she is today. “I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the education I received at Bucks County Community College, where I honed my skills, participated in clubs, and developed the diverse perspective that has shaped my success today. Bucks fostered a clear concept for me to understand business and the mindset of businesspeople. Looking back, I can confidently say Bucks was one of the best decisions I ever made. The professors, coaches, and peers I encountered played a pivotal role in shaping my academic and personal growth. The support I received, both academically and personally, helped me overcome challenges and thrive in my studies.” Regina’s time at Bucks included taking part in the Temple dual-admission program; founding a track club; and participating in several other organizations, including the Business Association, Catholic Club, and Student Council. “These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of education and community engagement and propelled me forward in my career, leading me to create many businesses, from personal trainer to dance instructor.” Like many students, Regina faced financial difficulties and academic struggles while at Bucks, which she says only strengthened her resolve and determination. “I learned the importance of perseverance, resilience, and seeking help when needed. There came a time when I needed to utilize the tutoring program, and I am honored to have put my pride aside and sought help. The tutoring program at Bucks was stellar. My tutor was a student at the top of the class who truly understood how to relate the concept of study to others. This positive experience even encouraged me to create a study group with some tutors and a few classmates. The tutoring program provided the help I needed to successfully complete my degree.” After graduating from Bucks in 2015, Regina began her own business, H&D Personal Trainers (which she still operates today) and transferred to Temple University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Global Economy with a minor in International Business in 2020. “I carry with me the lessons learned at Bucks and Temple and the unwavering support of my family and the essence of God’s grace. I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to the continued pursuit of academic excellence as well as personal and professional growth.” In 2016, Regina received a scholarship to attend Given, a forum for Catholic young women. Attendees were given a mission to create an action plan to showcase the “confidence, strength, and authentication of womanhood.” “I accepted the challenge because I knew I was capable of so much more. The mission was to create an idea and showcase my beliefs through my gifts, which is how I founded Echoess Of Africa. I chose my focus because I enjoy education and have always wanted to be a liaison between Africa and the world.” As part of the Bucks Business Association, Regina helped to host the organization’s first Business Etiquette Dinner, which was a huge success. She used this knowledge to organize and host the Echoess Of Africa Gala in 2022 to raise awareness as well as money to fund scholarships. Today, Regina’s goals include continuing to expand her business in addition to Echoess Of Africa and contributing to global education and self-growth initiatives. She also aspires to earn her JD in International Law to further her expertise and make a positive impact on a broader scale. Regina draws from a wealth of life, educational, and professional experiences to provide great constructive advice for Bucks students. “We are the current, and what we do now creates ripple effects. Think about what you will do today and how it will impact your tomorrow. Stay on course. It's okay to ask for help. If you were a stellar student in your high school years but now struggle in college, nothing is amiss with you—it's just a different playing field. Take a deep breath, amble to a tutor, and get comprehensive lessons. If you struggled during high school but are now in college—you did it; ask for the help you need to reach your end goal. You didn't come this far to give up!”     *Spelling of “Echoess” is an intentional choice as “Echoes of Africa” was already in use.**Website, Echoafrica.org; Instagram, @echoessofafrica; Facebook, Echoess Of Africa
Stephen Jacobs flipping food over oven

