Skip to content
Pennsbury Senior Wins BCCC Short Fiction Contest
Olivia Beno, a senior at Pennsbury High School in Fairless Hills, has won first place in the annual Short Fiction Contest for High School Students, officials at Bucks County Community College announced.
Beno was awarded first place for her story “The Lake.” Sarah Lueck, a junior at Central Bucks High School West in Doylestown, won second place for “In the Bleak Midwinter.” Sophia Ogden, a junior at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, took third place for “On the Corner of Turpin and Thistledown.”
Dr. Cecile Kandl Anderson of the College’s School of Language and Literature, which runs the contest, made the final selections. The winners will receive certificates and awards of $200, $100, and $50, respectively.
Anderson noted that Beno’s story “The Lake” was “…rich in sensory detail, creating a sense of immediacy as the reader follows along with the narrator’s journey.”
“Childhood fears juxtapose disappointment as the narrator worries about disappointing someone they love,” Anderson wrote of the first-prize entry. “In this compelling narrative we are treated to a series of events that lead to a memorable conclusion. Indeed, the reader witnesses an emotional journey that is as compelling as it is profound.”
Lueck’s story “In the Bleak Midwinter” follows a protagonist caught in a blizzard, who struggles with a lack of self-worth even as he tries to save his life.
“His salvation, and his ability to connect with others, comes from an unexpected source,” Anderson noted. “Well-crafted details create an experience wherein the reader feels like they, too, are trapped in the snow. Rich imagery and memorable characterization demonstrate the author’s ability to spin a tale that is certainly worthy of recognition.”
Ogden’s story “On the Corner of Turpin and Thistledown” is about a magical building that a woman returns to throughout her life.
“We see how beautifully elevated language, which recalls Austen, addresses the reader rather formally,” Anderson noted. “The author demonstrates a deft ability to move the character throughout her life, from young womanhood, to newlywed, to mother, to widow. Additionally, the story brilliantly considers how a neighborhood evolves over a generation — or more.”
Bucks County Community College’s School of Language and Literature runs two short fiction contests each spring: one for high school students, and one for Bucks County residents 18 and older. For more information, contact the contest coordinator Professor Elizabeth Luciano at elizabeth.luciano@bucks.edu.
Beloved Poet’s Words Put to Music in ‘Bursk’s Works’
Prof. Jeff Baumeister performs songs he composed to the poetry of Dr. Christopher Bursk (1943 - 2021) Friday, April 25 at Newtown The voice of the late Dr. Christopher Bursk lives on in the hundreds of poems he wrote over many years. But for the first time, that voice will be heard in song on April 25 at Bucks County Community College, where he taught for nearly five decades until his passing in 2021.
That’s when the College’s Cultural Affairs Committee presents “Bursk’s Works: An evening of Poetry and Music to Celebrate the Life and Works of Dr. Christopher Bursk” at 7:30 p.m. in the Zlock Performing Arts Center.
Music Professor Jeff Baumeister used a sabbatical project to compose songs based on the poetry of the beloved Bucks professor, mentor and poet. He said the idea came to him suddenly, before he’d even read any of Bursk’s poetry.
“I love all music and have written several jazz pieces, but I wanted to venture more into writing rock songs,” Baumeister recalled.
“Out of the blue, as I was writing a sabbatical proposal to help me do this, Chris Bursk popped into my head. Maybe it was his recent passing, but I didn’t know Chris very well. I decided to propose the idea of writing songs based on his poems,” said Baumeister. “After I received word that my sabbatical was approved, I went to the library and checked out some of Chris’s books. The Bursk’s Works concert is the outcome.”
A recipient of NEA, Guggenheim, and Pew Fellowships, Bursk (1943 - 2021) was the author of 18 books including his final, “With Aeneas in a Time of Plague” (Ragged Sky Press, 2021). He was grateful to have had his writing recognized by the AWP Donald Hall Poetry Prize, the Allen Ginsberg 49th Parallel Awards, and the Milt Kessler Book Award, among others, but most importantly, to have been the proud grandfather of six.
