Dr. Kim Krull, President Forrest Rhodes, Trustee Liaison
Foundation Staff
Thomas E. Borrego, J.D. Vice President of Advancement and Special Assistant to the President
316.323.6729 | tborrego@butlercc.edu
Jennifer Green-Miracle Director of Community Advancement & Corporate Relations
316.323.6338 | jgreenmiracl@butlercc.edu
Averie Nelson
Director of Development & Scholarships
316.323.6737 | anelson5@butlercc.edu
Hayley Hobbs Director of Donor Relations
316.323.6734 | hhobbs@butlercc.edu
Angie Friesen Accounting Officer
316.323.6733 | afriesen4@butlercc.edu
Trisha Walls Marketing Specialist
316.323.6355 | twalls@butlercc.edu
Gina Jacoby Executive Assistant
316.323.6731 | gjacoby@butlercc.edu
Writers
Trisha Walls and the Butler Marketing Department
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 316-323-6734, or by fax to 316-323-6750.
Message from Tom Borrego & Dr. Kim Krull
Master Teacher: Janice Akao
2024 Commencement
2024 Hubbard Award of Excellence
Transfer Scholarship Winners
Hall of Fame Coach Steve Braet Leaves a Legacy
27th Butler Benefit Auction "Havana Nights"
End-of-Year Celebrations
Bob Peterson & Alvin the Alligator Retire
Butler Briefs
Long-Time Supporter Leaves Estate to Butler Foundation
Butler Community College Foundation Partners
In Memoriam
The following friends of Butler have memorials established in their names.
Steve Braet • Bill Callaway (‘48) • John Hilton (‘60) Phil Johnson (‘53) • Kay Parry
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.
As we reflect on the spring semester, we are thankful for the unwavering support you have shown Butler Community College. Butler has so much to be proud of this spring.
• An economic impact study released early this year shows that for FY 2021–22 Butler Community College had a $754.4 million annual impact in Butler’s 10-county primary market. The prior study, from FY 2018-19, showed a $387.1 million impact.
• Butler nursing graduates who took The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for the first time this spring scored a 100% pass rate. This pass rate includes Registered Nurses (RN) and Practical Nurses (PN) and is higher than last year’s national average.
• Student retention reached historic heights with 66% of full-time students from Fall 2022 returning to Butler in Fall 2023. The college reported these figures in Spring 2024.
• Butler joined Newman University, Friends University, Southwestern College, and Cowley College in “Educate the State,” a partnership addressing the teacher shortage in Kansas. The partnership creates a seamless, more affordable transfer option for secondary education majors.
• Butler honored nearly 80 first-generation graduating students with dark green cords to wear at commencement.
• The Butler Foundation awarded over $140,000 in scholarships to high school students interested in a career in Culinary Arts through ProStart, a National Restaurant Association Education Foundation program.
• Butler has a new pathway in its Software Development program. Beginning this fall, students can select a track focused on artificial intelligence (AI).
We are excited about the future and the possibilities that lie before us. The world is changing, and we are committed to evolving with it, ensuring that our students are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Thank you for being an integral part of our college family. Your generosity sustains our efforts and inspires us to strive for excellence in all we do. Together, we are building a legacy of which we can all be proud.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Thomas E. Borrego, J.D.
Kim Krull, Ph.D. Vice President of Advancement President Butler Foundation Butler Community College
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Master Teacher JANICE AKAO
Janice Akao, a full-time professor and department chair of accounting, business administration, and data analytics, was named the 2024 Master Teacher Award recipient at Butler Community College’s Professional Development Day. Since 1973, the Butler Community College Education Association (BCCEA) has selected a faculty member who exemplifies the qualities of student engagement, scholarship, exemplary teaching ability, service to the college, and service to the association.
Akao’s honor also includes recognition by the National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) at their yearly conference and a reception at Butler.
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Master Teacher award,” said Akao. “I sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of my efforts in the field of education including the countless hours, dedication, and love I have poured into my work. Teaching has always been more than just a profession for me; it's a passion and a calling. I want to extend my gratitude to the selection committee for their time and consideration. I am humbled to be in the company of such esteemed colleagues who share the same commitment to excellence in education."
