Beryl Bunker ’58, whose financial management expertise and polished personal skills elevated her to the rank of senior vice president at John Hancock, broke through glass ceilings — and always looked ahead, just like Allison Concra ’16 did during her time at Bentley.

“Bentley truly changed my life. My professors put my future first, I’ve landed my dream job at BDO Seidman, and I’ll receive my CPA certification soon,” Allison says.  A Corporate Finance and Accounting major, she says Bentley is responsible for her success — but looking at her accomplishments, she certainly can take her fair share of the credit, too.

While at Bentley, Allison found several opportunities to grow and give back. She served as president for Kiwanis Circle K, organizing projects and working in a food pantry.  She also was the public relations and philanthropy chair for her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, organizing the most successful fundraising team for Bentley’s 2014 Relay for Life. 

In addition, she participated in the Women’s Leadership Program, sponsored by the Center for Women and Business, which enhanced her confidence, boosted her public speaking skills and brought her overseas. “These extracurricular activities expanded my leadership skills,” she says, “and helped me to establish meaningful relationships with others in this community.”

The Beryl H. and John W. Bunker Scholarship made Bentley, and all of these opportunities, possible for Allison.  “I am incredibly grateful for Beryl Bunker’s generosity,” Allison says. “I feel very privileged and honored to have received this support that has helped me reach my goals.”