The Gazebo

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Highlighting Bucks County Community College Alumni, Donors, and Friends Spring 2015 Gazebo ALU M N I A S S O C I A T ION BUCKS THE “The Meeting of Passions and Possibilities” 7 th Annual Bucks Community Awards & Breakfast Each year, the Bucks Community Awards & Breakfast, sponsored by Comcast, publicly recognizes those who make a difference in several areas: education, partnership, community and volunteerism. This year’s honorees – Dr. Marjorie E. Zipin, Jim and Maureen Seibert, The Dow Chemical Company, and Professor Emeritus Lyle Rosenberger – “have energized and enhanced our communities,” said BCCC Foundation Board President Fred Schea. Keynote Speaker and Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt also pointed out that “the honorees embody what makes the college a special place.” Both Schea and Shanblatt stressed the value of education for today’s workforce, with Schea adding, “Bucks is where passions meet possibilities.” And that is a great encapsulation of what happens when altruists act on their passions to deliver possibilities for Bucks students and community residents. Education Award Dr. Marjorie Zipin, who recently retired from Bucks yet still works with Arcadia University students studying in the field of special education, is rarely out of her role as teacher. She also works with young adults with brain injuries, and is involved with the Board of Directors of Graterford Prison and the Montgomery County Mental Health Consumer Action Team. She stressed the importance of Bucks’ mission “to look at learners in terms of how they can grow.” Partnership Award Jim and Maureen Seibert established two scholarships in memory of their son, Brian, who was diagnosed with and later passed away from Hodgkin’s lymphoma: The Brian Seibert Memorial Scholarship and the Brian Seibert Memorial Athletic Scholarship, which have given needed financial assistance to more than 20 Bucks students in the past 14 years. Brian as well as the Seiberts’ two other children attended Bucks. With deep emotion, Maureen, who retired just one year ago after many years as an employee of the college, said, “Bucks is always close to our hearts.” Community Award The Dow Chemical Company is well-known for giving back to the Bucks community, spending more than $5 million in the region on education, environment and economic development programs since 2010. At Bucks, the company has supported major gift campaigns, the Annual Fund, the Lower Bucks Capital Campaign as well as given grants for innovative projects in the college’s engineering program and biotechnology workshops for Bristol high school students. Four representatives of the company – Justice Land, Mark Connelly, Claire Quinn and Victoria Maseda – were on hand to accept the award. Quinn spoke on behalf of the group, saying, “Bucks has a special place in Dow’s heart. The company is committed to STEM, sustainability and success in the region.” Volunteer Award Lyle Rosenberger, a Bucks Professor Emeritus, is passionate about preservation. Not only did he found the college’s Historic Preservation Program in 1991, he took on the monumental charge of restoring the four-tier, one-acre Tyler Formal Gardens on the Newtown campus. He thanked the many garden volunteers who toil in this endeavor, noting, “Gardening isn’t always romantic.” He also thanked the Foundation for its support and said that he hoped to keep things going. “This annual March event provides the community with a unique opportunity to help us celebrate the people who really make Bucks work,” said BCCC Foundation Development Manager Jean Holmes, who spearheads the breakfast and awards ceremony at the college. “Without incredible educators, volunteers, philanthropists and community partners, Bucks would not be able to accomplish its mission of accessible, affordable education and innovative programming. We are grateful to the Seiberts, Dr. Zipin, Dow Chemical and Professor Rosenberger for their support and participation.” Among other notable attendees at the event were Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Charles Martin, Chairman of Northampton Township Board of Supervisors Barry Moore, board members of the college and Foundation, and students from the college’s honor societies. . . . continued on page 5 (L-R): Victoria Maseda, Public Affairs Specialist, Dow Chemical; Mark Connelly, Bristol Site Development & Infrastructure Services, Dow Chemical; Claire Quinn, Bristol Site Manager, Dow Chemical; Jim and Maureen Seibert; Professor Emeritus Lyle Rosenberger; Dr. Marjorie Zipin; Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia; Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt; Bucks County Commissioner Charles Martin; and Frederick Schea, President, BCCC Foundation Board of Directors.

