Kyla Gaston Executive Assistant 316-323-6731 | kgaston1@butlercc.edu
Writers
Trisha Walls, Butler Marketing, and Hayley Hobbs
The Butler Community College Foundation Magazine is published twice a year and maintains the copyright of the materials contained within these pages. All rights reserved. Please send comments and updates to Butler Community College Foundation, 901 S. Haverhill Road, El Dorado, KS 67042, by email to foundation@butlercc.edu, by phone at 316-323-6355, or by fax to 316-323-6750.
Message from Tom Borrego Voice of the Chiefs Inspires Students and Staff
6
President's Donor Dinner
Butler President Dr. Kim Krull Announces Retirement
Lights, Camera, Education
Reaching New Heights Scholarship Dinner
Butler Briefs New Faces, New Roles
Butler Bonanza
Kansas Health Foundation Innovation Grant to Impact First-Generation Students
Foundation by the Numbers
Foundation Partners
In Memoriam
The following friends of Butler have memorials established in their names.
Doris Brower • Bob Keen (‘78) • Ev Kohls Pat Kunkle (‘52)
Memorial and tribute gifts can be given through the Butler Foundation’s website at https://butlerccfoundation.org/ give or by calling the Foundation at 316-323-6734. Donors may contribute funds to honor a loved one or special individual. Memorial gifts are a meaningful and lasting way to acknowledge a life that has passed while tribute gifts remember a birthday, anniversary, or special event.
Access to higher education is the focus of Butler Community College Foundation’s mission. This support is only possible because of donors like you who value education and desire to help those seeking a better future for themselves. Our scholarship dinner is a public recognition of philanthropy's impact on our students' lives and a reminder of why our work is so important.
Change is coming to Butler Community College with the retirement of Dr. Kimberly Krull. After 11 years as president, Dr. Krull retired on June 20, 2024, but extended her contract to January 6, 2025, allowing the college to find her successor. The latest news is that the Butler Community College Board of Trustees has hired Dr. Jackie Vietti, former president of Butler Community College, to serve as interim president as the search committee seeks out our next president.
You will find fresh faces and one not-so-new face taking on new roles at the college. Dr. Barry Robinson accepted the position of vice president for academic affairs, Christina Byram has been promoted to vice president of digital transformation, and Kyla Gaston has joined the Foundation team as executive assistant to the vice president of advancement.
The life of a college is always evolving, so it is at Butler Community College. We are excited about what the future holds for our students, faculty, and staff and we are ever so grateful for our generous donors who make all this happen. Thank you for being a part of the Grizzly Family!!
Many blessings to you and yours as we gather with family and friends to celebrate and remember all the goodwill shared with others throughout the year.
All My Best,
Thomas E. Borrego, J.D. Vice President of Advancement
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE BUTLER FOUNDATION WHILE DOING YOUR GROCERY SHOPPING?
The Butler Foundation is now a Dillons Food Stores Community Rewards program member!
1. Login to your Dillons Food Stores account.
2. Go to My Account and select Community Rewards.
3. Search for Butler Community College Foundation or with TM789 (our non-profit number).
4. Click enroll. It’s that easy!
Customers must have a registered Dillons Food Stores rewards card to link to the organization. If you need help, visit a customer service desk at your local Dillons!
Butler Community College Foundation 901 S Haverhill Road El Dorado, KS 67042 316-323-6729
TBorrego@butlercc.edu butlercc.edu
Save Taxes. Increase Income. Build Legacy.
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to help you do all three the best way possible.
Many people are surprised to learn all the ways they can improve their lives even as they help others. When you give to our organization, we want you to do it in the best way possible. Often that involves saving income and capital gains taxes. However, there are many other benefits. Our tools will help you:
Gift Planning Home Page
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We are your legacy toolbox.
Here are just some of the ways we can help you:
Videos — Our website, butlercc.edu, gives you a variety of instructional videos explaining everything from basic planning to complex trust ideas.
Calculators — Learn what your payments would be on a charitable gift annuity or remainder trust. We use the latest rates and figures to provide you with current information you can trust.
