Butte College Foundation

Tod Kimmelshue is a family farmer, retired ag finance/banking advisor and lifelong community volunteer. He attended Butte College from 1977-1979, and transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he earned a degree in ag business. He worked in the agricultural finance and banking industry for more than 35 years. He’s served on a number of community boards. He was elected Butte County Supervisor in 2021 and is presently the chair.

Rigoberto Sanchez grew up in Hamilton City and attended Butte College from 2012-2015, while playing on the football team. He later transferred to the University of Hawaii on a football scholarship. In 2017, Rigoberto signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He remains committed to serving his community by hosting a free youth camp in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts and Hamilton City High School. He also has assisted with meals distributions for low-income families and participated in community service events in Indianapolis and his hometown.

Dale Ott is the president and owner of Vitil Solutions Inc., a firm providing compliant desktop services for government and education clients. He attended Butte College in 1977 while working graveyard shifts to pay for his education. He earned his associate's degree in electronics in 1979 followed by his bachelor's and master's degree. Dale received an offer to work for IBM and has spent over 40 years in the industry. He credits his early success to his Butte College instructors and mentors.

Dr. Laurel Hammang and Joel Belben are honored as a couple, which is fitting since they met while attending Butte College as members of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Both attended Butte in 2008 and transferred to 4-year universities. After earning her associate's degree in biology, Dr. Hammang earned a bachelor's degree and MBA. She graduated with her Doctorate of Optometry and completed her residency at UC Berkeley. She owns an optometry practice in Chico. Joel is a senior manager at Ernst & Young, and works in environment, health, safety and sustainability consulting, in-process improvement and digital enablement.

Dr. Erek Helseth is a practicing vascular neurologist at Dignity Health in Redding and specializes in neurology, general neurology, spinal disorder, and vascular neurology. Dr. Helseth began his higher education at Butte College at the age of 15 after having been home schooled. He said that Butte College provided the perfect pathway between his non-traditional schooling and a four-year university and set him up for future success. He received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 2003 and has been in practice for more than 17 years.

Commander William Fiack is a native of South Lake Tahoe and grew up in Chico. He attended Butte College from 1995 to 1998. He graduated from UC Davis in June 2001 with a bachelor's degree in American Studies and received his commission that November. He graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition School/SEAL training Class 239 in June 2002. Assigned to Naval Special Warfare, William has conducted and commanded special operations, including search and rescue operations during and after Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Veronica Hooper is the Physician Executive for MultiCare in Tacoma, Washington, Veronica grew up in Durham and became the first in her family to attend college when she enrolled at Butte in 1992. Although her parents had not completed high school, they stressed the importance of higher education and Veronica says she knew by the 7th grade that she wanted to become a doctor. Veronica transferred to UC Davis where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in genetics. She attended Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona and became a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000. Veronica, her husband, and three children reside in Gig Harbor, WA.

Marisa and Travis MacKenzie met while attending Butte College. Marisa said her Butte family changed her life by helping her learn to trust herself and gave her confidence in her abilities. Marisa transferred to UC Davis, earning a Bachelor of Science in exercise biology and she competed in track & field. She later enrolled in the UC Davis Physician Assistant Program and is a Physician Assistant for Shasta Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. MacKenzie came to Butte College by way of British Columbia, Canada to play football in 2001. Travis says he chose Butte College for its football program and his experience was "extraordinary." Travis planned to major in English but discovered athletic training. He earned a scholarship to Northwest Missouri State University and later attended Saint Georges University, School of Medicine. Travis is the Director of Emergency Services, Trauma, Sepsis. Chest Pain & Stroke at Abilene Regional Medical Center in Texas. Marisa and Travis have two children with one on the way, and reside in Redding, CA.

Berton Bertagna has a strong family background in agriculture that dates back four generations. Growing up in Chico, Bertagna attended Butte College and earned a degree in agriculture business, graduating in 1993. Berton owns several agricultural businesses including Bertagna Orchards, Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards, Long Creek Winery, and Almendra Winery and Distillery. Giving back to the community for more than 20 years has been very important to Berton. He has been active with the California Wine Institute, Butte College Wine/Viticulture Committee, North Valley Hockey, Chico High Agriculture, local FFA and 4H.

Student athlete Nate Parks attended Butte College from 1991 to 1994 and led the Roadrunners to several championships and two bowl game wins. He transferred to Stanford University where he played football for three years and graduated with a degree in economics and minor in sociology. He was a 7th round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs and played for two years, later played in NFL Europe, and played three years with the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. Upon retiring from the NFL, Nate worked in the financial field and then went to work in his family business as the vice president with ProPacific Fresh produce company. He later purchased the company with his brother and has worked to grow the family-owned business, which has received several awards.

Arnoldo Avalos is the youngest of seven children who worked as migrant farm workers across the Northwest while growing up. Growing up in Gridley, Avalos attended Butte College from 1986-1991 while enrolled at Gridley High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and a master's degree from Harvard University. Avalos enjoyed a successful career in management, working for companies such as Cisco Systems, Google, and Facebook.

In 2013 he co-founded the Avalos Foundation with his wife. The private foundation aims to provide scholarships and mentorship to students from the upper Sacramento Valley who lack the resources to succeed. Arnoldo is also a member of the Latino Community Foundation Board of Trustees and a founding member of Hermanos Unidos in 1989. In 2014, he was appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors by Governor Jerry Brown, where he helps oversee 113 community colleges.

Student athlete and honors student, Kory Honea received his law enforcement training in the 81st Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Butte College and earned his AA Degree in Social Science in 1991.

He joined the Butte County Sheriff's Office in 1993 when he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. Climbing the ranks, Sheriff Kory Honea became the 31st Sheriff of Butte County in 2014. Honea also holds a Juris Doctorate from Taft School of Law and is a member of the State Bar of California.

Alex DuBose, owner of Rental Guys in Chico attended Butte College beginning in the Fall of 1990, taking business and agriculture classes. At the age of 21, DuBose took over the daily operations of Rental Guys in Chico from his father.

Rental Guys has been a family-owned business since 1972. Over the last 23 years, DuBose has expanded the business from the single store into a chain with locations in Chico, Gridley, Red Bluff, Redding, and Susanville. In 2012, Alex was awarded the Small Business of the Year by State Assemblyman Dan Logue, 3rd District. A long-time resident of Butte County, DuBose was honored for his business success and ability to grow a business with 30 employees, during a tough economy.

Jerry Smith's journey with the Butte County Sheriff's Office has spanned 36 years. Smith attended the 12th Butte College Law Enforcement Academy in 1977 and started with the Sheriff's Office as a reserve at 19 years old.

