Students on the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team Are Bettering the Community

Troy Bundy, a father and husband who leads the Community College of Philadelphia's Student Government Association, and Coby Dulitzki, a business owner and biomedical sciences major who dreams of becoming a doctor, have been honored as two of the state's top community college students for their scholarly achievements and community involvement.

Bundy and Dulitzki, members of the 2018 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, were honored April 9th in Harrisburg by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the largest and most prestigious honor society for community college students. Forty-six students from across the state were recognized.

Both men are among the members of the College’s Class of 2018, which will graduate at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad Street.  

Bundy, 50, who holds a 3.88 grade point average, will graduate from Community College of Philadelphia with a degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services. He plans to transfer to West Chester University with aspirations to earn a master's degree in social work.

"In my new life, I work extra hard for the positive reward of helping others," said Bundy, who draws on his experience as a former addict to counsel individuals in addiction recovery. "I think I've had a good impact on students here. They ask for my suggestions and talk to me about their personal and academic lives."

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012, Bundy is a father, husband, grandfather and son who takes care of two family members. He attributes his success to his college professors and to the site administrator at the College's West Regional Center, who urged Bundy to run for student government.

"I always thought of myself as a follower, not a leader," he said. "To my surprise, I had a lot of leadership qualities that I did not realize."

As a two-term president of the Student Government Association, Bundy earned the Association's Outstanding Service Award.  He also received the My Brother's Keeper Award from the College's Center for Male Engagement, where he serves as a mentor to help young men accomplish their academic goals. College President Donald Guy Generals recognized Bundy, a work-study student, for his efforts in establishing the College's food pantry which assists food-insecure students.

Dulitzki, 25, works with the Baltimore Avenue Business Association of West Philadelphia when he is not in classes. His story is one of grit and perseverance as he started his massage company to help him to pay for a college education. At one point, he found himself homeless.

"Attending community college has allowed me to progress in my degree... while taking on many other roles in the City. I created, own and maintain a thriving massage practice, serve on the board of the Baltimore Avenue Business Association, [and] teach at the Philadelphia School of Massage and Bodywork. Being able to excel in all these roles is due to the flexibility and accessibility offered by a community college education," he said.

Dulitzki majors in the biological and biomedical sciences and maintains a 3.94 grade point average. He plans to transfer to a four-year college with the goal of promoting wellness practices in healthcare as an osteopathic medical physician with a master's degree in public health.

"Given my intention and abilities, I would make the greatest impact by positively influencing our public health policy as a physician in a way that promotes access to health and wellness education," he said.

His belief in wellness was evident on campus where Dulitzki organized events exposing his fellow students to yoga, Qi Gong, and massage therapy, "all of which were almost entirely new to nearly everyone in attendance," he said. He is also working on a patent for an ergonomic design to resolve a common pattern of symptoms he noticed in his clients.  

At the College, Dulitzki is a contributor, organizing Facebook groups for each class, "because I've learned that especially higher-level sciences require a collaborative process." And on Baltimore Avenue, he has learned to help himself and his business, Live Vitality Massage, while also helping others through the Business Association, where he serves as membership director.

For consideration to the statewide academic team, students must serve their communities and maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average. Team members are eligible for scholarships that fund up to two years of tuition in a baccalaureate program at any of the state system's 14 colleges.