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BCCC Welcomes Ronnie Breslow, Survivor of the S.S. St. Louis, on October 24
Bucks County Community College’s Social & Behavioral Science Department in collaboration with the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center invite the public to a conversation with Ronnie Breslow, a survivor of the S.S. St. Louis, on Thursday, October 24 at 11 a.m. in the Gallagher Room on the Newtown Campus (275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa. 18940). The event will also be live streamed via Zoom.
The conversation with Ronnie Breslow, presented in conjunction with the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Certificate Program at Bucks County Community College, will provide a detailed account of her life and experience in Nazi Germany as well as on the S.S. St. Louis in 1939.
On May 13, 1939, Ronnie Breslow and her mother boarded the St. Louis en route from Hamburg, Germany to Havana, Cuba. They sailed with 936 other passengers seeking refuge from Nazi Germany. Cuba's government refused to allow the ship to dock, as did the United States, and Canada. Turned away, the St. Louis returned to Europe, where 254 passengers of the St. Louis perished in the Holocaust.
The discussion will be moderated by:
Education Director Fabulous Flores, Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center, Elkins Park, PA
Professor Paula Raimondo, Bucks County Community College, Holocaust and Genocide Studies Certificate Program
Admission to the in-person and online event is free. The Gallagher Room is located within the Rollins Center on the Newtown Campus.
To learn more about the Holocaust and Genocide Studies certificate program at Bucks County Community College or the event, contact the Department of Social and Behavioral Science at sb@bucks.edu or 215-968-8270.
BCCC to Host Community+ Lifelong Learning at Bucks Expo on Saturday, November 2
Bucks County Community College will host the second annual Lifelong Learning at Bucks Expo on Saturday, November 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Newtown Campus. The Expo will provide a firsthand look at what makes the Bucks learning community so special by bringing lifelong learners in Bucks County together for a day of discovery, inspiration, and meaningful connections. Attendees will preview the College’s personal enrichment classes, engage with expert instructors, and connect with fellow lifelong learners over a delicious, catered breakfast and lunch. Be part of this exciting day — reserve your spot by calling 215-968-8409 or register online.
Attendees will have the opportunity to sample two classes from a variety of offerings to explore new topics and get a taste of the dynamic range of courses available through a Community+ membership. Whether you are interested in Italian cooking, belly dancing, the history of the Battle of Gettysburg, staying fit and healthy as we age, or oil painting, there is something for everyone.
The day will culminate in a special informative panel discussion, "Designing a Life of Purpose and Health at Bucks," focused on the seven dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, vocational). The panel will feature:
Karen Gross, special guest emcee and singer, founder and host of the media and mentorship platform She Rocked It, and Bucks County native. Karen will lead this powerful discussion on well-being, purpose, and community while bringing her signature energy and inspiration to the event.
Jodi Silverman, founder of Moms Who Dare®, speaker, happiness and mindset coach, and community builder, who will focus on the emotional and social dimensions of wellness, sharing tools to help you discover your purpose and passion to live your most daring life now.
Clifford Eberly, artist, and curator at the Hicks Art Center Gallery at Bucks County Community College, will explore the arts as a way to enhance overall well-being. With a background in curating exhibitions and creating art in various media, Clifford will share how engaging in the creative process can inspire joy and provide a sense of connection and fulfillment.
Tiffany Fite, wellness instructor and owner of Fite Fitness Consultants LLC, will speak on the physical dimensions of wellness. With more than 30 years of experience as a certified fitness trainer and educator, Tiffany will offer insights on maintaining fitness and functional health, especially for seniors, to enhance longevity and quality of life.
Clyde Beury, a Tai Chi instructor at Bucks County Community College, will share his knowledge of the physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellness. Through Tai Chi, Clyde teaches the importance of balance, flexibility, and range of motion for overall well-being.
The day promises to help attendees refresh their mind, body and spirit in a fun, inspiring environment, and learn about the benefits of a Community+ Lifelong Learning Membership for adults 50+. Plus, attendees will have the chance to win exciting door prizes, enjoy a seasonal floral demonstration, and connect with local vendors.
Admission is $35 per person, including breakfast and lunch, with free entry for current Community+ members. Visit Lifelong Learning at Bucks Expo for additional details and a listing of classes or email lifelonglearning@bucks.edu.
To reserve your spot at the second annual Community+ Lifelong Learning at Bucks Expo, call 215-968-8409 or register online.
The Newtown Campus is located at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa. 18940
About Community+ Lifelong Learning at Bucks Memberships:Community+ is an enriching membership-based program designed for adults 50+ who are eager to explore new educational experiences in a welcoming and social environment with others who share a passion for leaning. Members can engage in a variety of subjects — from arts and history to health and wellness, current events, DIY projects, and languages — offered by expert faculty. Classes are interactive, informative, and tailored to adults who love learning, without the pressure of exams or grades. Courses and events are held at Bucks County Community College’s Newtown, Bristol, and Perkasie campuses.