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Provide more efficiently for your family and friends
As you shape your current philanthropy and your future legacy, you want to do it in the most effective way possible. We can help you. Whether you want personalized, customized ideas or the anonymity of working online, we are here for you.
Printed Material — If you prefer printed documents, we have brochures and guides you can download. You can even print our comprehensive estate planning booklet.
Book — Request our book, Provide & Protect, that will give you a complete look at estate planning.
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More than 170 students, faculty, staff, and community members enjoyed Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Chiefs, as part of the Harold Smith Speaker Series on September 12. "Where Do I Fit?" was the topic of Holthus's energetic and entertaining presentation.
Before speaking in the gym, Holthus spoke to Butler football team members, sharing a similar message.
Holthus is the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs and is the longest-tenured and most decorated play-by-play “voice” in franchise history. He was on the call of Super Bowls 54, 57, & 58 when the Chiefs won their second, third, and fourth Super Bowl championships. He also was on the call of Super Bowl 55 in February 2021.
Holthus is the host of the Hy-vee Chiefs Insider Television Show, the Chiefs Field Pass Show, and the Chiefs Rewind Post Game Show. He originated the “Minute With Mitch” radio and television series which is seen and heard in five states, and his work is featured on chiefs.com.
Holthus is a member of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and in June 2022 was inducted into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He is one of only three individuals in both the KAB and MBA Halls of Fame. He is also a member of the Kansas State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Holthus has won six Emmys for his video and online work from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and is a past recipient of the Kansas City Sports Journalist of The Year award.
The event was made possible by the Butler Foundation’s Harold Smith Cultural Series. The Harold Smith Cultural Series was established in 1998 through a gift of the estate of Harold Smith. Smith graduated from El Dorado Junior College (now Butler Community College) before attending Northwestern University in 1930. Mr. Smith’s vision was to create free, unique cultural opportunities for Butler County residents they may not otherwise experience.
Mitch Holthus. Photograph by Myles Bergeron.
Butler head football coach Brice Vignery with Holthus. Photograph by Averie Nelson.
President's Donor DINNER
The President’s Donor Dinner is an annual event to honor and recognize individuals, couples, and businesses who have reached a new giving level based on their prior fiscal year giving. More than 100 donors attended this year’s event on October 17.
Calley Stubbs, the 2024 Jim & Susie Edwards “Make A Difference” Scholarship winner spoke at the event. “Thank you all for recognizing our value and helping us succeed. Thank you for encouraging us and providing the means to pursue higher education and develop valuable skills, and most importantly, thank you for creating a community that has turned into family,” said Stubbs in her speech.
“…As a transfer student, I’m often asked if I’m glad I went to a community college first. I always tell them, going to Butler was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself,” said Stubbs.
Sponsors for this year’s event were HF Sinclair, Bank of America, Premier Food Service, Professional Engineering Consultants, Gravity::Works Architecture, Commerce Bank, Flamingo Ink, and INTRUST Bank.
Calley Stubbs, the 2024 Jim & Susie Edwards “Make A Difference” Scholarship winner, spoke at the event.
Jenny White and Camden Flaming of Commerce Bank
Lance Hayes is a new Cornerstone Society honoree for those who have donated more than $100,000. Gift presented by John Blickenstaff, president of the Foundation Board (far left), Dr. Kim Krull, and Tom Borrego (far right).
at the check presentation
Todd
was welcomed into the Cornerstone Society for those who have donated more than $100,000.
Nancy Samp was welcomed into the Trustee Society for those who have donated more than $50,000. Gift presented by John Blickenstaff, president of the Foundation Board (far left), Dr. Kim Krull, and Tom Borrego (far right).
Shannon & Kelly Snedden, Belinda Atteberry from AC Strategic Marketing, and Candace & Colin Parry were welcomed into the Diamond Society, for those who have donated more than $10,000. Gift presented by John Blickenstaff, president of the Foundation Board (far left), Dr. Kim Krull, and Tom Borrego (far right).
vice president of institutional advancement;
Spirit AeroSystems was recognized as a new member of the Heritage Society for those who have donated more than $250,000. Chuck Cadena, vice president of corporate affairs, was presented the award by John Blickenstaff, president of the Foundation Board (far left), Dr. Kim Krull, and Tom Borrego (far right).
