Butte College: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Butte College, a public community college established in 1967, has played a vital role in shaping the lives and careers of numerous individuals. As part of the Butte-Glenn Community College District and the California Community Colleges system, Butte College has been committed to serving the educational and vocational needs of its citizens. This article explores the stories of some of the college's most notable alumni, highlighting their diverse achievements and contributions to various fields.

A Foundation of Education and Opportunity

Following the passage of the 1960 Donahoe Act, the voters of Butte County established a local community college district in 1966. In 1967, Butte College began offering law enforcement, fire science, and vocational nursing classes in various locations throughout Butte County. The college officially opened its doors to the community in 1968 at the old Durham High School site, with over 1,900 people enrolled.

Butte College's commitment to providing accessible and quality education has enabled countless individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on their communities. The college's alumni have gone on to achieve success in a wide range of fields, including athletics, business, entertainment, and public service.

Notable Alumni

Athletics

Larry Allen: An 11-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl XXX champion with the Dallas Cowboys, Larry Allen is considered one of the physically strongest men to have ever played in the NFL. Drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft, Allen played college football at Sonoma State University. Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Aaron Rodgers: A Super Bowl XLV champion and four-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history. Before his illustrious NFL career, Rodgers attended Butte Community College, where he threw 26 touchdowns in his freshman season, earning him an athletic scholarship to the University of California at Berkeley.
Jermaine Haley: A former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Butte College. Prior to attending Butte, Haley went north to play in the Canadian Junior Football League, where he starred for the Surrey Rams and Okanagan Sun. Haley later played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts.
Alex Green: A former gridiron football running back who last played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Brett Ratliff: A former American football quarterback who was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Butte College and Utah.
Nate Parks: A student athlete who attended Butte College from 1991 to 1994 and led the Roadrunners to several championships and two bowl game wins.
Mike Kyle: Mixed martial artist.
Justin Eilers: Mixed martial artist.
Geoff Swaim: Professional football player.

Business and Agriculture

Ken Grossman: The founder and owner of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Ken Grossman, attended Butte College.
Alex DuBose: The owner of Rental Guys in Chico, Alex DuBose attended Butte College beginning in the Fall of 1990, taking business and agriculture classes.
Mary Mooney: A Butte College alumna and entrepreneur, Mary Mooney attended Butte College from 1982-1984 and transferred to earn her bachelor's degree from Chico State.
Berton Bertagna: Has a strong family background in agriculture that dates back four generations.
Kimmelshue: Attended Butte College from 1977-1979 and transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in ag business. Kimmelshue is a fifth-generation farmer in Durham and has worked in the agricultural finance and banking industry for over 35 years.

Public Service and Community Leadership

Jerry Smith: His journey with the Butte County Sheriff's Office has spanned 36 years.
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.
Larry Jones: The Glenn County Sheriff, Larry Jones, grew up in Glenn County and attended Butte College majoring in Physical Education.
Arnoldo Avalos: Is the youngest of seven children who worked as migrant farm workers across the Northwest while growing up.
Sanchez: Grew up in Hamilton City and attended Butte College from 2012-2015, taking general education classes while playing in the Butte College football team. After attending Butte College, he transferred to the University of Hawaii on a football scholarship. In 2017, Sanchez signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Arts, Media, and Entertainment

Paris Jackson: An American model, media personality, socialite, humanitarian, and actress. She is the second child and only daughter of Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe.
Kelly Candaele: An accomplished writer and filmmaker. He has written extensively for the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, The Nation magazine, and National Public Radio.
Teri Dougherty: An alumna of the Butte College Cosmetology Program. She has designed hair for international fashion runways, television and film.

Academics

Lisa Mispley Fortier: Gonzaga University Women's Basketball Head Coach.

Engineering

Steve Gonsalves: Joined Nichols, Melburg & Rossetto in 1988 as Manager and Director of the Structural Engineering Division.

Butte College Foundation

The Butte College Foundation, incorporated in 1992, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the college and its students, faculty, and staff. Last year alone, the Foundation distributed more than 300 scholarships directly to deserving students. The Butte College Spring Gala, the college's largest fundraising event, honors outstanding alumni who have excelled in their professions and given back to their communities.

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