Through student employment, Bucknell students take on diverse and fascinating roles that go beyond the typical college experience, contributing to the university community in innovative ways. These stories highlight four students who have found passion and purpose in their unique campus jobs.
Claire Jenkins ’25: Special Collections and University Archives Student Assistant
For Claire Jenkins ’25, working as a Special Collections and University Archives Student Assistant has been one of her favorite experiences at Bucknell. A senior History major with a Film & Media Studies minor, Jenkins explains her role: “I shelve the books in our collection, digitize our archival materials and assist with research requests from students and faculty.” Her work even includes curating exhibits, such as a recent display of photographs of Bucknell dormitories from the 1930s to the early 2000s.
Jenkins first became interested in the position while shadowing tours as a sophomore for her other on-campus job as an Admissions Ambassador. “The student I was shadowing actually worked at the Archives, and when I heard that, I thought it would be a perfect job since I want to have a career in museums, archives or public history in general,” she says. When the job opened in her junior year, she jumped at the opportunity.
A typical shift in the role is independent and project-driven. “Right now, I am currently cataloging a collection of materials belonging to a Bucknell alum, preserving and dating photographs from a scrapbook that belonged to the Rooke Chapel Choir and shifting our collections to make more space on our shelves,” Jenkins explains.
Her work has introduced her to fascinating materials, including yearbooks, photographs and articles from the years her mother attended Bucknell. “One time, I even saw an article that included my mom’s college friend in it!” she says. Another favorite project was reviewing Bucknell’s VHS tapes, which included lectures, events and even a Q&A with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Working in the archives has also helped Jenkins uncover Bucknell’s rich history. “Recently, I compiled a list of materials, newspapers, yearbooks and documents for a faculty member who is looking at the lives of two Japanese-American students who went to Bucknell in the 1940s. This was a very rewarding experience, as I got to learn about Bucknell’s history with the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council and the fight to welcome Nisei students and Japanese-Americans who were in internment camps onto Bucknell’s campus,” she says. “This type of hidden history,” she continues, “is what makes this job not only incredibly fascinating but extremely important and rewarding.”
Kyra Savage ’26: Social Media Ambassador
Kyra Savage, a junior at Bucknell University majoring in Film & Media Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies, brings creativity and passion to her role as a Social Media Ambassador for Bucknell. Since September, she has been part of a team managing the university’s Instagram and TikTok accounts, crafting engaging content that highlights the Bucknell experience for prospective students, current students and alumni.
Savage’s responsibilities include attending bi-weekly meetings to brainstorm ideas and execute TikTok trends and other fun, trendy content. “Right now, since this is when people are applying, we are focusing on prospective students. Being an Admissions Ambassador, too, I know what they want to see,” she explains.
A typical week involves video editing, analyzing engagement metrics and drawing inspiration from her nightly social media scrolls. Savage has honed skills in tools like CapCut and Adobe Premiere Pro while gaining insights into audience preferences. She says, “Sometimes alumni might like a video better, and sometimes students prefer it. It’s interesting to analyze why that happens.”
Savage’s favorite part of the job is seeing her content resonate. “The videos I make might be seen by prospective students and could even be the reason they choose Bucknell. It’s so rewarding, like giving a tour,” she reflects.
One standout project for Savage was a playful trend where she painted “BucknellU is the place for you” on the back of a “Bucknellian” newspaper and incorporated it into a video. She also enjoys mini–mic interviews, where she interacts with students across campus. She shares, “It’s a great way to meet people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
Savage’s work extends beyond showcasing academics; it celebrates the vibrant student life at Bucknell. “Our goal is to highlight how you’re not just coming to college for academics but to find yourself and feel like you belong,” she explains.
This role has solidified Savage’s aspirations in social media marketing, a career path she hopes to explore further through a summer internship. “Being a Social Media Ambassador has shown me this is what I want to do,” she says enthusiastically.
Sam Binswanger ’26: Advertising, Distribution and Subscription Manager for “The Bucknellian”
Sam Binswanger, a Markets, Innovation & Design major in the class of 2026, holds three crucial roles at “The Bucknellian”: Advertising Manager, Distribution Manager and Subscription Manager.
As Advertising Manager, Binswanger is responsible for securing ads to fund “The Bucknellian”’s production. Over breaks, she reaches out to local businesses, building connections and crafting advertisements tailored to their needs. “It’s fun because I’ve made some really cool connections,” she says, recalling weekly visits to a local flower shop where the owner often gives her a bouquet of flowers after their meetings.
In her role as Distribution Manager, Binswanger ensures the printed editions reach the Bucknell community every Friday morning. She and another team member drive to Sunbury to pick up the newspapers and deliver them across campus and downtown.
As Subscription Manager, Binswanger processes subscriptions for parents and alumni who want to receive the paper online or by mail. “It’s simple but cool,” she says, noting how she sometimes recognizes the names of subscribers as parents of her peers.
Binswanger credits these roles with strengthening her communication skills, both written and verbal, as she frequently interacts with clients and attends formal meetings. “This has set me up really well for anything I want to do, especially in a professional setting,” she explains, adding that her experience has been invaluable in preparing her for a career in the business world.
For Binswanger, the most rewarding aspect of her work is seeing the final product. “I love flipping through the paper and looking at the advertisements I’ve worked on. It’s satisfying to see how everything comes together,” she says. She also praises the collaborative environment of “The Bucknellian.” “The team is so impressive—it’s like a well-oiled machine,” she reflects.
Through her multifaceted roles, Binswanger has gained a comprehensive perspective of “The Bucknellian,” describing her experience as both enriching and inspiring.
Risa Kanefsky ’25: Student Farmer
Risa Kanefsky, a senior majoring in Chemistry and Environmental Science and potentially minoring in Food Studies, has spent much of her Bucknell journey immersed in the sustainable agriculture community as a student farmer at the Bucknell Farm.
In her role, Kanefsky leads classes and tours, introducing visitors to the principles of regenerative agriculture. “The role of student farmers is to guide discussions or teach the skills you need on an organic farm,” she explains. Whether demonstrating how to plant crops or discussing sustainable food systems, her work is rooted in both education and practice.
Kanefsky first became involved with the Bucknell Farm the summer after her first year, drawn to the work by volunteer experiences and the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming. “I kept working there again and again because of the amazing people who run the farm, like Jen Partica and Carl Nelson,” she says. Jen, the Farm and Garden Manager, has been a particular inspiration. “She’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had at Bucknell,” Kanefsky shares.
The farm’s structure emphasizes knowledge sharing. Kanefsky learns from Jen, applies her skills and then passes on her expertise to volunteers. This system has helped Kanefsky develop her teaching and leadership abilities. “I’ve learned to break down complex agricultural concepts into approachable and fun lessons for volunteers,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are.
Kanefsky’s passion for agriculture has profoundly shaped her career aspirations. “I never thought I’d end up in the agricultural chemical industry,” she reflects, “but working on the farm has given me a deep appreciation for sustainable agriculture.” She recently accepted a position in the field, with a long-term goal of working in organic certification and food safety.
For Kanefsky, the most rewarding part of her job is the community. “Some of my closest friends are the other student farmers,” she says. “It’s a weird job that draws in weird people, and we all just click.”
Kanefsky’s experience highlights the Bucknell Farm’s role as a hub for sustainability, education and community, where every day is an opportunity to learn and connect with one another.
