On Wednesday, October 6, 35 Butler University donors whose lifetime giving has reached $100,000 or more were newly inducted into the Carillon Society in recognition of their generosity. In total, this newest class of Carillon Society inductees have collectively contributed more than $2.7 million in support of Butler’s mission.

“Jack and I were honored to be inducted into the Carillon Society,” said Betty Krebs, one of the new Carillon Society honorees in attendance with her husband, Jack Krebs ʼ63. “We enjoyed seeing old Butler friends and meeting and making new ones. It was an evening of Butler joy!”

The dinner reception and ceremony also honored donors whose lifetime giving to the University has reached $1 million or more. These individuals and families will be permanently recognized with a plaque on Cornerstone Plaza. New Cornerstone Plaza honorees included Bill ’51 and Joanne Dugan, John ʼ62 and Judy Cooke, Keith ʼ71, MBA ʼ78 and Sarah MBA ʼ90 Faller, Robert G. Erber ’47, Hershel B. Whitney ’52, Edwin J. & Kathryn Goss, and Bobby & Jill Le Blanc.

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Brooke Barnett shared remarks with the group about the impact of their philanthropy in the classroom, particularly in the area of student scholarships. Many of the honorees have established endowed scholarships at Butler and make annual gifts to the Butler Fund for Student Scholarship. Barnett shared the story of an endowed scholarship recipient who discovered a passion for virology research during her time at Butler and who now plans to pursue a doctoral degree in microbiology and cancer research.

“Butler students truly go on to make a meaningful impact in the world and so I cannot overstate the far-reaching effects of your gifts in support of student scholarships,” Barnett said.

Janet Lovera ʼ23 thanked the donors in attendance for their contributions to her educational opportunities at Butler. A web design & development and strategic communication double major in the College of Communication, Lovera noted in particular the support she has received from faculty and alumni in discovering and pursuing her career aspirations.

“Since the beginning, I’ve been able to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-life experiences and internship opportunities that I’ve sought out,” Lovera said. “I’ve been supported by the faculty and staff here as they’ve shown kindness and believed in me. I’ve even made countless connections with Butler alumni and realized that this community of support never stops. If this is what it means to be a Butler Bulldog, I know I made the right choice.”

Butler President James Danko, himself a Carillon Society honoree along with Butler First Lady Bethanie Danko, thanked the group for their philanthropic leadership and shared that more than $242 million in gifts and commitments have so far been raised toward the $250 million Butler Beyond comprehensive fundraising campaign goal. Under President Danko’s leadership, the Butler Beyond campaign supports student access and success, innovations in teaching and learning, and community partnerships. The largest campaign in Butler’s history, Butler Beyond was publicly launched in October of 2019 and will conclude on May 31, 2022.