"This award motivates me to continue striving for the highest standards and to inspire and empower my students to reach their full potential.”
Akao is from Wichita and earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Arizona with a concentration in accounting from Grand Canyon University. Akao is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Akao serves as an active member of the Butler Faculty Curriculum Team and as the academic advisor to Butler’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter, known as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she assists with chapter fundraising, coordinating logistics for conference travel, and supporting the lives of the student members. During the 2023 National FBLA conference, Butler’s chapter won its first National Champion student award in more than 16 years and received
multiple top-ten finishes in various categories.
In the fall of 2020, Akao designed and implemented a 16-week data analytics certification. The five required courses develop skills in sorting through massive amounts of data, developing key insights, and communicating that information effectively using data visualization.
Akao walks her talk among students, colleagues, and the community. She leads by example and never expects more from others than she is not willing to do herself. She is energetic with an infectious smile and is passionate about her convictions.
“She (Janice) is not only my colleague and mentor, but she was my Butler Accounting 2 instructor in the spring of 1998,” said Rhonda Thomas, associate professor of business and accounting at Butler Community College. “Following her well-planned, systematic approach to the complex subject of accounting with no prior knowledge of the subject, opened a whole new world of career possibilities for me.
"I am proud to be a living testament of Janice Akao’s ability to influence, inspire, and motivate me to ‘pay it forward’ myself as a professor to my own students.”
The Master Teacher reception, award, and honorarium are provided by the Marjorie Gilroy Knowles Teaching Excellence fund, which the Butler Community College Foundation administers.
Commencement
More than 600 Butler Community College degree candidates attended the May 10 commencement ceremony at the BG Products Veterans Sports Complex. During the ceremony, Haley Mouser was presented with the $15,000 Hubbard Award of Excellence transfer scholarship. Congratulations to all our graduates!
For the second year in a row, the Butler Community College commencement featured family members graduating together, as Edward (Eddie), Tabitha, and Madisen (Madi) Ciesielski of Valley Center walked together at Commencement. Eddie was honored as an Order of the Gold inductee (4.0 grade point average) and Madi received a transfer scholarship as a Hubbard Award of Excellence finalist. Madi will attend Wichita State University this fall to pursue a music education degree and her parents plan to stay with their current careers.
2024 HUBBARD AWARD of Excellence Winner
Haley Mouser
Haley wants to tell a story–a scientific story, a story about the science of the beef industry. On the way to this goal, Haley attended Butler and participated on the livestock judging team. “Beginning with an associate degree was not part of my plan,” says Haley. “While I was excited by the opportunity to join the livestock judging team, academics were my first priority, and I questioned if attending Butler would hinder my academic goals…Now, on the verge of graduating, I can confidently say my commitment to excellence academically has only been strengthened by attending Butler and I am fully prepared to enter a four-year university.”
Haley served in leadership positions for two on-campus organizations–vice president of the Collegiate Farm Bureau and president of CRU, a campus ministry. On top of all that, she serves as the fundraising chair for the National Junior Hereford Association. After Butler, Haley plans to attend South Dakota State University as she works towards a PhD in ruminant nutrition.
“If Butler was a four-year program, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay,” says Haley. “Over the past two years, I have learned how to
HUBBARD
AWARD FINALISTS
Kaden Warner
Transfer Institution: University of Kansas
While at Butler, Kaden worked at Butler Creative Television (BCTV), including working on an ESPN+ production. He led and produced the Monday Morning Sports Report, which won first place in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters student awards. Kaden also worked as a resident assistant in the dorms. Kaden is also the winner of the Winnie Broers Estate Transfer Scholarship.
Madisen Ciesielski
Transfer Institution: Wichita State University
Madisen served as the president of the college’s Collegiate National Association for Music Educators club and sings in Butler’s A Cappella group. She also works as a resident assistant in the dorms and as a student worker in Dean Valerie Haring’s office.
effectively interact with peers and teachers in a classroom, been challenged by what it means to stay dedicated and focused despite outside pressures, and most of all, I have built a community that I know will support me as I pursue my goals post-graduation.”