Stephen Jacobs '83

“Being able to go to school and cook in the historic Tyler Mansion was an amazing experience.” Stephen Jacobs is the owner/general manager of the successful and much beloved Jake’s Eatery Restaurant, which has been in business for more than 33 years with two locations in Newtown and Richboro. Bucks is honored to be a part of the foundation of that success, as Stephen earned his associate degree in Hotel/Motel/Restaurant Institutional Management (now called Hospitality Management) here in 1983. Stephen kindly spent some time talking with us about his early years and fond memories of his time as a Bucks student. “Academics wasn’t my strength in high school, but I had always worked in kitchens as a dishwasher and dietary aid; it was the one place I was comfortable. Growing up in Holland, PA, I knew about Bucks since it was only about 15 minutes away. It had a good reputation as a great community college and was so inexpensive. It seemed like the logical choice. And I was able to take my classes in the morning and still work full-time as a cook at the Spread Eagle Inn in the afternoons and at night.” Although it has been several decades since Stephen attended Bucks, the people he met here have had a lasting impact on his life. Some of his courses were a struggle, but Stephen felt at home and did well in his restaurant classes and to this day remembers many of his former teachers. In a full-circle moment, Stephen recently catered the 75th birthday celebration of his former marketing professor, Blaine Greenfield! Even in one of his most challenging classes—Marketing—Stephen formed a lifelong connection with this now retired Bucks professor. The atmosphere of Bucks, specifically the rooms in which he was able to learn and cook, also made an impression on Stephen. “Growing up in Bucks County, I just loved the old Tyler mansion. It was so cool for a young 18-year-old. Being able to go to school and cook in that historic building was an amazing experience.” Stephen graduated from Bucks in 1983 and, after working at several local restaurants— including the Spread Eagle Inn, TGI Fridays, and the Richlandtown Hotel—he opened the first location of his own restaurant in Richboro in 1991 at the young age of 27. Stephen says he never had a problem filling his tables, but the sheer amount of work needed to get the business up and running was a challenge. Since that time, he has moved to a new location in Richboro, opened another location in Newtown in 2011, and then expanded the Richboro restaurant to include a bar, Jake’s Pub—an impressive feat in an industry where keeping restaurants afloat is tough. He also weathered the Covid crisis, which claimed so many small businesses and restaurants. “Without some of the government loans, I probably would have gone out of business. Building owners still wanted their rent, but they did give us a break. When we did reopen, it could only be for takeout, then outdoor dining and 50 percent capacity for a while. If not for those government programs, I could have lost everything.” Happily, Stephen’s restaurants are bustling again, although he is beginning to take a step back from the kitchen. “I’m a little more removed than I used to be. I am still a hands-on owner; I’m here every day. But I try to remove myself from being a chef because I can’t be a manager if I’m cooking. But if an employee, such as when a chef at Newtown had a sick child and I couldn’t find a replacement, is out— I am there to work for them. So, I’m a hands-on owner in that if there is ever any help needed, the customer would never know. If the cook or server is out sick, I can always fill in. Right now as an owner, though, I am mostly consumed with office work, and I am more on the back end than I used to be. I used to be my own cook every night. I have backed away from that after almost 34 years in business. I would really rather be an owner than a cook at this stage of my career. But it’s hard to completely remove myself. For example, last summer I lost a chef, and it took all summer before I could find a decent replacement. As a result, I worked a lot of those hours just to keep the restaurant running smoothly. It’s the nature of what we do.” Despite the long hours and often demanding work, Stephen has derived a lot of satisfaction from his chosen career over the years. “I find what I do very rewarding. When I walk through the dining room and people stop me to say, “My kids love it here!” and it’s their favorite restaurant, or I’m out someplace and people recognize me and say, “We love going there!”—it is very gratifying. I’ve had young people come up to me to say they worked here as teenagers and have fond memories. But it can also be very demanding. In higher management or ownership, it takes complete devotion and commitment to make a restaurant work.” College years are finite—once the class is completed or the degree or certificate earned, students move on and campus is left behind. However, even decades later, Bucks can still have an impact on your career and life. Stephen made personal connections here that endure today, and his Bucks degree helped him launch the longstanding business which, like Bucks, is now an institution within the communities it serves.
Walt Archer