He was hired full time a year later. Jerry advanced through the ranks of deputy, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and sheriff and was instrumental in developing the Sheriff's Aviation Program - now known as one of the best law enforcement aviation programs in Northern California. Smith became the County's 30th sheriff on Dec. 31, 2009, when appointed by the Butte County Supervisors.

He later ran unopposed and retired from the Butte County Sheriff's Office in 2014. Smith has had a diverse law enforcement career, holding nearly every assignment available from corrections to investigations.

Butte College alumna and entrepreneur Mary Mooney attended Butte College from 1982-1984 and transferred to earn her bachelor’s degree from Chico State. Mooney Farms, founded in 1987, was a family-owned kiwi farming operation and Mary was instrumental in growing the business with her sales and marketing expertise. Today, Mooney Farms is home to 50 full time employees, processes 10 million pounds of sun-dried tomatoes annually, and ships product around the world. The Chico-based, quarter-century old company has catapulted sundried tomatoes into a culinary staple and produces 75 percent of the sun-dried tomatoes consumed in the nation. From the time Mooney Farms began, Mary performed many of the daily functions of operations and administration. With their move to Chico and large growth, Mary's main focus became sales and marketing, tradeshows, key corporate sales, and expanding international business.

Alumnus John McAmis graduated from Oroville High School in 1964. After enlisting in the California Army National Guard, he transferred to the United States Navy Seabee's for two tours of duty in Vietnam. Returning to California, John enrolled in Butte College in the Fall of 1968 when the campus was in Durham. John served as the College's first Student Body President and was one of the College's first bus drivers. John later transferred to Colorado State University in Fort Collins for the Construction Management (CM) Program. Upon completion, John moved to Chico with his wife Renee and started their business, J.E. McAmis, Inc. in 1973. After several years of state highway projects, bridge construction and tunnel projects, John then focused on heavy civil marine construction projects. Today, J.E. McAmis, Inc. has successfully completed numerous marine construction projects across the country, earning recognition awards for safety and innovation in the industry.

Alumnus Kelly Candaele is an accomplished writer and filmmaker. He has written extensively for the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, The Nation magazine, and National Public Radio. As a journalist, Candaele accompanied President Clinton on three trips to Northern Ireland.

He has produced several award-winning documentaries, including “A League of Their Own,” about his mother's experience as a professional baseball player in the All-American Girl's Professional Baseball League and he wrote the story for the feature film, “A League of Their Own,” starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. In addition, Candaele has produced several award-winning films on the life of assassinated Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, and another on Harry Wu, Chinese human rights activist. Candaele has lectured at colleges and universities and has served as a trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District since 1996. He is currently working on a documentary about the history of soccer in Calcutta, India.

Teri Dougherty is an alumna of the Butte College Cosmetology Program. She has designed hair for international fashion runways, television, and film. She is an award-winning platform artist, freelance hair designer, creative director, and editorial consultant.

Teri serves as the Artistic Advisor for Aloxxi International Hair Color, the founder of OPI Nails. Teaching in over 28 countries and throughout the US, Teri is sought out by stylists around the world for her innovative education and cutting-edge design. She is one of the most highly requested and well-traveled stylists and educators in the world. Teri created the website Hairconcepts.com. and brings her expertise in teaching hairdressing and styling to professional hairdressers. In addition, each year she releases her own collections of new looks that she has spent the previous year developing, both in theory and in practice.

She was named "One of the Top 75 Educators of the 20th Century" by Modern Salon Magazine and won the Hair Colorist of the Year for the “International Haircolor Exchange”.

Glenn County Sheriff Larry Jones grew up in Glenn County and attended Butte College majoring in Physical Education. Prior to graduation he transferred to CSU, Chico where he completed his bachelor's degree.

With almost 40 years of experience in law enforcement, Sheriff Jones is recognized throughout the public safety industry in California. With insufficient funds to provide his County with the level of services he believes they deserves, he not only conducts all the administrative work—which is more than a full-time job, but he also fills in by working patrol and special details from time to time. Sheriff Jones is one of the few, if not only, sheriff's showing such dedication to an agency. He also has worked as an assistant firearms instructor in the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy.

Alumnus Steve Gonsalves joined Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto in 1988 as Manager and Director of the Structural Engineering Division. He later became principal-in-charge of the Chico office. A licensed architect and registered structural engineer, Steve has led the design team for several award-winning local projects including the Sierra Nevada Brewery Expansion, Nettleton Stadium on the CSU, Chico campus, and the 555 Main Street mixed use building in Chico.

Steve specializes in the design of health care facilities including acute care hospital expansions and renovations, outpatient clinics and medical office buildings. Some of Steve's local health care projects include the Enloe Cancer Center, the Feather River Hospital Emergency Services Expansion, and the Feather River Health Clinic in Paradise.

Steve has a demonstrated commitment to community service serving as Chairman of the Board of Innovate North State, President of the Rotary Club of Chico and Chair of the CSU, Chico College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management Advisory Board. His professional accomplishments and community involvement earned honors by the Chico Chamber of Commerce as Businessperson of the Year and as a Distinguished Alumnus for the CSU, Chico College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management.

Alumnus Melinda Kennemer earned an interior design degree from Butte College in 2001 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in the same field at CSU, Chico in 2004. She is currently completing a master's degree in human science from Stephen F. Austin State University. Kennemer is the owner of MK Designs, a successful healthcare facilities design firm in Chico. She and her husband, Frank Kennemer, also own and operate the Outback Steakhouse in Chico.

Together the couple has assisted with more than 175 local fundraisers benefiting, among others, the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Chico Community Scholarship Foundation, the Paradise and Butte County Fire Departments, and the Butte College Foundation. The Kennemer's efforts are credited with having raised more than $500,000 for local charities.

Alumnus Zachary Smith received an associate of science degree in EMT-Paramedic from Butte College in 2003 after earning a bachelor's degree in kinesiotherapy from CSU, Long Beach in 2002. Smith's professional experience includes search and rescue, vertical technical rescue, and ocean lifeguarding with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Currently, Smith serves as firefighter/ paramedic for the City of Rocklin.

Smith has provided humanitarian aid for disaster victims and has made a dramatic impact on many lives. He has coordinated deployment teams for domestic natural disasters including the tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri, as well as Hurricane Irene. He has traveled on medical aid missions to Haiti, Chile, Burma and South Sudan. He recently co-founded an organization named Mission to Heal which sends health care practitioners and medical students to the poorest parts of the globe to treat patients and train local health care workers. Smith recently returned from his second trip to South Sudan where his team performed surgeries and treated hundreds of patients. Smith also worked closely with Enloe Foundation's Project Save in Chico to donate medical equipment and supplies which were delivered in a container to South Sudan. Smith is a recipient of both the Carnegie Medal of Valor and the California State Fire- fighter Association Medal of Valor for his efforts to save a man from a burning vehicle in Los Angeles County.

