Vivian Kuang '25, Management

Vivian Kuang '25 had a Bucknell experience defined by curiosity and contrast. The management major and lifelong pianist built a college experience defined by saying yes to unexpected opportunities as she moved fluidly between the Freeman College of Management, concert performances, study abroad experiences, and even an unexpected turn as Bucky the Bison.

Her instinct to say yes led her to San Francisco, where she currently works in corporate banking at Silicon Valley Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, while also growing her music business as a concert pianist. She doesn't see these as competing identities, but as complementary rhythms.

Vivian Kuang '25 brings together her interests in finance and music in San Francisco, where she works at Silicon Valley Bank and performs as a concert pianist. Photo courtesy of Vivian Kuang '25

What attracted you to Bucknell?

For me, it was the liberal arts environment. I loved that I didn't have to choose between either business or the arts. I could choose business and the arts.

I came in knowing I wanted to study management, but I was also able to take dance, theatre and music classes. That balance is truly special. Unlike at many traditional business schools, where the curriculum is almost entirely business-focused, Bucknell gave me the freedom to develop professionally while continuing to invest in the creative side of who I am.

That same sense of balance extended beyond academics. I grew up in a Christian home, and my faith has always been a central part of my identity. Bucknell's Baptist heritage and the strong presence of Rooke Chapel made me feel that I would have a place to continue growing in my faith throughout college — a season of uncertainty, growth and big questions. The Chapel became a community where I deepened my understanding of the Gospel and built meaningful friendships with fellow believers.

Looking back, what stands out most is that Bucknell never asked me to fit into just one identity. It gave me the freedom to pursue my passions, strengthen my faith and discover new opportunities I never expected. Bucknell taught me that growth isn't always linear or about choosing one path — it's about having the courage to embrace every part of who you are.

Why did you choose to study management?

I came in thinking I wanted to major in something business-related, but I didn't want to lock myself into a narrow path. I liked that management was centered around understanding people as much as businesses. I took courses in organizational behavior, psychology, ethics and strategy, which gave me a broader perspective than simply learning how companies operate financially.

Business Ethics especially stuck with me. The class challenged us to think beyond profitability and ask what responsible leadership actually looks like. I still refer to those conversations today. I think of myself back then as more of a generalist. I remember thinking I didn't want to major in something specific like accounting/finance and feel like it would define my life after graduation. Management allowed me to explore a variety of options before settling into my current job upon graduation, which is ultimately in corporate finance.

Could you share what your job entails and how you got there?

I graduated a semester early — I was originally set to graduate in May 2025, but finished in January and moved to San Francisco in March for a finance rotational program. It's called the associates development program within Silicon Valley Bank, now under First Citizens. It's a corporate banking program with different teams focused on credit solutions, portfolio management and risk analysis. I work with venture-backed technology and healthcare companies, analyzing financial performance, assessing credit risk and supporting financing decisions. Every day I get to learn about innovative companies across different industries, which has been incredibly rewarding.

I received my job offer before graduating, and I can't thank the Bucknell alumni network enough. Nicole Chang '86 connected me with the firm, and that introduction — along with a few coffee chats and interviews — eventually led to my job offer.

What was it like moving to San Francisco and adjusting to life on the West Coast?

I'm originally from Florida. I somehow assumed San Francisco meant sunshine all the time like back home. Then I moved to San Francisco and met Karl the Fog. I live downtown near the office, which makes commuting easy, and I've really fallen in love with the city's outdoor culture. On any given day after work, I'm either golfing, running, dancing or playing pickleball. Similar to Bucknell, San Francisco has a "work hard, play hard" culture. It's ambitious and fast-paced, but people also make time to enjoy the outdoors, explore new hobbies and build community. It's a very different lifestyle than I expected — in the best of both worlds sort of way.

Have Bucknell classes or lessons you've learned shown up in your work?

While much of my current associate role involves learning on the spot, a strong foundation in financial acumen came from core classes like Foundations of Accounting and Economics 101. Bucknell's Management in Asia-Pacific program had the most significant impact on my career. Through the program, I completed an accounting internship with BDO in Singapore. That experience transformed classroom concepts into real-world practice. Financial statements weren't just homework — cash flow and income statements became the foundation for real business decisions. Beyond the technical skills, I learned how to communicate professionally across cultures, present confidently and adapt quickly to unfamiliar environments. Those lessons have carried directly into my work today.

Was there a Bucknell experience that has really stayed with you?

One class I’ll never forget is Management 101. Our class partnered with TIME Makerspace, a local nonprofit, helping transform an empty space into something the Milton, Pa., community could actually use. We weren't just writing reports — we were building something tangible, creating lasting impact for children. Looking back, that project gave me an entrepreneurial mindset, while also highlighting the importance of community — it really does take a village. I often think about that lesson as I continue growing my music business. Sometimes the hardest part isn't having the perfect plan, but simply having the courage to start.

You've been a pianist most of your life. How did you continue that at Bucknell?

I've been playing piano since age four, so music has always been a huge part of my identity. At Bucknell, I continued taking lessons and performed as the University's concert pianist. Today, I'm fortunate that music has grown from a lifelong passion into a professional career. Outside my full-time role in finance, I perform at special events throughout the Bay Area. It's exciting because both my corporate and music careers continue to grow alongside each other. (Learn more at VivianKuangPiano.com)

You had a memorable experience on campus as Bucky the Bison?

Yes! That was honestly one of the most random and fun things I did. Many of my friends and hallmates were on the cheerleading and football teams. There happened to be an opening for the University mascot, and it all just happened from there. The suit is six-feet-something, and I'm definitely not that tall. So I was always looking up through the mouth/nose of Bucky. It gets extremely hot — there's no fan or anything — and Lewisburg summers are intense. I remember washing my face constantly afterward because I didn't want to break out. I definitely earned a new appreciation for mascots.

How did Bucknell support your spiritual growth?

I've always viewed my Christian faith as the foundation of my life, so having Rooke Chapel on campus meant a great deal to me. College is often a time of asking big questions, and Bucknell gave me a space where I could continue growing spiritually alongside my academic and personal growth. I loved being part of the Chapel community and meeting people from different backgrounds who were also exploring questions of purpose, service and faith.

One of my favorite Bucknell memories was singing in Rooke Chapel Choir every Sunday. After morning rehearsals, we'd all make bagels — a simple tradition that became one of the highlights of my week. Those moments of worship, friendship and community grounded me throughout college and continue to shape how I approach both my career and relationships today.