Alumni Award Winners
Meet some recipients of our Alumni Achievement Awards. Learn what they do and what inspires their commitment to the Bucks community.
2021 Winners
Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
Karen Holt '04
“I dropped out of high school at age 16. I earned a GED and wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do. Bucks was transformative for me when I went back to school as a young adult. I found within me a love of learning and an excitement and passion for education.”
After her tenure at Bucks as a psychology major, Dr. Karen Holt went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from DeSales University. After completing her degree, she worked in multiple outpatient treatment settings including a court mandated treatment program for individuals who committed sexual offenses. In time, she furthered her education, earning two Master’s degrees and a Doctorate in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The Graduate Center CUNY, in New York City.
Since 2013, Karen has been a Professor at Michigan State University. Her main research focuses are sexual violence and victimization, and identity and crime. She has published many articles in criminology and psychology journals. Karen considers herself very fortunate to work in the field, saying, “Crime is one of the most fascinating subjects, and it’s never boring.”
She serves as a board member of Small Talk, a Children’s Advocacy Center which provides free services for children who have experienced abuse, as well as the Michigan Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, an organization which aims to prevent victimization.
Dr. Karen Holt will always be grateful to the faculty and administrators at Bucks who inspired her and supported her non-linear path. “I try to do the same for my students. I love what I do and I think it’s important for students to see that so that they get excited, too,” she explained.
Community Service Award
Anna Payne '10
“I know first-hand how short life is, that we only have a small window of opportunity to make a difference.”
Anna Payne was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic progressive genetic disease that has a life expectancy of 47 years of age. Chosen as one of only two patients to serve on the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council, she uses her voice to advocate for other patients with rare diseases and offers a real-life perspective to the council. She serves on the Jefferson Cystic Fibrosis Center’s Family Advisory Council, and to date, she has raised over $65,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Anna is also looking forward to launching her own 501c3 (Non Profit) later this year that will help raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis patients in Bucks County.
During her time at Bucks County Community College, Anna studied Business Administration. She is employed by the County of Bucks, and beginning in 2020, has been serving as a Middletown Township Supervisor. As a Township Supervisor her goal is to keep Middletown affordable by holding the line on taxes so young families can move there and stay there as it grows, and so seniors don’t get priced out of their homes. “I want to improve communication between the residents and elected officials and ensure that Middletown keeps up with the modern world,” shares Payne. Anna is also a new member of the Middletown Community Foundation; the Community Foundation works to improve the lives of residents in Middletown Township.
Anna Payne’s objective in her career and in her personal life is to give back to the Bucks community that has given so much to her, stating, “I intend to make a lasting impact and use all the time I have left to help those that helped me.”
Centurion Award
Alvin Ayensu '19
Alvin Ayensu is an esteemed graduate of Bucks County Community College with two AS degrees in engineering and math, and is currently a Computer Hardware major at Temple University. He is employed at Bucks as a Physics Laboratory Assistant in the STEM Department.
As a lab assistant, Alvin works with faculty to develop curriculum, create laboratory video tutorials, update lab manuals, and fulfill laboratory supply and equipment needs. The department equipment includes ten 3D printers, a laser cutter, and high quality mechanical and electrical laboratory equipment that Alvin assures are in working order. Often performing the tasks of an engineering technician, he repairs equipment himself, applying innovation and creativity, saving the College money on outside repair and service.
Alvin consistently performs duties at Bucks that are beyond the scope of his standard role. During the pandemic, he was a key player in producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the local community through the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, and for Bucks faculty, staff, and students who had to be on campus, including for the departments of Arts and Health Sciences.
He developed innovative designs to allow for timely production of 3D printed frames and laser cut shields that also saved the College money in materials and assured that these items, which were in short supply nationwide, were available to those who needed them. His techniques produced less waste, higher precision, and increased volume for this monumental effort during this unprecedented time. Over 1000 frames and shields were produced to support the effort, and continue to be produced.
Alvin performs his duties at Bucks with unwavering enthusiasm and professionalism. He completes every project big and small, with great care and in a timely manner. He is a kind, energetic, and innovative individual, who consistently goes above and beyond for Bucks County Community College.
Professional Achievement Award
Steven Kaplan '71
After studying psychology at Bucks County Community College, Steven Kaplan attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree with honors, in 1974. In 1977 he earned a Master’s Degree in School Psychology, from the University of Rhode Island.
It was the dedicated faculty at Bucks County Community College that helped Steven focus his interests and pursue the career he chose.