Carissa Dalquest
Transfer Institution: Kansas State University
Carissa competed in Butler's nationally recognized livestock judging team without sacrificing a high-quality education at an affordable price. In addition to competing with the livestock judging team, Carissa also worked as a tutor ambassador in Butler’s peer tutoring lab.
Elizabeth Schafer
Transfer Institution: Kansas State University
Elizabeth was a member of the livestock judging team and was selected for the National Champion Livestock Judging Team. She worked in both the Butler marketing department and at BCTV. At BCTV she anchored the BuCoNation Weekly Update news-style program. She was also a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau.
Haley Mouser receives the Hubbard Award of Excellence from Evan Funk, president of the Butler Foundation Board of Directors.
TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP Winners
Butler Community College Trustee Scholarship –Jocelynn Palacio
As a student in Butler’s Early College Academy, Jocelynn earned her associate degree from Butler before receiving her Andover High School diploma. She plans to attend Wichita State University and double major with a master's degree in biomedical engineering and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. She also plans to earn a minor in mathematics.
David and Shirley Longfellow BEST Scholarship – Sarah Lewallen
Sarah is a self-proclaimed “older” student who is going to school while raising her two preschool-age sons. She plans to transfer to Emporia State University to complete her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Her dream is to work as an elementary educator and eventually earn her master’s degree.
Helen Teter Zebold Scholarship –Zachary Foes
Zachary is a Circle High School graduate and plans to transfer to Kansas State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. While at Butler, Zachary worked on the Sports Media team that filmed for ESPN+ in the fall of 2023.
Fran Jabara Presidential Business Scholarship –
Katie Penner
Katie is an El Dorado High School graduate who plans to transfer to Wichita State University to major in finance. She earned a vocal music scholarship at Butler allowing her to continue her love of performing as a Butler Headliner while following her passion for business. After graduating from Wichita State, she wants to own a financial planning office.
Jim & Susie Edwards “Make
A Difference”
Scholarship –Calley Stubbs
Calley plans to transfer to Kansas State University to major in animal science. While at Butler, Calley participated in the livestock judging team and was a member of the Collegiate Farm Bureau where she participated in many service projects.
Hubbard Award of Excellence finalists from left to right: Carissa Dalquest, Elizabeth Schafer, Madisen Ciesielski, Haley Mouser, and Kaden Warner.
HALL OF FAME COACH STEVE BRAET
Leaves a Legacy
Steven Joseph Braet, known affectionately as Coach Braet to most, passed away on May 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Coach Braet dedicated 42 seasons of his life to coaching football at Butler Community College. His love for the game and his players never wavered.
His Butler career began humbly in 1979 as an unpaid volunteer assistant and culminated as the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach of the Butler Grizzlies until his retirement in 2022. Throughout his tenure, Coach Braet played a pivotal role in the success of the Butler Football program, being the common link to all six NJCAA National Championships won in 1981, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2008.
Coach Braet held the reputation as one of the top defensive line coaches in the nation. Under his guidance, the Butler Grizzlies secured 22 Jayhawk Conference championships. His exceptional leadership is reflected in his remarkable overall record of 337–118–2. A man of many achievements, Coach Braet was inducted into the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, the NJCAA Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022, and the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. In addition, he was the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2001 and was awarded the Samson Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in 2006. Despite all his
accolades, it was his love for his players and fellow coaches that kept him in the game.
While at Butler, Braet coached 33 NJCAA AllAmericans, including a fouryear span where two of his players were named NJCAA National Defensive Player of the Year (Markus White, 2007; Cornellius Carradine, 2010). Twelve of Braet’s defensive linemen went on to play in the NFL.
Braet made such a lasting impact on his players that when they reached the next level, they never forgot where they came from. When DeMarcus Lawrence was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl in 2018, the former Grizzly was asked to invite a coach who made a significant contribution to them as a player
Braet with DeMarcus Lawrence at the NFL Pro Bowl.
