Bucks County Community College is launching its America 250
celebration with a timely public forum — “Why Civics Now? The Role of Informed
Citizens in Democracy” — on Thursday, January 29 from 11 a.m. to noon marking the
official kickoff of the College’s year-long American Civics Series. The free event will be
held in the Gallagher Room of the Rollins Center on the Newtown Campus (275 Swamp
Road, Newtown, Pa.).
The opening event features a forum and Q&A with former Pennsylvania Governor and
Honorary Co-Chair of the statewide America250PA effort, Mark Schweiker, and
Pennsylvania House Representative Tim Brennan, focusing on the importance of
civic knowledge, informed participation, and community engagement in sustaining a
healthy democracy.
“This conversation is a fitting way to begin our America 250 commemoration,” said Dr.
Patrick M. Jones, president and CEO of Bucks County Community College. “As we
reflect on 250 years of American democracy, it is essential that we also look forward —
examining how civic understanding, dialogue, and participation shape the future of our
communities. Civics is not abstract; it is lived every day, and education is essential to
keeping it strong.”
The January 29 forum will frame today’s civic challenges, encourage active participation,
and introduce the College’s upcoming Civics Education course, an eight-week
community program running March through May. The course anchors a broader series
of civic programming designed to expand civic literacy and engagement throughout the
America 250 year.
Former Governor Schweiker emphasized the importance of grounding civic discussions
in real-world experience. “Understanding how our institutions work — and why they
matter — is critical at every level of government,” Schweiker said. “Civic knowledge
empowers citizens to participate thoughtfully and effectively.”
Representative Brennan added, “Democracy depends on informed citizens who are
willing to engage, ask questions, and stay involved. This series creates space for those
conversations at a moment when they matter deeply.”
The American Civics Series is open to community members and students and reflects
Bucks County Community College’s commitment to education, dialogue, and civic
leadership as part of the national America 250 celebration.
Additional American Civics Series events include:
• February 18 – “From Courtroom to Lab: Forensic Science and Community Safety”
Panel Discussion
• March 25–May 13 – “Civics Education: So You Think You Know Your Government,” an
8-week community education program
• April (date TBD) – Public film screening and discussion on civic participation
In addition, there will be several student-led civic engagement activities including mock
trials and historic site visits throughout the spring semester.
For event details and registration information, visit
www.bucks.edu/enrichment/america-250/.