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2015 spring newsletter highlighting Bucks County Community College's alumni, donors, and friends.

Transcript of The Gazebo

Page 1: The Gazebo

Highlighting Bucks County Community College Alumni, Donors, and Friends • Spring 2015

GazeboALU

MN

I ASSOCIATION

BUCKS

THE

“The Meeting of Passions and Possibilities”7th Annual Bucks Community Awards & BreakfastEach year, the Bucks Community Awards & Breakfast, sponsored by Comcast, publicly recognizes those who make a difference in several areas:education, partnership, community and volunteerism. This year’s honorees – Dr. Marjorie E. Zipin, Jim and Maureen Seibert, The Dow ChemicalCompany, and Professor Emeritus Lyle Rosenberger – “have energized and enhanced our communities,” said BCCC Foundation Board PresidentFred Schea.

Keynote Speaker and Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt also pointed out that “the honorees embody what makes the college a specialplace.” Both Schea and Shanblatt stressed the value of education for today’s workforce, with Schea adding, “Bucks is where passions meetpossibilities.” And that is a great encapsulation of what happens when altruists act on their passions to deliver possibilities for Bucks students andcommunity residents.

Education AwardDr. Marjorie Zipin, who recently retired from Bucks yet still works withArcadia University students studying in the field of special education, israrely out of her role as teacher. She also works with young adults withbrain injuries, and is involved with the Board of Directors of GraterfordPrison and the Montgomery County Mental Health Consumer ActionTeam. She stressed the importance of Bucks’ mission “to look at learnersin terms of how they can grow.”

Partnership AwardJim and Maureen Seibert established two scholarships in memory of theirson, Brian, who was diagnosed with and later passed away from Hodgkin’slymphoma: The Brian Seibert Memorial Scholarship and the Brian SeibertMemorial Athletic Scholarship, which have given needed financialassistance to more than 20 Bucks students in the past 14 years. Brian as well as the Seiberts’ two other children attended Bucks. With deepemotion, Maureen, who retired just one year ago after many years as an employee of the college, said, “Bucks is always close to our hearts.”

Community AwardThe Dow Chemical Company is well-known for giving back to the Buckscommunity, spending more than $5 million in the region on education,environment and economic development programs since 2010. At Bucks, the company has supported major gift campaigns, the Annual Fund, theLower Bucks Capital Campaign as well as given grants for innovative projects in the college’s engineering program and biotechnology workshopsfor Bristol high school students.

Four representatives of the company – Justice Land, Mark Connelly, Claire Quinn and Victoria Maseda – were on hand to accept the award. Quinnspoke on behalf of the group, saying, “Bucks has a special place in Dow’s heart. The company is committed to STEM, sustainability and success inthe region.”

Volunteer AwardLyle Rosenberger, a Bucks Professor Emeritus, is passionate about preservation. Not only did he found the college’s Historic Preservation Programin 1991, he took on the monumental charge of restoring the four-tier, one-acre Tyler Formal Gardens on the Newtown campus. He thanked themany garden volunteers who toil in this endeavor, noting, “Gardening isn’t always romantic.” He also thanked the Foundation for its support andsaid that he hoped to keep things going.

“This annual March event provides the community with a unique opportunity to help us celebrate the people who really make Bucks work,” saidBCCC Foundation Development Manager Jean Holmes, who spearheads the breakfast and awards ceremony at the college. “Without incredibleeducators, volunteers, philanthropists and community partners, Bucks would not be able to accomplish its mission of accessible, affordableeducation and innovative programming. We are grateful to the Seiberts, Dr. Zipin, Dow Chemical and Professor Rosenberger for their support andparticipation.”

Among other notable attendees at the event were Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Charles Martin, Chairman ofNorthampton Township Board of Supervisors Barry Moore, board members of the college and Foundation, and students from the college’s honor societies.

