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Explore our webpage for details on how to donate and support BC3 Athletics and the college. Your contribution shapes the future of excellence.
Former college coach Tom McConnell honored along with Rick Barger, retired CPA, with distinguished alumni awards on Oct. 4 during Oak Hills Celebration. McConnell becomes the sixth member of the college’s Charles W. Dunaway Pioneer Hall of Fame to also be selected as a distinguished alumnus. McConnell graduated from BC3 in 1980 with an associate degree in general studies. He led NCAA basketball programs at St. Francis University, Loretto, and at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 15 seasons as a head coach. The college’s Alumni Council reviews nominations and annually recognizes former students whose qualities include integrity, character and success, and who “provide inspiration to BC3 students and the community,” according to Bobbi Jo Cornetti, scholarship and development coordinator with the BC3 Education Foundation. McConnell “fits the bill and stands shoulder to shoulder with each of the alumni who began their academic and professional journeys at BC3 and are now respected citizens and leaders in their communities,” Butler resident John Reddick wrote in nominating the man he first met in the college’s Field House in 1979. "BC3 had everything to do with my development as a student, as a young man, as a leader," McConnell said. "And you know it was there that I found my calling to spend my adult life as a coach. I owe BC3 everything." Bill Miller, Kimberly (Burford) Geyer, Michael Franko, Dr. Andrew Matonak and John Stuper, a starting pitcher in a 1982 World Series game for the St. Louis Cardinals, were also inducted into the Pioneer Hall of Fame and chosen as distinguished alumni.
Proceeds from runners, walkers and kids’ dashers, sponsors and donors benefit BC3’s intercollegiate athletics programs that have won 59 Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference and 29 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Region 20 championships. BC3’s programs have qualified for national championship tournaments 13 times and produced 40 All-American awards. “I think the community is really proud of our athletics programs,” said Megan M. Coval, BC3’s president, “and has a great appreciation and admiration for how hard our student-athletes work. They are doing their best in the classroom and many of them have jobs. Then they go out there on the court or course and come home winners.”
Join us for the 2025 Pioneer Pursuit at BC3! This family-friendly fundraiser begins with a scenic 5K race winding through three laps of the Shaffer Walking Trail on BC3 Main Campus. Not a runner? Lace up for a 1-mile walk, or cheer on the little ones in the 100-meter kids’ dash for ages 14 and under. All proceeds benefit BC3 students and Pioneer Athletics. Thank you to this year's title sponsor -- NexTier Bank!
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The race is on to support BC3 student-athletes and Pioneer Athletics! Join us as the Pioneer Pursuit returns Sept. 14 on BC3’s main campus.
Visit BC3's support page to learn about other ways to give.