The Pathmaker Project

A community of Bucknell women advancing the student experience

Students walking on Malesardi Quad surrounded by cherry blossoms

For decades, Bucknell alumnae have forged paths of leadership and influence across the globe. They have built companies, shaped industry, strengthened communities, and helped chart the future in ways both visible and lasting.

Yet women’s leadership and philanthropy has remained under the radar at Bucknell. For today's students — especially young women — the presence of women’s names, narratives and lived experiences is profoundly meaningful.

Four students walk on a path with cherry blossoms behind them.

To build this presence, Bucknell is launching the Pathmaker Project to engage Bucknell women to create lasting impact on our university community. Success will be achieved through women-led fundraising, volunteer opportunities, networks, alumni collaboration and philanthropy in support of Bucknell’s mission.

Women are changemakers

Philanthropic Opportunities

The Pathmaker Project advances Bucknell's strategic goals by harnessing the power of women's leadership and philanthropy. By building community through engagement activities, programs and annual giving goals, the project serves as a catalyst to the launch and acceleration of efforts that support strategic student-centered priorities. Through this project, Bucknell women mobilize to make a collective impact, leveraging their expertise and experiences, sharing their stories and illuminating what is possible for future generations.


Scholarship

Competitive awards strengthen Bucknell’s recruitment of top students while funding study abroad, research and internships that enrich the experiences of those already enrolled.


Student Experience

Pathmaker donors enhance the student experience by funding leadership development, civil discourse training and tech-focused professional skills that prepare Bucknell students to lead.


Residential College Experience

An emerging residential college experience will offer exclusive professional development and applied learning opportunities to high-achieving sophomores.

A blue circle logo depicts an illustration of cherry blossoms


In recognition of campaign commitments of $1 million or more, women will be welcomed in the Chella Scott Circle, named for Bucknell’s first female graduate.

Virtual Launch Event

The Pathmaker Project

Wednesday, May 6 at noon

Interested in learning more about the Pathmaker Project? Project leadership will host a virtual launch event at noon on May 6. Join fellow alumni in celebrating the launch of this new initiative and learning about mentorship opportunities, women-led strategic fundraising, regional events and networking gatherings.

Pathmaker Leadership 

Co-Chairs:

Harriet Edelman '77, P'14, Former Trustee
Laurie Schmidt '99, Board of Trustees

Members:
Ana Arsov P'28, Freeman CoM, Dean’s Advisory Board
Annie Drapeau '88, Chair, Board of Trustees
Kristin Ehrgood '92
Gay Huey Evans '76, Former Trustee
Scott Perricelli '94, P'25, Board of Trustees and Chair, Advancement Committee
Sue Gegnas Perricelli '94, P'25, Parents Board
Garry Thaniel '04, Board of Trustees
Wendy Trevisani '92, P'26, Campaign Committee and Parents Board
Kimberly Wetty '93, Former Member, Alumni Association

Abby Gulden-Luthi '05Associate Director, Strategic Philanthropy Programs
Michelle RobertsonDirector of Principal Gifts

To learn how to have an even greater impact or to share an idea, contact PathmakerProject@bucknell.edu.