After completing his general studies education at Butte College in 1979, alumnus Dr. Joseph J. Wujek, later earned his medical degree with honors from Vanderbilt University. With a successful basketball career at Butte College, Dr. Wujek was later named a "small college All-American" basketball player. Dr. Wujek is an owner-partner of the Walla Walla Clinic, a 38-member multispecialty group. The clinic includes a Women's Health Department providing obstetric, gynecological and infertility services to women.

Dr. Wujek specializes in high-risk pregnancies and has been dubbed "Dr. Wonderful" by many of his patients who note that his care extends beyond the ordinary doctor- patient services. Dr. Wujek has served as a board member for Hospice, Christian Aid Homeless Shelter, Walla Walla Clinic and St. Mary's Medical Center. He also served as a volunteer physician in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. He and his wife Donna met while attending Butte College. They have been married for 30 years and have five children.

The Honorable Bill Berryhill California Assembly

Butte College Alumnus, Assemblyman Bill Berryhill, represents the people of the 26th California Assembly District, which includes the cities of Stockton, Turlock, Manteca, Ceres, Modesto, Patterson, Ripon, and Escalon.

A fourth generation Californian, Bill's roots in agriculture and public service are deep. For more than thirty years he has farmed wine grapes in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties and operated successful custom grape harvesting businesses. He founded the cornerstone of his agricultural operations - BB Vineyards in 1978. He also served on the boards of both Allied Grape Growers and the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau.

In honor of his success in business and contributions to the Central Valley economy, the Ceres Chamber of Commerce recognized Bill as Agri Businessman in 2001. of the Year

Bill's entry into public service came in 1996, when he was elected to the Ceres Unified School District Board of Trustees. During his eleven years on the Board, Bill's efforts were instrumental in transforming Ceres into one of California's top-performing school districts by emphasizing parental involvement, quality teachers, and strategic planning.

In 2008, Bill was elected to the California State Assembly, where he serves as vice chair of the Budget, Elections & Redistricting, and Jobs, Economic Development & Economy (JEDE) Committees.

In addition to his business and public service interests, Bill is an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and wildlife artist. He is a partner in a 700-acre wetland restoration project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta and is a member of Ducks Unlimited the National Rifle Association, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and the Stanislaus and San Joaquin County Farm Bureaus.

Butte College Alumnus, David E. Lundberg, has served on the Butte County Farm Bureau Board for 14 years, two of which he served as President. David is a third-generation rice farmer and has been active in the Agri business industry & farming rice for over 30 years. He served as Treasurer on the Rice Research Board from 2001 to 2004. He also was a member of the California farm Bureau Rice Advisory State Committee, for which he was Chairman for four years. He has been a member of the Butte County Farm, Home 4H Support Group Board from 2008 to the present.

An outdoorsman and hunter, David has also served on the Richvale Hunting Area Board from 1988 to the present, including serving as Treasurer. David and his wife, Debbie, are Chico residents and have two children, Ryan, and Lindsey.

Chief George Morris, CAL FIRE, received a Certificate in EMT I Non- Ambulance Certification, and an A.S. with Honors in Fire Science from Butte College. George started his career as a California Division of Forestry (CDF, now known as CAL FIRE) Seasonal Firefighter in Humboldt County in 1973 as a summer job when he was 17 years old. He continued to serve as a seasonal firefighter until 1977 when he was promoted to a permanent firefighter position in San Mateo County Fire Department.

During his career, Chief Morris received many professional certifications in fire service disciplines from several colleges, returning to Butte College in 1993 to further pursue his education and complete his degree in Fire Science. In 2004, George was promoted to Deputy Chief for fire department operations for the Butte Unit of CDF and the Butte County Fire Department; and, in 2007 was assigned as Incident Commander of CAL FIRE ICT 3. In 2010, George was promoted to Chief of the Butte County Fire Department/CAL FIRE Butte Unit.

Some of Chief Morris's interests include furniture building, woodturning, and photography. After completing his degree, George also took several photography classes at Butte College. George and his wife Kim have been married for 35 years and have two boys, George, and Stephen, who are both firefighters for CAL FIRE. George and Kim are the proud grandparents of two-year old granddaughter Lana and are expecting a grandson, due March 15.

Jim Culp Orchard Church

Jim Culp is a man centered on spiritual values and service to others. Raised in a farming family from Chico and Corning, Jim spent his middle and high school years in Gridley. A 1993 graduate of Butte College, Jim played starting tight end on the Roadrunners football team. Jim went on to California State University, Sacramento, where he received his BA in Government, and while there he enlisted in the Air Force ROTC Program. From 1996 through 2000 Jim was on active duty in the Air Force as a first lieutenant, resigning his commission at the rank of captain in Air Force Intelligence in 2002.

He took the B2 stealth bomber from cradle to its maiden flights and rose to be Lead Intelligence Officer / Chief of Target for 32 missions over Kosovo. Jim was one of two non-flying lieutenants in the 1999 Kosovo Campaign to be awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

A deeply spiritual person, Jim felt a calling to the ministry. He became pastor at the Flat Head Baptist Church while continuing his studies to receive his MA in Pastoral Ministry and later his PhD. Jim moved to Chico where he began the Orchard Church. He recognized the great needs of the working poor, particularly of the children. The Orchard Church focuses on "at risk" kids who are often without parents and are in and out of foster homes. A kind and compassionate man, Jim Culp is energized by people. He is a visionary leader who doesn't see obstacles but sees opportunities and possibilities. Jim is not a person who has made a name for himself by developing some great financial enterprise, nor is he a person whose face appears in the society pages of newspapers. Rather, Jim is a humble person who has shown heroic actions. His values, presence, and actions are making real differences in the lives of underserved children.

Butte College's mission statement refers to developing students who are "responsible members of a diverse society". Jim Culp more than exemplifies such a person as an Outstanding Alumnus of Butte College.

David Mobilio - Posthumously Red Bluff Police Department

David Mobilio, a graduate of Butte College's gist Law Enforcement Academy in 1995, is being posthumously honored. In 2002, Officer Mobilio lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a patrol officer and liaison officer for Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) with the Red Bluff Police Force. Mobilio served with the Red Bluff Police Department for four years and dedicated his time and energy to teaching children how to make good choices in life.

