From Undecided to Ph.D.: Meet Merck Senior Scientist, Dr. Theresa Buckley
Dr. Theresa Buckley, a senior scientist with Merck, says she never saw herself as an academic. In hindsight, she’d have been right to hypothesize a future of curiosity, self-awareness, and success—all thanks to an educated yes to LCCC. As a teenager, Buckley was an Olympic hopeful with the USA Luge Junior National Team. She switched to cyber school in eighth grade to accommodate her busy training and racing schedule. A change of heart led her to step away from the sport and, ultimately, back into a formal classroom for the first time in five years at LCCC.
LCCC Commencement Speaker Bedoya & Soloist Clarke
Whether stepping up to an all-new starting line or pushing on to finish strong, commencement celebrates staying the course, seeing how far you’ve come, and inspiring others to invest in their own potential. Student speaker Brittani Bedoya and soloist Shanice Clarke model this spirit and what it means to dream big, work hard, and celebrate the people who support you along the way. The two recent graduates were eager to bring their energy to Lehigh Carbon Community College’s 59th annual commencement exercises, held May 18, at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown.
The H.O.P.E. Center: Building Stronger Campus Life
“I remember walking out of my office and seeing this whole space full of students, and it was just very heartening for me,” said Daniel Melin, Director of Student Life. “For a while, this space really wasn’t getting used as much as it could be. It was great to see it full of students laughing and having fun.” Melin oversees student organizations and clubs and serves as an advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He is also the advisor for the Student Government Association and acts as a liaison between students and administration. In this role, Melin supports student programming, addresses concerns, and creates opportunities that strengthen campus life.
LCCC Students of the Year
Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Student of the Year awards, selected by the LCCC Faculty Association, celebrate community builders, academic pioneers, and peer motivators. This year’s Student of the Year Tyler Turoczy, and Early College Student of the Year, Brianna Abbott, exemplify what it means to lead with curiosity, explore your potential, and be a lifelong learner.
Honoring the Career of Karen Clark, Director of Nursing
“Community college is one of the best kept secrets, especially in today’s world.” A framed plaque sits beside Karen Clark’s desk, serving as a quiet reminder of the mission that first drew her to LCCC. She gestures toward the plaque as she reflects on her father, a former Trustee who served the college for 10 years. Through him, she developed a deep appreciation for the mission and impact community colleges provide. Clark began working at LCCC in 2009 as a clinical adjunct professor before becoming a full-time faculty member in 2011. Over the years, she helped oversee both the RN and practical nursing programs while contributing to student support and the daily operations of the nursing programs.
Different Paths, Shared Impact: The Leadership Journeys of Arianne Roberts and Manseob Sin
Lehigh Carbon Community College offers a wide range of leadership opportunities for students, including involvement in diverse clubs and creating activities that enrich campus life. Students like Arianne Roberts, former president of Pride Club, and Manseob Sin, former president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, exemplify student leadership by representing and celebrating the diverse culture of LCCC through organizations.