Walt Archer ‘16

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable because that’s part of adulthood.” Like many high school seniors, Walt Archer was unsure of what he wanted to study in college, but the decision of where to start his college career was clear. He learned of Bucks’ reputation for having an expansive selection of excellent academic programs, expert faculty, and great support resources for students. Bucks was the smart choice. “Bucks is extremely unique in that it gives you a university feel for a community college price. Especially if you’re like I was and unsure of what you want to do with your education, Bucks is the perfect choice. A family feeling, impeccable guidance, experienced professors, and the opportunity to shape and mold your college experience with no limitations is what truly sets Bucks apart. “I started my time at Bucks with some uncertainty and was blessed with expert guidance and advice from the faculty. Professor Kelly Sell played a significant role in helping me navigate and shape my goals with the program, but every professor was brilliant and attentive to my needs. Each class felt like a family gathering to me. The balance between education and comfort left me looking forward to class every day. I remember really enjoying my Sociology course. It was entertaining, interactive, and welcoming, and there was never a shortage of smiles and laughs. I coupled my studies with my fair share of fun as well. I joined a few sports teams, attended many events, and developed great friendships along the way.” Walt earned his associate degree in Business Administration from Bucks in 2016 and immediately entered the workforce with confidence. “After graduating, I felt empowered and prepared to begin my journey toward a career I love and enjoy being immersed in. I started in sales but now work at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America as a Licensed Financial Advisor. My economics studies, business classes, and social education sparked my initial interest in working in the financial industry and really helped carry me to where I am today.” Walt’s positive experience at Bucks has left him with encouraging advice to share with current students. “If I had to provide advice to anyone going through the program now, it would be to dive in headfirst. There are so many paths to explore, and depriving yourself of that exploration can limit your opportunities in the future. Try everything. Embrace everything. Branch out and spread those wings. Join that club you’re thinking of joining. Say hi to a stranger in the computer lab and compliment your peers. Get comfortable being uncomfortable because that’s part of adulthood. Give yourself a head start on your future by utilizing the diversity that Bucks offers.”
Jennifer Kupka

Jennifer Kupka ‘16

“Remaining focused and committed to your goal will provide you with a great sense of accomplishment.” When Jennifer Kupka set her sights on a Hospitality Management degree, Bucks County Community College was the obvious choice for her to begin her educational journey. She was attracted to the excellent educational program as well as the campus’s proximity to her home and job and knew that Bucks was a smart financial decision. “At the time, I was working at Applebee’s as a front-of-house team member, so enrolling at Bucks was the best decision for my career path. I graduated with an associate degree in Hospitality Management in 2016. “My overall experience at Bucks was great and helped me to develop personally and professionally. In addition to the friendly professors, who genuinely cared about your academics, there was one professor who was a wonderful mentor to me: Professor Goldman. He was very passionate about his students’ developmental plan and was a great professor to all. Professor Goldman taught his students many things that weren’t taught in textbooks, which could be applied to real time situations.” Jen also took full advantage of the rich student life offered at Bucks by joining the women’s basketball team, a sport she loves that provided some of her most memorable college moments. In addition to the fun and challenge of the games, she particularly enjoyed the rides to and from away games with her teammates, which she remembers as a great bonding experience for the players. As for many Bucks students, the ability to balance work and school was one of the main reasons Jen chose to earn her degree here. However, after graduating in 2016, Jen had the luxury of not needing to go through the extensive job search process most graduates must undertake. Her degree opened management opportunities in the job she already had at Applebee’s and allowed her to transition from the restaurant to the corporate office of its owner/operator, The Rose Group. “Bucks prepared me for this role through the internship I did with The Rose Group as a “Key Hourly,” which is part of company’s career path for management. I was able to apply many skills from my time at Bucks to my everyday job working at Applebee’s and, later, to my role at The Rose Group. “In 2016, I transitioned from operations to administrative work at The Rose Group’s corporate office. I accepted a full-time position as their Executive Assistant and am proud to say I’m still working there today. I feel as if Bucks prepared me for this position as well, as their hospitality management program also included business administrative courses.” Jen has a wide range of responsibilities in her current role, from acting as event manager for large corporate outings as well as smaller executive meetings to managing guest relations and serving as office manager. She feels very fortunate and grateful to have a supervisor who supports her continuing education and development, including funding her CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) and work to become a notary since she has been employed by The Rose Group. Her position has even led to some new activities in her personal life. The Executive Vice President/COO of The Rose Group introduced Jen to “Spartan Races,” a trifecta of three different races in one year which they're accomplished together! Jen recommends that current Bucks students reach inside themselves to find spirit similar to what she relies on when facing such challenges as the Spartan Race. “My advice to students who may be discouraged, struggling, or considering giving up is to just keep moving forward with your goal and to see it through. I understand if an individual needs to take a break to regroup, but never quit. Life will present you with many challenges and obstacles, some of which you may not be able to walk away from. Remaining focused and committed to your goal will provide you with a great sense of accomplishment once you achieve it.
Ryan Colomy