Braet holding up six fingers to signify six national championships at Butler.
and a person as well as the game of football. His invitation was issued to Braet, who coached Lawrence during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Coach Braet impacted the lives of thousands of young men, molding and shaping them into better men. It wasn’t so much the wins and championships, but more so the positive impact he had on these young men on a daily basis. He was not only a great coach and teacher of the game of football but also a teacher of men. The lessons he taught with stick with those
who had the privilege to be around him and last a lifetime. This was never more evident than after his passing when social media was flooded with comments from former players.
A Celebration of Life service to honor and remember Coach Braet was held on Saturday, May 25, at the Butler Community College Gymnasium in El Dorado, followed by a reception with family and friends at the Butler Community College Hubbard Welcome Center.
In the world of football and beyond, Coach Braet's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A memorial in his honor has been established with the Butler Community College Foundation. To give to the Steve Braet Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit the Foundation’s website, butlerccfoundation.org/give, or call 316-323-6734.
Braet poses with a jersey presented to him by Jeremy Mincey, a former Butler football player who shared his condolences and remembrances of Coach Braet on social media.
BUTLER BENEFIT AUCTION "Havana Nights" 27th
“Havana Nights” was the theme of the night, as more than 325 guests enjoyed the 27th annual Butler Benefit Auction on March 1. The auction is the only fundraising event for the Butler Community College Foundation.
Evan (’00) and Angie Funk served as honorary chairs for the event. Butler alumnus Austin Clift (’10) emceed for the evening and Jeremy Sundgren served as auctioneer. The event raised $262,000 to support the Foundation in its mission to provide scholarships and academic opportunities for students.
Highlights of the auction included two Goldendoodle puppies donated by Julie Smith of Riverwood Doodles and four luxury suite tickets to a Kansas City Chiefs home game, with VIP parking and all-inclusive food and drink donated by Gary and Gretchen Oborny of Occidental Management and Auburn Spirits East. The puppies went for more than $8,000 and the Chiefs suite tickets went for $13,000.
Current Butler students representing the livestock judging team, BCTV, the Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts program, Butler Athletics, and the Fine Arts department made significant contributions to the evening’s success.
More than $78,000 was raised during the Pure Philanthropy portion of the evening, in which bidders donated directly to scholarships for students instead of bidding on a specific auction item. Portions of this year’s Pure Philanthropy funds will go toward establishing a scholarship in honor of Butler President Dr. Kim Krull’s retirement.
Those interested in attending, sponsoring, or donating to next year’s auction on March 7, 2025, should contact Jennifer Green-Miracle at 316-323-6338 or jgreenmiracl@butlercc.edu.
Dennis Wetta, DeLonna Coleman
Austin Clift served as emcee
Janice Schremmer with a new auction friend named Grizz
Shawn Lancelot, Wayne Chambers
Honorary Chairs Evan & Angie Funk
Chelsey Finley, Kim Murry, Ryan & Kaleigh Murry
Joe & Missy Surmeier, Suzy & Jeff Longwell, Teresa & Joe Samia
Sally Hargrove, Terry & Day Radebaugh
END-OF-YEAR Celebrations
HONORS & AWARDS CEREMONY
On May 10, just hours before the Butler Community College Commencement ceremony, Butler hosted their annual Honors and Awards Recognition Ceremony. More than 175 students were honored at the ceremony which included the Order of the Gold, Order of the Purple, and several scholarship awards.
The Order of the Gold is the highest academic recognition a student receives from Butler Community College. Order of the Gold graduates achieved a combined 4.0-grade point average which includes institutional and transfer hours throughout their academic careers. This year, more than 50 students were honored with Order of the Gold medallions.
The Order of the Purple graduates recognized achieved a combined grade point average of 3.75 or above, which includes institutional and transfer hours throughout their academic careers. This year, more than 125 students were honored with Order of the Purple medallions.
Butler’s spring nurses pinning ceremony celebrated 61 students who entered the nursing ranks. Among the 61 nurses, the eight students pictured earned their KU BSN and Butler ADN degrees simultaneously. This semester, Butler's first-time test takers in the first quarter of The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scored a 100% pass rate. This pass rate includes both Registered Nurses (RN) and Practical Nurses (PN) and is higher than last year’s national average.
BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY RECOGNIZES GRADUATION CANDIDATES
Butler Community College’s Early College Academy (ECA) honored more than one hundred students at their 2024 ceremony with academic cords to wear to the college’s May 10th graduation.
On May 4, the ECA recognized current high school students who successfully completed their courses of study in areas like health science, engineering, welding, and more. Eight students earned their welding certificate, 11 received an academy completion certificate, and the rest earned their associate degree alongside their high school diplomas.
The students spend half a day at their respective high schools and the rest of the day on a Butler campus, including El Dorado, Andover, and Rose Hill. In the past decade, the ECA has graduated more than seven hundred students who have amassed more than $2 million dollars in savings and earned just over $27 million in scholarships.
Butler’s ECA offers many pathway and certificate options to high school students, giving them a head start in their academic and career journeys.
Thirty-one adult students earned their Kansas State High School diploma this spring through Butler. The adult students take GED classes through Butler to get their high school diplomas. In addition, several students earned their CNA certification and six are National Adult Education Honor Society members. The Adult Education graduates were also recognized at the May 10 Butler Community College Commencement ceremony.
Redler Institute of Culinary Arts celebrated 15 graduates at their second annual Toque Ceremony. Students received their toques and cutting boards at the event.
Early College Academy Graduates
Bob Peterson & ALVIN THE ALLIGATOR RETIRE
After 43 years teaching and being a professional inspiration to students in the Butler Community College Theatre Department, Bob Peterson is set to retire at the end of this academic year. Peterson exits Butler following his last Butler play, "Harvey."
“Butler has been so good to me,” Peterson remarked. “Butler has provided me with a platform to create and produce my own work. Thanks to Butler, 'Alvin the Alligator' was created. He has entertained elementary school children for the past 22 years.”
"Alvin the Alligator" is an annual series created by Peterson in 2002. The series is about a friendly alligator named Alvin and his friend Frank who are students at Digby Prep School. Each play imparted a life lesson such as loyalty, acceptance, or self-esteem. The Alvin series was a generational favorite activity for local families. Many parents who attended the plays when they were younger shared that experience with their own children later.
Peterson’s career began in 1972 as a Topeka High School teacher. Multi-award-winning actress Jayne Houdyshell, who won a Tony Award for her role in "The Humans," was one of Peterson’s first students.
“My students constantly inspire me,” Peterson said. “They continue to motivate me in ways they don’t understand. I have been very proud of my students. Many have worked in the industry and beyond—from working in the film industry to professional theatre to teachers to lawyers to being fine parents.”
Following his time at Topeka High School, he taught at Newman University and then started his position at Butler in 1981. The first play he directed at Butler was "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and the first play he wrote and produced at Butler was called "First Boy." Peterson has even acted in one of his own works, entitled "Barbershop Quartet."
Although Peterson’s professional involvement with Butler is coming to “curtains closed,” he is looking forward to moving on with personal endeavors. “I look at retirement as Act Three,” Peterson expressed. “I have several projects planned. I look forward to having the time to realize them.”
BUTLER BRIEFS
CULINARY STUDENTS COMPETE IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
Culinary students, Danae Loomis & Anna Poelma, recently traveled to Waco, Texas, to compete in The United States Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition. The competition is part of The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world, founded in Paris in 1248.
Anna Poelma participates in the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition.
During the competition, they received a mystery basket of ingredients, which they had to incorporate into their three courses. They had time to plan a menu & prepare the dishes, all while being judged on several aspects—including their techniques, organizational skills & professionalism. Congratulations students on this incredible opportunity.
NIGHT AGAINST PROCRASTINATION
The L.W. Nixon Library at Butler hosted their annual Night Against Procrastination (NAP) for finals week. This year, to accommodate the number of students looking for after-hours study space, there were four NAP sessions, each from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Students enjoyed late night specials from the Library Latté and tutors were on-site to assist with assignments. Students played games, worked on puzzles, and supported each other as they studied. Butler Disability Services provided snacks, Residence Life provided promotional items, SGA passed out free beverage vouchers, and Butler Tutoring offered their always-free tutoring services.