Michaela Serrioz, associate athletic director; Todd Carter, Butler athletic director; Dr. Brad Bruner, Grizzlybacker of the Year winner; Dr. Kim Krull.
Dondlinger & Sons Construction Company
Pictured
are
Carter, Butler athletic director; Tom Borrego,
Ron Garcia; Dr. Kim Krull, president of Butler Community College; Darin Greseth; Eric Swenson; Tyson Hirt; Tom Dondlinger; Troy Kapels; Raymond Dondlinger
Butler President Dr. Kim Krull ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
After 11 years of dedicated service to the students, faculty, staff, and constituents of Butler Community College, President Kim Krull has announced her plan to retire. Her last day will be January 6, 2025.
“It has been the privilege of my career to serve as Butler’s president,” said Krull.
Krull was chosen for the role due to her passion and focus on student success, which never wavered. During her tenure at Butler, she made decisions and led projects that kept student success at the forefront, and in 2021 she was named a Wichita Business Journal Executive of the Year.
Krull oversaw the successful completion of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation visit in 2023. The HLC’s findings claimed the college’s operations to be outstanding and designated Butler as a highly mature institution; one of the highest functioning colleges related to teaching and student assessment.
Other honors included Butler receiving recognition as a National AVID Mentor School, a National Security Agency Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, the 50th Adobe Creative Campus in the country, and repeatedly being named as a military-friendly institution. Butler was named an Aspen Top 150 institution, a 2022 Innovation of the Year recipient from the League for Innovation in the Community College, and received the ACT award for College Career and Readiness. In addition, the college received multiple Wichita Business Journal awards.
A strong believer in the community college mission, Krull has played an active role in engaging legislators advocating for community colleges to remain the country's most affordable access point to higher education.
Her mantra to faculty and staff has always been to make a difference in the lives of students and that each person daily impacts students in the work they do.
“We get to come to work every day and change lives,” she shared regularly.
During her tenure, the Student Union on the El Dorado campus was renovated, the 5000 building in Andover remodeled, the Power Plant gymnasium was remodeled, and the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts was built and opened. In addition, tuition was lowered, and the county mill levy for the college decreased.
Academically, Krull added programs in diesel technology, construction technology, and expanded the nursing program in partnership with Cowley College. She also worked with other public and private universities to expand online program offerings and articulation agreements. Krull led her administration through the unknown waters of COVID and successfully pivoted nearly 1,700 traditional in-person and blended delivery courses to remote-only within weeks.
NEXT CHAPTER
The Board of Trustees has launched an executive search for the sixth Butler president. Dr. Jackie Vietti, Butler's president emeritus, will serve as interim president until the new president is selected.
Dr. Krull’s next chapter includes spending more time with her daughter Leisa and son-in-law Mike in Minnesota, and her son John, daughter-in-law Joy, and one-year-old granddaughter June in Anchorage, Alaska. She plans to be actively engaged and supportive of the college and community events and initiatives.
Dr. Krull established an endowed scholarship fund in 2017, the Satterfield & Krull Scholarship. To donate in honor of her retirement, visit www.butlercc.edu/give or contact Hayley Hobbs at 316-323-6734 or hhobbs@butlercc.edu.
Elizabeth Schafer shakes hands with Dr. Kim Krull at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, EDUCATION
Butler Creative TV (BCTV) is an integral part of Butler Community College’s Mass Communication program where students can try their hand at producing, directing, writing, on-camera performance, and production both in the studio and on the field. The station airs daily over cable systems in El Dorado, Augusta, and Towanda, or anytime on the BCTV+ app. The BCTV program has 32 students participating this year, a record number.
“We are continuing to build the brand and bring awareness of what BCTV is and what we do,” said Matt Jacobs, BCTV station manager.
BCTV covers and livestreams all of Butler's home athletic events, Life Enrichment presenters, guest speakers, Butler Board of Trustees meetings, and when licensing doesn’t restrict it, fine arts productions. BCTV also does highlight reels for campus events, such as the Foundation’s scholarship dinner.
