Bucks County Community College celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, May 21, as it honored the Class of 2026 during its 60th annual commencement ceremony.
The College awarded 924 associate degrees and certificates for the 2025-2026 academic year during two ceremonies held on the Newtown Campus.
Hundreds of graduates crossed the stage surrounded by family members, friends, faculty, and supporters who cheered them on, recognizing their academic achievements and future ambitions.
During the morning ceremony, honors program graduate and science major Sierra Kunigus addressed her fellow graduates.
A resident of Kintnersville, Pennsylvania, Kunigus served as founder and president of the Astronomy Club, secretary of the student government, and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society.
She credited her professors and campus community for helping shape her academic journey and future goals.
“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.”
Kunigus recently completed a summer undergraduate research experience at East Texas A&M University and plans to continue her education there by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physics with an emphasis in astrophysics and a minor in chemistry.
At the afternoon ceremony, communication studies graduate Lia Peralta Joa delivered remarks reflecting on perseverance, family sacrifice, and opportunity.
Joa, a Telford resident originally from the Dominican Republic, is a licensed cosmetologist and first-generation college student who plans to launch her own business using her communication and marketing skills.
Joa was active in the Hispanic and Latino Student Union and earned statewide recognition for her reporting with the Centurion student newspaper. In her speech, she thanked her parents for their sacrifices and support throughout her educational journey.
“Growing up, I watched my parents work incredibly hard and sacrifice so much just so I could have opportunities that they never had themselves,” said Jao. “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.”
Additional standout graduates included Noah Morris of Bensalem and Hanna McMenamin of Newtown. Both students were named to the 2026 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa.
Morris will attend West Chester University to study finance, while McMenamin will continue her education there in early childhood education.
Founded in 1964, Bucks County Community College offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs across campuses in Newtown, Bristol, and Perkasie, as well as online through Bucks Online.
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