Baumeister says the songs are a mix of styles, including rock, funk, jazz, folk, and gospel. In addition to Baumeister on piano, the concert features faculty and alumni from the School of Arts and Communication as musicians and vocalists. Typography students from Professor Michael Kabbash’s class have visually interpreted the words to some of Bursk’s poems, which will be projected during the concert.
Bucks County Poet Laureate Lake Angela will perform a dance she choreographed to one of the songs, joined by Bucks dance students. Volunteers from the Volta Center for Writing Arts will be selling Bursk’s books during intermission, and each purchase includes a limited-edition 3-D printed bookmark to commemorate the event.
Tickets for “Bursk’s Works” can be purchased online for $12 each, including fees. All proceeds from ticket and book sales benefit the Keri Barber Scholarship Fund, where Bursk had requested donations in his honor to be contributed.
The Zlock Performing Arts Center is located on the Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940, where there is ample free parking. For a campus map and directions, visit the Newtown Campus page.
BCCC Student Journalists Make Headlines with Armful of Accolades
Bucks County Community College’s Centurion newspaper won 16 awards in the Keystone Student Media Awards Contest, bringing tally to 200+ Bucks County Community College’s student newspaper, The Centurion, which has been launching journalism careers for more than 60 years, has won 16 awards in the 2025 Keystone Student Media Awards contest, including first place in ongoing news coverage, public service reporting, feature writing and website.
Since 2010, The Centurion has won more than 200 awards in the contest run by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. It competes in Division III, which represents community colleges across Pennsylvania.
The Centurion won awards for, among other things, coverage of the 2024 presidential election, the search for a new president at the College, a series of articles about the challenges facing working students, a solar eclipse that dazzled millions of Americans, and a visit to the campus by a group of Tibetan monks.
In addition to written works, the paper won first place in the Cartoon-Graphic Illustration category for a comic strip called “Dog Life,” first in Feature Photos for pictures of the visiting monks, first in Layout and Design and first in the Video Story category for a report about the hidden underground history of Tyler Hall, the historic mansion located in the heart of the Newtown campus.
The Centurion also won the contest’s sweepstakes honor, given to the paper that wins the most awards in its division.
Centurion editor in chief Kassandra Castillo, who is credited on four of the awards, said it has been inspiring to be associated with a student-run school newspaper.
“I’ve been working on The Centurion for two semesters and I’ve learned so much in the process,” said the journalism major. “Print and online media hold so much relevance in our world, and I’m honored to be joining a field where we bring community engagement while spreading local news.”
Tony Rogers, the College’s journalism professor and faculty advisor to the student newspaper, said he couldn't be more proud of his students.
“Most of the students on The Centurion take a full load of classes and work jobs outside school, yet still manage to do award-winning journalism,” said Rogers. “Even after 27 years as a professor here, I'm still amazed by their seemingly boundless energy, creativity and dedication.”
The students received their awards at the Student Keystone Media Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 3, at WITF’s Public Media Center in Harrisburg, Pa.
For more information about the journalism program at Bucks County Community College, visit the Journalism Associate of Arts program page. You can also explore the award-winning student newspaper, The Centurion, online.