Seven members of Butler's FBLA chapter qualified for nationals at the state conference. (L to R) Head advisor Janice Akao, Branson Dixon, Lyndsay Conley, Kaelib Harp, co-advisor Dr. Noreen Templin, Thara Lee Kenmarla Casimir, co-advisor Jared McGinley, Victoria Wurm, Matthew Shults (not pictured: Kaleb Waller)
BUTLER STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL FBLA CONFERENCE
Butler Community College students attended the 73rd Annual Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference at Pittsburg State University in February.
Competing against four-year and two-year colleges in various business-related events, Butler had seven students place in their events and qualify to compete at the National Collegiate FBLA conference in Orlando, Florida, in June.
It is truly a testament to the hard work and commitment of both students and faculty," said Janice Akao, accounting professor and Butler's FBLA advisor.
RUSTY ECK FORD DONATES ENGINES, TOOLS TO BUTLER’S AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Rusty Eck Ford donated four used 3.7 L Mustang V6 engines and six different types of tools to assist student learning in Butler Community College’s Automotive Technology program.
This donation "gives the students the opportunity to see new technologies," said Mark Jaye, lead automotive instructor. Students will learn to tear an engine apart, manually diagnose problems, and put the engine back together, all while using proper tools.
This donation is one of several the department has received from Rusty Eck Ford and Ford Motor Company. Rusty Eck Ford is an active Advisory Board member and pays student interns well over minimum wage in an “earn while you learn” structure.
BUTLER CELEBRATES DONATION OF CHEROKEE TRAIL RESEARCH, HISTORICAL MARKER
On April 25, Butler Community College held a reception for Dr. Jack and Pat Fletcher to celebrate the donation of their years of Cherokee Trail research to the college, and the installation of a historical marker on campus recognizing the trail’s importance to the area and its crossing of Butler’s El Dorado campus.
Once thought to be a minor trail due to the lack of primary source material, the Fletchers spent the last 25 years traveling and researching the 900-mile Cherokee Trail with the mission of seeing it designated as a National Historic Trail. Now their research will be housed in the Butler Libraries and Archives and available to other researchers.
“[We’re] honored to be recipients of this knowledge,” Butler President Dr. Kim Krull said of the Fletchers’ collection of firstperson diaries and other accounts. “It’s rare for a community college to be the recipient of such a wealth of research, so we’re really excited to have this archived in our library.”
Dr. Jack Fletcher said he and his wife are pleased their research has a permanent home. “It’s our hope that the research will grow and grow, and [that] future generations will benefit. I hope it will be celebrated for a long time,” said Dr. Fletcher.
Members of Friends of the Cherokee Trail assisted the Fletchers with their work. The group’s former president, Brian Stucky, spoke at the reception about the significance of the event held in Butler’s Hubbard Welcome Center. “We're on the trail right here in this building,” said Stucky, explaining the trail cuts through the Clifford/Stone Community Room they were gathered in.
To recognize the intersection of the Cherokee Trail and Butler’s El Dorado campus, Friends of the Cherokee Trail members Bob and Linda Anderson collaborated with the college to place a historical marker outside the Hubbard Welcome Center.
BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS TAKE HOME KAB AWARDS
Four Butler Community College students received seven awards for radio and television programming created within the last year from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB).
In March, the KAB announced the winners of this year’s Student Production awards, with Butler receiving more than three times as many awards as all other two-year colleges combined.
"This is definitely proof that as a two-year college, we have professional-grade students ready to enter the industry,” stated Keith West, professor of mass communication and general manager of KBTL-FM, 88.1 The Grizz.
THREE BUTLER STUDENTS HONORED AT ANNUAL PHI THETA KAPPA CEREMONY
Three members of Butler Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter were honored as part of the prestigious PTK AllState Academic Team at an April ceremony in Junction City.