Ryan Colomy '14

“Regardless of the hand life deals us, we all have an opportunity to create our own path to success and happiness. It does not matter where you start, it just matters that you finish.” For first-generation graduate Ryan Colomy, college was not on his radar growing up. He had attended Bucks County Technical High School with plans to work as a carpenter after graduation. However, seeing the physical toll work in that industry had on his father, he decided college would be a better option for him. “Not many people in my family graduated high school let alone attended college. As a first-generation college graduate, I didn’t have anyone in my life to help me navigate the complex and intimidating process of applying to college. Bucks was the obvious choice for me because it was local and it was the only affordable option, and I had a goal of financing my education with no student loans. I was eligible for Pell Grants to attend Bucks for an amount I could afford on my own. I worked full-time in retail every day after class to save enough money to pay for my education. Attending Bucks was the best decision I made during my college years because it enabled me to receive the same education as my peers in university, tackling general education courses for a fraction of the cost.” Ryan is thankful for lessons he learned at Bucks that extend well beyond the classroom. “Bucks helped me build the discipline needed to focus on coursework and helped lay the groundwork for me to start my career. It’s where I implemented the discipline needed in my life to save for important goals, including my education, and I am grateful to say I became the first in my family to graduate college and did it without student loans. My experience at Bucks taught me that, regardless of the hand life deals us, we all have an opportunity to create our own path to success and happiness.” After graduating from Bucks with his associate degree in 2014, that path led Ryan to Temple University Fox School of Business, where he graduated in 2016 with a BBA in Human Resources (HR) Management and a minor in Legal Studies. In 2021, he earned his MBA from LaSalle University, attending evening classes while working full-time in his current role as Manager, HR Business Partner, for the global law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, headquartered in Philadelphia. “My job is to oversee all aspects of HR for specific business units at the firm. I work as a strategic partner to the leaders of these teams, helping to implement strategies that attract and retain the most talented people possible. My Bucks courses introduced me to all the fundamental areas of business, including marketing, HR, communications, strategy, accounting, and finance. HR stood out to me as a career because I learned that, without the right people to implement it, even the best idea in the world won’t be successful. HR gives me an opportunity to help my company be successful, and I really enjoy the work I do.” Ryan offers some excellent advice for current students who may be struggling with their path forward. “We have all been there. The things we do each day at school or in life may seem insignificant at the time, and it may feel like no progress is being made. I learned it is the small things we do consistently that end up making the biggest differences in the long-term. The thing that worked for me was to break my educational journey into sections; those sections represented small victories, taking each assignment or class project one at a time. Each small victory builds confidence. Eventually, those small victories compounded together result in you reaching the finish line. Consistency is key; stay in the fight and use the resources available to you to put the odds in your favor. It is true that some people get a head start in life through various advantages that others don’t have, and life isn’t fair. The great equalizer, in my opinion, is that we all have the choice to build the determination necessary to succeed. It does not matter where you start, it just matters that you finish, and we can all do that. I have profound gratitude and appreciation that I got where I am because I did it on my own. The feeling on the other side of completing your education is amazing, and I would not have changed a thing about my experience at Bucks.”
Elieza Bague