. . . continued on page 5

(L-R): Victoria Maseda, Public Affairs Specialist, Dow Chemical; MarkConnelly, Bristol Site Development & Infrastructure Services, Dow Chemical;Claire Quinn, Bristol Site Manager, Dow Chemical; Jim and MaureenSeibert; Professor Emeritus Lyle Rosenberger; Dr. Marjorie Zipin; BucksCounty Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia; Bucks President Dr. StephanieShanblatt; Bucks County Commissioner Charles Martin; and FrederickSchea, President, BCCC Foundation Board of Directors.

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The Celebration ContinuesIn 1965, the inaugural year of Bucks CountyCommunity College, almost 500 students wereenrolled. Since then, more than 500,000students have attended the college’sclassrooms or registered for online courses.The 50th Anniversary Celebration started in May2014 and continues until this May – We’reGolden!

As part of the year-long festivities, the BCCCFoundation and Alumni Association hascreated a Golden Anniversary Raffle offeringone of five exciting prizes:

• Seven-day European cruise for two withCelebrity Cruises

• Three-day trip for four to Disney World,courtesy of Comcast

• Pearl and diamond necklace from DavidCraig Jewelers

• Spa day at David J. Witchell Salon and Spa

• $500 VISA gift card from TruMark FinancialCredit Union

Each raffle ticket is $50, or purchase three for$125. The drawing will be held at the TylerTasting Party on June 5; winners do not needto be present to collect their prize.

Visit www.bucks.edu/foundation/events topurchase tickets, or call 215-968-8224 for moreinformation. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

T H E G A Z E B O

Celebrating 50 Years with ArtGiven its long-standing and well-respected association with the arts, the college had nobetter way of celebrating its Golden Anniversary than with a commissioned art show—anevent that included a delightful taste of both music and art.

Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblattwelcomed more than 250 attendees to theOctober 11 premier, noting that thecollege’s roots “are in a county thatwelcomes artists and musicians.” She,along with BCCC Foundation ExecutiveDirector Tobi Bruhn, also announced thenew naming of the Gateway Auditorium tothe Kevin and Sima Zlock Performing ArtsCenter (see article on page 3).

The evening began with a modern jazzsuite titled “Portraits from the Pub,” whichwas composed by Associate MusicProfessor Jeff Baumeister and performedby the BC3 Jazz Tentet that is comprisedof prominent local musicians. Baumeistersaid that the seven original jazz songswere a hidden tribute to Stella Elkins Tyler,original owner of the estate the collegewas built on.

After the concert, guests moved to the Linksz Pavilion tohear from the artists who crafted commissioned pieces incelebration of the college’s milestone as well as to enjoyassorted hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

Bucks Professor Mark Sfirri described his thinking abouthis Building Blocks, a 12-foot-tall, lathe-turned and carvedwood sculpture, which was to create an abstract piece thatrepresents the building blocks of knowledge.

The Cooper Homestead Collaboration commissionedwork teamed Bucks Professor Barbara Korb and stafferAnn Geddes. Geddes’s quilt depicts the CooperHomestead building on the college’s Newtown campus,while Korb implemented hand-crafted paper to portraythis historic building.

Dr. Clayton Railey, who introduced the artists, noted how the artwork truly representedthe spirit of the college. “Both works, each in their own way, speak to the potential in eachindividual for creative, critical, and beautiful interactions with the material world. We arevery fortunate to have among us such artists who can realize this potential in such variousmedia but with equally compelling expressions of beauty.”

You Better Recognize!The Foundationearned a “TopRated” honorfromGreatNonProfits,which isdedicated to inspire and inform donors andvolunteers, enable nonprofits to show theirimpact, and promote greater feedback andtransparency.

“We are thrilled about this recognitionbecause it is based on the feedback andendorsement from our donors, alumni andfriends who support our efforts year after yearand give us the opportunity to make apositive difference in the lives of ourstudents,” said BCCC Foundation ExecutiveDirector Tobi Bruhn.

For more information, and to read the reviewsthat led to the honor, visitwww.greatnonprofits.org/org/bucks-county-community-college-foundation.

Get Your OwnBe among the first to show your Bucks pride,wherever you drive, by purchasing your ownBucks County Community College specialtylicense plate! Alumni, students, staff, faculty,parents and friends of Bucks can purchase aplate through the Bucks Alumni Office. AnyPennsylvania resident is eligible. For completedetails and how to register, please visit www.bucks.edu/alumni.