While filling in for a fellow officer, David Mobilio was ambushed and fatally shot ... just because he was wearing a uniform. David left behind a loving wife and an infant son. A true hero, he possessed undeniable courage, was fiercely determined, and was willing to take risks to achieve his dreams, no matter how difficult the journey. David truly believed that the spirit of America lies not only in the opportunity to look up to others as heroes, but also in the chance to be a hero to someone else. In the end, David gave up his tomorrows so that we could have safer todays. Butte College is proud to count David Mobilio as one of our alumni, and one of our heroes. His name is included along with 13 other brave graduates of the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy who lost their life in the line of duty. We are honored to celebrate his memory.

To honor David's memory, his family and friends have established a scholarship in his name. This tribute to David's sacrifice will be awarded to a law enforcement cadet who demonstrates superior leadership and perseverance.

Recently retired Butte County Sheriff Perry Reniff, a graduate of the college's Administration of Justice program, dedicated 37 years to public service in Butte County. Reniff also completed graduate courses at the University of Virginia, Cal Poly Pomona, and CSU, Chico. Reniff rose through the ranks and has served in command positions in all three of the office's divisions. He worked 30 years as a supervisor and manager, having served as Chief Criminal Investigator, Chief Deputy Coroner, Watch Commander, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Ad- ministrative Sergeant, and Chief Hostage Negotiator. He also worked as a Detective, Patrol Officer, Resident Deputy, and Assistant Records & Identification Officer. As Assistant Sheriff he was commander for the Reserve Deputy program, Sheriff's Mounted Posse, Sheriff's Search and Rescue, and Chief Law Enforcement liaison to the Office of Emergency Services.

Reniff was instrumental in developing the STARS (Sheriff's Team of Active Retired Seniors) program, the DAD (Designated Area Deputies) program, the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) program, and the Butte County Meth Strike Force. Reniff also brought the DARE program to the county. He has chaired several committees dealing with violence and abuse within the community and received numerous community service and law enforcement awards. Reniff is active in many local civic and community activities and organizations, volunteering countless hours of community involvement and fundraisers.

Service Awards and special recognitions Sheriff Reniff has received include Butte County Sheriff's Office Distinguished Service Award, Exchange Club Peace Officer of the Year, Drug Enforcement Administration, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, Community Partnership Weaver of Change, Southside Coalition Commendation, and Judicial Council of California Certificate of Appreciation.

National Football League starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers is known on and off the field for his team spirit. Following his graduation from Pleasant Valley High School, Rodgers attended Butte College in 2002 and was the starting quarterback for the Butte College Roadrunners. At Butte College, Rodgers successfully transferred to the University of California at Berkeley where he was named the starting quarterback for the Bears in the fifth game of the 2003 season.

Rodgers had a distinguished college career and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2005 as the team's second quarterback. In 2007, he moved to the team's first string becoming the Packer's starting quarterback. Rodgers became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in his starting season and finished fourth in the league in both passing yards (4,038) and touchdowns (28) in the 2009 season. He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl in 2010.

Rodgers gives as much off the field as on dedicating himself to numerous community organizations including the Andy North and Friends Golf Getaway benefiting the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Edgar Bennett Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon; the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic; and the Young Life Charity Golf Tournament.

Daryl Bender is a 1975 Butte College alumnus who started his career in the banking industry but later found his niche teaching. For the past 20 years, Bender has taught at Sierra View Elementary School in Chico, where he has excelled in and out of the classroom.

A graduate from Chico High School, Bender chose to attend Butte College because it was affordable and close. "Butte College was an excellent choice for me-it offered everything I needed, and the classes were challenging," he recalls. In 1987, Bender says he was "looking for a change" and felt he could make a positive impact on young people by teaching, so he returned to Butte College. He took prerequisite courses there before transferring to Chico State, where he earned his teaching credential.

As a sixth-grade teacher at Sierra View Elementary School, Bender set up the district's first elementary school computer lab, started the Butte Meadows Outdoor Education School for sixth graders, and cofounded Sierra View's student- run television station. Bender has also coached the Chico High School ski and snowboard racing teams for five years, garnering five Central Division Championships.

Jim Broshears - Retired Paradise Fire Chief

Paradise Fire Chief Jim Broshears served in the capacity of Fire Department Chief for 19 years. During this time, he was responsible for the management and leadership of a combination of Full Time and Volunteer Fire Department. This role provided him with the opportunity to develop a fully integrated training and safety program, work with all the facets of fire department budget and purchasing, to hire and develop personnel and most of all, to develop a spirit of teamwork in a dynamic work environment.

Jim began his career as a firefighter for the California Division of Forestry in 1971. Jim joined the Paradise Fire Department in 1974, promoting to Fire Apparatus Engineer in 1975, Fire Captain in 1979, Assistant Chief in 1985, and Paradise Fire Chief in 1996. Chief Broshears has served as the coordinator of the Fire Science Program at Butte College, which included supervisor of a Firefighter 1 Academy, planning and scheduling both pre-service and in-service fire curriculum. Chief Broshears has served as an instructor for fire related training courses, including the Butte College Firefighter 1 Academy, F-step programs, ICS training, and live fire training.

Chief Broshears was the President of the Butte County Fire Chiefs Association and Chair of the Butte County Fire Safe Council. He was honored to receive the Firefighter of the Year award twice, once in 1988 and again in 1998. He is also a recipient of the Director's Award for Partnership and the Friends of Education Award from Paradise, CA.

Kyle Lohse - St. Louis Cardinals

A former Butte College student, Kyle Lohse's career in big league baseball has taken him from his hometown of Chico to Chicago, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and St. Louis, where he has been a starting pitcher for the Cardinals since the beginning of the 2008 season.

Born in Chico in 1978, Lohse attended Hamilton Union High School, where he played basketball, baseball and football. During his high school baseball career, he was an All-Conference pick four years running, extending that feat while attending Butte College.

In 1997, the Chicago Cubs drafted Lohse, later trading him to the Minnesota Twins, where he made his Major League Baseball debut in 2001. During his career in Minnesota, Lohse dedicated himself to working with Cars for Courage, an organization that serves disabled children through sports programs and activities. He also reached a professional milestone, playing for the Twins in the 2002 American League Championship Series.

Lohse later spent parts of the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies before playing for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008. He proved his worth with a team-leading 15 wins, prompting the club to sign him to a four-year, $41 million contract.

In 2008, Lohse, who is one of just three American Indian athletes to ever play Major League Baseball, was featured in an exhibit called "Baseball's League of Nations: A Tribute to Native Americans in Baseball," at the Iroquois Museum in New York.

