Former PA Gov. To Keynote America 250 Kickoff Event At Bucks

NEWTOWN, PA — Bucks County Community College will launch its America 250 celebration with a timely public forum — “Why Civics Now? The Role of Informed Citizens in Democracy” — on Thursday, Jan. 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.

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 State 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.”

Rep. 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/america-250