Liutauras Repsys, an international student from Lithuania and a recent May 2018 graduate of Garrett College, was awarded with the prestigious two-year transfer scholarship to attend Bucknell University. This extremely competitive transfer 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. Garrett College is proud to be one of five community college partners of this program.
During the six-week academic program at Bucknell University, he left an outstanding impression on the faculty and staff at the university, was responsive to feedback from professors, all while maintaining an admirable pursuit of academic success.
Repsys excelled in two writing-intensive college courses, ‘The Biology of Stress’ and ‘The Psychology of Attraction and Close Relationships’, all while maintaining above average grades.
Ashley Ruby, director of GC’s advising and academic success center and coordinator of the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program at GC, explained that the program is designed for a dedicated student such as Repsys.
“I had no doubts that he would meet this challenge head-on with fervour and style. I am extremely delighted that he has accepted the opportunity to continue at Bucknell University this this fall. Liu is one of Garrett College’s brightest and most ambitious students.”
While at Garrett, he 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.
“He is a role model to his peers and an effervescent leader among the student body,” Ruby stated.
Repsys succeeded in multiple roles across campus, including president of the Garrett College Student Government Association, student ambassador, peer tutor, library work-study, and a student athlete. He was also a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the official honor society for all two-year colleges.
At a height of six feet nine inches, Repsys was an obvious choice for the Garrett Laker’s men’s basketball team, earning a starting position this past fall.
“I am really proud of Liu, his accomplishments, and the Garrett College community,” noted Dennis Gibson, GC’s athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. “Big things from a small start.”
At GC’s Commencement, Repsys was honored as the Male Scholar Athlete.
Repsys plans to continue his studies in biology and medicine at Bucknell University this fall in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. He earned his associate of arts degree in arts & sciences with a concentration in mathematics/science from GC. 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, persons may contact Ruby at Garrett College at 301-387-3733 or ashley.ruby@garrettcollege.edu.