“My favorite thing about being on the BCTV team is still getting to be around sports,” said Evan Liess, an El Dorado high school graduate. “I still get to be part of a team, with expectations and goals to reach. It drives me to do better in school. I like working games and all the opportunities BCTV provides. It’s better than most experiences you’ll have at other community colleges.”
BCTV has three weekly shows–the Coaches Show, a completely student-produced show called the Monday Morning Sports Report, and the BUCO Nation Update.
“In November, we started a new monthly show called Fresh Brewed Friday on location at BrewCo and Dilly Deli on the first Friday of each month. Guests on the show will be from across Butler–one month it might be Valerie Mack talking about her quartets, and then maybe the softball coach, a wide array of people from Butler,” said Jacobs.
Brooks Allen, a freshman from Andover, operates the camera during a Butler soccer game.
BCTV is proud to operate a media trailer, enabling them to cover events and activities off-campus with ease. The custom media trailer was built from a trailer donated by Evergy. “We continue to use the media trailer very heavily,” said Jacobs. “We were able to use it from day one and then modify it to fit our needs as we better understood what those needs were.”
BCTV was selected to produce two ESPN+ broadcasts during the last two years. Last year the students produced a Butler vs. Dodge City football game using the media trailer. This year, BCTV students produced the Butler vs. Snow College football game at the BG Products Veterans Sports Complex on September 28. Butler students were involved in directing, running replays, creating graphics, and operating nine cameras for the broadcast, which was live streamed on the ESPN+ app.
“My favorite part of working at BCTV by far was working two ESPN+ events, one last year and one this year,” said sophomore Alex Colborn, an Andover High School graduate. “Getting that real broadcast experience was really cool.”
BCTV does work for outside clients as well. The Wichita Open hired BCTV to do their in-tournament social media. Students and staff used videos, photos, and even livestreamed the 17th hole–the place to be at The Wichita Open. Many students were involved and the BCTV trailer was parked on-site the entire tournament week.
“It was interesting working The Wichita Open,” said Liess. “It’s a lot different than filming basketball. The pace is different. And with golf, you really have to track the ball.”
BCTV also live-streamed all 36 games of the National Baseball Congress tournament at Wichita State this year. The BCTV media trailer was parked on the WSU campus for two weeks leading to great visibility, but the round-the-clock games were tough according to Jacobs.
“Butler is one of the few schools where you get to do a lot more than just broadcast our own college’s sports,” said Colborn.
BCTV also produced some high school sports around Butler County. They covered all the El Dorado High School football games over the last two years in partnership with USD 490. They also cover Andover vs. Andover Central sports–football, basketball, and volleyball–calling it the Crosstown Showdown Series.
“It’s a good way to reach out to local communities,” said Liess. “That’s how I got pulled into BCTV and Butler. These games are a good opportunity for local students to see what they could do at Butler.”
Since BCTV is growing, they elected to start an endowment with the Butler Foundation. To endow a fund, the station needs $15,000. According to Jacobs, the station has sponsorships with companies like Evergy, Scheels, White Eagle Credit Union, Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital, Superior Auto, and Scribner Enterprises. BCTV will use sponsorship monies for the endowed fund.
Evan Liess behind the camera at a Butler softball game.
Haley Smith, Garrett Hanks, Braden Reed, and Alex Colborn in BCTV’s control room in the Power Plant gym.
Matt Jacob and Chris Jones commentate the Butler vs. Snow College football game that was broadcast on ESPN+.
The Coaches Show crew—Summer Sullivan, Tyler Nordman, Alyssa Patty, Matt Jacobs, Alex Colborn, Trenton Todd, Evan Liess, Dakota Blue, Garrett Hanks, Kosi Rogers
The purpose of the endowed fund is to provide even more enhancements to the program through donor dollars. BCTV students receive an activity scholarship that covers books and tuition but often have other expenses. Jacobs says that for students who demonstrate need or are valuable to the program, these funds are essential to stay in school and on the BCTV staff. The endowed fund could also help cover equipment or vehicle expenses that the college budget might not be able to cover.