(L-R): Shanblatt, Baumeister, Sfirri, Geddes, Korband Railey.

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T H E G A Z E B O

Photos for All SeasonsFour wall photos of Tyler Formal Gardens—depicting, spring, summer, fall and winter—were recently added to the Orangery on theNewtown campus, enhancing an alreadyelegant example of French-style architecture.

“I was trying to show the beauty of Tyler FormalGardens in all four seasons,” saidphotographer Rita Melamud. “The photosallow visitors to see how the gardens’appearance changes throughout year.”

Indeed, the photos offer a stunning year-roundview of the gardens.

“Rock the Zlock” – A New Name Honors Well-KnownBenefactorsThe Newtown campus’s Gateway Auditorium, a 330-seatvenue hosting musical, theatrical and other events, is nowproudly being called the Kevin and Sima ZlockPerforming Arts Center, named in honor of verygenerous and avid supporters of the college who residein Newtown.

The announcement of the new name was made duringthe college’s 50th Anniversary Music Premier and ArtUnveiling last October (see article on page 2), with thechange taking effect this past January and continuing forthe next 20 years.

“The Zlocks have been very generous to the college, andwe just really value their involvement,” said BucksPresident Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt. “They have a realpassion for education and we really appreciate that.”

Kevin Zlock, the founder of Zlock and Coverdale, P.C., and his wife, Sima, the firm’sadministrator, said they made their recent $125,000 donation because they believehelping people get an education not only helps those individuals, but also the communityas a whole.

“I think (the school) is very vibrant and I think it has a very wonderful future,” Sima Zlockcommented. “I think it’s very important for people to support it financially, and in any waypossible, because a lot of good things start here [at Bucks].” She added, “I think thisperforming arts center could really become a cultural center for the entire county.”

“The Zlocks are extremely dedicated to our students,” the Foundation’s ExecutiveDirector Tobi Bruhn said. “We’re grateful to them for allowing us to provide even moreand better services to our many visitors, students, and friends.”

Kevin Zlock not only offers financial support to the college; he also gives of his time,recently becoming a member of the Foundation’s board. “I look forward to working withthe foundation to further their mission in raising funds, so that more individuals haveaccess to the quality education Bucks has to offer,” he enthused.

The formal opening of the newly named facility is scheduled for May 28.

Golf Classic Scores New Record Golfers who participated in last year’s 20th annualGolf Classic, held at Jericho National Golf Clubin New Hope, set a new record for moniesraised. For the first time, funds for studentscholarships reached $52,000. Since its inceptionin 1994, this popular sports event has raisedmore than $1 million to support the Foundation’sscholarship fund.

Plus, the event – sponsored by IndependenceBlue Cross, Fox Rothschild and PNC Bank –attracted a sell-out field of 144 golfers.

“I am very pleased this golf outing was another successful event,” said James M. DancyJr., Chair of the college’s Board of Trustees and member of the Foundation’s Board ofDirectors. “It is an important component of our fundraising activity, producing a significantcontribution to Foundation funds that assist Bucks students with tuition and other support.A tremendous effort and commitment by the members of our Golf Classic Committee aswell as members of the college administration, Foundation Board, and Board of Trusteesensured the outstanding results.”

(L-R) BCCC Foundation Executive DirectorTobi Bruhn, College President Dr. StephanieShanblatt and Golf Classic Committee co-chairs Kevin O’Donnell and James Dancy

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Keep in TouchBucks County

Community College Foundation &

Alumni Association

275 Swamp RoadNewtown, PA 18940

215-968-8224 (T) • 215-968-8245 (F)

[email protected]@bucks.edu

www.bucks.edu/foundation

The Gazebo editor: Barbara Long

(L-R) Kevin and Sima Zlock withBucks President Dr. StephanieShanblatt.

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T H E G A Z E B O

Giving the Gift of Higher EducationFirst Federal of Bucks County

As is its long-standing tradition, First Federal of Bucks County recently awarded threeBucks students with scholarships named in honor of two illustrious and former FirstFederal presidents and one devoted and long-time Board of Director member.

