(Butler, PA) Six Butler County Community College students who since August have researched topics relevant to the academic program from which they will graduate in BC3’s Class of 2026 will discuss their findings during the first of two free public events next week.

Presidential scholars Ryan DeSantis Jr., Noah Kollinger, Kaela Malis, Kelsey Stewart, Hailey Summerville and Taylor Voloch will present the results of their investigations from noon to 2:30 p.m. May 4 in AK Steel Lobby of the Succop Theater on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township.

Students who intend to graduate May 13 with associate degrees in visual communications career programs will showcase their artistic skills during a portfolio and art show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 8 at BC3 @ Cranberry in Cranberry Township.

Students in BC3’s career programs can develop the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

DeSantis, Malis, Stewart and Voloch are enrolled in BC3’s associate degree transfer programs and Kollinger and Summerville, in career programs.

 

“Over the past year, these presidential scholars have engaged in truly extensive and thoughtful research, each diving deeply into complex, real-world issues that connect directly to their academic and professional aspirations.”

-- Mike Dittman, BC3 English professor, presidential scholars program coordinator

 

BC3’s presidential scholars program is in its ninth year.

The program includes a full-tuition waiver for up to 18 credits each semester and may be funded through various named scholarships from the BC3 Education Foundation. It is available to Butler County students in the Top 10 percent of their graduating class and who have achieved at least a 3.5 grade-point average at any of Butler County’s public high schools.

The public presentations May 4 are designed to introduce students to advanced research and presentation methods and represent the capstone project of BC3’s presidential scholars program.

“Over the past year, these presidential scholars have engaged in truly extensive and thoughtful research, each diving deeply into complex, real-world issues that connect directly to their academic and professional aspirations,” said Mike Dittman, the program’s coordinator and an English professor at BC3.

“From examining the alarming rise of colon cancer in young adults through firsthand medical insight, to analyzing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in both education and mental health counseling, these students have gone well beyond the classroom. They have conducted interviews, reviewed current literature, reflected on personal experiences and worked closely with faculty mentors to refine their questions and findings.”

The projects demonstrate not only strong academic discipline, Dittman said, but also “a willingness to grapple with challenging topics that impact their communities and future careers.”

DeSantis, a 2024 graduate of Butler Senior High School, will discuss how quickly BC3 students turn to artificial intelligence to complete assignments and the effect that crutch has on critical thinking ability. The engineering student has named his presentation “The Ultimate Technology of Convenience.”

Kollinger, a 2024 graduate of Butler, interviewed a physician about his topic and will speak about the rapid growth of colon cancer in young American adults. The registered nursing student’s presentation is titled “The American Diet and Rising Colon Cancer Rates.”

Malis, a 2024 graduate of Butler, will discuss community college students’ understanding of monetary planning, budgeting and debt. The business administration student has named her presentation “College Students and Financial Literacy.”

Stewart, a 2024 graduate of Moniteau, will discuss concussion protocol among young athletes. The general studies student has named her presentation “Concussions During Adolescence Lead to Long-Term Effects.”

Summerville, a 2024 graduate of Karns City, will speak about the roles of holistic care, parents and other caregivers in neonatal intensive care units. The registered nursing student’s presentation is titled “Holistic and Family Centered Care Positively Impact Parents of New Infant.”

Voloch, a 2024 graduate of Moniteau, will speak about the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence chatbots used for therapy, especially among young adults. The psychology student’s presentation is titled “Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health Counseling.”

 

“Witness the depth of learning”

“The presentations serve as a valuable opportunity for the college community and the public to witness the depth of learning and intellectual curiosity fostered at BC3,” Dittman said, “and highlight the quality of education our students receive, one that emphasizes critical thinking, applied research and meaningful engagement with contemporary issues.”

The BC3 @ Cranberry portfolio and art show will feature the creations of students who intend to graduate in May, and the works of about 20 other students, said Kristine Allen, an assistant professor at BC3.

Graphic design displays will include digital illustrations, document layouts, posters, logos and print examples of social media layouts, Allen said.

Fine art exhibits will feature charcoal, chalk pastel and graphite drawings; acrylic paintings, print making and sculptures, said Michael Putorti, a drawing instructor at BC3.

The portfolio and art show will also include digital audio and video production displays, light refreshments and acoustic music, Allen said, adding that the event represents an opportunity for employers to meet students and review their work.

Cyber school students counted in Butler County public schools’ graduating classes are also eligible for BC3’s presidential scholars program. Students must also enroll at BC3 in the first semester following their high school graduation to be eligible for the program, and are required to take scholars-only courses and maintain at least a 3.5 grade-point average at BC3.