After practicing school psychology for several years in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he accepted a position in Concord Massachusetts as the Assistant Director of Student Services. Four years later, Steven became the Director of Student Services for a cohort of public schools in Massachusetts. Simultaneously, he ran a private practice as a licensed educational psychologist and was adjunct faculty at Wheelock College and Lesley University.
At one period he was offered the opportunity to join the Edison Project, a nationwide charter school company, which enabled him to travel around the country overseeing compliance with special education regulations. Steven also served 7 years on the Board of Registration for Allied Mental Health in Massachusetts. He served as president of the Massachusetts School Psychologist Association for 2 years and was recognized as a committed leader in the field of Special Education, creating and supporting various programs for students with disabilities. Steven retired from public education in 2016, but continued to work part time at a private school for autistic students until his full retirement in 2019.
2020 Winners
Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
John Woznicki ‘87
Dr. Woznicki has distinguished himself as a leader in higher education, a well-respected scholar and faculty member at various higher education institutions, such as Holy Family University, Georgian Court University, and Thomas Edison University. He is currently the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at Delaware Valley University. Woznicki has championed the liberal arts in his administrative positions, regularly giving presentations at regional and national conferences, and has been consulted by the media regarding the importance of a liberal arts education.
He serves his community as a member of the Lambertville Public School Board, coaching numerous sports teams, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. He has published two books on American Poetry.
Community Service Award
David Feinman ‘13
David Feinman is the co-founder of several companies that provide positive activities for the students at Bucks as well as the community at large such as the Bucks County Half Marathon, the Zombie Run, and a company that held popular teen dances at the Newtown Athletic Club. He has been an active volunteer for Autism Cares Foundation since he was a college student at Bucks, assisting the organization in raising about $100,000 annually for their cause. Feinman is co-owner of Viral Ideas Marketing (www.viralideamarketing.com), a social media marketing company that assists clients in converting written concepts into promotional videos for social media and company websites. Feinman also created an on-demand video editing company called Flixation (www.flixation.co) which does on-demand video editing for companies like Google and eBay.
Centurion Award
Marianne Kepler ‘83
Marianne is a faculty member at Bucks and has served on many committees such as the Student Affairs Committee and the Sustainability Committee — a team that was instrumental in the water filling station installation project, minimizing plastic bottle waste on campus. Kepler initiated the practice of meditation and yoga sessions on campus. She serves as a board member for NOVA and she is responsible for bringing sexual abuse prevention training workshops to Bucks through “Darkness to Light,” a non-profit organization committed to empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse.
Professional Achievement Award
Glenn Bostock ‘81
Glenn Bostock is owner of SnapCab, a company that generates $15 million annually by manufacturing and outfitting elevator interiors with his patented renovation system. Bostock created a streamlined system that narrowed the remodel time to only one day by pre-fabricating interconnected and overlapping parts that allowed for flexibility and forgiveness in its installation. Bostock attributes this skill to a modular design technique he learned as a student at Bucks County Community College.
Bostock struggled academically as a student due in part to a learning disability and dyslexia. He is a true testament for the value of learning a trade, developing your skills, and using those skills not only to further yourself professionally but for entrepreneurship in our community, and innovative advancements in the professional trades.
2019 Winners
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Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
Lynne Kelleher '81
Lynne Kelleher, never a great student in high school, dropped out of a 4-year college after one year, when she realized she had no clue what career path to follow. She got married at the age of 19, and after working in the retail industry for a few years, found her path and attended Bucks County Community College in her early twenties, where she graduated with an Associate's Degree in Business in 1981. She left the retail industry in her thirties, got her real estate license, and is now a top 25 producing REALTOR in Bucks County. She has since attended numerous continuing education classes at Bucks and considers it to be one of the area's gems.
Active in the community, Lynne has served as past president of the Northampton Township Business & Professional Association and is a snazzy dresser with a weakness for shoes and costume jewelry. She is also the founder of 100+ Women Who Care: Bucks County group. Lynn's leadership and passion for supporting Bucks County residents who need it most, caused the 100+ Women Who Care: Bucks County group to grow from 1 to more than 150 members. The group meets quarterly and donates $100 per member to a Bucks County non-profit ($15,000+ in a 1 hour meeting). Lynne believes that the path to success lies in making mistakes and learning from them, and helping others get what they want.
Her favorite quote is "Life is not waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain." She and her husband Kevin recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary and she has two children, Jenna and Kyle.
