Bucks County Community College Graduates 882

Credit: Eric Parker/Bucks County Community

Bucks County Community College celebrated its 59th annual commencement last Thursday.

The community college conferred 882 degrees and certifications to the Class of 2025.

Hundreds of graduates participated in two ceremonies at the Newtown Township campus and were cheered on by family, friends, faculty, and supporters.

Student speakers shared their inspiring journeys at both events.

Kateryna Maksymenko, a chemistry major and honors graduate from Warrington, addressed the morning ceremony. Maksymenko, who immigrated from Ukraine at age 8, completed an Alzheimer’s disease research internship at the University of Pennsylvania and plans to study neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh.

Kateryna Maksymenko who earned an associate degree in Psychology with honors.
Credit: Eric Parker/Bucks County Community

During the afternoon ceremony, nursing graduate Gerald Gwambuga of Sellersville spoke to his fellow graduates. Gwambuga immigrated from Uganda in 2017 after a 15-year teaching career and will now pursue nursing in the U.S. One of his four daughters is also studying nursing at Bucks.

The graduating class included several other notable students, including Jacqueline Lemming-Russell, of Bristol, a psychology major. She returned to college after a 31-year hiatus, proving “it’s never too late.” She graduated cum laude, received the President’s Cup award for her campus and community contributions, and will transfer to Rider University to become a behavior specialist.

Jacqueline Leming-Russell receives her associate degree Bucks County College Community College President and CEO Dr. Patrick Jones, while Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Jennings.
Credit: Eric Parker/Bucks County Community

Adrian Tyrk, of Morrisville, a chemistry major, earned a spot on the Pennsylvania Association for Community College’s 2025 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team. He will transfer to Swarthmore College to study biochemistry with aspirations of attending medical school.

Leah Lovelace-Square also made a significant impact. While working full-time and raising a family, she earned an associate degree in Guided Studies and mentored underprivileged youth in Bristol and Morrisville, earning her the College’s MLK Student Leadership Award.