“We want to stay on the forefront of technology,” said Jacobs. “Right now, the college has done a phenomenal job equipping us. The equipment the students use is what they would use at any professional shop.”
BCTV has been honored by local and state organizations, including the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Butler students regularly showcase their television projects in national festivals sponsored by the College Media Association and Collegiate Broadcasting. Former Butler television
students have gone on to four-year colleges, affiliate television stations, and corporate production facilities.
“Give Butler a chance,” said Liess. “You might think college isn’t for you, but the fact that you can do something like this and get school paid for is great. You get the same education that you’d get at a D1 school but for free.”
“I wasn’t planning to go to college but decided to do this and here I am almost ready to graduate,” said Colborn. “I think community colleges are good if you don’t know what you want to do after high school.”
To support BCTV’s endowed program fund, contact Matt Jacobs at mjacobs1@butlercc.edu or 316-322-3272.
BCTV+ team after a Butler football game. Ike Jones, Garrett Hanks, Brock Stiles, Tyler Nordman, Dakota Blue, Kosi Rogers, Alex Colborn, Brooke Rice, William Trier, Summer Sullivan, Matt Jacobs, Chip DuFriend, Ella Boozer, Braxtin Sturgeon, Evan Liess (in the mask), Lilly Mitchell, Kylie Phillips, Alyssa Patty, Ivie Wolf, Miriam Agnew, Lathe Cobb
The BCTV crew works an Andover Central vs. Andover High School volleyball game.
Garrett Hanks works a softball game from the media trailer. The game was in Dodge City, as the KJCCC hired BCTV to stream the regional softball tournament.
Maggie Grant captures creative content during a Butler volleyball match while Matt Jacobs commentates.
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
Scholarship DINNER
The annual Reaching New Heights Scholarship Dinner took place in September. This inspiring event brings together donors and the students who benefit from their generosity in the form of scholarships. Showing their commitment beyond the classroom, Butler staff and administrators help serve the meal allowing donors and students ample time to converse. Dr. Barry Robinson, Butler’s new vice president of academics, was the featured speaker.
Sponsors for the event were HF Sinclair, Bank of America, PEC, Premier Food Service, Gravity::Works Architecture, Simpson Construction, Midwest Single Source, Flamingo Ink, and Regier Carr & Monroe, LLC.
Dr Barry Robinson, vice president of academics at Butler, speaks with Bridget Martin.
Tabby Ananda
Syndee Scribner, left, and Orlando Flores-Solis.
Jo Hess speaks with Anneth Masamu.
Conner Sutter, Bridget Martin, Dalton & Sonja Patterson, Rebekah Bobbett, Taylor Biggart-Hartness, Dan Topping
Blayke Locke, Bill Shriver, Andrew Tien, Evie Shriver, Levi Wittenberg
BUTLER BRIEFS
BEAR TRACKS PODCAST
Bear Tracks is the official podcast of Butler Community College! Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts to hear stories from alumni, former students, current staff, and more! The show is a joint project made possible by the Foundation, College Relations & Marketing, and the Information Services division and is hosted by Hayley Hobbs, director of donor relations. Check out the webpage on the Foundation site or use this QR code and spread the word!
ITEMS REQUESTED FOR BUTLER CENTENNIAL EVENTS
Help us celebrate 100 years of Butler Community College in Kansas! Butler will celebrate its Centennial in 2026–2027 and we are looking forward to creating an atmosphere of excitement and remembrance around this milestone.
You can be part of the celebration in different ways! Please follow Butler Community College on your chosen social channel(s) to stay up to date with the information and stories that we plan to share. The college is on Facebook, YouTube, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more!
If you have any Butler history, the Butler Archives gladly accepts any Butler memorabilia, documents, photographs, or other ephemera. These items can be brought to the El Dorado Campus Library in the Hubbard Center/600 Building, or our archivist Ronald Rozzell will be glad to arrange a pick-up from you. If you don't want to part with your pieces forever, please send photographs! We hope to curate a wonderful collection of Butler through the years.
As we are a few years out from the actual anniversary, we are still very much in the planning phase! Please direct inquiries to centennial@butlercc.edu. We can't wait to celebrate 100 years of Butler with you.