Community Service Award
Erica J. Hellerstein '14
Having already obtained a bachelor's degree, Erica Hellerstein was a non-traditional student at Bucks County Community College from 2012 to 2014. She took science, biology, and math prerequisite courses to apply to a graduate program in occupational therapy. While studying at Bucks, Erica was active in the community and she served as the head lacrosse coach at Council Rock High School South and program director for the grades K-2 division of Council Rock Youth Lacrosse. Since moving from Bucks County to Philadelphia, Erica has continued her community involvement, from volunteering to perform health screenings for elder West Philly residents to cleaning up local urban farms.
Erica recently received her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Sciences (USciences) in Philadelphia. As a healthcare professional, Erica has been passionate about quality care and equity in treatment. She was a founding member and community outreach coordinator of Pride@HUP, which supports LGBTQ+ employees, patients, and families at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Erica has conducted research on best practices in working with marginalized communities, has presented at her profession's annual conference, and teaches a cultural humility workshop at USciences. Erica was recently named a "Young Scientist in Occupational Therapy" by her national professional organization and was also awarded a scholarship to complete a rotation at Johns Hopkins Hospital focusing on mental health. Diverse work experiences have contributed to her professional growth, as well as leadership roles in numerous communities. Erica has been dedicated to improving the experiences of others, even taking her passion for healthcare equity to Washington, DC to meet with representatives from Congress.
Centurion Award
Donna Wilkoski '80
Donna Wilkoski began working in Bucks County Community College's Financial Aid Office in 1979, as a federal college work-study student. She began working as a regular part-time employee in 1980 after graduating from Bucks with an Associate's Degree in Business. Donna has held numerous positions while employed in the Financial Aid Office, such as Job Location Coordinator, Student Employment Coordinator, Assistant Director, and currently serves as the Director. Her office is one of only a few among Pennsylvania's community colleges with a low loan default rate. Donna takes the time to really understand a student's financial needs. She, and her entire office, have a mantra of, "Live like a student WHILE a student and not after."
During her tenure at Bucks, Donna has served on numerous committees, including Classified Committee (founding member), Middle States Committee, Advisor Council, and serves as Ski Club Advisor. Outside of College, Donna is a proud member of the Bucks County Hero's Scholarship Committee. She also has held many positions in PASFAA - PA Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (her professional organization), as a Community College Sector Representative, Conference Chair, Government Relations Committee, and faculty member for fundamentals training. She presents at the Guidance Counselor workshops annually, as well as numerous statewide conferences and additional training opportunities. Donna frequently visits the area high schools to present financial aid information and to assist the students and parents with the financial aid application process. She is always willing to share her expertise with the community about the financial aid opportunities that are available to the students at Bucks and other schools they may wish to attend.
Professional Achievement Award
Jo Ciavaglia '89
Jo Ciavaglia has spent her journalism career writing for the Bucks County Courier Times, a Gatehouse Media-owned newspaper outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Bucks County Community College in 1989 with an Associate's Degree in Journalism, she attended The College of New Jersey (then known as Trenton State College) where she graduated Magna cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Professional Writing and a minor in History.
She has worked virtually every beat (except sports) at the newspaper. She is currently one of a four-member team of investigative reporters specializing in criminal justice, social justice, watchdog, and accountability stories. She has won more than 80 national, state, and local writing awards in her near 30-year career. Such outstanding professional achievements have clearly brought distinction to her career and have had a measurable benefit to the community by exposing problems and bringing about actual change in legislation that protects those who are most vulnerable in our society. Her reporting has resulted in lawmakers introducing at least four pieces of legislation, three of which became laws in Pennsylvania. The most recent law that passed was one that removed parents convicted of interference with custody of children (who are not sex offenders) from the state's Megan's Law list.
2018 Winners
Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino '73
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino graduated from Bucks in 1973 and transferred to Temple University. Bucks “gave me the direction I needed because I found out what I was interested in” (economics). At a recommendation from Profession Martin Sutton, Christopher taught economics at Bucks from 1978 to 1983. He then taught at West Chester University (WCU) while working on his doctoral degree in economics.
Christopher rose to become the dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs (now the College of Business and Public Management), a position he held for more than 20 years. In 2013, he became the vice president for External Operations; in 2016, he was chosen to serve as the University's interim president; and on April 21, 2017, he was inaugurated as WCU’s 15th president.
Christopher has been active in numerous leadership roles on campus, helping to secure AACSB accreditation for the School of Business; developing off-campus academic centers, including the Graduate Center in West Goshen Township; and working with faculty and supporters to create the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. As vice president for External Operations, Christopher helped WCU fulfill its mission to serve local communities and the Commonwealth as a source of knowledge and skill development, a research center, and a service provider.
In 2015, Christopher received a citation of appreciation from the Chester County Commissioners for his 15 years of service as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer of the Chester County library board, and for leading the county system’s strategic planning process. He is married to WCU alumna and assistant professor Susan Fiorentino. The Fiorentinos have three children and two grandchildren.