Elieza Bague '18

“You have a community of faculty and staff at Bucks who want to see you succeed.” A first-generation college student, Elieza Bague '18 credits Bucks with laying solid groundwork for her academic journey and career. She believes Bucks is the perfect size for students who appreciate connection. “What made Bucks unique to me was being able to connect with my professors and create lasting relationships. My time at Bucks instilled creating connections as a value of mine. Without the relationships I created here, I wouldn’t have understood the value of that in the workplace.” Elieza’s journey to Bucks began in high school when, not mentally ready for a four-year college, she attended a dual enrollment math course thanks to a grant. The experience proved that Bucks was the place for her. “I enjoyed how small the class was and how the professor cared about his students’ understanding and success in the subject. He was the first teacher who helped me understand math, a topic I always struggled with. As a result, I was able to pass Calculus, Statistics, and other math courses years later.” Once at Bucks full time, Elieza made the most of those intimate class settings and approachable professors and often sought guidance on college and career matters. During her first semester, a business class with Professor Kelly Sell reconfirmed her choice of Bucks. “Her teaching style, respect for students, and enthusiasm to help us succeed were the reasons why, from that class forward, I tried my best to take as many classes with Professor Sell as I could. She inspired me and continues to do so today. I know that, years later, I can reach out to professors like Kelly Sell and they will be happy to help.” Another of Elieza’s favorite Bucks memories is sitting in Epstein Campus Director Rose Cooper’s office getting advice on her next steps to transfer from Bucks to Rider. “It was bittersweet...the excitement of continuing my studies and closing my chapter at Bucks...meaning that would be one of the last times I would be chatting and venting about my college struggles with Rose Cooper.” Attending the Bucks Transfer Fair helped Elieza learn more about Rider College and the transfer agreement allowing all Bucks classes to transfer to Rider. After earning her Associate of Arts in Business Administration in 2018, Elieza received her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Rider in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Today, Elieza is Corporate Media Specialist at the global firm Xplor Technologies, where she manages corporate social media pages and is responsible for content creation, copywriting, graphic design and video editing, community management, scheduling, organic targeting, analytics/KPIs, helping product teams with social accounts, and strategy. Elieza believes that Bucks was that crucial first step leading to her current success. She encourages students who may be struggling or questioning their path to reach out for help. “You have a community of faculty and staff at Bucks who want to see you succeed. They’re not there only for lectures but to offer advice, different perspectives, and mentorship. If a professor didn’t know the answer to my question, they always pointed me to someone who could help.”
Brett Killen

Brett Killen

“Without Bucks' career fairs, I don’t think I would be in the position I am in today.” During his high school years, Business Administration alum Brett Killen had interest in various fields of study and was unsure of which path to choose. This curiosity was a key factor in his decision to choose Bucks as his launching point into higher education. “Starting my college career at Bucks allowed me to take core classes while learning more about other available programs. Bucks offered me the space to think about what I would like to study and what I would like my career to be. I ultimately focused on Business and Communications. In addition to the educational and career resources available to Bucks students, Brett took advantage of the beautiful Newtown Campus setting to help manage the stress that all college students sometimes feel. “I took most of my courses at the Newtown Campus. While between classes, I would walk to Tyler State Park to clear my mind and get some space. I really enjoyed how close the campus was to the park.” After choosing his areas of study, Brett shifted his focus to post-Bucks plans where he aimed to pursue a four-year degree. “I decided I would attend Penn State-Abington through the transfer agreement between both schools. The process was easy and seamless. It was nice to review the different agreements between Bucks and each participating university and then compare how each school would help to accomplish my goals.” Brett’s decision to attend career fairs offered by Bucks, and later by Penn State-Abington, had a major impact on his professional trajectory, resulting in an internship that led to a permanent job offer. “After attending a few career fairs, I was intrigued by the stability of a federal job. I was offered a job as an intern with the Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency) in Philadelphia and worked through their Pathways to Career Excellence (PACE) program. From there, I worked through the education requirements to become a Contracting Officer. I now work as a Contracting Officer with the U.S. Department of Labor, specializing in procuring information technology. Without those career fairs, I don’t think I would be in the position I am in today. From negotiating with major defense contractors or with the largest technology companies in the world, each day is different and exciting. One of my favorite parts of working in the federal government is that it is easy to move from agency to agency. Anyone interested in a federal job should visit USAJobs to review the many openings available in a range of positions.” Brett encourages any student who may have doubts about whether to continue their program of study at Bucks to persevere. “If you’re ever feeling discouraged about continuing with your education, do not give up! There is a lot of assistance that Bucks can provide that can make a difference. Collaboration in study groups worked best for me. Preparing for exams can be stressful, but when you have more than one mind looking at material, it can change your outlook.”
Loretta Golding