Earning All-State honors were April Draut, Wichita, Kan., marketing; Sarah Penick, Towanda, Kan., psychology; and Jessica Reyes, Wichita, Kan., computer science. Students were joined at the ceremony by family and friends as well as members of Butler’s administration.
When students join PTK it means they are the cream of the crop at their school," said Chrissy Gifford, Butler's PTK chapter advisor. "They earned this by their hard work, dedication, and determination. It is totally worth celebrating them,” she said.
Left to right: Kaden Warner, Samuel White, Everett Salmans, and Daniel Fee.
Jessica Reyes (left) and Sarah Penick (right) with Butler President Dr. Kim Krull
Pat Fletcher, Dr. Kim Krull, and Dr. Jack Fletcher
BUTLER STUDENT NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE
EARN 2024 KANSAS COLLEGIATE MEDIA AWARDS
Staff from the Butler Community College student newspaper "The Lantern" and student magazine "The Grizzly" received multiple individual and group awards at the Kansas Collegiate Media (KCM) conference this spring.
"The Grizzly" magazine received five awards. Ella Boozer of Andover, Kan., was named Journalist of the Year in the twoyear division, which includes both newspaper and magazine publications.
Advised by Amy Hornbaker, "The Grizzly" produces three to four issues throughout the academic year. The staff includes Boozer, Molly Keller of Andover, and Everett Salmans of Benton.
"The Lantern" editor-in-chief Baylor Henry of Wichita earned seven individual awards, and the rest of the staff received 11 awards for a total of 18.
Advised by Amy Chastain, "The Lantern" produced seven issues throughout the year, led by Henry and managing editor Alexis DeLong of Cottonwood Falls, Kan.
BUTLER’S A CAPPELLA COMPETES IN ICCAS
Butler’s A Cappella group competed at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) in February. Groups from all over the world auditioned for a spot in the competition via video submissions. This was Butler’s first year applying for the competition. Butler was chosen to compete when several other four-year institutions in the region were not. “It’s a testament to the quality of our students and their work ethic that we were chosen,” said Matt Udland, professor of vocal music at Butler Community College.
Butler’s regional bracket competed in Kansas City. Other groups in the bracket were veteran groups with many years of experience at the ICCAs. While Butler didn’t make the top two to move on Udland was pleased with their performance. "We
BUILD MY FUTURE EVENT SHOWS STUDENTS POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Butler Community College’s Career and Technical Education programs were proud to be part of Wichita’s inaugural Build My Future event, a construction showcase directed toward high school students that took place in March inside Century II. The program connects students with industry professionals who can answer real-world questions, along with allowing students to see firsthand what potential career opportunities within the construction industry might look like for themselves. Using the blueprints of similar programs throughout the region, Butler teamed with the Wichita Area Builders Association to build this expo.
More than 450 students from area high schools participated in the day and asked questions from the “experts.” Butler faculty was proud to display their knowledge and skills in the areas of masonry, framing, and a brief introduction to a 3-D architectural application based on the design of the Redler Institute of Culinary Arts. The Diesel and Technology Departments teamed with program supporter GTG Peterbilt to introduce the ways diesel engines support the construction industry.
The Build My Future committee is planning a fall event on October 30 that Butler will be part of.
learned a lot and are excited to continue competing with the hopes of advancing to the semi-finals next year," says Udland.
Butler’s A Cappella group was one of only two community college groups accepted into this year’s competition. “The four-year schools have A Cappella groups that are together for years, perfecting their style and blend, as well as having more mature voices,” says Udland. “For us to take freshmen and sophomores and remain competitive is really exciting.”
Caileane Thurston, Oseli Bencomo, Alexis DeLong, Amy Chastain (advisor), Clarck Leubou, Lehener Arsenio, and Baylor Henry
A student learns about masonry from Dr. Julio Guerrero, Butler’s dean of health, education, and public service.
LONG-TIME SUPPORTER LEAVES ESTATE TO
Butler Foundation
John Hilton was always a Butler supporter. After playing on the then El Dorado Junior College football team on a scholarship in the late 1950s, he went to Pittsburg State University to complete his degree.