Community Service Award
Jennifer Eckfield '91
Since 2013, Jennifer Eckfield has been the owner and operator of The Learning Experience Doylestown, an academy of early education for children from the ages of six weeks to kindergarten. Throughout her career, she has worked as a teacher, mentor, and administrator. She has had the privilege of watching many triumphant teachers, often in situations that would overwhelm most, transform students at risk of failure into achievers and believers, and rewrite the equation of opportunity. Her mantra has always been, "Changing the world one kid at a time.”
Jennifer teaches her students about philanthropy while encouraging parents to get involved by supporting a different local nonprofit organization through projects each month. She collects food for the Bucks County Opportunity Council, has the children create artwork which is then auctioned off and all proceeds are donated to A Woman’s Place and the Make A Wish Foundation, to name just a few.
Jennifer is an active member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is co-chair of their Women in Business Committee, and has co-chaired their Gourmet Getaway twice. She has also participated in the Buckingham Friends School Auction Committee, and was a member of the planning committee for Bucks County Community College’s first annual Women’s Entrepreneurial Summit.
Professional Achievement Award
Nereida McCulley-Breustedt '98
Nereida McCulley-Breustedt, LPN, AD, CTM has been a Licensed Practical Nurse since 1967 and for the past thirteen years has been affiliated with Penn Cardiac Care of Mercer Bucks Cardiology as a clinical programs coordinator and triage nurse. She specializes in community relations, and women’s heart health. She teaches the community on signs and symptoms of heart disease, conducts free women's heart heath screenings, sets up programs on coronary artery disease, and is an advocate and speaker on signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke.
Nereida is the founding member and former founding board member of Gildas CLUB Delaware, a non-profit organization providing emotional and social support to cancer patients, families, friends, and children affected by cancer. In addition, she chairs a basket bingo fundraiser for this charity for the past nineteen years. Nereida is also a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Vice President of the Puerto Rican Cultural Association of Bucks County, and the chair of their scholarship committee. Nereida was selected as Miss Hope for American Cancer Society for teaching groups of women the danger signals of cancer and of smoking in 1979.
Nereida’s motto is, “Ladies, take care of yourself first, so you can be there when your loved ones need you”. She learned how important this was 21 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to place her studies on hold. She returned to Bucks and proudly graduated in 1998.
2017 Winners
Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
Bernard J. Wagenseller '89
Bernard Wagenseller enjoyed a 20 year career in the HVAC industry before beginning his second career in education. While working days as a contractor, Mr. Wagenseller continued his education at night, earning an Associate's of Arts degree from Bucks County Community College, a Bachelor's degree in Literature from Thomas Edison State University, and a Master's degree in Education from Holy Family University.
In 2012, he was hired as the Executive Director of the Upper Bucks County Technical School, which serves Pennridge, Quakertown, and Palisades School Districts. Under his leadership, the technical school has undergone a $23 million campus renovation project, increased enrollment by 22%, and collaborated with Bucks to design a new Technical Entrepreneurship Degree Program.
Community Service Award
Cheryl Campbell '13
As an entrepreneur with a passion for working with children, Cheryl Campbell graduated from Bucks County Community College in 2013 with an Associate's of Arts degree. While working for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, she founded her own 501(c)(3) called The Christmas Gala, a non-profit organization that serves low income senior citizens throughout Bucks County. Starting the organization out of her living room, Ms. Campbell has since taken the organization to its own office space in Bristol, Pa., and recruited more than 40 volunteers as the full-time executive director.
Professional Achievement Award
Dr. Daniel J. McFarland '85
Before joining Rowan University in 2002, Dr. McFarland worked for a division of Ford Motor Company and a division of FMC Corporation for over a decade. He currently serves as the Associate Dean for the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.
In academia, Dr. McFarland has been honored with a numerous teaching, advising, leadership, and innovation awards. In addition to his Associate's of Arts degree from Bucks County Community College, he holds a Bachelor's of Science in Commerce & Engineering, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Decision Sciences from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University. He attributes many of his professional successes to the solid educational foundation he obtained at Bucks.
2016 Winners
Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
Alan Fetterman '98
Alan is a highly recognized and award-winning American artist, produces work sought and collected for continuing the Pennsylvania and Bucks County impressionist and plein air traditions. As a painter, sculptor, and poet, he's traveled extensively throughout the Americas and abroad, living and learning cultural values and old-world aesthetics.
