Butler County Community College’s efforts to increase the quality of life in its communities were recognized Thursday by Butler County Human Services, which presented BC3 with its 2019 Collaborator of the Year Award.

The award acknowledges a person or organization that “clearly demonstrates commitment to the collaborative nature of this county,” according to Amanda Feltenberger, director of integrated services for Butler County Human Services.

“There is rarely a community meeting or a planning discussion that you attend where there is not a representative of BC3 at the table,” Feltenberger said as she presented the award to BC3 president Nick Neupauer. “There are far too many examples of BC3’s partnerships in this county to name them all.”

Brandon Savochka, director of the Butler County Human Services, also praised BC3 for its involvement, training and programming in Butler County. He added the college is instrumental when it comes to working across different systems and supporting countywide efforts.

Directors from county’s agencies picked the local two-year college after coming together to discuss who or what in Butler County was making a top impact when it came to collaboration.

Feltenberger commended BC3 for several key efforts, including its opioid addiction and recovery program, hosting a four-week empowerment training program and staff members serving as volunteers at Light of Life Community Outreach, a West North Street lunch kitchen.

The initiatives all stem from the college’s current strategic plan focusing on improving the quality of life in BC3 communities.

“We take very seriously our role as being the community’s college. Specifically, Butler County’s community college. It’s an honor to partner and collaborate with, and carry out the vision of our county commissioners,” Neupauer said. “We collaborate. There are no silos. It’s all about collaboration.”

Past recipients of the collaborator award include Alice Del Vecchio, an assistant professor with Slippery Rock University’s department of professional studies who received the award in 2018; and Butler County Prison, which received the award in 2017.

Also honored Thursday was Arlene Quinlan, who received the 2019 Spirit of Volunteerism Award recognizing her longtime commitment to the Butler County Children and Youth advisory board. Additionally, Roy Remone was presented with the Father Harry Bielewicz Fellowship Award, presented by the Butler Emergency Relief Initiative committee and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, for demonstrating grace and the spirit of collaboration, hospitality and team-building.

William V. Foley is the coordinator of news and media content at Butler County Community College.