Bucks County Community College Opens Doors to Red-Hot Industries
State Representatives Craig Staats (R-145) and Shelby Labs (R-143) recently visited Bucks County Community College to learn about short-term certificate programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs that pay family-sustaining wages. They toured the Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT) and the Lower Bucks Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Bristol Township. CAT programs such as welding, metalworking, and industrial maintenance, have a more than 90% job-placement rate, while the PSTC trains firefighters across Pennsylvania, throughout the U.S. and around the globe. To learn more, visit the Center for Workforce Development and Public Safety Training + Certification.
Susan Herring (left), Associate Vice President of Workforce Development, gives a tour of the welding technology lab to State Representatives Shelby Labs (R-143) and Craig Staats (R-145). The demand for more welders has prompted Bucks County Community College to add more classes to accommodate local industries at its Center for Advanced Technologies.
At Bucks County Community College’s Center for Advanced Technologies, President and CEO Patrick Jones (right) explains how training programs have a more than 90% job-placement rate to State Representatives Craig Staats (R-145) and Shelby Labs (R-143), joined by Susan Herring (left), the College’s Associate Vice President of Workforce Development.
Matthew Hatrak (left), Executive Director of the Public Safety Training Center, shows State Representatives Craig Staats (R-145) and Shelby Labs (R-143) the Lower Bucks PSTC facility in Croydon. Bucks County Community College trains firefighters and first responders in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, across the country, and around the globe.
Bucks County Community College President and CEO Patrick Jones (right) hosted State Representatives Craig Staats (R-145) Shelby Labs (R-143) for an informational tour of the College’s facilities in Bristol Township. Over the last three years, the college has trained nearly 38,000 first responders, while workforce training helped nearly 5,700 people land high-demand, well-paying jobs.
(Photo credit: Eric Parker, BCCC)
Bucks County Community College to Host Fall Open House on Saturday, October 19
The College will host Fall Open House on Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Newtown Campus. Prospective students and their families will receive valuable information whether they are looking to start their collegiate journey, return to school, pursue an industrial or skilled trade, advance their careers, or take personal enrichment courses.
The event is free and open to the community. To register, visit the Open House page.
Dr. Patrick M. Jones, President & CEO of Bucks County Community College, said, “As Bucks County’s educational partner of choice, we are committed to serving the educational, cultural and workforce needs of our students, communities and employers.” President Jones added, “Whether you are graduating from high school, returning from military service, or have been in the workforce and looking for a change, I hope to see at the open house. Bucks is here to help you realize your educational and career goals.”
Attendees will learn about all that Bucks has to offer including 90+ academic and career-ready programs, more than 125 transfer agreements with 56 colleges and universities, and robust student support services to foster student success. Representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising & Transfer, Workforce Development, Continuing Education, and additional resources will be on hand. Attendees will also discover a vibrant student life including athletics and 40+ student clubs and organizations.
Prospective students and their guests will take a campus tour to experience Bucks County Community College firsthand, plus be able to attend several information sessions on topics including Online Learning, Accessibility, Workforce Development, and Virtual Reality which will include a 3D printing demonstration.
Students and families can also learn how Bucks makes college education affordable and accessible. Thanks to the 2+2 savings afforded by our Dual Admission transfer partnerships, students who earn their associate degree at Bucks and seamlessly transfer to one of our most popular transfer schools save 17% – 33% on their bachelor’s degree. Plus, more than $600,000 in scholarships are available each year.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the community to our beautiful campus, allowing them to explore our modern facilities, and provide an opportunity to connect with our deans and distinguished faculty during their visit,” said Jody Seutter, vice president for enrollment management and vice provost.
Fall is the perfect time to visit Bucks County Community College’s Newtown Campus, which is surrounded by picturesque Tyler State Park. In fact, Travel + Leisure recently ranked Bucks County as the #1 fall foliage destination in the United States.
To register to attend the Fall Open House, visit the Open House page. For questions, please contact the Admissions Office.
The Newtown Campus is located at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa. 18940.
BCCC Wordsmiths Series Continues With Two Acclaimed Poets on October 25
The Bucks County Community College Wordsmiths Reading Series continues this fall by welcoming acclaimed poets Kasey Jueds and Bernadette McBride for a poetry reading of their original works on Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. in room 142 of the historic Tyler Hall on the Newtown Campus. The event is free and open to the public. The readings will be followed by a book signing and dessert reception.
Kasey Jueds’ poems have appeared or are forthcoming in publications including The American Poetry Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, Bennington Review, Cave Wall, Cincinnati Review, Colorado Review, Crazyhorse, Denver Quarterly, Narrative, Ninth Letter, Pleiades, Provincetown Arts, River Styx, Salamander, The Southampton Review, Tinderbox, and Waxwing. She has been a resident at the Vermont Studio Center, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Soapstone, and the Ucross Foundation; she’s also been a visiting poet at the University of Pennsylvania, La Salle University, and the University of Northern Colorado. Keeper, her first book, won the Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize from the University of Pittsburgh Press, and was published by Pitt in fall, 2013. Her second book, The Thicket, was published by Pitt in November 2021.