Below is the complete list of the 2025 Keystone awards won by the Centurion:
First PlaceOngoing News CoverageElection 2024Anna Sztenderowicz, Kassandra Castillo, Raeanne Raccagno, Christian Grosso and Jordan Evans
Second PlaceOngoing News CoverageBucks Searches for New PresidentAnna Sztenderowicz and Christian Grosso
First PlacePublic Service/Enterprise PackageElection 2024Anna Sztenderowicz, Kassandra Castillo, Raeanne Raccagno and Christian Grosso
Second PlacePublic Service/Enterprise PackageSpecial Report: Working StudentsRaeanne Raccagno, Daulton Parry, Christian Grosso, Jesse Fischer and Cristopher Ramirez
First PlaceFeature StorySolar Eclipse Dazzles the Sky Across AmericaChristian Grosso
Honorable MentionFeature StoryWelcoming President Jones to BucksAnna Sztenderowicz
First PlacePersonality ProfileMusic Teacher Jazzes Up His ClassesRaeanne Raccagno
Second PlacePersonality ProfileKhush Patel Thrives Under PressureCristopher Ramirez
Honorable MentionPersonality ProfileProfessor Rackin Keeps Busy with Writing, Readings & TeachingJesse Fischer
First PlaceReviewDreamWorks' 'The Wild Robot' Has the Makings of an Animated ClassicCristopher Ramirez
First PlaceCartoon/Graphic IllustrationDog LifeConnor Sturza
First PlaceFeature PhotoTibetan Monks Bring Interfaith World Peace MandalaKassandra Castillo
First PlacePhoto StoryTibetan Monks Visit BucksKassandra Castillo
First PlaceLayout and DesignThe Centurion Vol 59 issue 6 layoutRaeanne Raccagno and Arianna Keith
First Place Websitebucks-news.comChristian Grosso, Madison Kifolo and Raeanne Raccagno
First Place Video StoryDiscovering the Hidden Underground History of Tyler HallRaeanne Raccagno
Celebrate Arts at Bucks with 60th Annual Student Art Exhibition
Bucks County Community College invites the public to Arts at Bucks, the annual multi-week celebration that showcases all that the School of Arts and Communication has to offer.
Arts at Bucks features the 60th Annual Student Art Exhibition, with dozens of works students created over the last year. Media includes ceramics, dance, digital media, drawing, film, fine woodworking, glass, graphic design, jewelry, music, painting, printmaking, photography, 2D design, 3D design, video, and web design.
The exhibition will be on view from Friday, April 25 through Tuesday, May 6 in the Hicks Art Center. The public is invited to the exhibition reception, open studios, student art and craft sale, and the art scholarship and award ceremony on Sunday, May 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Arts at Bucks schedule for May 4 is as follows:
60th Annual Student Exhibition Reception1 – 4 p.m., Hicks Art Center; 2 p.m., Arts Scholarship and Award Ceremony
Student Art and Craft Sale1 – 4 p.m. 3-D Courtyard (weather permitting) or 3-D Arts Building Room 001
Open Studios1 – 4 p.m., Hicks Art Center and 3-D Arts BuildingFine Woodworking, Jewelry, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Foundry
Wood Turning Demonstration1 – 2 p.m., Hicks Art Center, Room 130Bob Crowe shows his expertise in the art of Wood Turning.
Bronze Pour Demonstration3 p.m., 3-D Arts Building, Metal FoundryFaculty member Jon Burns guides a team of artists through the process of casting bronze sculpture.
What’s more, Arts at Bucks also features music, film, and dance presentations by students for their end-of-semester or end-of-year projects. More free events include:
Monday, May 5 – Percussion Ensemble, 7 p.m., Music & Multimedia Building
Tuesday, May 6 – Music Ensembles Spring Concert, 7 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, May 7 – Bucks Filmfest, 2 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Friday, May 9 – Bucks Dance Showcase, 7:30 p.m., Zlock Performing Arts Center
Arts at Bucks is hosted by the College’s School of Arts and Communication, which offers eight associate degree majors and two certificate programs. Bucks County Community College is an accredited institutional member of both the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the National Association of Schools of Music.
All Arts at Bucks events are free and open to the public. The campus is located at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa., 18940, where there is ample free parking. For a campus map and directions, visit the Newtown Campus page. Learn more at hicksgallery.bucks.edu and follow @bcccartscomm on Instagram.
