BC3 eyeing campus upgrades, renovations for long-term vision
Sixty years ago, according to BC3 trustee Gail Paserba, a group of six men sat at a table in the back of Miller’s Shoes on Main Street and came up with the idea of creating Butler County Community College.
60 years later, “the community’s college” is dipping into its history and community ties to make a significant fundraising push that will help renovate and upgrade college facilities for future needs.
“What we’re really doing is celebrating our 60th anniversary, but really leaning into thinking, what will the next 60 years look like?” BC3 president Megan Coval said. “And asking what our vision is for that, not just for the students, but for the community.”
At a Wednesday, July 1, event titled “A Walk Toward What’s Next,” BC3 leaders showcased the college’s programs and facilities while highlighting the importance of community support as the college looks to prepare for future students.
College leadership promoted the BC3 Future Fund, the education foundation’s first large-scale fundraising effort since its “Pioneer Proud” campaign in 2016. The BC3 Future Fund has raised about $1.7 million toward its overall goal of $6 million.
Coval said the college has identified “visions” it is focused on for what fundraising could go toward. This includes improving the “student experience,” improving the “community experience” and investing in workforce innovation.
College leaders said Wednesday night they were “deeply committed” to honoring legacy while “forging the future.”
“We have always so very much enjoyed the support of the community, and that support comes in a whole lot of forms,” Coval said. “This community has for so long invested into the college, but through the time and energy, financial resources and partnerships, we are seeking to do that in these three areas we’re envisioning out for the future.”
Upgrades range from a new canopy at the entrance of the Field House to building a pavilion outside the current Student Success Center. Larger proposed projects include renovating and expanding Founders Hall.
The proposals also include building the Glenn T. Miller Welcome Center inside of the Student Success Center, in honor of late trustee Glenn Miller.
“It’s a clear example of great teamwork. There’s been so many people involved. From the trustees, the foundation board, the friends of the college, the donors, faculty, staff and students. It’s representative of a collective vision that continues to flourish under president Coval,” said Nick Neupauer, BC3 president from 2007-2024.
While speaking in the Victor K Phillips Nursing & Allied Health Building to people across various Butler industries and sectors, Mikayla Moretti, executive director of the BC3 Education Foundation, pointed to the significance community buy-in plays for helping students reach their potential.
“This building represents something important. It represents what happens when a community believes in a mission and invests in its shared goals,” Moretti said. “Because of the belief and generosity of our community, every day students attend classes here that prepare them for careers strengthening our region.”
Josh Novak, BC3’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment, said future upgrades would maintain similar architectural style to current buildings. But he pointed to the buildings as having been designed for different priorities in a different time.
“The lobby we are standing in — as well as the downstairs lobby that is often the front door to BC3 — these spaces work hard for our students. They’ve served generations of Pioneers well,” he said. “But many areas were designed over a decade ago for a very different student experience.”