BUTLER’S EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY CELEBRATES TENTH ANNIVERSARY AND MORE THAN 700 GRADUATES
The Early College Academy (ECA) of Butler Community College celebrated one decade of serving and advancing high school juniors and seniors this semester. With 725 graduates, 400 from Butler County alone, the ECA maintains secure partnerships with more than 20 schools. The academy hosted a reunion in September for current and past instructors and students to celebrate.
“What was once just in Rose Hill has now expanded into the state and country,” said Christy Streeter, associate dean of online, high school, and community learning. The ECA offers more than 10 educational options, including pathways to associate degree completion and certificates. Students spend a half day at their high school and the other portion of the day at a Butler campus or completing online courses.
ECA graduates have saved nearly $2.5 million by earning college credits at Butler before advancing to their chosen transfer school or career. These students have received more than $30 million in scholarship offerings to further their academic goals.
Although the ECA is designed to jumpstart the academic and career lives of the graduates, the academy takes other aspects seriously, as well. Students must demonstrate a certain level of maturity and respect, including toward their parents/guardians, before the administration will consider them as a potential ECA student. Once admitted into a pathway or certificate option, the students learn valuable skills such as time management, résumé-building, and a high degree of responsibility and professionalism.
“We work hard to instill in them a lot of soft skills and responsibility,” Streeter said.
LIFE ENRICHMENT TOURS REDLER INSTITUTE OF CULINARY ARTS
Life Enrichment was treated to a field trip to Butler's Redler Institute of Culinary Arts in October. More than 45 members attended the event. Members enjoyed blueberry streusel coffee cake, a presentation by Les Padzensky, director of the Redler Institute, a demonstration by Chef Ethan Moulds, and a tour of the facility.
Life Enrichment meets on the first Tuesday morning of the month during the school year. Area adults enjoy high-quality speakers and performers, along with a light breakfast and coffee during each regular meeting. Meetings are in the Clifford/Stone Community Room at the Hubbard Welcome Center on the El Dorado campus. Meetings are open to everyone and there is no charge to attend. Regular attendees are encouraged to register to receive monthly newsletters announcing the programs. New members are always welcome. For more information about Life Enrichment or the upcoming program, contact Trisha Walls at 316-323-6355 or twalls@butlercc.edu.
DOGS VISIT CAMPUS TO LOWER STUDENT STRESS
Butler’s SoPsyched student club hosts dogs on campus several times a year–around midterms and then again around final exams.
“We hold our ‘Pet the Puppies’ event twice each semester to help students deal with the stress of midterms and finals,” said Cheree Anthony-Encapera, department chair and professor of behavioral science and SoPsyched faculty advisor. “Research has shown that petting animals reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone), reducing overall feelings of stress. It has also been shown to boost mood, reduce anxiety, lessen loneliness, and provide social support. Petting animals can even reduce blood pressure! We have found that many of our students miss their pets at home, and this event relieves some homesickness. It helps our students, faculty, and staff in so many ways.”
The dogs are from Hapi Pet Therapy and Love on a Leash. This semester, the dogs visited the Andover campus on October 16 and December 11 and the El Dorado campus on October 24 and December 3.
The SoPsyched student club plans activities that intrigue other students about the study of psychology and sociology as well as focusing on research–how to plan research, enter data, run analyses, and write reports suitable for publication or presentation.
Student pets a dog during Pet the Puppies.
Chef Ethan Moulds demonstrates how to make the perfect scrambled egg.
BUILD MY FUTURE
Butler Community College was a proud sponsor and demonstrator at Wichita’s 2nd annual Build My Future event, hosted by the Wichita Area Builders Association, on October 30. More than 1,300 high school students from 46 schools explored hands-on exhibits and discovered career paths in the building industry at Park City Arena.
Build My Future events introduce students to careers in the building and construction industry. Dozens of participating businesses and organizations demonstrated implements and machines used in building and construction, giving students up-close and hands-on exposure to the tools of the skilled trades. Butler instructors from 3-D design, general construction, masonry, and diesel technology were on hand to guide and direct students and offered students hands-on experience in masonry, the opportunity to wear 3-D vision goggles to “walk” through an architectural space, and a chance to sit in a skid steer and raise and lower the bucket.