John’s 50-year-long career in finance included Borg Warner Finance in Wichita, Fourth National Bank which was eventually renamed Bank of America, Prairie State Bank, and Intrust Bank.
During his career, he made time for Butler. He served as the director of the Butler Foundation for 10 years. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. While John had no spouse or children, his hunting dogs were his family throughout his life.
John passed on in March of this year at the age of 84. He left his entire estate to the Butler Community College Foundation as well as designating that memorial gifts in his honor be sent to the Butler Foundation.
Planned giving allows people to leave a legacy that will support the people and causes they care about. Planned gifts
Dr.
Felix
Rev.
Joseph A. Bayles
Bob & Jackie Burdorff
Faralane & Richard Chase
Mike & Lucy Clifton
Stacy Cofer
Doug & Suzanne Coin
are crucial to the mission of the Butler Foundation to make a difference in the lives of Butler students.
John’s legacy will live on as future students benefit from the John “Toad” Hilton Scholarship which will be given annually to a student-athlete in the Butler football program.
“John often credited his education to Butler,” says Averie Nelson, director of development & scholarships at the Butler Foundation.
“Without a football scholarship, John would have not been able to continue his education post-high school.”
For more information about planned giving, contact Tom Borrego at the Butler Foundation, tborrego@butlercc.edu or 316-323-6729.
The Circle of the Gold Society is made up of individuals whose thoughtful and visionary future gifts help inspire people to envision their lives as they can be, empower those in need through financial assistance and other forms of necessary support, and transform what takes place every day at Butler Community College. Their legacy ensures the continuation of our mission to help students finish what they start.
Will & Sherri Conard Ray & Carolyn Connell
Patricia A. Couger To honor Charles & Alma DeLano
Jeffrey S. & Teressa K.
Jo Hess
Hayes
Shirley C. Heyland
Debbie Hinnen
Dana & Myra Hilmer
John E. Hilton
Susanna Hutcheson
Alan & Bobbie Jaax
Shirley Ann Jackson
Phil & Sheila Johnson
Terry J. & Janice G. Jones
Dr. Greg & Helen Joyce
Raymon & Karen Kaufman
True & Elizabeth Knowles
Julie Kobbe
Kimberly W. Krull
Candace L. Kunkel
Patricia Kunkle
Earl & Beryl Lacy
Leon & Jodie Leachman Machelle Lippold
David & Shirley Longfellow Tom McKibban & Dr. Cathy Cooper
Dan & Anita Mills
Charlie & Mary Moon
Candace & Colin Parry
Dalton & Sonja Patterson
Dennis L. & Patricia A. Perry
Steven C. Pershall & Edith C. Waugh
Jerry W. Peterson
Thomas & Sheila Prichard
John & Louise Prigmore
J.M. (Jim) Reeves
Helen Reynolds
Patricia A. Riffel
Teresa L. Riffel
Anita Seivley
Jake & Jan Shaffer
Janice Shaffer
Bill & Evie Shriver
Gene Smith
Bernadette A. Spradling
Arlan & Mary Stackley
Ray Stevens
Rita Sullivan
Mark & Julie Utech
Ray & Jackie Vietti
Douglas W. Voth, MD &
Barbara Ann Warren Voth
Noble & Ida Mae Waite Stewart & Denise Weaver
Robert E. Widener Cy Wiggans
901 S. Haverhill Road
El Dorado, KS 67042
http://foundation.butlercc.edu
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION PARTNERS
Standard Beverage • Foulston • Hutton • Demo Sales • INTRUST Bank • Security 1st Title • Connell & Connell ICI • Bret & Stacey Marcotte • Drs. Joyce & Hursh/Dan Davis & El Dorado TrueCare Pharmacy
Alan & Bobbie Jaax • Regier Carr & Monroe • SunGroup Realty • Kevin & Karen Jacobs • Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital & Foundation Hargrove Law Office • Conco Construction • Midwest Single Source Wichita Shredding • Aaron West • Flamingo Ink • Sundgren Realty
Sponsors and business partners are a vital component of the Butler Foundation’s success.
