Read about the life and career of Cindy Wilkerson (Bruce), a 1976 graduate of Bellevue High. Cindy said she 'fell in love' with the laboratory during 8th grade physical science class at Mission Junior High School. And, oh, the places it took her. Read on...

Bellevue Alumni Association - Alumni Spotlight:

Cindy Wilkerson (Bruce), Bellevue High Class of 1976

Q: What was your most memorable experience in high school?

A: Friends! I remember making lifelong friends who I did everything with and who remain friends to this day.

Q: Tell us about a teacher, coach, or staff member who significantly impacted you

A: Ms Lewis - my English teacher. She was always so encouraging and helpful, especially to a struggling teenage girl. She challenged all of her students in her classes to think differently and to reach beyond what we thought we were capable of.

Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during high school, and how did they influence your path after graduation?

A: Pep club and student government - I was very involved in organizing events supporting sports and school activities, such as pep rallies and dances. I enjoyed being involved in every activity I could and became committed to serving both my school and my community. I joined many of the school's clubs, participated in community fundraising activities, and supported my church. I continued to do this during my college career for both my sorority and university, developing as a leader, committed to both my own development and those of others around me.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: In 8th grade physical science class at Mission Junior High School, I fell in love with the laboratory. This led to my decision to become a Medical Technologist. After high school graduation, I attended Creighton University and graduated with a degree in Medical Technology. I had a 30 year career in the US Navy as a Medical Technologist, retiring in 2015. After my retirement from the Navy, I went to work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer in New York City as the Senior Director of the Clinical Laboratory Department. I spent five years there, retiring a second time in 2020. Still not finished with working in the laboratory, I took a position in the laboratory in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for the next 2.5 years returning to the US in 2022. I am currently an Adjunct Professor for the Department of Laboratory Sciences at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences.

Q: What has been your proudest achievement since leaving high school?

A: During my 30-year Navy career, I rose through the ranks and retired as a Navy CAPT. My final assignment was as a Specialty Leader for the Navy Medical Technology (now known as Medical Laboratory Scientists) Community, where I was responsible for the careers of over 120 laboratory professionals.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My husband Lee and I have been married for over 30 years. He was able to continue his career as an audio engineer while we traveled the world in support of my Navy career. We have a daughter an older daughter Alicia (age 38) and grandson Liam (age 13) who live in Hampton, VA. Our youngest daughter Maria (age 26) lives in Brooklyn NY. We have a daughter Sunny who died in 2021 from cervical cancer.

Q: What advice would you give to current students in Bellevue who are trying to figure out their future paths?

A: Pursue your passion or what excites you that way you will never be bored.

Cindy's Favorites…..

Movie: Top Gun

Book: The Bible

Song: Amie by Pure Prairie League

Food: Chocolate

Bellevue Restaurants: Bellevue Queen & Stella's