MCC Proud: Meet Lori Bartkovich

September 10, 2025

Lori Bartkovich has been working at Monroe Community College (MCC) for more than 15 years. She works in Financial Aid and Veteran Services, helping military-affiliated students navigate the myriad of benefits and services available both on campus and through outside sources.

Bartkovich is a proud MCC alumna. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, followed by a master’s degree in English literature from Cardiff University in Wales. After returning to New York State, she pursued a second master’s degree in history from SUNY Brockport.

“Actually, what originally took me to the United Kingdom was a 2+2 Program that MCC had with the University of Plymouth, England, at the time,” said Bartkovich. “I ended up staying for my master’s degree, because I was interested specifically in studying Arthurian literature.”

Her grandfather’s service in World War II led Bartkovich to her current career. “I love serving veterans and their families,” she said. “They are the only reason I do what I do… I serve, because they served.”

Bartkovich has earned numerous accolades during her time at MCC, both as a student and as an employee. As a student, she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, recognized in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges, and honored with the Phillis Cotner Award. In her role as an employee, she was named the 2017 Veteran Education Champion by the Rochester Veterans Business Council.

Although Bartkovich has many fond memories from her time at MCC, none compares to meeting her husband here as a student. “We currently have our names engraved on the chairs in the auditorium where we met,” she said.

When asked what suggestions she’d give to current students or those considering enrolling in MCC, Bartkovich said, “Work with as many departments as possible. You would be surprised how many resources you have at your disposal. All you have to do is ask!”

Outside of MCC, Bartkovich is involved with several organizations, including the Continuing Education Association of New York, Rochester Area College Continuing Education, Help Base Greater Rochester, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association, and the American Heart Association.

Fun Facts About Lori

Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
Lori: Monkeybread
Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
Lori: Spaceballs or Princess Bride
Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
Lori: Tottenham Hotspurs (soccer)
Courtney: What is your biggest fear?
Lori: Spiders
Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
Lori: I’m a big nerd (Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who, Firefly, DC, Marvel)
Courtney: If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
Lori: John Adams (our second U.S. president) or Veronica Franco (a Venetian poet in the 1500s)
Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
Lori: Staying up late
Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Lori: The “three-foot world” concept, often attributed to Navy SEAL training. It emphasizes focusing on the immediate, controllable elements in a given situation, rather than being overwhelmed by larger, external factors.
Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
Lori: Japan or revisit Venice
Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
Lori: Working at my other job: Phillips European (worked there for over 20 years)
Courtney: Would you like to share anything else about yourself?
Lori: Tom Cruise was my first autograph from a celebrity. He saved my life when I was getting crushed against a barricade in London. He was attending the premiere of Vanilla Sky, and I just happened to be meeting my university friends on the day of the British premiere. (On a side note, if you ever visit my office, I have two walls full of signatures that I have collected since then by attending comic cons.)

Lori Bartkovich