Loretta Golding '11

“Sometimes life’s circumstances require us to work harder than other people to get what we want.” When considering a journey to law school, Bucks County Community College may not initially come to mind as a first step. Yet for Paralegal Studies graduate Loretta Golding '11, it was the smart choice. Although law was always Loretta’s aspiration, she opted to start at Bucks due to its excellent value, convenient location, and flexible schedule. She appreciated the ability to tailor her classes around her job and complete her degree at her own pace. Loretta’s end goal was clear, but she was unsure of the best major to get her there and her path took unexpected turns. She began as a Liberal Arts major and transitioned to Business Administration before ultimately discovering her passion in Paralegal Studies. There, she found the course material engaging and the faculty members, notably professors Heather Costello and Chris Simcox, to be knowledgeable and inspiring. Loretta extended a rewarding Bucks internship with Legal Aid of Pennsylvania into a subsequent volunteer position, with exciting results. The constant exposure to court personnel provided numerous networking opportunities for her. Prior to her Bucks graduation in 2011, a courthouse friend recommended Loretta to interview with a family law attorney he knew. She agreed to the interview and accepted a job offer as a family law paralegal where she “hit the ground running,” recalling a piece of advice about beginning new jobs Professor Costello often shared with students. Over the 8-year period in this role, Loretta gained the confidence to transition to Law School. She initially attended night classes at Holy Family University while working, earning her bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2016. Less than a year later, she was enrolled at Rutgers School of Law and had taken a new job as a forfeiture paralegal at the U.S. Attorney's Office, where she remained until she graduated in January 2021. Today, Loretta is a practicing family law attorney in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Loretta understands the difficult balancing act many students experience as they go through school and urges students to be open-minded and resilient and, if necessary, to endure. “I spent the majority of my life as a student balancing work and school. By the time I went to law school, I had a husband, two dogs, and a baby. Sometimes life’s circumstances require us to work harder than other people to get what we want. That is okay. These are the times that make you stand out. You will never regret the moments when you try…but you will always regret those times you don’t.” She also encourages students to view these tough times as opportunities for personal growth that can reflect positively to future employers. “When you go to job interviews, employers don’t only want to know you were a great student, they want to know you are a hard worker and are willing and able to withstand the storm.”
Rachel Quiring

Rachel Quiring '14

“Any frustration you may feel with classes is temporary and ends when classes do ... but frustration and regret last for years if you don’t finish your program of study.” Rachel Quiring '14 chose Bucks as her first educational destination for several reasons. The flexible admissions process removed barriers other colleges posed for Rachel, who was homeschooled and without GPA or test scores. The exceptional value and top-notch Pastry Arts apprenticeship program were also key factors that attracted Rachel to Bucks. “I was able to not only get an associate degree, but 3 years of hands-on experience. This program was way more valuable than a degree alone.” Rachel has warm memories of her time at Bucks and cultivated professional relationships that still endure. “The culinary and baking department felt more like a family dynamic, and the talented chefs and professors poured their hearts into teaching. Chef John Angeline, my mentor and pastry chef teacher, was vital to my growth and experience at Bucks. As a former pastry chef graduate from the program, he has unique understanding of exactly what students experience. There is no limit to the accolades I have about Chef Angeline.” Rachel worked full time during her years at Bucks, which is part of the requirement for the apprenticeship program. “It was difficult to juggle school and work, and I did not have much free time. It was worth it overall, however, because I had real-world experience to relate to. It helped me decide whether to go straight into the workforce or for my bachelor’s degree.” After graduating from Bucks with an Associate of Arts in Baking and Pastry Arts in 2014, Rachel realized she wanted to be in the industry but was unsure of baking full-time and decided to continue her education with a Food Science degree from Delaware Valley University. However, she found herself missing the small class sizes and financial benefits that Bucks offered and continued taking as many science courses as she could at Bucks to transfer the credits back to Del Val…a real testament to Bucks’ quality education. Today, Rachel is in a corporate role in Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance at Blommer Chocolate Company. Occasional travel is a part of her position, and she is looking forward to a possible business trip to the Ivory Coast in West Africa. In 2021, Rachel returned to her Bucks roots to teach evening pastry classes—including Chocolate Essentials, Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts, and Cookies—where she offers the skills and mentorship to current students that she received during her college days. Rachel advises students who may be discouraged with classes to consider the amount of time they have committed to their education. “If you need your degree and have already put in some time, don't stop without graduating! Any frustration you may feel with classes is temporary and ends when classes do…but frustration and regret last for years if you don’t finish your program of study.” Rachel also encourages students to consider the unique aspects of Bucks that cannot be found at larger schools. “I think higher educational value and smaller class sizes that create a closer working network with your teachers are very positive things that students get from Bucks. No one has looked at my educational background and ever questioned the community college degree portion.”
Judith Toland

