Lionel Bardowell graduated from TCS in 2004. He then went on to University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to obtain his degree in Pharmacy. Lionel recently returned to TCS for Homecoming and to speak to the students about his current career. Let’s hear from Lionel about why he is grateful for his time at TCS!
What do you love most about TCS?
What I love most about TCS is the lifelong friendships I made during my time there in high school. TCS wasn’t just a school—it was a community that brought people together in a meaningful and lasting way. The smaller class sizes and close-knit environment created the perfect setting to form deep and genuine relationships. I always felt supported by my peers, and we shared experiences that went far beyond academics. Whether it was working together on group projects, cheering each other on at games, or spending time together after school, we built a foundation of trust and camaraderie that I still carry with me today.
The friends I made at TCS became like a second family. We celebrated each other’s successes and stood by one another during challenges. These friendships shaped who I am and continue to be a source of encouragement and strength even now. Some of my closest relationships today began in the hallways and classrooms of TCS, and I am grateful for the way the school fostered such a positive and inclusive social environment. Without a doubt, the friendships I made at TCS are what I cherish most about my high school experience.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
One word that best describes TCS is community. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel a sense of belonging that goes far beyond academics. TCS creates an environment where every student is seen, supported, and valued—not just as a learner, but as a person. The relationships between students, teachers, and staff are built on mutual respect and genuine care. It’s a place where people take the time to get to know each other, where teachers invest in their students’ growth both in and outside the classroom, and where peers uplift one another through every challenge and milestone.
The strong sense of community is evident in how students support each other at games, performances, and school events, and how faculty consistently go the extra mile to offer guidance and encouragement. That feeling of connection and shared purpose creates a safe and inspiring space to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Even after graduating, that sense of community remains. TCS builds bonds that last well beyond high school, which is why community is the word that perfectly captures the heart of the school.
Describe one of your favorite memories of TCS.
During my sophomore year, I pitched for the varsity baseball team. I wasn’t one of the top pitchers, but I gave it my best. One day at pitching camp, I threw a fastball, and Coach Bills said, “That was a really good change-up.” When I told him it was actually a fastball, we both burst out laughing. In that moment, I realized my baseball career might be over before it truly began.
This story is one of my favorite high school memories because it captures a moment of humor, humility, and connection. Even though it showed me that baseball might not be my future, it reminded me not to take myself too seriously. Laughing with Coach Bills in that moment turned what could’ve been a discouraging experience into a lighthearted memory I still smile about today. It reflects the supportive environment at TCS, where even small setbacks became shared laughs and lasting memories.
From your own experience, why do you believe it was important for you to attend TCS?
Attending TCS was important to me because it provided a strong foundation not only academically, but spiritually as well. My parents have always believed deeply in the value of a faith-based education, and TCS allowed me to grow in both my faith and character throughout my formative years. The environment encouraged me to see the world through a biblical lens, to make choices rooted in integrity, and to build lasting relationships with people who shared similar values. Being surrounded by teachers and mentors who genuinely cared about my personal and spiritual growth made a lasting impact on me.
How are faith and learning integrated at TCS?
At TCS, faith and learning are seamlessly integrated in a way that makes spiritual growth a natural part of the academic experience. Biblical principles are woven into every subject, helping students see how God’s truth applies not just in church, but in all areas of life—from science and history to literature and art. Teachers don’t just teach content; they model Christ-like character and encourage students to think critically through a faith-based perspective.
In what ways did TCS prepare you for college and beyond?
TCS prepared me for college and beyond by providing a strong academic foundation, especially in the sciences, which played a key role in my journey to becoming a pharmacist. Ms. McKay and her father, both science teachers during my time at TCS, sparked my interest in the field and provided a level of instruction that made my transition into college-level coursework smooth and manageable. Their passion for teaching and commitment to excellence helped me build the study habits, critical thinking skills, and scientific understanding that I carried into my undergraduate and pharmacy school years. In addition, the emphasis on discipline, integrity, and faith-based values at TCS shaped my character and work ethic, both of which have been essential in my career and life.
Where are you today?
Today, I am proud to have built a fulfilling life rooted in service, science, and community. I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, which laid the foundation for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, I serve as a Senior Medical Science Liaison for Amgen, supporting their rare disease division across the Northeast. I’ve been honored as an award-winning MSL, recognized for excellence in scientific exchange and healthcare collaboration.
Beyond my professional work, I am deeply committed to giving back. I actively support philanthropic initiatives focused on expanding educational opportunities for young children in Africa—an effort that aligns with my belief in the transformative power of education.
I continue to live in New Jersey, close to family and lifelong friends, and I’m grateful every day for the relationships and values that have shaped me. The foundation built during my time at TCS continues to influence not only my career, but also the way I seek to impact others.
What do you like best about your career? Please share any accomplishments/what you are most proud of in your career.
What I like best about my career is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both patients and the healthcare community. As a Senior Medical Science Liaison at Amgen, I help bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world clinical practice, particularly in the area of rare diseases where treatment options are often limited. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work I do supports therapies that can significantly improve patient lives.
One of my proudest accomplishments dates back to my clinical pharmacy days, when I directly contributed to saving lives by identifying serious drug interactions. These were situations where a missed detail could have led to severe or even fatal outcomes. Catching those interactions and intervening in time not only protected patients but also solidified my passion for clinical excellence and attention to detail—principles that still guide me today.
I’ve also had the honor of being recognized as an award-winning Medical Science Liaison. This recognition speaks to my dedication to scientific communication, provider education, and fostering strong, trusted relationships across the healthcare landscape.
Beyond my professional achievements, I’m especially proud of my philanthropic work supporting educational opportunities for children in Africa. Helping provide resources and access to learning for underserved youth is deeply meaningful to me and aligns with my broader goal of creating positive, lasting impact in people’s lives.
In sum, my career has allowed me to combine my love of science with a commitment to service—both through direct patient care and broader educational outreach. That combination has made the journey incredibly fulfilling.
What has been the most challenging part of your career?
The most challenging part of my career has been maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a Senior Medical Science Liaison, my role requires constant travel, meetings, and staying on top of the latest developments in science and medicine. Balancing this demanding schedule with personal time for myself and my loved ones can be difficult at times.
The challenge lies in knowing when to prioritize work and when to take a step back and recharge. The fast-paced nature of my job often means that it’s easy to get caught up in work, especially with travel, meetings, and the drive to deliver high-quality results. However, I’ve learned over time that it’s just as important to carve out time for family, friends, and personal well-being. Making time for these relationships has been essential to maintaining my health and happiness.
While it’s a constant juggling act, I’ve found that setting clear boundaries, being organized, and being intentional about taking breaks has allowed me to find a balance. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m proud of the effort I’ve put into making sure that both my career and personal life receive the attention they deserve.
What would you tell a friend to encourage them to send their child to TCS?
I would tell a friend that sending their child to TCS is one of the best decisions they could make for both their child’s academic and personal growth. TCS offers a high-quality education grounded in Christian values, where students are not only challenged intellectually but also nurtured spiritually. The teachers genuinely care about each student and work to build strong relationships that go beyond the classroom. From my own experience, I can say that the supportive environment, small class sizes, and faith-based foundation gave me the tools I needed to succeed in college and in my career. Most importantly, TCS helped shape my character and gave me lifelong friendships I still value today.