Seasons Greetings, Alumni!

2020 is finally coming to an end and what a year it has been! But before we shut the door on this year, let's take time to review some highlights from 2020:

The Foundation team raised $100,000 to start a Student Emergency Fund for Bucks students who are experiencing hardships.

The Alumni Association and the Honors@Bucks Club coordinated a Food Drive, providing Thanksgiving meals for twenty Bucks students in need of food assistance.

Last month the Alumni Association held a wonderful virtual event for students and alumni that included a panel of successful alumni who shared their Bucks stories, and offered advice to current students.

 As we wrap up a year that brought along uncertainty and challenges, we look forward to a new year that's full of many possibilities. Wishing you happiness and health in 2021!

Happy Holidays!

Christine Harvie
Coordinator of Alumni Engagement

COVID Update

Spring classes will be mostly remote & online with designated hands-on classes meeting on campus.

Visit bucks.edu/coronavirus/ for more information.
BUCKS sheild - inverted B & W
Diversity & Inclusion
At Bucks, our learning environment encourages a diverse robust engagement among students, staff, and the community at large.
Bucks Certified for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Services

As life-altering changes from the global pandemic lead to an increase in mental health issues, Bucks County Community College is proud to announce that it is now a Certified Suicide Prevention Institution of Higher Education. Bucks is one of only five colleges and universities that have earned the designation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Read more, here.
Alumni Council Spotlight: Scott Sysler '95 Offering Opportunities for Alumni and Students

Do you dream of being an entrepreneur? Are you looking for a side hustle? We are shining the Alumni Spotlight on a local entrepreneur Scott Sysler, who may be able to help you get started. Scott attended Bucks County Community College from 1993 to 1995, then transferred to Temple University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree. Today, Scott has his own business, Kynect, and he is hoping to connect with you!

Scott and his family are passionate supporters of Bucks County Community College. His father, the late Dr. Barry Sysler, taught in BCCC's Health and Physical Education Department for 38 years and was the men's and women's tennis coach for 27 seasons. Dr. Sysler was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Men’s Tennis Coach Hall of Fame in 1999, and was named Coach of the Year 10 times. He was founder and president of Academic Directions, an educational consulting company that assisted families of college bound students to find an affordable and “right-fit.” He often provided pro bono assistance to families who could not afford his services but were in need of guidance, because he felt that every student needed a chance. Son, Scott, continues his father's legacy at Bucks with an endowment scholarship created in his father's memory.

Scott Sysler inherited his father's entrepreneurial spirit and his belief that every student needs a chance. His network marketing business, Kynect, is the platform from which he operates an alternative energy company, Stream. "Stream connects people with alternative energy providers," Sysler explains. "In our area, as result of deregulation, residents have the choice to shop the various retail electricity and gas providers for a competitive rate."

Sysler is not only offering to help others save money on their residential or commercial electric bills, he is offering the opportunity for others to benefit from his success. He invites any passionate alumni or current Bucks students who aspire to run their own business to contact him and he will provide them with guidance and support in starting their own business.

Scott Sysler's contact information: https://streamnewtown.wekynect.com/ 610-952-0913
'Artrageous’ Holiday Fun Comes to Your Home with Free Online Event Dec. 23

Bucks County Community College, whose Zlock Performing Arts Center is bringing culture into your home with online events, proudly presents “Artrageous: A Very Colourful Christmas” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 23. This event features dancing, singing, art created before your eyes, and interactive family activities.

Join us for more fun and engaging complimentary virtual events courtesy of the Kevin and Sima Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks. Click here...
Turn Over a New Leaf with the Bucks Book Discussion Group

Long-running group has pivoted to online meetings on the second Thursday of each month, starting withThe Kremlin Conspiracy Jan. 14.

The Bucks County Community College Book Discussion Group, which first began talking about titles on the Newtown campus in 1988, has shifted its monthly meetings to an online format. The virtual gatherings now take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month during the academic year using the Zoom web-conferencing tool.

Michael Hennessey, the literature professor who convenes the meetings, says although the pivot was necessary due to campus closures amid the ongoing pandemic, group members remain vibrantly involved and eager to share their love of reading. Because of the online format, however, a limited number of spaces are available each month. If you are interested in joining a discussion, please contact Prof. Hennessey at michael.hennessey@bucks.edu at least a week in advance of the date.

The Book Discussion Group has chosen these titles for January to June.
Click the image below to watch a performance by the Bucks County Community College Concert Choir & Madrigal Singers:
Professional Development Offerings

Alumni, do you want to learn what it takes to grow in your field? Are you considering changing career? Click the button below to explore certifications, credentialing, continuing education, and skill-building courses that will drive you further in your career journey.

By enrolling in a professional development offering, students develop and enhance workplace skills by earning certificates and improving productivity. These are traits essential for maintaining a competitive advantage in a high-performing workforce.
Bucks Graduates 1st Cohort from Bookkeeping with
QuickBooks Certification Program

Bucks County Community College, whose Center for Workforce Development supports the economic development of both individuals and businesses in the region, recognized 13 students who completed the inaugural cohort for the Bookkeeping with QuickBooks Certification training program. The 13 students are poised to be hired with new Bookkeeping, QuickBooks, Excel and Accounting Skills. 

Information sessions are scheduled for Jan. 5 and 12 for the next 7-week class which will begin on Feb. 8, 2021. Read more here.
The Centurion Newspaper
Looking for passionate alumni to join our Alumni Council. Email your resume/bio to christine.harvie@bucks.edu.
Learn more about the Bucks Alumni Association.
Real world experience is priceless. Volunteer to speak to students in the classroom.
Interested in getting involved? Contact:
Christine Harvie
Coordinator of Annual Fund & Alumni Engagement
(215) 968-8461
Christine.Harvie@bucks.edu
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