Guided By Gratitude

Inspired by their Bloomsburg experience, this alumni couple is creating new opportunities for future Huskies through lasting philanthropy.

Hakeem '17 and Coleen '17 Thomas know firsthand how one opportunity can change the course of a life—and today, they are ensuring others have that same chance.

Their story began in 2013, when two future Huskies met just before beginning their journeys at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg. What started as a connection between two students soon evolved into a lifelong partnership grounded in perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to giving back.

For Hakeem, a Philadelphia native, Army veteran, and aspiring cybersecurity professional, Bloomsburg became the place where he rebuilt both his future and his sense of purpose. After returning from military deployment, he faced emotional struggles, academic dismissal, and uncertainty about whether he could move forward. During one of the most difficult periods of his life, Bob Heckrote ’12/’15M, academic adviser and supervisor of the Office of Military and Veterans Resources, became a life-changing mentor.

“Bob understood what I was going through and believed in me,” Hakeem said. “He fought for me when I needed someone most and helped me secure a second chance. Without that support, my story could have been very different.”

That second chance became transformational. Hakeem immersed himself in campus leadership, professional development, and service. Through donor support, he received a Professional Experience Grant that allowed him to accept a prestigious internship with Northrop Grumman in Monterey, California—an opportunity that launched his career in cybersecurity and defense.

“That grant changed everything for me,” Hakeem said. “It opened a door I couldn’t have walked through on my own. From that point on, I always knew that when I was in a position to give back, I wanted to create those same opportunities for students pursuing digital forensics and cybersecurity.”

Coleen’s path was equally impactful. As a first-generation college student, she found guidance, confidence, and professional clarity through her Bloomsburg experience. Her passion for helping others develop professionally was heavily influenced by her mother, Jeanne R. Schlager, a longtime human resources professional whose dedication left an enduring legacy.

“My mom devoted her life to helping people grow professionally,” Coleen shared. “After losing her in 2025, I wanted to honor her in a way that would continue that mission. Supporting students pursuing human resources felt like the perfect way to carry her legacy forward.”

Together, Hakeem and Coleen transformed their own challenges into a lifelong commitment to service. Today, Hakeem serves as president of the Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg Alumni Association, and both remain active volunteers, investing their time, leadership, and philanthropy into strengthening the Husky community.

Their recent $115,000 commitment will establish two endowed funds: the Hakeem & Coleen Thomas Family Endowment, supporting students in digital forensics and cybersecurity, and the Jeanne R. Schlager Memorial Scholarship, supporting future human resource professionals.

While they had considered making a major gift for some time, Hakeem said Commonwealth University’s recent All In Day of Giving became the catalyst.

“All In reminded us just how powerful collective giving can be,” Hakeem said. “We had been talking about establishing these scholarships for some time, but this year’s All In Day of Giving felt like the sign we were waiting for. Seeing so many Huskies come together in support of students made us realize the timing was right to turn those plans into action. Bloomsburg changed our lives, and we wanted to make sure future students have access to the same support systems that shaped us.”

Jerome Dvorak, executive director of the Bloomsburg University Foundation, said the Thomases’ generosity exemplifies the spirit of alumni leadership and philanthropy that is driving the university forward.

“Hakeem and Coleen’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and extraordinary vision,” Dvorak said. “Their investment not only honors the people and programs that shaped their own lives, but it will also create transformational opportunities for students for generations to come. They truly embody what it means when we say, ‘It Starts With Us.’”

For Hakeem and Coleen, this gift is more than philanthropy—it is a reflection of their journey, their gratitude, and their belief in the power of education to change lives.

As part of The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us, their remarkable investment reflects the campaign’s mission to attract, prepare, and elevate future Huskies through the power of collective generosity.

Their story is a testament to how one second chance, one opportunity, and one decision to give back can create a legacy that lasts far beyond a lifetime.