Community College Graduates 924 Students

Bucks County Community College celebrated its 60th annual commencement on Thursday, May 21, as it conferred 924 associate degrees and certificates for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Hundreds of graduates participated in two ceremonies held at the community college’s Newtown Township Campus. They were surrounded by family, friends, and faculty.

Each ceremony featured a student speaker chosen from the graduating class.

Sierra Kunigus, an honors program graduate and science major from Kintnersville, addressed the crowd at the 10 a.m. ceremony.

Kunigus served as the founder and president of the Astronomy Club, secretary of the student government, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society.

Following a summer undergraduate research experience at East Texas A&M University, she plans to attend the university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in physics with an emphasis on astrophysics and a minor in chemistry.

Kunigus spoke to her peers about the personal growth she witnessed in herself and her peers during her two years at the community college.

“I’ve watched as students discovered their passions, found their voices, became leaders, and formed friendships that changed their lives,” Kunigus said. “Those interactions reminded me that a community is nothing without its people, and because of all of you, my journey at Bucks didn’t just give me my hope back, it transformed it into power.”

At the 2 p.m. ceremony, honors program graduate and communication studies major Lia Peralta Joa of Telford delivered the student address.

Joa, who immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 6, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, was active in the Hispanic and Latino Student Union, and won statewide reporting awards for the Centurion student newspaper.

Joa is a licensed cosmetologist who intends to open her own business using her communication and marketing skills.

As the first person in her family to attend college, she dedicated the achievement to her parents.

“Growing up, I watched my parents work incredibly hard and sacrifice so much just so I could have opportunities that they never had themselves,” Joa said. “There were times during college when I felt pressure to succeed because I knew this moment was bigger than just me. Their sacrifices, love, and support are the reason I stand here today, and that makes this achievement even more meaningful.”

The community college also highlighted several other notable graduates, including business administration major Noah Morris of Bensalem. The captain of the Centurions basketball team was named to the 2026 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa. The honor earned Morris a full-tuition waiver to study finance at West Chester University.

Hanna McMenamin, an early education major from Newtown, was also named to the All-PA Academic Team for her academic and campus contributions. She will continue her education at West Chester University under a full-tuition waiver and additional scholarships.

Recently, the community college held a pinning ceremony for 27 nursing students graduating with an associate degree of nursing.

Additionally, a ceremony was held for 46 graduates of the Basic Fire Academy Training last month.

The volunteer firefighters completed hands-on training at the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Doylestown and the Lower Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Bristol Township.

Two firefighters received outstanding student awards for leadership: Eric Green of New Hope, a volunteer with the New Hope Eagle Fire Company, and Bruce Andrew Ferry of Bristol, who volunteers with the Third District Volunteer Fire Company in Bristol Township.