Julia Sabin - Knudson & Sons

For 11 years, Julia Sabin has served as the Vice President and General Manager for Smucker Quality Beverages, Inc., a division of the J.M. Smucker Company. Julia oversees and manages the manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution of R. W. Knudsen Family and Santa Cruz Organic Brands. Julia has been employed by Smucker Quality Beverages, Inc. for 24

years and has worked in many areas including Research and Development, Quality Assurance and Plant Management. Growing up in Chico, Julia attended Chico High School and earned a degree in biochemistry from UCLA. When she moved back to Chico, Julia chose to attend Butte College because of its "flexible evening classes."

"It was a great experience, and the instructors were great. It was an ideal way to take prerequisite classes needed. The quality of instruction was just as good as any four-year university, such as UCLA," remarked Julia. "Butte College is a great place to attend college and it's an honor to be recognized for this award." Julia took classes in business, economics and management which helped her professionally.

Among other professional and volunteer activities, Julia serves as chair of the Chico Chamber Board of Commerce, along with the Board for the Organic Trade Association, Julia resides in Chico with her husband Darryl and two children.

John Cassidy has been in the banking business since 1985. He recently completed his eighth year as the CEO of Sierra Central Credit Union. John looks back on his years at Butte, College as “a tremendous turning point” in his development as a student and person.

Norm Nielsen has owned Chico Electric, a full electrical contracting and engineering facility since 1987. Norm believes the educational opportunities afforded to students at Butte College are of utmost importance. In honor of his educational experiences at the college, Norm donated thousands of dollars in construction labor and materials to facilitate the underground electrical system for Butte College's Amphitheater project.

Dr. Steven A. Olmos Superintendent, Willows Unified School District

Dr. Olmos has advanced through multiple levels of the education system, beginning first as a teacher, then to principal, and now as Superintendent. Butte College is proud to have been a part of Dr. Olmos' educational and professional goals.

Susan Webber-Brown - Detective, Butte County District Attorney's Office

Enrolled as a law enforcement student in 1975, Susan Webber-Brown has devoted the last 23 years of her life to the field. In that time, she has been responsible for the investigation of major narcotic and child endangerment cases, participating in more than 2,000 investigations and conducting more than 1,000 suspect interviews.

J. Chimene Bateman - Assistant Professor of French at the University of Illinois

J. Chimene Bateman is one of Butte College's youngest alumna-taking classes at the college at the young age of 14. She attended Butte College from 1986-1988 and joined the first Honors Program at Butte College. Bateman transferred to the University of California at Berkeley with a Regent's Scholarship as a junior and graduated in 1991 with a B.A. in Classics and French. She distinguished herself and was awarded a two- year fellowship to study at Cambridge University in England. She completed an Honors B.A. in Modern and Medieval Languages at King's College, Cambridge University in 1993, and she accepted a full ride scholarship to Yale University where she earned her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature in 2001. She has served as an Assistant Professor of French at the University of Illinois at Chicago for four years.

Maisie Jane, a celebrated entrepreneur from Northern California, marks the 30th anniversary of her successful business, Maisie Jane's California Sunshine, this year. From its humble beginnings, Maisie Jane's has grown into a nationally recognized brand, extending its reach beyond the sunny borders of California.

Maisie Jane's journey began at Butte College, where she studied between 1994 and 1997. Her entrepreneurial spirit and determination shone early, earning her the prestigious North American Collegiate Entrepreneur Award in 1999.

Over the years, Maisie Jane's California Sunshine products have garnered national acclaim, being featured in esteemed magazines like Men's Health and Good Housekeeping. The brand's reputation for quality and innovation has facilitated its expansion into international markets, with products now available in Asia. In 2023, Maisie Jane's achieved another major milestone by securing a deal with a prominent retail chain, further solidifying its presence in the industry.

Maisie Jane's remarkable journey from a community college student to a successful entrepreneur is an inspiring testament to the power of education, perseverance, and passion. Her story continues to inspire future generations of Butte College students, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, dreams can indeed become a reality.

David Hawkins, an alumnus of Butte College and recipient of its Outstanding Alumni Award, has made significant contributions to student advocacy and leadership training. As a student, David served as the Associated Student Body (ASB) President and was an active student activist, experiences that laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to advocacy and community organizing. Currently, he is the Director of Fair Oaks and the Director of Advocate Resource and Training (ART), roles he has held since October 2011. David is also the founder of the Leadership Education and Advocacy Development (LEAD) training program, which provides leadership workshops, advocacy seminars, and consulting services to thousands of college and university student leaders.

Over his 25-year career, David has been recognized statewide and nationally for his dedication to student leadership training and his ability to build diverse coalitions for legislative advocacy and grassroots organizing campaigns. He is a sought-after keynote speaker at numerous statewide and regional student conferences. His workshops and keynote presentations are highly regarded, consistently earning top evaluations for their empowering and impactful content. LEAD has partnered with various organizations, including the University of California Student Association (UCSA), California State Student Association (CSSA), and the California Legislative Black Caucus, to name a few. Through his work with ART and LEAD, David Hawkins continues to inspire and empower the next generation of student leaders, making a lasting impact on campuses and communities nationwide.

Elizabeth Kyle - Principal at Fall River Junior/Senior High School

With more than 20 years of coaching and teaching experience, Elizabeth (Brown) Kyle is being honored as an outstanding alumna. As a 1980 graduate, she left her mark on the athletics department where she was named the "Most Improved" player on Butte's 1978 volleyball team and in 1979 she was co-captain on the undefeated Championship team that played in the State Tournament. Her hard work at Butte College paid off with an athletic scholarship offer to Wake Forest University in North Carolina where she was selected to the North Carolina All-State team both years. In 1982, she was the Atlantic Coast Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year. Liz is currently the principal at Fall River Junior/Senior High School. She is an active member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Managers for the North State California Interscholastic Federation (NSCIF). Liz has fond memories about Butte --especially since it's where she met her husband, Rick Kyle. Rick is a graduate from our Fire Academy and is a Division Chief for the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Lassen-Modoc unit.

Larry Allen enrolled at Butte College in 1989 upon the recommendation of his high school principal. Larry's high school principal was a classmate of Butte College Football coach Craig Rigsbee. Allen was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. This year marks Allen's 11th season playing for the Cowboys. He has been selected All Pro 10 times. As a member of the NFL's All-Decade team for the 1990's, Larry Allen has established himself as the most decorated offensive lineman in Dallas Cowboys history. Butte College names Larry Allen as an outstanding alumnus for his contributions to professional sports.

