The official source for what's happening
at Butler County Community College.
What an outstanding start to the 2022-2023 academic year at BC3! Convocation with our excellent faculty and staff was wonderful. Welcome Day with our new students was energetic. We scored a
You did it again. You planned and you carried out yet another magnificent outdoor graduation ceremony for hundreds of visitors to our Butler County Community College. Our 54th commencement May
Our college is buzzing. Contractors are building new facilities on our main campus and in Ford City. Visitors are envisioning their futures by attending our spring open houses. Alumni have read poetry at public events on
Welcome to 2022 at BC3! Our journey in this new year will be filled with accomplishments, with successes, and with highlights. As we begin the start of the spring semester,
We did it. Our college successfully navigated a spring semester, a walk-thru commencement and the start of summer sessions as the clouds of COVID-19 may be lifting. I was happy
Clichés by definition are phrases overused, and I tend to overuse those about football. Chuck Noll’s “Whatever it takes” has served as a good framework regardless of the circumstance. As
From time to time I am asked, “What do you like most about your job?” “Our students,” I reply without hesitation. The past year has been a challenge in so
This shortest month of the year should long be remembered at BC3. Our college in February joined in new partnerships with the Butler Area School District and with Robert Morris
“Finally, it’s here. The fall 2020 semester and the start of a new academic year at all Butler County Community College locations.”
This blog post is in response to a handwritten letter the College recently received from an alumni. Dear Ms. Smith, Thank you so much for the kind letter you wrote
It’s been seven weeks since our college responded to the COVID-19 situation. We did so keeping the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to our BC3 locations at the forefront
I’ve taught public relations for many years and at many different colleges and universities – including Butler County Community College. Crisis management is so significant to public relations that I
Good evening. Butler County Community College is releasing the below statement tonight. As you know, the current COVID-19 situation is changing daily — sometimes hourly. The safety and well-being of
Good morning, I hope you and your families are doing well. By now, you know I have taken the following precautionary measures that are intended to protect the safety, health
Spring break week. And how appropriate — the early-morning sun is beaming on this crisp day. Mike, a member of our terrific maintenance staff, is zooming around campus on a
It’s that time of year when champions are being crowned. LSU won the college football national title. Soon, the Super Bowl winner will claim a Lombardi Trophy. Although I’m saddened
Welcome to 2020 – and to the first mornings of a new decade at BC3! Each morning such as this promises more chances to shine. Just behind us, and below the horizon,
I just love the buzz; made even better today with a touch of fall in the air. Main Campus is hopping this morning. Our maintenance staff is polishing the beautiful
Brian McCafferty noticed the graduates’ smiles. Jennifer Pullar? A female graduate crossing the stage in rainbow stilettoes, and a male graduate, in brightly colored yellow tennis shoes. Nancy Staible? A
As president of our No. 1 Community College (in three consecutive Schools.com rankings, I might add) I love our role as the “community’s college.” BC3 supports various community organizations and
It is rare that in a life of only 23 years, a person can touch so many individuals and leave a legacy among family, friends, and colleagues. Members of Sarah
Higher education in the 21st century is about the impact a college or university has in its own backyard. At BC3, we understand the value and effect of community service.
Well, it happened again! Our wonderful college achieved something neither the Steelers nor the Penguins could do. Butler County Community College has claimed a third consecutive No. 1 ranking as
It is with a heavy heart that I state the following: Longtime Butler County Community College Board Chair Ray D. Steffler passed away Feb. 16, 2019. Ray’s life was dedicated
Yesterday, PCN broadcast its “Inside Boroughs” TV show. I was honored to join Victor Rodgers of Harrisburg Area Community College to discuss the strength our commonwealth’s 14 community colleges. Of
Good morning, BC3, and welcome to 2019! I’m excited to step forward into what promises to be another extraordinary year at BC3, filled with accomplishments, honors and success stories from
BC3 is partnering with Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to present a new webinar series: “So You Wanna Be a Community College President…” The American Association
A couple of weeks back, the College lost a true friend, and legend – Lucille Shapiro. Lucille was one of the early graduates of Butler County Community College and the
I can smell it in the air. Can you? The beautiful aroma of autumn in western Pennsylvania. The fall of 2018 semester is well underway. And just like other rites
It’s here… the start of a new academic year! We kicked off the fall 2018 semester with our annual Convocation on August 23. As has become customary, I provided a
With all of our success as the commonwealth’s No. 1-ranked community college in back-to-back surveys by Schools.com, it is our terrific students who make Butler County Community College so special.