Bernadette McBride, author of four poetry collections, is a public speaker and poetry editor for private clients. She taught creative writing and literature at Temple University and Bucks County Community College for many years. As poet-in-residence for DeSales University’s MFA program launch, she served on the advisory panel for the program’s forward vision. McBride has led various area writing workshops, including for the annual Philadelphia Writers Conference and is poetry editor emerita of the Schuylkill Valley Journal. A founding member of the improv poetry troupe No River Twice, and the new Volta Writing Center on Bucks County Community College’s Newtown Campus, her poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies, including in the UK, Canada, and on PRI’s The Writer’s Almanac. She is a former Pennsylvania Poet Laureate for Bucks County, and a member of the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County.
Saturday, November 16, 1 p.m., Tyler Hall 142 | Thomas Devaney and 2024 Poet Laureate
The final reading in the fall series features Thomas Devaney and the still-to-be-selected 2024 Poet Laureate.
About the Wordsmiths Reading Series
The first Wordsmiths reading was in the 1960s, and featured Allen Ginsburg strumming on his guitar, and chanting verses to the audience as they swayed sitting on top of cushions on the floor. Since then, the series has featured dozens of outstanding and respected poets over the years. In recent years, the series has also featured renowned fiction writers. Poets featured in the series have won a host of awards, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book award, and the PEN Literary Award.
As the founder and leader of the renowned Wordsmiths series, Bucks County Community College has distinguished itself among Philadelphia-area colleges and universities, and has become the home of a vibrant community of writers, poetry lovers, and supporters of the arts.
Ethel Rackin, Ph.D, a Language and Literature professor at the College, is the director of the Wordsmiths Reading Series and Poet Laureate Program. Dr. Rackin has been organizing these public collaborations since 2010, shortly after she began her teaching career at Bucks.
For more information on the Wordsmiths Reading Series, contact Dr. Rackin at Ethel.Rackin@bucks.edu.
BCCC Receives $400K to Expand the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem in Bucks
Yesterday, Bucks County Community College announced that the College has been awarded $400,000 through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career grant program to provide free training and placement services to 50 Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork students.
The College has been the proud recipient of $700,000 in DCED funding since 2023 which has been used to create multiple awareness campaigns and will serve 90 students in the Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork programs, which boast a 90% placement rate in high-paying careers in advanced manufacturing.
“The Shapiro Administration is focused on growing our economy and building a Commonwealth where all Pennsylvanians can follow their own path to success,” said Director Ross. “Manufacturing has always been the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and our investment in BCCC’s Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork Training programs will provide a classroom-to-career experience for students while meeting the needs of the region’s advanced manufacturers.”
The DCED grants will afford Bucks the opportunity to further strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem in Bucks County and surrounding areas through expansion of these training programs. DCED funding has enabled Bucks to have a greater reach in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region resulting in increased enrollment providing a pathway to high-tech jobs that are in high demand.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development,” said Dr. Patrick M. Jones, Bucks County Community College President & CEO. “The Training-to-Career grant funding supports our collective efforts to prepare the next generation of skilled workers for good-paying jobs in high-demand fields.”
The College’s Center for Workforce Development will continue its partnership with the Bucks County Department of Workforce & Economic Development and local manufacturers to bring quality training and employment opportunities to Bucks County and the surrounding region. Manufacturers have become dependent on the College’s graduates to fill their workforce needs. Together, Bucks will provide students with the hands-on experience to prepare graduates for jobs in manufacturing such as machinists, maintenance and mechanical technicians, and maintenance mechanics. Participants will earn industry-recognized credentials in OSHA10 and Forklift Safety. Students will also be exposed to job site tours, one-on-one career exploration with professionals in the industry, college credits, and a framework to pursue their degree, all while placing them in high-paying, long-term careers upon graduation.
The current cohorts of Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork students being funded by DCED began on September 3, 2024, and multiple cohorts will run through the end of 2025.
The free 12-week career training programs are held Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the College’s Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT) on the Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol. The CAT is a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility offering job seekers access to high-quality career training in advanced manufacturing and other programs.
Requirements for the program include:
Must be a U.S. Citizen or possess a Green Card
Must be at least 18 years old
Must have a high school diploma or GED
Must pass an interview, aptitude test, drug screening and background check (determined on a case-by-case basis)
Daily attendance and punctuality
Must have reliable transportation to commute to training
For more information about this program, contact Susan Herring at 267-685-4827 or susan.herring@bucks.edu.
Image: BCCC President & CEO Dr. Patrick M. Jones and Director of Workforce Development Initiatives for PA Department of Community & Economic Development Gwen Ross pictured with BCCC manufacturing and trades students.
