Jacqueline Leming-Russell | Bucks County Community College

In 2019, Jacqueline Leming-Russell continued her Bucks County Community College journey after a 31-year hiatus, and says she is “proof that it’s never too late.” In 2025, she is graduating cum laude with an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology and won the President’s Cup Award for her contributions to the campus and community. She is transferring to Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., to complete a BA and MA with a goal of becoming a behavior or program specialist for people with special needs.

Jacqui says she was motivated to return to college after her mother was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

“Upon research I realized it was hereditary, and an idle mind made the disease worse. I started with one class while I was working full time. When COVID nearly shut down the world and I lost my job, I took more classes. When classes resumed in person, I decided to have the college experience I had never had. I became active as a student success advocate, Drama Club secretary, Psychology Club president, and a member of PTK honor society.

I have many favorite memories at Bucks, but trips to Pennhurst asylum and Eastern State Penitentiary, the community service we did at Floral Creek Alzheimer’s Care Center, and the Phillies games are some of my fondest memories.

The personal growth I received from BCCC is worth its weight in gold. To be a narrow-minded person going in who transformed into an independent critical thinker is an amazing accomplishment, achieved thanks to the wealth of support I received from colleagues, staff, administration, and professors.”