Former President Dr. Thomas Ten Hoeve, left, talks with former dean John Bacon during a welcoming from trustee members before commencement at Butler County Community College on Wednesday.

Thomas Ten Hoeve has been retired for about 20 years, and hasn’t been in the president’s seat at BC3 for more than 30 years, but BC3 is still a campus he knows well.

“It’s a great institution,” said Ten Hoeve, who served as BC3 president from 1970 to 1984. “I’m proud to have been part of it.

“I’m impressed they’ve tried to keep the greenery look ... The college has progressed wonderfully.”

He was welcomed with a reception on Wednesday. He explored the campus with BC3 leaders Wednesday and will do so a little more today.

BC3 President Nick Neupauer said it was an honor to finally meet him.

“His reputation is stellar and his name still comes up every so often,” Neupauer said.

“That history he gave (about the school) on a very quick tour is something I’ll never forget,” Neupauer said.

Ten Hoeve and his wife, Sue, reside in Holland, Mich.