BLUESTEM AG DAY
Butler Community College is a proud sponsor of Ag Day hosted annually by Bluestem Schools in Leon, Kansas. Ag Day is for grade schoolers across Butler County to learn about production agriculture. Hosted at a farm outside of Leon, students learn about everything from sheep shearing and calf pulling to horse training and crop spraying. This fall, 13 Butler County grade schools attended the event.
ART OF BUTLER
More than 75 people attended The Art of Butler on October 22 at the Redler Institute for Culinary Arts in Andover. The event featured food prepared by Butler culinary arts students, art performed or created by Butler fine arts students, and presentations by Butler agriculture students.
Guests enjoyed rosemary focaccia sandwiches, birria tacos, cheesecake bites, and more while listening to instrumental music, viewing 2D and 3D art, and learning more about the farm-to-fork movement and seasonal gardening.
Many thanks to Forvis-Mazars for sponsoring the event and supporting our students!
NEW FACES, New Roles
FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT—KYLA GASTON
Gaston was born and raised in the Sunflower State. She graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in social science, and her career has spanned both private and public education sectors. Most recently, Gaston served as the administrative assistant in the School of Art, Design, and Creative Industries at Wichita State University’s College of Fine Arts.
Gaston and her husband, Troy, have two children: Tegan, a senior at Auburn University, and Kenzie, a sophomore at Bluestem High School. Gaston is also involved in the local school community as the head volleyball coach at Bluestem High School.
VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMICS— DR. BARRY ROBINSON
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Brescia College. He earned his master’s degree in environmental biology with an emphasis in Microbial Stream Ecology at Eastern Kentucky University and his doctorate in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics from the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Robinson’s higher education credentials include serving as vice president of Instruction at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington; executive dean at Seattle Central College in Seattle, Washington; and academic dean at Green River College in Auburn, Washington.
Before beginning his career in higher education, Dr. Robinson worked as a clinical researcher at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the University of Washington. At Johns Hopkins, his research consisted of investigating peripheral neuropathy associated with HIV-1 infections.
Dr. Robinson says his science background has greatly helped him as an administrator in higher education, specifically pointing to the importance of communication and collaboration in both fields. “In the scientific realm, you collaborate with people around the world and people from different cultures. Other times you’re dealing with the state and other entities, and it takes effort to communicate at that level,” he said.
VICE PRESIDENT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, CIO —CHRISTINA BYRAM
Christina Byram has accepted the role of vice president of digital transformation and chief information officer (CIO) for Butler Community College.
Byram most recently served as the deputy CIO and director of unified communications at the college. She also served as the interim vice president of digital transformation and CIO.
The Digital Transformation team creates and maintains a digital infrastructure that meets the needs of Butler’s learning community while adhering to digital safety and security protocols.
Byram started at Butler as a lead Tec-E and soon moved to a full-time computer support technician staff member. She has held many key leadership positions during her Butler career, successfully leading several important projects including a seamless Data Center relocation and expansion and a multicampus safety design.
Byram has a CompTIA A+ Certification and an associate degree from Butler. She has also obtained a Senior Leadership certification from Educause Leadership Institute and an ITIL 3 Foundation Leadership certification from the Information Technology Infrastructure Library.
INTERIM PRESIDENT—DR. JACKIE VIETTI
Former Butler president Dr. Jackie Vietti is returning to Butler to serve as interim president. Vietti will take over for Dr. Kim Krull when she retires from the college in January. Vietti will serve until the new president is hired.
Vietti served as Butler’s president for 17 years, from 1995 to 2012.
Bonanza
BUTLER KANSAS HEALTH FOUNDATION INNOVATION GRANT TO IMPACT FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS
The 28th annual Butler Benefit Auction is set for March 7, 2025. This year’s theme is Butler Bonanza. The event features live and silent auctions, a wonderful meal, and plenty of excitement for all.
