In May 2025, I graduated cum laude from Gettysburg College with honors in my major, art history, and in one of my minors, public history. I was fortunate to quadruple minor in philosophy, peace and justice studies, public history, and studio art.
Looking back now, I see how much I accomplished. As a sophomore, I completed the Garthwait Leadership Certificate, which helped me develop my leadership skills. These skills allowed me to take charge and embrace all other opportunities that came my way.
In Fall 2024, I worked as the social media coordinator for the Newman Association. In Spring 2025, I began working at the Schmucker Art Gallery as a gallery attendant and TIPS server, roles I held for the next three years. That summer, I also worked as an intern at the Adams County Historical Society and as a student summer conference employee at the John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness.
As a junior, I studied abroad in England, where I gained an enduring sense of independence and a love of travel. The following summer, I worked as a Brian C. Pohanka intern in Special Collections, which allowed me to dive deeply into the archival world and embrace my love and passion for history. During my time as a Pohanka intern, I assisted with the Civil War Institute Summer Conference. That summer, I created activities for a younger audience visiting the Schmucker Art Gallery.
Although I have completed my time at Gettysburg College, my experiences and what I have learned along the way will stay with me for the rest of my life. Although these are merely a small portion of what I did as a student, the activities listed above are what I am most proud of.
While the Gettysburg College chapter in my life has closed, it has impacted my current steps through life. Following graduation, I was hired at the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) in Washington, D.C., as a gallery guide. This opportunity was only made possible due to my extensive museum knowledge and my ability to speak with people. I was hired before MCAAD opened to the public, which meant that I was able to see how operations were planned and then fluctuated over the past few months. As an intern at the Adams County Historical Society, I had a similar experience because its building, the Beyond the Battle museum, was new, which made my adaptation to this largely unknown center easier.
In my new career, I give public tours to dozens of people and smaller VIP tours. I have put my art history major and public history minor to work by memorizing everything there is to know about this museum, as well as how the material relates to, and is understood by, the general public. Similarly, I have curatorial experience, thanks to Prof. Yan Sun’s Art History Methods course, which was deemed useful in this new role. I helped deinstall the MCAAD exhibit, “Out of Many, One,” a series of portraits of immigrants painted by President George W. Bush.
“I believe that Gettysburg College has laid a strong foundation for my postgraduate success.”
– Colleen Bergmann ’25
As a Gettysburg College alum, I have found learning enjoyable. Although Gettysburg’s curriculum was rigorous, it was engaging. I plan to continue my academic journey by pursuing a master’s degree in art history. I have been accepted into an art history master’s program at the University of Sussex in England, and I believe that Gettysburg College has laid a strong foundation for my postgraduate success. During my semester studying abroad in England as an undergraduate, I knew I would need to return for a graduate degree. With the guidance of Art History Prof. Felicia Else during my four years at Gettysburg, and directing me through England during my junior year, I feel confident in my ability to study abroad full-time in the coming year.
I am eager to see what comes next. I am thankful for all the memories and people I met along the way. Thank you, Gettysburg College, for giving me the space to grow into the person I have now become.
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By Colleen Bergmann ’25
Photos provided by Colleen Bergmann ’25
Posted: 01/26/26