President and CEO of FirstFederal Jeane M. Coyle said,“We are pleased to grant thesescholarships in honor of twoformer First Federal presidentsand one former Board ofDirector. The three students whowere selected exhibit acharitable spirit and have thedrive to succeed in their futureambitions.”

The George W. Shaffer MemorialScholarship was awarded toAnthony Moran of Levittown,who is a full-time student atBucks, and upon his graduation,plans on earning his bachelor’sdegree in nursing from EastStroudsburg University.

The Harold F. Oswald Jr. Honorary Scholarship was awarded to Taylor Friedman, a recentgrad of Central Bucks High School West, where she served as a volunteer with the KeyClub and helped organize a food drive. She lives in Furlong and is majoring in nursing.

And the David M. Harris Honorary Scholarship was awarded to Karissa Murray, who livesin Oakford and graduated from Neshaminy High School. She is working on her associatedegree with a focus on accounting, and plans to pursue her bachelor degree part-timewhile working in the field.

Bucks County Bank

April Watson of Levittownreceived Bucks CountyBank’s $2,500 FutureBusiness Leader Scholarshipas a result of her high GPAand her commitment tocontinuing her educationafter graduating from Bucks.

“Bucks County Bank ispleased to have helped Aprilachieve her educationalgoals,” said Chief RetailDivision Officer RickBattaglia. “We are proud tohave been part of hersuccess at Bucks CountyCommunity College, and wewish her the best in her continuing education.”

Watson, who graduated from Bucks last May with an associate degree in businessadministration, transferred to Strayer University for the Fall 2014 semester.

(L-R): David M. Harris, Retired Board of Director Chairman andMember; Jeane M. Coyle, President and CEO of First Federal;Anthony Moran; Karissa Murray; and Christina McGinley,Development Associate of the BCCC Foundation. Notpictured: Taylor Friedman and Harold F. Oswald Jr., FormerFirst Federal of Bucks County President/CEO.

(L-R): Rick Battaglia, April Watson and BCCC FoundationDevelopment Manager Jean Holmes.

Lower Bucks Campus ShowsSome heARTArt and education enthusiasts gathered thispast February for the Show Some heART 125,a signature exhibition held at The Gallery onthe Lower Bucks Campus in Bristol. The eventalso continued the celebration of the college’s50th Anniversary.

This year’s exhibit featured the largest numberof artists to date, and offered a diversecollection of artwork that was available forpurchase at just $125 per piece, of which $25dollars from each purchase was donated to theBCCC Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.

“This year’s Show Some heART exhibition wasbetter than ever,” said Jim Sell, ExecutiveDirector of the Lower Bucks Campus whooversees the organization of the event. “Wehad a record crowd of more than 200 peopleat the opening reception, which was greatconsidering this event was the Lower BucksCampus community event celebrating thecollege’s 50th anniversary. We also sold over 40 pieces of art, which will benefit theFoundation’s Scholarship Fund. We aregrateful to our artist groups and the individualswho continually participate in all of ourexhibitions – and to those who support thearts and the Foundation through theirpurchases.”

Gwen Shrift, a feature writer for the BucksCounty Courier Times, the Intelligencer andthe Burlington County Times who frequentlycovers the local arts scene, served as judge ofthe artists’ works and determined the followingawards.

First place Anticipation by Philip Rothenberg

Second place Wireless by Dwight Harris

Third place Secret Garden by Anna Bis

Honorable mention In the Garden by Abby Sernoff

Honorable mention French Delight by Deb Hoeffner

In addition to viewing artwork, attendees alsoenjoyed music by pianist Joe Lizzi and theDoo Wop Group Street Corner Five, and horsd’oeuvres by Slack’s Catering. In addition,authors John Brown, Maria Casale, LoraCipriano, James Freeman, Leanne Sebastian,Jennie Smith and Thomas Viviano also wereavailable for questions and book signings.