Cheryl Leeth came to Butte College as a single parent of two young girls who left an abusive relationship. After graduating from Butte College, Leeth transferred to CSUC where she received her bachelor's and master's degree in psychology. She later became the manager of Children's Programs at Rape Crisis where she worked to educate children, teachers, and parents about unsafe and abusive relationships.

Leeth later took a job for Children's Services and served six years on the Butte County Child Abuse Council board, volunteering as its president for three years. She also volunteered her time on the Butte-Glenn Community College Child Development Advisory Board and was appointed to the State Advisory Committee for Sexual Assault Victims and Prevention Programs, where she served for two years.

One of the highlights of Leeth's contributions to the community was developing and writing the protocols for the Child Abuse Response Team (CART). Leeth works closely with the District Attorney's office, interviewing children who have been sexually abused, physically abused, experienced domestic violence, who have witnessed other violent crimes such as murder and children who have been detained from homes with drug labs. Currently Leeth coordinates this program.

Last year, Leeth returned to Butte College as a part-time instructor in Child Development. Butte College is proud to recognize Leeth for improving the quality of life for children and our community.

After attending Butte College, Doug LaMalfa went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Ag/Business from Cal-Poly, San Luis Obispo. LaMalfa, a fourth-generation rice farmer, has lived in Northern California all his life. He and his father, Milt, manage the family farming business which was originally founded by his great-grandfather in 1931.

In 2002, LaMalfa was elected to the State Assembly and represents the people of the 2nd Assembly District. His district includes Redding, Yuba City, Red Bluff, Anderson, Shasta Lake, Yreka, Corning, Orland, Live Oak, and Willows.

An active leader in the agriculture industry, he was elected as a founding director of the California Rice Commission from Butte County. Assemblyman LaMalfa also served on the Domestic Promotion Committee of the USA Rice Federation. He and his wife, Jill, along with their two children, Kyle, and Allison, make their home on the family farm in Richvale. Butte College honors Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa for his leadership, as well as his strong support of community colleges and agriculture during the state budget crisis.

Pat Walsh was at a crossroads in his life when he attended Butte College. Although Pat was unsure of his career choices, he landed an internship at KPAY radio, where he fell in love with broadcasting. After graduation, Walsh attended California State University, Chico, where he received a degree in Communication Arts and Technology. Walsh began his broadcasting career as a sports and news anchor for KPAY radio in Chico from 1990 to 1993, and later became a news anchor at KSTE radio. In 1996, Walsh became the sports anchor at KFBK radio, where he is one of the most popular broadcasters in the region. Butte College names Walsh as an outstanding alumnus for his contributions to the field of broadcasting.

Samantha Denny Gordon was active in the Butte College Honors Program and was exceptionally motivated to succeed. "There was something in Samantha that could catch fire, if given the right opportunity," said Roger Ekins, Samantha's former instructor.

Apparently, the fire continues to burn. After attending Butte College, Samantha entered the U.S. Army and later transferred to Stanford University with a scholarship. Later, she graduated from the Northwestern School of Law. Samantha is currently practicing law in Chicago. Roger Ekins, Butte College Phi Beta Kappa adviser, said of his former student, "Samantha had not enjoyed a great deal of academic success in high school, but thanks to educational opportunities at Butte College, she came alive academically and has continued to excel."

Samantha has been generous in sharing the credit for her success. Upon graduation from the Northwestern University School of Law, Samantha sent the following note to Ekins: "I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to you for helping me accomplish so much. I owe it to you for giving me the foundation to achieve so much. Without you taking a chance on me and accepting me into the Honors Program, I don't think I ever would have made it this far."

Donald Hoff is a terrific example of the exceptional students who have earned a certificate from Butte College's Building Inspection Technology program. Don had broad experience in the building trades before arriving at Butte College. For thirteen years, Don worked as a successful general contractor in Washington, and later conducted a private drafting business in Glenn County.

Don received his certificate in Building Inspection Technology in 1992, while achieving a 4.0 grade point average. Following his training at Butte College, Don returned to the Building Inspection Technology department as a tutor, helping other students succeed in their quest to complete the rigorous program.

In 1995, Don was hired as a full-time building inspector for Glenn County and later as the Senior Building Inspector for the Town of Paradise. Within a few short years, Don was promoted to the highest-ranking member in the town's building division-- Building Official. Don's acquired skills and knowledge of building codes and regulations have given him the ability to be an effective leader in municipal community development for the Town of Paradise. According to Chuck Rough, Town Manager of Paradise, "Don has distinguished himself as an individual with tremendous skill and talent. That is a testimony to Don's abilities and the education he received at Butte College. Don is a real asset to the Town of Paradise."

John Jones earned college tuition in the U.S. Army and later enrolled at Butte College, where instructor Ed Wheeler inspired him. John earned his general education at Butte College and later transferred to CSU, Chico. While serving as a firefighter, anthropologist, and archeologist for the California Department of Forestry, John continued to work on his degree at CSU, Chico. Although John's work with CDF required frequent relocation, he was determined to earn his master's degree at Chico State. John started his own consulting firm in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He also taught on-line geography and anthropology classes at the Oregon Technical Institute.

Ruth Jones had a harder time getting to Butte College. She postponed her education at age 15, when she became a wife and mother. After having two children, Ruth went back to school and earned her high school diploma. After her marriage ended in divorce, Ruth entered Butte College's Childcare Program and worked hard to earn her AA degree in Social Science. Ruth recently earned her BS degree in Early Childhood Development and was recently accepted into a master's program.

Ruth met John during a class at Butte College, and they married. The couple moved to Oregon where Ruth operated a childcare center while John owned his own consulting firm. Ruth put her personal experience to good use, by encouraging pregnant high school students to continue their education, enroll in college and earn their diplomas. Today, Ruth teaches for a Head Start Program in Reno, and John is a senior archaeologist with SWCA Environmental Consultants in Reno.

John and Ruth are the first husband and wife honored together as Butte College Outstanding Alumni. We are proud to present the Outstanding Alumni award to these wonderful individuals who found personal fulfillment, and each other, at Butte College

John Sutherland had been a student at Butte College during the 80s, where he earned a welding certificate. He used his welding skills to serve underprivileged people in Mexico and South America. After returning to Butte College to earn an A.A. degree in Liberal Studies, John discovered he had dyslexia, a learning disability. John overcame his dyslexia to finish his degree. Successfully meeting the challenge of dyslexia inspired John to continue his education.

After graduating from Butte College, John finished his B.A. at Simpson College, attending classes at night while working full-time. Degree in hand, John decided to attend the University of the Pacific's School of Dentistry a year later. After two years of pre-requisite course work, John was the only learning-disabled student accepted into the program.