I was honored to represent the commonwealth’s 14 community colleges at a recent celebration for a dear friend. On June 8, Anna Weitz retired as President of Reading Area Community
What a weekend for Pennsylvania’s two-time No. 1 community college – Butler County Community College! The BC3 Pioneer Softball team captured its third consecutive Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Championship
The sun is shining! That’s symbolic for what a glorious spring semester it has been at the commonwealth’s back-to-back No. 1-ranked community college. Consider: Another $1 million gift, the latest
Butler County Community College is the Commonwealth’s No. 1 community college two-times running for a host of reasons. Today, I would like to focus on one – our Rho Phi
Grey and gloom… that’s not just my mood with the Steelers out of the playoffs and New England making a return trip to the Super Bowl. We are stuck right
As a former journalist, I watch, read, and listen to the news with a critical eye. What angle did the reporter take? How effective were the quotes? Was the reporting
With the fall-like chill in the air and football season thankfully here, the Fall 2017 semester is off to a great start. As the community’s college, we appreciate and understand
Where oh where has summer gone? While the calendar still indicates we are stuck in the dog days of summer, the beginning of the fall semester will be here before
As I enter my second decade as President of Pennsylvania’s No.1 community college, I understand the significance of a solid strategic plan. I am pleased to introduce our latest, 2017-22
Wait a second … as I look to my calendar, the first day of summer hasn’t even hit yet. It is June 21. In reality, things haven’t slowed much at
It’s an early Monday morning. As I gaze out my window in the President’s Office, the sun is shining. But, then again, the sun always shines on Butler County Community
Move over March Madness, Butler County Community College had a monster slam dunk at the recent Phi Theta Kappa Middle States Regional Convention this weekend in New Jersey. The College’s
Spring Break at Pennsylvania’s No. 1 Community College is here! While students and faculty are enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation, it has been a busy few weeks. From February
Hello BC3 colleagues, students, and friends. The spring of 2017 is already three weeks old! Enrollments are steady and our students are off and running at our six college locations.
Greetings from Hershey, where I will be joining colleague Presidents from Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges for two days of meetings. As an important point of clarification with what has been
The fall of 2016 semester is off to a great start at all Butler County Community College’s locations. However, news at other colleges across the country isn’t so great. The
. . Hope you are having a terrific summer. Hard to believe the calendar already reads mid-July. . Because I’ve received positive feedback on previous Top 10
I write on the eve of our biggest day – Commencement. The College’s 48th Commencement will certainly be the crowning jewel of an unbelievable year. Consider that in 2015-16, the
The Butler County Community College family lost one of its very finest last week. Diane M. DeCarbo, Director at BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, passed away March 2. The first time
Last week at Elizabethtown College, I represented both BC3 and Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges at an important announcement by Governor Tom Wolfe. On January 29, I joined over a dozen
Hello, Pioneers! Last year, I shared a Top 10 List of Giving Thanks. In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, here is my 2015 List. 10. Our Alumni Association. Established in
There have been lots of special moments for me since becoming President of the College in 2007 — new buildings, new campuses, major gifts, new programs, etc. Articulation signings are
The news is spreading quickly – The Pioneer Proud Campaign here at Butler County Community College is entering into its community phase! Officially launched by the BC3 Education Foundation, Inc.
Today, August 21, was a wonderful day at all campus sites – but particularly our Main Campus in Butler Township. Close to 500 students, parents and friends attended our Annual
Can you smell it? No, not the flowers or the freshly-cut grass: Graduation is in the air! May 20 is BC3’s 47th Annual Commencement Ceremony during our 50th Golden Anniversary
It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the 2014 President’s Timeline. This is the third edition of the online format that replaces the printed President’s Annual Reports.
President Neupauer’s speech from BC3’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, March 3, 2015: Friends, colleagues, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Alumni Council, Retirees, County Commissioners, and distinguished guests: Welcome. Welcome
It has already been a great 2015 for Butler County Community College! On the national level, President Obama has highlighted community colleges with his American’s College Promise proposal. In the
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-QDfEMXAgk&w=560&h=315] The Spring 2015 semester is off to a great start. Students are hustling and bustling at all of our BC3 campuses. We had a great Board of Trustees
Fall is here, the Pirates are back in the playoffs, and the semester is off to a great start! As I head to join my presidential colleagues at a statewide
Are you ready? I sure am. The 2014-15 academic year promises to be a special one – BC3’s Golden Anniversary. On the day of my annual “State of the College” address,
At 12:06 a.m. on June 14, our youngest daughter, Meredith, text me the following: “Dad, I think I should be the first to tell you, Chuck Noll died.” Meredith was
Forgive me, please!!! It has been way too long since I wrote a blog entry as BC3’s proud president. And to make matters even worse, the subject of my latest
It’s crunch time! Are you ready? We’re heading into the final week of classes, followed by finals week and then our Commencement festivities. It always amazes me how quickly the
It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the 2013 President’s Timeline. This is the second edition of the new, online format and replaces the printed President’s Annual
What a semester! I can’t recall a time during my 20 years in higher education that weather has been such an issue. I’d like to provide you with a “snapshot”
On August 1, 2007, I was appointed as President of Butler County Community College. Immediately afterwards, I was interviewed by media outlets and spoke to internal and external College stakeholders.