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Alumnus Speaker Skylar Bird, who first startedattending film classes at Bucks when he was 13 years old, later enrolled in the college andgraduated in 2008. At a young age, he alreadyhas several significant accomplishments,including attending the French CulinaryInstitute in New York, a recognized film and theestablishment of his own restaurant in NewHope.

“What I learned from Bucks, I can apply on adaily basis. Bucks still remains, for me, the mostvaluable education,” he said. “Bucks is a greatchoice.”

Many would agree with Bird’s asssessment,perhaps adding that Bucks is not just a greatchoice for students, but also for altruistspassionate about creating possibilities andmaking a difference.

Community Awards &Breakfast…continued from page 1…

Scholarships…continued from page 4…

Lower Bucks Hospital

Officials from Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township presented five $500 scholarships toBucks students who reside or work in Lower Bucks County and are enrolled in a healthcarerelated major at Bucks.

The scholarship recipients are: Leslie Lott of Levittown – Nurse Aide Harsha Patel of Bensalem – Phlebotomy Leslie Sailey of Bristol – Practical Nursing Erin Sowinsky of Wrightstown – Radiography Katelyn Zecca of Levittown – Associate Degree Nursing

“When the hospitalwas figuring out howto celebrate Doctor’sDay, we thought thatthe best way to honorthe more than 200physicians on ourmedical staff was togive back to thecommunity bysupporting localstudents who arepursuing careers inhealth care,” saidPeter Adamo, CEO

of Lower Bucks Hospital. “We’re fortunate to have such community oriented physicians who work alongside us each day.”

“This is a wonderful example of two organizations partnering to recognize individuals fortheir outstanding work, and helping to educate the next generation of health careprofessionals for our county,” noted Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt.

More than $250,000 in scholarship opportunities and awards are presented each year by theBCCC Foundation. Throughout the year, numerous scholarships are established byorganizations and individuals who wish to make a difference at Bucks, including:

• Brian Seibert Memorial Athletic Scholarship • Carolyn and Joel Bacher Memorial Scholarship • Cynthia Kleiman ’79 Excellence in Nursing Memorial Scholarship • Danny DeGennaro Memorial Award • Dr. Barry Sysler Memorial Scholarship • Jack Ready Memorial Scholarship • Kristen Mortland ’09, RN, BSN Memorial Nursing Scholarship • Miss T Early Education Scholarship • Nancy Sharpe Memorial Nursing Scholarship • Outstanding Mathematics Scholarship • Pamela Perkins-Frederick Memorial Award • William J. Cogan Scholarship

To find out more about how easy it is to establish a scholarship at Bucks, contact (215) 968-8224 or e-mail [email protected]. For a complete awards listing, visitwww.bucks.edu/foundation/scholarships/.

(L-R): Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, Erin Sowinsky, Lower BucksHospital CEO Peter Adamo, Hospital Medical Staff President Dr. MarkRayner, Leslie Lott and Katelyn Zecca.

Show Some heART…continued from page 4…

First Federal of Bucks County served aspresenting sponsor of the fundraiser, alongwith the following sponsors: the Art & CulturalCouncil of Bucks County, Artists of Bristol onthe Delaware, Artists of Yardley, Artsbridge,the BCCC Foundation, The GrundyFoundation and New Hope Art League.

The Show Some heART 125 is a great way toprocure impressive artwork while helping tofund a Bucks student’s education.

The tea’s presenting sponsor, CelebrityCruises, was joined by other generoussupporters: Acme Market, Bella Biscotti,CulinArt, Giant Supermarket, Italian People’sBakery, Maryanne Pastry Shoppe, McCaffrey’sSupermarket, Mignoni Jewelry and Mt. FujiHibachi & Asian Bistro.

To view a video of the event and to register forthis year’s tea on September 24, visitwww.bucks.edu/foundation/events

Women’s Scholarship Tea…continued from page 6…

Golf Classic…continued from page 3…

He added, “The continued support by oursponsors, patrons and participants wasessential as we celebrated this event in our 50th Anniversary year.”

Register today for the 21st annual Golf Classicon August 3 at the Union League Golf Club atTorresdale in Philadelphia.