Last year’s auction raised over $270,000 to support the Foundation in its mission to provide scholarships and academic opportunities for students. You can bid on silent auction items and give gifts of Pure Philanthropy virtually using Text 2 Bid starting February 28, 2025. If you are interested in participating in the auction in this way, please reach out to the Foundation staff for assistance with access. To bid on live auction items, you can purchase a ticket to attend the auction and bid in person or submit an absentee bid.
We are always looking for unique and valuable items for our event as well. If this interests you, or you would like information about purchasing a table or ticket to attend, contact Jennifer Green-Miracle, director of community advancement & corporate relations, at 316-323-6338 or jgreenmiracl@butlercc.edu
This year’s Honorary Chairs are Forrest and Tiffany Rhodes–we are so grateful for their leadership! We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate Butler Bonanza!
The Butler Foundation was awarded a $5,000 Innovation Grant from the Kansas Health Foundation. Community colleges are an access point for economically challenged students seeking higher education. A large portion of students who fit these characteristics are typically first-generation college students, a population Butler is committed to making a priority and has a task force to address this mission. This grant will enhance that committee’s efforts.
“These funds are going to allow our First-Generation College Student Taskforce to hold our inaugural First-Generation Celebration Week in November,” said Jenna Gannon, interim associate vice president of institutional research and effectiveness and First-Generation Task Force chair. “As a first-Gen student and Butler alumna, I’m excited about how this will help positively impact our students and spread awareness of what it means to be first-gen while also celebrating their strengths.”
The First-Generation Task Force seeks to increase access and success of underserved student populations including firstgeneration learners. In academic year 2023, Butler enrolled 1,290 unique students who identified as first-generation. Students identified as such are the first individual in their family to attend any form of higher education post high school.
Averages in persistence (fall semester to spring semester), retention (fall semester to next fall semester), and graduation, over the last five years are as follows: The persistence rate for first-generation students is 71.6% compared to the continuing-generation average of 78.2%. Additionally, the retention rate for first-generation students is 49.6% compared to the continuing-generation rate of 56.2%. Lastly, the graduation rate for first-generation students is 13.8%, much lower than the cohort average of 22.4%.
“Any effort the Butler Foundation can provide on behalf of outreach teams at Butler like the First-Generation Task Force is necessary work,” said Hayley Hobbs, director of donor relations. “It is a vital part of our existence to continue to find opportunities to help every facet of our student population. I am thankful to the Kansas Health Foundation for believing in our mission to build relationships with partners to provide those opportunities and meet their mission to improve the health of all Kansans, which we aim to achieve through higher education and career development.”
FOUNDATION SUPPORT TO THE COLLEGE DURING FY 24 (July 2023-June 2024)
$5.4 million
$655,550 Scholarships Awarded
• 630 students received scholarships
• 213 of those students are Butler County residents earning $230,707 in scholarships
$4.7M Program Support
Donations received for: Culinary Arts (including the Redler Insitute of Culinary Arts building)
L.W. Nixon Library Fine Arts
Athletics
SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS AND PROGRAM SUPPORT AWARDED BY THE FOUNDATION ANNUALLY: MORE THAN $1 MILLION
“Because of Butler I am able to get my associate degree while still living at home. I am able to get one-onone help from professors and access many great educational opportunities and scholarships. I chose biology as my major at Butler because I aspire to become a marine biologist.”
— Riley C., Margaret & Burton Bowlus Presidential Scholarship for Science
STUDENT RETENTION
Assistance from the Foundation
• Scholarships for high school students taking Butler classes. High school students are not eligible for traditional scholarships and don’t qualify for Federal Financial Aid so tuition is an out-ofpocket expense for their families.
• No-interest emergency loans to assist students with expenses they can’t cover until their financial aid funds arrive.
901 S. Haverhill Road
El Dorado, KS 67042
http://foundation.butlercc.edu
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION PARTNERS
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Connell & Connell • Bret & Stacey Marcotte • Drs. Joyce & Hursh/Dan Davis & El Dorado TrueCare Pharmacy Alan & Bobbie Jaax • Regier Carr & Monroe • SunGroup Realty • Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital & Foundation