Judith Toland '79

“Getting a degree tells an employer that you are trainable.” Bucks accounting professor Judith Toland '79 may be at the head of the class with all of the answers today, but she began her time at Bucks as a 17-year-old work study student who, along with her sister, was the first in her family to attend college. As the daughter of blue-collar immigrants from England, Judy was expected to work after high school, but she had dreams of college she was determined to fulfill. Although her parents could not help with tuition, Bucks offered a combination of loans, grants, and work-study that allowed Judy to finance her education on her own. "I did secretarial work in the Bucks Financial Aid office. They were great and so supportive. They let me come back to work over summer break and Christmas holidays. This made me really appreciate college. I truly loved my years learning and working at Bucks." "Bucks has a high standard and prepared me very well for my next step at Bloomsburg University, so there was not a different level of challenge when I transferred. The hardest part was living away from home and missing my friends." Judy also faced family challenges during her first semester at Bloomsburg when her father suffered serious heart issues, making her first months even more difficult. She understands first-hand that class assignments are not the only stressors students face and hopes that students will follow advice she gave herself during those hard months--take things one day at a time. This mindset also helped when, after graduating from Bloomsburg and working in private accounting and public accounting for a time, Judy married and had children and didn’t want to return to corporate accounting. "My sister said, 'Why don’t you apply to Bucks? You always loved Bucks.' So, in 1989, I did. I was hired part time but didn’t have an upper-level degree required for a full-time position. My Dean encouraged me to get my Masters, which I earned from Temple while teaching here part time. I started at Bucks full-time in 2002. "When I was finding it hard having three small children and going to grad school, my Bucks Dean Catherine McElroy would say, 'You can do anything for 15 weeks.' I looked up to her and thought, that's what helped her get to her position. So, I try to remind my students of that and let them know that they can do it." One of the highlights of Professor Toland's career has been coauthoring the leading payroll textbook in the country, Payroll Accounting "Fifteen years ago, my colleague Bernie Bieg invited me to co-author with him. Because payroll laws change every year, it was an annual edition. I recently retired from that; 2023 was my last edition because I wanted to spend time with my grandkids. But Bernie was such a fabulous teacher and mentor, and collaborating with him was the chance of a lifetime." With her unique perspective as a Bucks alum as well as an experienced Bucks professor, Professor Toland provides valuable support to her students, such as encouraging them to reach out to professors and hone their communication skills. “Students must be advocates for themselves, even though it may be out of their comfort zone to reach out to a teacher. They need to put that aside and put themselves out there, learn to be good communicators and get over the unconfident times, because they can do it. That's why we can be proud of ourselves when we succeed--because we worked for it. My most successful students are good communicators.” Another challenge for students can be feeling that a topic or class is unimportant for their future, which can lead to apathy. Professor Toland remembers something similar as a student but received some excellent advice. “When I transferred to Bloomsburg, my roommate's father told me something I will never forget. He said that getting a degree tells an employer that you are trainable. This came up because I was complaining about some courses I didn't think were relevant, so I try to motivate my students to persevere through challenging times and get that degree!” Finally, Professor Toland hopes students will appreciate the advantages Bucks’ small class size adds to their education. She recalls a time when her son, attending a large university, requested a recommendation from a professor but, because he was one of 200 in the classroom and didn’t have a personal connection, that professor initially declined. “Here at Bucks, the class size enables us to know all of our students’ names. I feel like I have a good, transparent, and open relationship with my students and let them know that we are here for them and want them to succeed. “I felt supported like that when I was a student here. Bucks was always a big part of my life…I grew up here.”
Alexis Cain

