For nearly 11 years, Terri Martin has been a familiar and beloved presence at Bucknell, most recently serving at Seventh St. Café, where she brightened students’ days with her warm smile and caring heart. As she prepares to embark on a new chapter, Martin reflects on her journey at Bucknell— a place where the people she has met, she calls her family.
Martin’s career at Bucknell began at The Bison as a grill cook, where she worked her way through various stations before transitioning to the Flying Bison, or as Bucknellians say, the “Flyson.” “I had done every station up there and wanted something different, something where I could communicate more with the students because I’m a people person,” she recalled. When the opportunity arose to join Seventh St. Café, she embraced the change and has been a staple there ever since.
Over the years, Martin’s role at the café evolved. “With the new company, things have changed a lot. I am like the right hand to the supervisor down here. I help with ordering, working with students and solving any problems— all while just being me,” she said with a laugh.
For Martin, the students at Bucknell became more than just customers; they became family. “The amazing students I have met over the years!” she exclaimed when asked what she loved most about her job. One story she shared exemplifies her deep care for the students she serves. “There was one young man I met who didn’t have money to buy a lot of things, so after every paycheck I would go to Walmart and buy him snacks. I would come in with the ‘Terri Care Package’ and make sure he had extra things, the things he needed.”
Her compassion extended beyond daily interactions. She made sure that student workers felt valued, giving graduating students appreciation gifts. “I always made sure they had a stuffed dog or a pillow that everyone could sign and leave them personal notes. The students here are just amazing. My heart belongs to Bucknell, always.”
Some of Martin’s fondest memories at Seventh St. Café involve simple moments of joy, whether it was dancing behind the counter or crafting creative milkshakes. “We came up with ones like ‘Monster Mash’ for Halloween— a zombie green shake with red blood drizzle inside, whipped cream and gummy worms sticking out. I enjoy making the shakes, and I enjoy the people,” she shared.
Beyond the fun, Martin has built lifelong friendships with coworkers and students alike. “When I started down here, a student, Erica, who graduated six years ago, was one of the first friends I made here. We had great times— I even took her to the Flying Bison and bought her nacho tots! Paula, Kendra, Courtney— I’m friends with all of my coworkers. We all have our weaknesses and strengths, but together we get through anything.”
Martin’s influence on the Bucknell community has been profound. Many students and staff appreciate the warmth and kindness she brings to campus every day. “No matter what, Bucknell will always be in my heart,” she said.
Her coworkers echo that sentiment. “She is a wonderful coworker, and we would have been lost all these years without her,” said Paula, a fellow Seventh St. Café employee. “We’re sorry to see her go, but we know she’s moving onto bigger and better things, so we’re happy for her. We love Terri!”
Students also feel the weight of her departure. Hannah Tran ’26, who works next door at the MakerSpace, expressed gratitude for Martin’s presence on campus. “Honestly, Terri is the best person here. For the last two years that I’ve been teaching ceramics at the MakerSpace, she has literally been my best friend. She brought such positive energy to this lovely building, and every time I go into the café, she radiates this positivity that I couldn’t find anywhere else on campus. I’m sad to see her go.”
As she moves on from Bucknell, Martin will be stepping into a new role as a caregiver for a young man with disabilities, helping him live as normal a life as possible. “I might even bring him in here for a milkshake!” she joked, proving that her connection to Bucknell will never truly fade.
Still, leaving won’t be easy. “One student who is graduating next year is saving a front-row seat at graduation for me. His mom doesn’t like to fly, so I said I would step in and be his mom for him that day. I also have students this year I’ll be looking out for at graduation,” she shared.
As she bids farewell, Martin leaves behind a powerful message. “When I first started at Bucknell, somebody who I had never spoken to before said, ‘You don’t want to do that, you won’t last, all the students are rich and snobby and will walk all over you.’ I want to tell the community they are so wrong. These students here are so beautiful and so wonderful, and it’s anybody’s loss who doesn’t get to know them.”
And for the students she holds dear? “You’ve got this! You’re going to make it! You can always find me around somewhere if you need to talk when I pop in to visit. I’m always here, I’m always going to be here and ’Ray Bucknell!”
As Terri Martin moves forward, her legacy of kindness, generosity and unwavering support will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of the countless students and colleagues whose lives she has touched.