Is there a more beautiful time than autumn on our Main Campus? The leaves, chill in the air and even the smell indicates that fall is here. I just love
What a GREAT start to the Fall 2013 semester! Many people have told me there seems to be a certain “buzz” in the air on all of our campus locations.
Where has the summer gone? How ’bout those Battlin’ Buccos? Can you believe the start of another academic year is just a few days away? Today, the College held its
Just back from the American Association of Community College’s Presidents Academy: Summer Institute held in Baltimore. My six days in Baltimore (tough for a Steeler fan) were packed with lots
Commencement night is finally here! Simply put, this is BC3’s Super Bowl – a night to show off our beautiful campus, tremendous faculty and staff and celebrate our students. I
Greetings, BC3 friends and colleagues. Spring fever is in the air. Finally, some nice weather! I love seeing our main campus buzzing with activity. Dozens of people have pulled me
I have often said that “we are proud to be Butler County’s community college.” However, we also understand our role as one of the Commonwealth’s 14 community colleges. As Pennsylvania’s
It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the debut of a new endeavor – The 2012 President’s Timeline. This replaces the printed President’s Annual Reports and chronicles
Super Bowl XVII is just four days away… and I could care less! Here is a list of the Top 10 reasons why I won’t be watching Sunday’s game: 10.
As you know, the eastern United States is preparing for Hurricane Sandy. We at BC3 are also preparing for and monitoring the situation. In the event that the College needs to delay
Often, I am proud of Butler County Community College. Earlier this week was yet another time. Our Communications and Marketing staff shined at the annual National Council of Marketing and
The 2012-2013 academic year is off to a GREAT start. It is so wonderful to see all of our BC3 students at the College’s various campus locations. Although we see
The calendar says August. How can that be? Our fall semester starts soon. I can’t wait to see everyone back on our four BC3 campus locations. Generally, when the new
[wpvideo gBN3DYSZ] Congratulations to BC3 student Michael Dreher! Mike claimed first place in the Advance PA video contest by the PA Commission for Community College’s advocacy campaign. For this honor,
As a sports fanatic, I often overdue it on sports analogies. Please stick with me on this one: March and April is BC3’s playoff run… and Commencement is our Super
On Tuesday, April 3, I joined several of BC3’s finest students in Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania Commission for Community College’s Annual Lobby Day. The purpose of the event is to
Happy Spring Break to the faculty and students of BC3! It is hard to believe the semester is going by so quickly. As you may know, I am honored to
Two weeks ago, the College Board of Trustees approved a purchase of a 6.15 acre property that is adjacent to the College. The property has long been identified in our
The start of another semester. Are you ready? Do you have butterflies? I can remember being excited, but a bit anxious at the start of each semester. What would my
I love the fall. A new academic year, football (although this past Sunday was not good for the Steelers), and the autumn landscape are just some of the reasons. Today’s
What a week! BC3 learned that Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges will share in a $20 million Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College & Career Training (TAACCCT) grant. Our share is expected
Ten years. I can’t believe ten years have passed since September 11, 2011. I was Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the time. My secretary, Clee Murray, and I
Welcome to the 2011-12 academic year! So far, so good on a beautiful first day of classes. I always enjoy meeting with incoming freshman during our student orientation sessions. When
Happy Independence Day to the BC3 family! I was happy to have some rest and relaxation with family. It has already been a busy summer with little downtime. Last week,
I have often said, “BC3 is proud to be Butler County’s community college.” I certainly do no waiver from such a statement; however, with our new regional vision, we certainly
Another end to a great semester. I am blessed to still teach here at the College. On Wednesday’s from 3:35 to 6:40 p.m., I am privileged to teach 14 BC3
I have attended four Lobby Days in Harrisburg on behalf of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. Each year, we talked to local elected officials about the benefit of the
By now, you have undoubtedly heard the grim details of Governor Corbett’s proposed budget. Faced with the task of a $4 billion deficit, the Governor has projected difficult cuts. At
I write from Washington, D.C. I have spent the last three days with Ray Steffler, Chair of the BC3 Board of Trustees, attending the Community College National Legislative Summit. We are
The spring 2011 semester is off and running! While this is certainly an exciting time at any of our BC3 campus locations, it is even more so at our BC3
Last week, Butler County Community College took another step forward as a regional institution of higher learning. On Friday, October 8, the College announced an expansion into the Upper Allegheny region of
I had a great time at the “Pizza with the President” events this month. I traveled to BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, BC3 @ Cranberry, and BC3 @ LindenPointe and learned
