Campus News
May 14th, 2019
Repsys reflects on first year at Bucknell University
2018 GC alum, biology major dedicated to achieving success
Garrett College alumnus and native Lithuanian, Liutauras Repsys, is nearing completion of his first year as a transfer student at Bucknell University. A biology major, he reported how the last two semesters have been equally exciting and challenging.
"Both semesters were really difficult, but I am working hard to manage the pressures of my academic commitments to end the semester successfully," stated Repsys, as he prepares for his upcoming final exams.
Liutauras Repsys
In addition to his classes, he works on campus at the 7th Street Cafe as a barista. "This has been an awesome job to have since I love my supervisors and student co-workers, and I also earn a little extra money."
If class and work commitments haven’t keep Repsys busy enough, Bucknell University offers over 150 student clubs and organizations.
Students are able to participate in groups focused on art, service, athletic activities, and cultural topics, in addition to leadership undertakings. "There are plenty of opportunities to get distracted, but with good time management and focus, all these things can be managed," Repsys said.
He plans to return to his home country of Lithuania this summer to spend some much-needed time with his family. Beginning in the fall, he will commence with classes at Bucknell and begin a new position as Residential Assistant.
As an RA, Repsys will live among his peers and play a critical role in the growth, development, and safety of the students. In this role, he will have the opportunity to apply his strong leadership skills to be a role model, resource and referral agent, advocate, policy informer, and programmer.
He gained entry to Bucknell University after being awarded with the prestigious two-year transfer scholarship to attend the university in the fall of 2018. This extremely competitive scholarship, valued in excess of $100,000, covers tuition for two years of full-time enrolment at Bucknell University, a private liberal arts institution in Lewisburg, Pa.
As part of the transfer scholarship requirements, Repsys participated in the rigorous Bucknell Community College Scholars Program in the summer of 2017. The program is designed for high-achieving, low- to moderate income community college students who aim to earn their associate’s degree and wish to take their education further.
Repsys earned his associate of arts degree in the arts and sciences, with a concentration in mathematics/science in May 2018 from Garrett College. He first learned of the Bucknell program during his first semester at Garrett.
He reached out to GC’s director of advising and academic success, Ashley Ruby, who coordinates the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program at GC. She explained how the program is designed for dedicated students, such as Repsys.
"This is a highly competitive program. Eligible candidates must be willing to push themselves academically, mentally, and physically, at times," remarked Ruby. "Liu demonstrated that he had the makings of a great Bucknell scholar through his countless achievements at Garrett."
While at Garrett, Repsys excelled in the classroom and was incredibly involved and engaged as a student, participating in many on-campus events, student activities, and taking on leadership responsibilities such as Student Government Association president, student ambassador, peer tutor, work-study, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member.
At a height of six feet nine inches, he was also an obvious choice for the Garrett Laker’s men’s basketball team.
"Liu is an incredible person, and I am so thankful that his journey brought him to Garrett College. I am so excited to see what comes next for him," commented Ruby.
Upon meeting the academic and financial criteria, potential scholars for the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program must apply and attend the summer program immediately prior to community college graduation. Students will then return to the community college to complete the associate degree, and are eligible to apply for the two-year transfer scholarship.
For more information about the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program, in addition to other transfer opportunities available at Garrett College, contact Ruby at 301-387-3733 or ashley.ruby@garrettcollege.edu.