Villanova University and BCCC Announce Graduate Accounting Pathway
Bucks County Community College (BCCC) officials have announced that the School of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies is launching a new transfer pathway program that will enable BCCC graduates to earn a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree from Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies and transition into Villanova’s Master of Accounting (MAC) or Master of Business Taxation (MBT) programs in the Villanova School of Business. This innovative partnership provides a streamlined path for students aspiring to careers in accounting.
The pathway program leverages BCCC’s strong foundation in business administration, Villanova's College of Professional Studies’ BIS program, and the Villanova School of Business’ accounting programs. Students will complete an associate degree in Business Administration at BCCC, including foundational courses in accounting. They will then transfer to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies to pursue a BIS degree in either Organizational Development and Management or Information Systems and Technology. BCCC students will be eligible for merit-based reduced tuition rates based on their GPA ranging from a 20%-25% reduction.
A key component of this pathway is the integration of graduate-level accounting prerequisites within the undergraduate curriculum. Students will take four crucial accounting courses — Intermediate Accounting I & II, Federal Income Tax, and Auditing — at the Villanova School of Business during their junior and senior years. These courses will count as electives toward the undergraduate degree and provide students with a head start in their graduate accounting studies.
“This partnership offers a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said BCCC President & CEO Patrick M. Jones. “It creates a clear and supported pathway to a graduate accounting degree at a prestigious university, building upon the strong academic foundation students receive at Bucks.”
“We are delighted to partner with Bucks County Community College on this important initiative,” said Christine Kelleher Palus, Ph.D., Dean, College of Professional Studies, Villanova University. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing accessible and high-quality educational opportunities. By integrating graduate-level coursework into the undergraduate experience, we are preparing students for success in their future accounting careers.”
“The Villanova School of Business is proud to offer this pathway program for BCCC graduates,” said Michael Peters, Ph.D., Chair, Accounting & Information Systems and Alvin A. Clay Endowed Professor of Accounting. “Our goal is to prepare the next generation of accounting professionals to become leaders in the field by embracing change, making ethical choices, and advancing the profession.”
Students will work closely with mentors and advisors throughout the program and will have the opportunity to network with accounting firms and interview for internships. Applications for the graduate accounting programs can be submitted as early as the fall semester of their senior year.
Students who complete the program, having started their education at BCCC and completed their Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Villanova and if accepted into the Villanova graduate accounting programs, will receive a $14,000 scholarship towards the MAC or MBT graduate program. They will also be eligible to apply for other Villanova University scholarships.
To learn more, please contact Greg Luce, dean of the School of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies at Bucks County Community College at 215-968-8227 or email business@bucks.edu.
Get a Taste of Your Future at Culinary & Hospitality Open House
Bucks County Community College, which has been launching careers for more than 60 years, invites the public to a Culinary & Hospitality Open House on Monday, April 28, in Founders Hall on the Newtown Campus.
The free event, which takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., features tours of gleaming, state-of-the-art culinary labs, demos by chef instructors, and samples of cuisine prepared by students.
In addition, guests can learn about the College’s degrees and certificate programs in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Hospitality Management, and Event Planning and Management. Each program of study is designed to help students launch careers in high-demand industries like restaurants, caterers, food service, lodging, and tourism.
The public, two-year college has been offering culinary and hospitality training for more than 45 years, according to Greg Luce, Dean of the School of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies.
“What makes our program truly exceptional is our commitment to connecting students with industry leaders and providing real-world experience," Luce explained. "Our open house offers a unique opportunity to experience our state-of-the-art facilities, interact with our expert chef-instructors, and get a taste of the hands-on learning that sets us apart.”
Admissions representatives will also be on hand to answer questions. To learn more about the programs, visit the School of Business, Innovation, and Legal Studies.
The Culinary & Hospitality Open House takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, in Founders Hall on the campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., where there is ample free parking. For a campus map and directions, visit the Newtown Campus page. To learn more, email business@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8227.
