Foundation Honors Donors, Recognizes Those at New Giving Levels

Student and donor success was highlighted at the President’s Donor Dinner held on Sept. 6 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, 2018. This year, 180 guests attended. 

Butler’s President Kim Krull, Ph.D., began the evening by introducing fourth semester nursing student Natasha Nelson who shared her story with the donors. 

“Butler has opened up so many doors that will directly play into my future,” Nelson said. “I wasn’t supposed to be here…[but] on Dec. 13, 2018 I will be the first college graduate in my family.” 

Nelson also thanked donors for their profound impact on students. 

“Without donors like you tuition would not be feasible, the positive vibe that engulfs us as students would not be here, and most importantly the ‘non-traditional’ student like myself would not have the opportunity to pursue a lifelong goal.”

Assistant Athletic Director Matt Jacobs and Dr. Larry Abraham awarded the Dr. Larry and Judy Abraham Grizzlybacker of the Year Award to Mike and Christa Erikson. 

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

Distinguished Service Award for Directors of the Foundation Board

Jeremy Sundgren – El Dorado, Kan.

Foundation Award for Distinguished Service to Butler Community College

The Connell Family – El Dorado, Kan.

Sixty-eight donors were recognized for reaching a new annual giving level, ranging from $500+ to $5,000+. Giving totals are calculated based on the prior 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+)

Janice Adams – Overland Park, Kan.

Bud Bailey Estate – El Dorado, Kan.

Wayne and Susan Chambers – Leon, Kan.

DRISCO of Kansas, LLC – El Dorado, Kan.

David and Pam Fullinwider – Wichita, Kan.

Karen Hamilton – El Dorado, Kan.

Joe and Lisa Hemmelgarn – Wichita, Kan.

Diversity Leadership in Action/Juan Johnson – Atlanta, Ga.

Norma Johnson – El Dorado, Kan.

Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt – El Dorado, Kan.

Kansas Secured Title – El Dorado, Kan.

George and Jocelyne Laham – Wichita, Kan.

Don McClure – Dallas, Tex.

Ryan Murry – El Dorado, Kan.

Pioneer Balloon – El Dorado, Kan.

Tony and Chris Sementelli – Wichita, Kan.

Nate and Kim Sherwood – Towanda, Kan.

Rod and Linda Sobieski – Emporia, Kan.

Sutherlands – El Dorado, Kan.

Chris and Jessica Tarbell – Andover, Kan.

Westar Energy Foundation – Topeka, Kan. 

Trustee Society – ($50,000+)

Boeing Matching Gifts Program – Wichita, Kan.

Clifton CPA/Mike and Lucy Clifton – Augusta, Kan.

Matt Jacobs – El Dorado, Kan.

Security 1st Title – El Dorado, Kan.

Kevin and Janet Unrein – Augusta, Kan.

Cornerstone Society – ($100,000+)

Harold and Peggy VanBuren – Wichita, Kan.

Heritage Society ($250,000+)

Boyer Educational Trust – Wellington, Kan.

Bob and Jennifer Lane – El Dorado, Kan.

Premier Food Service, Inc. – Wichita, Kan.

Jim Reeves – Augusta, Kan.

“Thank you all for making this evening special and for all the ways you change the lives of Butler students,” Cofer said.

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