Foundation Honors Donors, Recognizes Those at New Giving Levels

Students and donors were the focus of the President’s Donor Dinner held on Sept. 7 at Butler Community College. The purpose of the annual event is to thank donors for the many ways their support impacts students and also to recognize those who have reached a new giving level during the past fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. This year, more than 160 guests attended.

Butler’s President Kim Krull, Ph.D., began the evening by celebrating the college’s 90th anniversary. 2017 Hubbard Award of Excellence recipient and graduate Olivia Jacoby shared her student story with the donors.

“When I was younger, I was told many times that I wouldn’t amount to much,” Jacoby said. “I never experienced that at Butler. All of the faculty and staff were kind, caring and encouraging.”

The A Cappella Choir followed Jacoby’s speech with their arrangement of “Bulletproof” by La Roux.

“These are just some of the fine students who walk through our halls and on our campuses every day,” Krull said.

Assistant Athletic Director Matt Jacobs awarded the Dr. Larry and Judy Abraham Grizzlybacker of the Year Award to retiree Donna Whiteside, who worked at the college for almost 40 years and is a tireless supporter of Grizzly athletics.

Vice President of Advancement Stacy Cofer led the recognition portion of the evening, which included awarding two service awards that are distinct to Butler.

Foundation Award for Distinguished Service to the College

Chuck and Deann Korte – Augusta, Kan.

Distinguished Service Award for Directors of the Foundation Board

Jackie Vietti, Ph.D. – Shawnee, Kan.

Sixty-five donors were recognized for reaching a new annual giving level, ranging from $500+ to $5,000+. Giving totals are calculated based on the past fiscal year. Lifetime giving recognition accounts for all donations from a donor since the time they first began giving to the college. These donors are recognized starting at the $10,000 level. Giving levels range from $10,000 to $1 million, though there are not donors recognized at every level annually.

Diamond Society ($10,000+)

Joseph Bayles – Wichita, Kan.

Marlene K. Belt – Wichita, Kan.

Benton Airpark, Inc. – Benton, Kan.

Ken and Kerry Bohon – Augusta, Kan.

Doug and Suzanne Coin – Wichita, Kan.

Ralph and Lianne Compton – Wichita, Kan.

Brandon and Melissa Cross – Andover, Kan.

Jill Docking – Wichita, Kan.

Pete and Kay Ferrell – Beaumont, Kan.

Rune and Kristen Larneng – Wichita, Kan.

Medova Healthcare Financial Group – Wichita, Kan.

Meritrust Credit Union – Wichita, Kan.

Scott and Betsy Redler – Wichita, Kan.

Ryan C. Schraeder – Hoschton, Ga.

Dick and Janice Schremmer – Derby, Kan.

Wichita Independent Business Association – Wichita, Kan.

Gary and Debra Willhite – El Dorado, Kan.

Lori and Jim Winningham – Towanda, Kan.

Mike and Vicki Young – Wichita, Kan.

Trustee Society – ($50,000+)

Alan and Bobbie Jaax – El Dorado, Kan.

Larry W. Thompson – Andover, Kan.

Cornerstone Society – ($100,000+)

Cox Communications – Wichita, Kan.

Patricia Kunkle – Roeland Park, Kan.

Heritage Society ($250,000+)

True and Elizabeth Knowles – Dallas, Texas

Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital – El Dorado, Kan.

“Without all of you, the opportunities we give students would not be possible,” Cofer said. “We are truly grateful for everything you do.”

Sponsors for the event were Bank of America, The Commerce Trust Company, INTRUST Bank and ICI.

Philanthropic contributions to Butler Community College are coordinated by the Butler Community College Foundation. The foundation manages fundraising efforts with alumni, friends, corporations and foundations to secure private support for the college.

For more information about the Butler Community College Foundation visit our website or find us on Facebook.

Cutline: Coleen Jennison and Mandy Wilbert from Cox Communications are recognized at the $100,000 Cornerstone Society giving level with Dr. Kim Krull(left) and Foundation Board President Alan Jaax(right).