The accelerated UOP program allowed John to complete his degree in only three years. While at UOP, John coached the Special Olympics in San Francisco. John also served as a Peer Adviser, Study Group Coordinator and Pharmacology Liaison-- responsible for assessing new products and integrating them into the program.

Upon graduation, John became the recipient of a Merit Award Scholarship to serve the underprivileged populations of Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties. More recently, John established a private practice in Redding.

Robert Anderson has been part of the Paradise community since 1971. Upon graduation from Paradise High School, Rob attended Butte College where he graduated with an AA Degree in Business. After Butte College Rob continued his education, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Business from CSU, Chico.

Rob lives on an almond ranch in Chico, with his wife Julie and their three children; RJ, Sarah, and Madison. The family enjoys many outdoor activities.

Rob is the owner of the Paradise branch of Linsco/Private Ledger, with clients in 26 states. Rob's office is recognized as one of the top offices nationally and has received numerous awards for outstanding service from Linsco and other prestigious firms. Rob is licensed in both securities and insurance.

Rob is the only Certified Financial Planner in Paradise and exceeds the 30-hour biennial continuing education requirements. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Financial Planners; the Institute for Financial Planning; Institute of Managerial Accountants, Paradise Rotary, and the Paradise Chamber of Commerce.

The Public Safety Training Center is proud to name Leonard "Larry" Estes, as an Outstanding Alumni for 2001. Larry Estes was born June 10, 1940, in San Diego and married Carolyn Reese in Carson City, Nevada in 1966. He attended the very first class of the newly established law enforcement academy at Butte College in 1973, which was held between the old Durham campus and our main campus. He received his P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate after completing the academy.

Larry spent most of his life serving the citizens of Butte County. He joined the Butte County Sheriff's Office in 1970 as a reserve deputy, while working full time as an automotive manager in Chico. He officially joined the Sheriff's Office as a regular deputy in 1973 and has served in virtually every department including patrol, administration, narcotics, internal affairs, DARE, honor guard coordinator, and other areas.

In 1985, Larry received the Peace Officer of the Year Award from the Chico Elks Lodge as well as the Paradise Veterans of Foreign Wars Peace Officer of the Year Award in 1993. He continued his professional education by attending P.O.S.T. advanced officer training for Supervisory, Intermediate, Advanced and Management Certification levels.

Larry enjoyed spending time exploring the outdoors, Jeeping, camping, and motorcycling. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. His keen sense of humor and optimistic outlook brought joy to so many who came in contact with him.

Butte College has known Candace Grubbs as both an employee, and a student. Following her graduation from Oroville High School, Candace Grubbs became an employee of Butte College. Later, she enrolled as a student, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting. She continued her education at California State University, Chico, where she majored in Business Administration.

Candace is married to Jay Grubbs, a 4th generation Butte County resident. Candace and Jay have two grown sons, Matthew, and Michael.

Candace is a Graduate Fellow of the Institute for Court Management of the National Center for State Courts. She is a member of The National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials, and Clerks, The County Clerks Association of California, and The County Recorder Association of California.

As one of the most respected officials in Butte County government, Candace Grubbs has served as the Butte County Clerk-Recorder/ Registrar of Voters since 1987. During her tenure, she has made dramatic improvements in her department. She has worked to make her department more user-friendly and accessible by using modern technology, such as the internet. Many county records are available online, thanks to her leadership. She has earned a reputation for integrity and service to the public.

The Public Safety Training Center at Butte College is proud to name William Robert Hunter, an Outstanding Alumni for 2001. Bill Hunter was born November 10, 1974, in Greenville to Robert "Tom" and Barbara Hunter. He was educated in Greenville, where he graduated from high school in 1993. While in high school, he played football and was named an All-League defensive end. On August 18, 2000, he married Holly Spurlock of Elk Creek.

Bill Hunter graduated from Butte College with an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice in December 1997 and the 100th Class of the P.O.S.T. Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Spring, 1998. This intensive 22-week academy demands the very best of each recruit, challenging them to their highest performance levels in physical, academic, and psychomotor skills.

In August 1998, Bill started a career with the Butte County Sheriff's Office as a Patrol Deputy. While having a love for dogs, it was just a "natural" for Bill to request an assignment with the department's K-9 Team. He was absolutely elated to learn that he was accepted as a member of the team and would soon be joined in training with his new partner, a German Sheppard named Ilo.

Bill was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking and was a NASCAR fan. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Grace Community Church. Bill always espoused a full and active lifestyle with a perpetual optimism for everything that he did. Many of his friends and classmates remember this trait through his glowing smile, even when things got tough.

Dr. Rogelio Castaneda, MD, is an accomplished internal medicine specialist based in Hurst, TX. Originally from Mexico, Dr. Castaneda faced the challenge of not speaking English when he first arrived in the United States. Determined to overcome this barrier, he enrolled in ESL classes at Butte College, attending from 1992 to 1995.

With perseverance and dedication, Dr. Castaneda earned his California state medical license. Today, he resides in Hurst, Texas, where he continues his passionate work in internal medicine, serving the local community with expertise and care.

In the scope of 36 years, Bryan Hanson gathered and utilized his experience as a landscape enthusiast. Landscape maintenance was his first endeavor in the Chico area after attending Butte College and Chico State studying Ornamental Horticulture. He became so immersed in the field he took on the responsibility of managing one of Northern California's largest retail nurseries of the time. During his 21 years there, he developed an incredible awareness of the Northern California climes and effects on plant life. Soils, pests, and problems hindering gardens in the Butte County area were a specialty.

While still managing the Nursery, Bryan also taught evening classes in Ornamental Horticulture at Butte College for a few years. All the while he longed to be back in the implementation of landscape planning and installation. Gradually he found time to incorporate that into his busy schedule. He realized this was his goal and established.

Hanson & Hanson as a full-time venture in 1992. This enabled him to not only install and plan, but also to diversify his skill in other aspects of landscape. In addition to design of small structures, treillage, arbors. fences, ponds, streambeds, and waterworks, he does land contouring and carries out the many phases of landscape construction.

Bryan is also a master in the art of pruning. This is not limited to ornamental plants, but encompasses small orchards and Bonsai, too. Along with his wife Dana, the Chief Landscape Designer for the firm. Bryan can accommodate most any job from intimate courtyards to large scale custom landscapes. Hanson & Hanson employs a full-time crew year-round for those installations.

Danny Meyer attended Butte College from 1969 to 1971 when he graduated with an AA Degree. A recipient of the Butte College Job Placement Program, Danny was placed in the Paul Smith International Dealership; working there for three years.

