In June 2024, Peirce College celebrated its 159th Commencement Ceremony and to continue the celebration, the College will feature some of its Class of 2024 graduates through the summer.

One is Maura Buri, full-time Collections Manager, Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduate, and Alumni Association Raymond L. Palzer ’52 Academic Leadership Award Winner. 

While attending her local community college, Maura Buri started searching for a college that offered a business degree and dual enrollment. During her search, she discovered Peirce College and was motivated to enroll due to the easy transfer credit process and the ability to transfer a high number of credits while participating online. 

“The experience of transferring credits was seamless,” she said. “It saved me thousands of dollars and a lot of time.” 

In the fall of 2021, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at Peirce. She chose the Business Administration program because it provided her with more flexibility to move into different professional roles. 

After completing her bachelor’s degree, she decided to continue her education and enrolled in the Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) program at Peirce. She enrolled in the program because it directly aligns with the goals she has for her career. In 2024, she graduated with her Master’s degree and was a recipient of the Alumni Association Raymond L. Palzer ‘52 Academic Leadership award. 

During her time as a master’s degree student, she describes her experience as rewarding and exciting.

“Completing my Master’s degree was the most exciting time of my college career,” Buri said. “The material and open conversations with the professors and peers were more relevant than in any other classes. Learning material is one thing, being able to put it to use and hear others’ experiences in different professions is where it came together.” 

Although she was able to successfully complete her degrees at Peirce, she was met with many obstacles that she had to overcome during her journey. She juggled the responsibility of being a single parent to three children, a caregiver to her elderly mother, a full-time employee, a board member, and, sadly, dealing with the passing of her mother. 

She was able to persevere through those challenges with the encouragement from her family and friends. 

“Completing a degree has always been a goal,” she said. “I always encourage my children and friends to go after what they are passionate about. It’s hard to inspire others when not pursuing my own dreams.”

Currently, Buri works as a full-time collections manager that works with many departments at her job. In the future, she plans to use her degrees to pursue further leadership opportunities at her current organization. She hopes in the future to pursue her doctorate in Business Administration.

And for all of her fellow Peirce students and the working adults considering going back to school, Buri has some advice: “If furthering your education is something you want and are passionate about, it is obtainable. Like anything else in life, if you put in the time, you will get the reward.”

Read more about Maura Buri and other success stories at Peirce College.