As a Kay scholar with a degree in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, and also a graduate from Bucks County Community College with a degree in American Studies, Alan transfers knowledge into art. He carries a personal and endearing connection to the rolling landscapes of Pennsylvania, especially those of Bucks County, where he lives.
Alan's been featured in 35+ solo-exhibitions throughout the region and showcased various creations in over 150 art galleries in places diverse as Carmel, California, Curitiba, Brazil, and Vero Beach, Florida.
Community Service Award
Peter Smith '86
Peter graduated from Bucks County Community College in 1986 with an Associate of Arts degree, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University in 1988, and received his J.D. degree from Temple University School of Law in 1991. Pete is a business lawyer and partner with the law firm of Semanoff Ormsby Greenberg & Torchia, LLC, with offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA and Chalfont, PA. As a business lawyer, Pete has experience with start-up ventures, family-owned businesses, limited liability companies and 501(c)(3) public charities. He also represents individuals and families in estate and business succession planning and real estate matters. Pete has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer,® a Philadelphia Top-Rated Lawyer® and an Awesome Attorney.®
In addition to his legal practice, Pete serves as the President, and is a member of the Board of Directors, of the Business Network Group, as well as a member and former Director of the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. He has taught as an adjunct professor in the Legal Studies Department at Temple University, Fox School of Business. Pete regularly writes and speaks on business and law related topics. When not hard at work, Pete enjoys time with his wife and three daughters. He lives in Wrightstown and is very active in his community and church.
Professional Achievement Award
John Brown '73
John enjoyed a 44-year radio career in Philadelphia and Chicago. A recipient of the Variety Club's Lifetime Achievement Award, John was named Philly's Best Traffic Reporter four times and Best Weathercaster twice. He also was awarded the Philadelphia Milestone in Radio Award for his 30 plus years of contributions to the radio arts in Philadelphia. John has also been honored by the Chicago Red Cross for his fundraising efforts.
John co-authored, with his wife Donna, the award-winning book "Why Not? Conquering the Road Less Traveled". A book about growing up disabled and still having a successful career, their book Readers' Favorite award winner and their 5-star rating.
John obtained his bachelor's from Mississippi State University in Broadcast Meteorology/Geosciences. He has been married for 37 years to his wife, Donna Goldberg Brown, and lives in Rosemont, Pa.
2015 Winners
Alumni Association President’s Distinguished Award
Jim Sell '83
James has been an administrator in higher education for over 28 years, having worked in a variety of positions at Bucks County Community College's Newtown and Bristol locations and at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Jim is currently the Executive Director of Bucks' Lower Bucks Campus. After graduating from Bucks, Jim transferred to Temple University to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and later a Master's in Education. In addition to his role as an administrator, Jim has taught a variety of academic courses at Bucks and serves on numerous community boards including the Arts and Cultural Council of Bucks County, the Lower Bucks Hospital, the Rotary Club of Bristol and the Silver Lake Nature Center. He is also a member of the Community Advisory Council at Dow Chemical in Bristol.
Jim resides in Bristol Borough with his wife Kelly and has two daughters, Laura and Diana.
Community Service Award
Brandon McFadden '03
Brandon has been in banking for over 10 years, mainly in the sales and wealth management areas. Brandon is currently the Vice President, Sales Director at PNC Wealth Management in Doylestown. After graduating from Bucks, Brandon completed his Bachelors of Science in Economics at Strayer University and later obtained his Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Holy Family University.
Brandon has been involved with several Bucks County organizations including the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, where he is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Bucks County Community College Foundation's Planned Giving Advisory Board, the Bucks County Estate Planning Council, Pennsbury Manor Board of Directors, and the Pennsbury Athletic Association. Brandon was also recognized by the Bucks County Courier Times for his leadership and community service as part of the paper's annual 40 Under 40 recognition.
Brandon resides in Yardley with his wife and two children.
Professional Achievement Award
Jim Bishop '77
As a teenager, Jim knew what he wanted to do in life: own and operate his own health club to help improve the lives of others. From a young age he always wanted to make a healthy impact on his community.
Like hundreds of thousands of others, he began to pursue those dreams by enrolling at Bucks County Community College, where he attended for two years for its convenient location and affordable tuition. Jim then earned a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.
After working in many aspects of the health club industry for 14 years, his dreams became reality in 1995 when he opened the first Cornerstone Club. His business has since grown to a team of more than 350 employees at three health clubs, a Pilates and yoga studio, a Center for Wellbeing, and a full-service day spa, all located in the heart of Bucks County. He's fulfilling his dream to motivate people to take control of their own health in order to live happier, higher-quality lives.
Jim, who is married with four grown children, resides in Holland.