In 1973 Danny became partners with Mike Braun who was also from Butte College. Together they started their own repair shop and worked together until 1976. Since then, Danny has been the sole owner of B & M Automotive in Chico.

Danny attributes much of his success to the Automotive Program at Butte College and his instructor Mr. Leonard Riggle. Danny describes the Butte College instructors as going above and beyond the call of duty to assist students in pursuing their educational goals. Mr. Riggle was exceptionally instrumental in inspiring Danny and giving him direction. Danny characterizes Mr. Riggle as a role model and someone he looked up to.

In 1980 Danny became involved with the Butte College Advisory board and is still an active member. Danny feels that the Job Placement service that Butte College provides is an instrumental part of the program.

Danny is married to Teresa, who also attended Butte College and successfully completed the Smog Check Technician Program. She was one of the first women in Butte County to get her Smog Technician Certification, and the two worked together for a few years at B & M Automotive. Danny and Teresa have one child and two grandchildren. Danny enjoys drag racing and goes to Redding, Sacramento and Sears Point to race. His favorite car is the 1968 Dodge Charger.

Jerry is a fifth generation Chicoan attending Parkview Elementary School, Chico Junior and Senior High Schools and graduating from Butte College with an AA degree. He received his BS degree in Business from CSU Chico in 1981. While at Butte College, Jerry played football in 1974 and 1976 and was All Golden Valley Conference in 1976.

He has been a loan officer for more than 17 years, earning the Top Producer in 1992 for the Guild Mortgage Company. Jerry has a California Real Estate Broker's license and California Life Insurance license. Currently he is employed as a Real Estate Loan Specialist with Tri Counties Bank and he is the CalPERS preferred home loan officer for Butte, Lassen and Shasta counties.

Jerry is an active member in the Butte College Century Club, past president of the Chico Breakfast Exchange Club, graduate of 1992 Leadership Chico, past member of the Legislative Action Commit- tee, member of Chico Eagles, member of the CSU Chico Alumni Association, and a member of the Chico Building Industry Association.

He also has coached both T-ball and Chico Youth Soccer and currently is the Executive Director of the Tri Counties Holiday Bowl.

Jerry is married to Linda and has three children.

Cynthia was a single mother and Butte College reentry student in 1991. In 1993 she was chosen Commencement Speaker for the Butte College graduation ceremonies. In 1995 Cynthia graduated Summa Cum Laude from CSU, Chico with a B. A. in English Studies and received the Outstanding Graduate in English award, Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Senior Award, and the Golden Key Honor Society Fellowship Award for scholastic Achievement. She received her M. A. in Communications Studies and M. A. in English: Creative Writing, Poetry from University of the Pacific in 1997.

Cynthia started her teaching career in 1995 at University of the Pacific and became a full-time faculty member and Forensics Coach in 1997/98 at Lassen Community College. Cynthia then moved full circle to become a full-time faculty member and Director of Forensics at Butte Community College in 1998, a position she currently holds. She is currently president of the Northern California Forensics Association.

While a student on the Butte Community College Forensics Team, Cynthia won the National Gold Medal in Informative Speaking, and the National Bronze Medal in Poetry Interpretation in 1993. In 1992 she won the CCCFA State Bronze Medal in Duo Interpretation and the CCCFA State Silver Medal in Poetry Interpretation.

Cynthia has been published in 1995 in the Pacific Review, in 1996 in Calliope, in 1997 in Pacifican, and in 1998 in the National Forensics Journal.

Cynthia was the first student participant from Butte College to the 1993 Great Teacher's Conference and in 1998 returned as a faculty member. Cynthia is married to John Sutherland and has three children and 5 grandchildren.

Robert was born and raised in Gridley and attended Butte College from 1978-1980. While at Butte he played basketball and was a member of the 1979 team that placed second in the statewide tournament. After completing a degree at Butte, Mr. Harp continued his education at UC Berkeley where he received his B.S. degree in Business Administration.

He then continued his education at the University of Santa Clara Law School earning his law degree. He has also earned a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University.

Robert is currently a partner at the law firm of Marshall, Burghardt, Mieske & Harp. In addition to his law practice, Robert is a member of the Chico Rotary Club, Butte College Foundation, and President of the Gridley Schools Foundation. He is also heavily involved in the Chico Heat professional baseball club.

Mr. Harp makes his home in Chico, is married to Lynn and has two children. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and flying.

Ken Grossman - Chairman of the Board & Founder Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Inspired by frequent trips to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980. Decades later, the company remains family-owned and operated. What started as a homebrewing hobby grew into a well-honed craft, and later, one of the largest independent breweries in the U.S. Ken moved to Chico in 1972, and in 1973 enrolled in Butte College to study Chemistry at the original Durham campus.

Ken built the first brewhouse by hand much of it on the grounds of Butte College after scouring salvage yards and defunct dairies to find the tanks, pipes, and valves he needed. Much of the skills he needed were honed at Butte College, reenrolling in many Industrial arts and fabrication classes to learn the skills required to fabricate the specialized equipment. The original brewhouse that he hand built, still exists today. The first batch was Stout but was quickly followed by the Pale Ale that would change the course of American craft brewing and inspire countless brewers to explore the curiosities of hop-forward beers.

Today, Sierra Nevada is highly regarded for using only the finest quality ingredients and has set the standard for craft brewers worldwide with innovations in the brewhouse and in its sustainability efforts. The pioneering spirit that launched Sierra Nevada now spans both coasts with breweries in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina. Sierra Nevada is famous for its extensive line of beers including Pale Ale, Hazy Little Thing®, Torpedo® and a host of seasonal, specialty and limited release beers.

Stan is a third generation Chico area native. He attended Butte College from 1971 through 1972 which at that time was in Durham.

While attending Butte, Stan was asked to join his father's painting business-Bestway Painters. Stan's classes in marketing and accounting at Butte, and years of hard work learning the painting business positioned him to take it over in 1991 after his father, Corky retired. Stan and his wife Lauri continue to operate Bestway Painters which is in its 51st year of service to the greater Chico area. Stan has been on the Board of the 600-member Painting and Decorating Contractors of California for the past five years, and currently serves as its President.

As a leader of the community, Stan has been deeply committed to the quality of life in Butte County and greater Chico area. He has served as a leader in the scouts for over six years as cubmaster.

Scoutmaster, and Eagle Scout Board of Review Committee. In addition, Stan has been a member of the Chico Rotary Club for 17 years. Stan also serves on the Butte College Foundation Board and is President Elect.