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T H E G A Z E B O

Shop Rite of Yardley was among more than 30caterers, restaurants, bakeries and wineries thatserved scrumptious offerings at the 26th annualTasting for Tyler, held last June.

Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a ride in a tethered hot-air balloon, courtesy of Up & Away, behind Tyler Formal Gardens.

Members of the Greater Kensington String Bandstrut through historic Tyler Hall.

High Tea in Historic Tyler Hall Due to the record-breaking amount of support by more than 80 attendees at last year’s 7th

annual “Salute to Mothers” Scholarship Tea, the BCCC Foundation was able to distribute18 $1,000 scholarships to female students who are supporting at least one child whileseeking an education at Bucks.

“I’m thrilled to say over$63,000 has been awarded to88 students since the teastarted in 2008,” enthusedAdrienne Clark, Coordinatorof Development Projects. “It’svery gratifying to hear what adifference this scholarship hasmade to many of ourrecipients. Through thegenerosity of our guests,together, we are trulychanging people’s lives.”

Guest speakers at the teaincluded Glenn Swann, anexpert in selecting andbrewing tea, who described

the Japanese tea ceremony, and David Witchell of David Witchell Salon & Spa inNewtown, who spoke about getting the best look possible. Witchell also providedcomplimentary hair styling and makeup for the four scholarship recipients and theirdaughters.

In addition, two current scholarship recipients and two graduates who were formerrecipients, shared their stories of how beneficial such financial aid is.

Deana Abbott of Doylestown, a current recipient of the Salute to Mothers Scholarship, isin her fifth year at Bucks, where she is studying nursing and plans to graduate this May.“I’m so glad I chose Bucks because as a single mom, it’s so hard to find a school thatoffers a good quality education that you can afford,” she said. “My daughter and I cannotthank you enough for this scholarship. Coming to Bucks has been the best experience forme, and without this scholarship, someone like me, could not attend college.”

Linda Agasar of Newtown graduated from Bucks as a Registered Nurse just five monthsprior to the tea. She explained how “a lack of finances can lead to the end of a person’sdreams, especially someone like me who’s not your run of the mill college student freshout of school living with Mom and Dad. I’m a middle-aged single mom of three wonderfulchildren.”

Agasar applied for three scholarships, one of which was the Salute to MothersScholarship, and ended up receiving all three. “The Salute to Mothers Scholarshiptouched me the most,” she said. “I felt like this scholarship was not only awarded to me,but also to my three children, all of whom have been extremely supportive throughout myendeavor.”

Jathiyah Mitchell of Levittown also graduated from Bucks with a RN degree. “I graduatedPhi Beta Kappa, and I couldn’t have done that if I didn’t have scholarships, like yours,” shesaid. “I want to thank everyone here because you’re the reason I can call myself an RNtoday.”

Asia Panzino of Langhorne had a long, difficult journey before enrolling at Bucks. Sheearned her GED with the help of Bucks and is currently in her second year at the college,where she is studying psychology and holds a 4.0 GPA. “Since being at Bucks, my entirelife has changed,” Panzino said. “I went from believing I would never amount to anythingto understanding that anything is possible. It is such an honor to stand before you todaythanking you for your support because it is that very support that has changed my life, andit really has the power to change the world.”

(L-R): Deana Abbott, Linda Agasar, Jathiyah Mitchell and Asia Panzino.

. . . continued on page 5

A Tasting that Makes aDifferenceLast year, more than 400 attendees helpedraise $40,000 for the restoration of historicTyler Hall and Formal Gardens as well as forstudent scholarships. During the evening,guests enjoyed delicious food and beveragesprovided by various local vendors; live music,including DJ from Leading Edge andMummers performance; assorted auctionsales; and a tethered hot-air balloon ride.

Presenting sponsors were First National Bank& Trust Company of Newtown, for the 23rd

consecutive year, and PECO. Since itsinaugural event, the Tyler Tasting Party hasraised more than half a million dollars forrestoration projects and student scholarships.

This year’s event on June 5 promises to beevery bit as exciting. To register, visitwww.bucks.edu/foundation/events/tylertastingparty.

