Butler and McConnell Air Force Base Celebrate 50 Years

Butler Community College gathered with McConnell Air Force Base on April 24 to recognize a half century of educational opportunities provided by Butler on base at McConnell. The celebration took place more than 50 years after Butler's first class at McConnell was taught on January 27, 1975.

"Butler Community College has served Airmen from all over the country here at McConnell Air Force Base,” said Colonel Matthew Basler, Commander of the 931 Operations Group. “They have helped these Airmen grow intellectually, becoming better versions of themselves. When those airmen leave Kansas and serve elsewhere throughout the world, they will make a global impact with the education they received at Butler Community College.”

Butler has graduated 1,012 military affiliated students with associate degrees and enrolled nearly 13,500 since 1999. The college offers 8-week and 5-week courses along with regular term, blended and online classes to make earning degrees attainable for all students, including military affiliated students. With the uncertainty that comes with a military lifestyle, Butler is committed to flexibility. 

“The 22d Force Support Squadron (FSS), the McConnell Education and Training Center, and the base Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing (ARW), Col. Cory Damon, deserve special acknowledgment,” said Erika Gestring, McConnell campus and Wichita service center director. “Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining our [partnership], allowing us to remain on the base for the past 50 years.”

Over the past five decades, the campus has made significant technological advancements. “These improvements allow individuals who cannot attend in person to participate in classes remotely. We have [also] expanded our on-base course offerings to include more degrees, meeting the diverse needs of our students,” Gestring noted.

The ceremony included a McConnell AFB Honor Guard Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, an invocation of prayer and several speakers who acknowledged the benefits and opportunities created for students. Butler’s male barbershop quartet, the Smorgaschords, performed two numbers, while culinary arts students helped cater the event. 

In military fashion, challenge coins were presented to attendees that featured McConnell AFB and Butler Community College logos on opposite sides.

In the Fall 2025 semester, McConnell will offer its first Early College Academy pathway option on base, a Liberal Arts track for high school students. The option is available for military and non-military affiliated students.

View the event photo album here: McConnell 50 Years Celebration.