A Passion to Serve Others

Mike Bright ’93, a 2005 inductee to the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame for basketball, anticipates watching son Michael ’24 play football this fall. Bright, an English major married to Christinia Patterson ’94, is dedicated to youth and community development, serving as president and CEO of the YMCA of Newark (N.J.) and Vicinity since 2011.

1. How did Bucknell shape your career?

Bucknell opened my eyes and mind to the world. It gave me an opportunity to get closer to my passion, which was to serve others.

2. What class opened your eyes the most?

One class that really opened my eyes was Calculus Statistics. I realized then that engineering wasn’t for me. It forced me to rethink what I wanted to do in life.

3. If you could go back to college, what would you do differently?

Not too much. Who I am and where I am today is because of each experience at Bucknell and in life. However, I would probably have played football and basketball. Although I’m known for my basketball at Bucknell, football was my passion.

4. What fun moment at Bucknell is the most memorable for you?

Bucknell in the early ’90s was fun. The most memorable moments were at the 7th Street House, E House and Gateway “Sweat Jams.”

5. What lesson did you learn at Bucknell that you still carry with you?

Someone once said, “Obstacles are put in your way to see if what you want is really worth fighting for.” Bucknell was tough, but I made it through. Nothing in life is too tough if you want it bad enough.