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Be Part of the Tyler Legacy by Investing in Your Future and Theirs

T H E G A Z E B O

Follow us on

@ BCCC AlumniAssociation

@BCCCFriends

@BCCCFoundation

Board of DirectorsFrederick E. Schea

President

Constance M. Furman '91Vice President

Theodore D. DorandTreasurer

Kenneth L. KellerSecretary

Charles Bender, Esq.Asst. Treasurer

Philip W. WurstaPast President

Kimberly Arnold David R. Breidinger

Courtney E. Coffman, CPAKaren L. Dawkins

Brett A. Diakon '99Raymond “Skip” Goodnoe

David M. HarrisGeorge F. KomelaskyRobert G. LougheryMichael Rabinowitz

Henry E. Van Blunk, Esq.Gregory A. VentrescaKevin M. Zlock, Esq.

Ex-OfficioCharles W. Beem

Tobias Bruhn, CFREJames M. Dancy, Jr.

Dr. Stephanie H. Shanblatt Thomas E. Skiffington

John Strauss

What opportunities does a planned gift offer you?• Ability to make larger gifts during your lifetime than otherwise possible.

• Ability to make a gift while assuring income for yourself, a spouse, a child or to others for whom you wish to make provisions.

• Ability to create a memorial in your name or that of others close to you.

• Ability to take advantage of tax benefits.

Give the gift of education by including Bucks CountyCommunity College in your will or establishing an annuity or trust. Change people’s lives by making college more

affordable for students in need. Make a difference in yourcommunity by supporting the next generation of leaders.

Join the Tyler Legacy Society by making a planned gift to Bucks CountyCommunity College. For more information, visit bucks.edu/foundation orcontact Tobi Bruhn at [email protected] or (215) 968-8223.

@ BCCC Alumni

Register Today!April 258th Annual Tyler Formal Gardens &Landscape Lecture

June 527th Annual Tyler Tasting Party

August 321st Annual Golf Classic at the Union LeagueGolf Club at Torresdale

September 18“Call of the Wild” Art Exhibition

September 248th Annual “Salute to Mothers” Scholarship Tea

For more information and to register, visitwww.bucks.edu/foundation/events.

Tyler Gardens85th Anniversary

Bucks County Community College

1930-2015

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Bucks Alumnus Knocks it out of the ParkBy Kimberly Kratz ‘11

Attending an open house at Bucks with his mom back in ’89 started one man on his path to become a televisionproducer of Phillies Baseball for Comcast SportsNet. Neshaminy High School graduate Jeff Halikman knew hewasn’t set on going to a four-year school because, like many high school students, he wasn’t really sure what hewanted to do with his life. The open house gave him the chance to learn more about Bucks’ programs. “I walked up to the telecommunications department and talked to them.” Hearing what they had to say, Halikman decided to enroll. During his first semester at Bucks, he took a television production course taught by Professor CaraSchollenberger (now Cotellese). “She really made telecommunications interesting to me. It got me going.”

Living just 10 minutes from campus, Halikman was able to work, attend school and put a little money away. “To me it was very comforting and felt a little closer-knit than a bigger school.”

It was clear to him that the people at Bucks wanted to ensure that as many courses as possible would transfer to his destination school. Duringhis senior year at Kutztown University, Halikman interned at PRISM Sports, a predecessor to Comcast SportsNet. After earning a B.A. intelecommunications, he continued working in the broadcasting business. He then completed a temporary position at ESPN and headed back toPRISM. Rising through the ranks there, Halikman migrated to Comcast SportsNet as a video editor. In April 1998, he was offered and accepted aposition as Associate Producer for the Philadelphia Phillies, where today he is a producer, preparing for his 18th season with the club.

Having grown up cheering for Philadelphia sports teams, Halikman said the cool part about what he does is that he gets to work in a field wherehe’s also a fan. He travels a lot, especially during the season, but he is often able to do it with his wife and children, and he said, “I’m just as big afan now as I was then.”

In the off season, Halikman is a freelance producer of college basketball games. It all started with a conversation at a Bucks open house.

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Jeff Halikman