Alumni Profile - Victoria Lender '05
Delaware County Community College is a great option for those who want to continue their education or take a course for personal growth or enrichment. A prime example of this type of student is Victoria Lender ’05, who has one associate degree from the College in addition to a second she is working toward to go with a bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree received in 2013. Victoria is a certified woman-owned business entrepreneur who also teaches classes online at the City University of Seattle, from her home here in Delaware County. Victoria’s story is remarkable both for her achievements in the classroom and her desire to help future students figure out where to begin their livelihoods.
What year did you graduate from Delaware County Community College and with what degree?
"I started taking classes right after graduating from Inteboro High School and was awarded a one-year scholarship to attend the College. My goal was to become a Certified Public Accountant at the time, so I started in the accounting program. After taking classes for two semesters, I decided to take a marketing course and changed my educational path.”
Did you pursue further academic goals?
"I ended up transferring from the College to The Chubb Institute and graduated in 1992 with an associate in Specialized Business in Marketing Management. After that, I continued to take courses that were of interest at the College. As with many people, life has a tendency to interrupt when time is needed in the classroom. I eventually went back to school, when studying online was not as common or as easy as it is today. I enrolled at University of Phoenix and completed my bachelor’s degree in Marketing, a master’s degree in Global Management, and a doctorate in Business Administration consecutively, having recently graduated in June. I also completed an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts during the same time at the College and now, I am almost close to completing my Administration of Justice degree. The great thing about the College is that a lifetime learner like me can find the time to take classes whenever my schedule allows it.”
Where are you now?
"I have been in the shipping industry for almost three decades now. I am currently a station owner for a company called Saturn Freight Systems (www.saturnfreight.com). I have come full circle with my academic and professional experience and am enthusiastic about this new venture! I am also an adjunct instructor at City University in Seattle, where I teach courses in Supply Chain Management and Organizational Behavior and evaluate courses in their Manufacturing Operations program. I really enjoy the opportunity to be part of the academic community and to help others pursuing their educational and career goals.”
What is next for you professionally?
"As a woman business owner, I am in the process of networking with other local businesses. I would like to help other women entrepreneurs start their own businesses and become certified as successful women-owned businesses. I would also like to someday be able to give back locally and teach at Delaware County Community College.”
What is your favorite memory of your time on campus, outside of the classroom?
"I used to enjoy sitting out in the courtyard and on the steps at the front of the school and meeting other students between classes. It was especially nice in the fall when the leaves were changing. Fall is my favorite time of year. Sometimes, I would use the time in between classes to get a head start on some of my assignments.”
Did you have a favorite professor or class during your studies?
"I do not think it would be fair to say I had one favorite because I liked all of my instructors at the College. They were engaging and taught using real-world examples from their careers which helped make the course material interesting and easier to retain.”
What advice would you give to current students and alumni to capitalize on the education they received from the College?
"When someone tells me they want to go to college but are unsure what major to pursue, I always suggest Delaware County Community College. The College has low tuition rates and it is affordable even if you take just one course at a time. The schedules are flexible now with a great selection of online courses and you can find one to fit into your schedule. No matter what degree is chosen, most require math, English, and science prerequisites, which should be taken first and then students are ahead of the game to continue their core classes. Students may take an elective which can inspire them to pursue a career never previously considered.
“As you can see from my comments above, I am a prime example of the lifelong learner. I enjoy studying about things which interest me. Alumni can take classes to refresh their careers or maybe for self-enrichment, such as an art course or to update their computer skills. The bottom line is that the College has something to offer everyone in the community.”