Alexis Cain '16

“Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be.” Driving home with friends recently, Business Administration alum Alexis Cain passed the Newtown Campus and was inspired to reflect on what Bucks meant to her. “It’s not the first time I’ve said it, but I told them I wished I had been able to do all four years at Bucks. From something as simple as the cafeteria food to the great opportunities, I wouldn’t be the same professional without Bucks.” In the few years since Alexis graduated from Bucks (‘16) and from Temple (‘18) with her degree in Financial Planning, she has been busy building her practice as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), working as an independent contractor partnering with broker-dealer, Lincoln Investment. She is in a position her younger self might never have imagined, growing up in a family of four headed by a single mother working hard to make ends meet. “I didn't know I would go to college because no one had paved the road, and now it's a beautiful blessing I was able to do that myself. I attribute a lot of my success to my grandfather, who always set the right example. He and I went to a financial aid seminar at Bucks when I was a Pennsbury senior, and that opened the door—like maybe I can do this, maybe this is for me. I think Bucks was the perfect opportunity for someone with low income; I was on free-and-reduced lunch my whole upbringing. I had friends from Yardley and Newtown from two-income households—we were at opposite ends of the spectrum. They had acceptance letters to big universities, but that just wasn't in my cards and frankly, I didn't have the attraction probably because I knew I couldn't afford it. What led me to Bucks was the reality of my financial situation. I paved my own road, self-funding my education with three part-time jobs. They were the cards I was dealt, and I made the most of it. Bucks gave me a clean slate; I came out with no student debt.” Her experience at Bucks confirmed she not only made the right financial decision, but that it was a school she would not trade for any other. “For me, if I had it to do again, I wouldn’t change it if you paid me. If I had gotten a full ride—I’d say you can keep the big university. I thoroughly enjoyed Bucks. I was able to work and stay home, stay connected to my grandparents, and it was wonderful. “I remember professors pouring into us the sense of their real-world experience. As for class schedules, there was flexibility for me as a working student to fit in full-time coursework while juggling three part-time jobs—I felt catered to every semester.” It was that ability to keep working—and to impress her customers—during her time at Bucks that provided a great professional opportunity for Alexis. “While working one of my jobs at the Fairless Hills Produce Center, a frequent customer who was a senior-level exec's wife came in. She presented me with an opportunity at an independent broker-dealer, Lincoln Investment, and from there my future opened. I became an intern for Lincoln Investment during my junior year at Temple. She was a fairy godmother really. She put me in the right places at the right time, and I was able to shadow a lot of different financial advisors.” This led Alexis to the path she is on today, building her own practice as an independent financial advisor. “I’m the first generation in my family to pave a career that is so balanced. I'm in hyper-growth mode right now, but I’m thankful for the autonomy I have at such an early age. I'm only 28. Women who have 30 years in the business tell me how, if I have children, I’ll be able to make every sport or school event and reposition clients at my leisure. That clicked for me, not being chained to a nine-to-five. It's not for everyone, the total ‘Wild West’ of open landscape versus stability, but I’m attracted to that nature of being self-employed.” The networking crucial to Alexis’s current success, as well as putting your best foot forward in every situation, are things she advises current Bucks students to cultivate as they plan their careers. “Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be. Your network and the circle you connect with are so powerful. You never know who's watching you, so always stay positive; that's what led me to the opportunities I have at Lincoln. From someone who has a very blue-collar upbringing, my best piece of advice is to try to stay positive—especially if you're in customer service—because you never know what doors can be opened or shut even without your knowledge.”