Are you ready for the Fall of 2010 semester? The campus is busy today with students attending orientation and book rush. As we all get ready to begin classes on
Did you have a good Fourth of July? The Fourth is one of my favorite holidays. In higher education circles, July Fourth also serves as an indicator that the summer
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg0CBHxMTuM]
A 60-foot native oak tree came down across the roof on the north side of the Children’s Creative Learning Center in Armstrong Lodge during the high winds and storms this
Butler County Community College held its regularly scheduled Board of Trustee meeting yesterday at BC3 @ Cranberry. At the meeting, the Board unanimously voted that the College supports the Butler
The purpose of this post is to provide a follow-up from our press conference/college-wide gathering held on Thursday, April 8, 2010. I appreciate all of the comments that endorsed the
Baseball is around the corner – and a winning season for the Pirates? The Pens will defend Lord Stanley’s Cup when the NHL playoffs start. And the Steelers will certainly
Snow, snow, and more snow! Hope you are surviving what will end up being the snowiest month in the history of Western Pennsylvania. Decisions to delay, close and/or keep open
Last time this year, the Steelers were already crowned Super Bowl XLIII Champions! Boy, does time fly. Although it will hardly be the same this Super Bowl Sunday, please offer
Are you ready for the Spring of 2010 semester? I sure am. I’m excited to see everyone back at the College this coming week. I can hardly wait to teach
It’s the night before the big walk and a lot of thoughts are running through my head. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I’m most focused on being thankful. I am thankful
My favorite time of year – fall! The semester is well under way, the Steelers are in first place and the weather is just perfect. There is no better place
This Thursday, Main Campus will hold its Annual Fall Open House. This will be the first Open House in which we can show off the Student Success Center. I am
Greetings, friends. This year’s goal for the BC3 Annual Campaign is $25,000. The good news: we are half way there! Thanks to employees’ gifts and pledges, the campaign is at $12,500. It’s a
How do you like the Student Success Center? The grand opening on 9-9-09 was a huge success – so was the Steeler Party in the SSC lounge the next day.
We have one week of classes in the books! Last week went off without a hitch. It was so nice to see students on all of our campuses. When I
Well, it’s just about here – the first day of classes for the Fall 2009 semester at all of our BC3 locations. Main campus is buzzing with the new Student
A quick look at the calendar indicates it’s August 4. August 4?!?! Where did the summer go? The summer has been quite busy at the Main Campus as well as
How is your summer going? I can hardly believe it is already July. Before we know it, the fall semester will be here. Enrollment for the College is up 19.1 percent for the
BC3’s Tobacco-Free Policy will take effect beginning Wednesday, July 1 on the Butler main campus and BC3 locations in Cranberry, Lawrence and Mercer counties. The policy was approved last year
Last evening, the College held its 41st Annual Commencement. Approximately 170 graduating students participated in the event. Guest speakers included: Brian Morgan, Student Address; Dr. Marlene P. Hassenfratz, Distinguished Alumni
Today is one of those days where I realize just how lucky I am to be president of BC3. Tonight, 48 students were awarded their nursing pins during the College’s
The following information is taken from the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health, the University of Delaware, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. Special thanks to
The College is currently monitoring the Swine Influenza A (H1N1) situation. The College is using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website for daily updates. As of 11:00
As you know, the spring semester is quickly closing. Graduation is looming… and so are BC3’s summer session courses. A variety of classes are offered in the summer at each
March Madness – a time college basketball fans crave. Area teams were well-represented in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament. Pitt, Robert Morris, and West Virgina made the NCAA’s, while
I can hardly believe that Spring Break is just about here. It probably has to do with the weather. As an undergraduate student, I never went on a Spring Break
It’s the little things that continue to amaze me about our students at BC3. Earlier this week, students in my Introduction to Public Relations class took their first quiz of
The sun is shining (a rarity it seems), the Steelers are six-time world champions, and BC3 is humming. The black-and-gold’s hard work and determination that ultimately led to another Lombardi
On Wednesday, January 21, I met with my Introduction to Public Relations class for the first time this semester. Twelve eager BC3 students listened closely as we discussed the course
Welcome back for spring classes. Classes begin for the semester on January 20. At this point, enrollment for the semester is up about 9% compared to last year at this
I have often said, “BC3 is proud to be Butler County’s community college.” I certainly do no waiver from such a statement; however, with our new regional vision, we certainly
