Butler Community College Celebrates 96th Commencement

Butler Community College’s 2023 graduating class of over 600 graduates was honored at the school’s 96th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 12 at the BG Products Veterans Sports Complex in El Dorado. 

“We want you to know it has been our honor to have you as our students,” Butler Community College President Dr. Kim Krull said to the graduates. “Thank you for allowing us to be part of your educational and life-changing journey. Know you have given us strength and encouragement along the way and it has been a privilege to be on the journey with such an outstanding group of students.” 

Reagan Heimgartner of El Dorado received the Hubbard Award of Excellence, a $15,000 transfer scholarship and the highest honor a graduating Butler student can receive. Heimgartner was honored for her active involvement at Butler, including in the female singing group The Noteables. She plans to attend Friends University to study music education. Hubbard finalsts Heather Burrow of Wichita, Mahlia Glass of Manitou Springs, CO, and Ashlyn O’Brien of Perrysburg, OH, received $500 scholarships. 

Noah Stanyer of Towanda received the Butler Community Colleges Board of Trustees award, a $1,000 scholarship given annually to a student from Butler County. Stanyer was a member of the service desk team and Phi Theta Kappa. He plans to attend Wichita State University. 

“Collectively and individually, you have created another great chapter in the history of Butler, and certainly you have captured our hearts and blessed our lives,” Dr. Krull said. “As you prepare to move on to new jobs, continue in education or whatever the next chapters hold for you, take a minute to reflect and be proud of all you’ve accomplished...and [know] you’ll always have a home at Butler.”