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Jeffrey Carvell ’06 graduated with a Butler Physics degree and a Purdue Electrical Engineering degree through Butler’s former Engineering Dual Degree Program (EDDP) partnership. Now, he’s thrilled to be “back home” for this new chapter for Butler Engineering. In August 2025, the University introduced its own Engineering program consisting of three majors within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences—Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering—set to launch in fall 2026.

Higher education stands at a crossroads—perhaps the most challenging in its history. The value of a college degree is questioned more than ever. Demographic shifts shrink the pool of traditional students. Artificial intelligence looms, promising disruption across nearly every profession. And financial pressures weigh heavily on families, institutions, and communities alike. This is where vision matters most. And Butler’s moment is now.

On Homecoming weekend, the Butler University Alumni Association honored eight individuals for their commitment to the University and to their communities. The highest of these honors, The Butler Medal, recognizes profound influence that has helped Butler continue to thrive as a leading educational and cultural institution.

Universities often highlight their strong option. But the real story lies beyond the percentages. As these alumni demonstrate, Butler equips students not only for successful careers but also for meaningful lives.

Butler University’s Lacy School of Business (LSB) is once again in the national spotlight. In the 2025 Poets&Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools rankings, LSB was ranked No. 1 in the country for Effectiveness of Career Advising, No. 2 for Quality of Teaching, No. 8 for Best Undergraduate Academic Experience, No. 36 for Career Outcomes, and No. 48 overall among business schools. These results highlight the strength of an approach built on one simple principle: business education works best when students don’t just learn about it—they live it.

Kaveh Akbar MFA ’15 entered Butler’s Creative Writing program with a shaky academic past but clear artistic promise. Professors recall his application as unconventional yet brimming with talent. During his time at Butler, Akbar got sober, deepened his craft, and founded Divedapper, an influential poetry interview site. Since graduating, he’s published two acclaimed poetry collections, earned a PhD, taught at Purdue, and become Director of Creative Writing at the University of Iowa. His debut novel Martyr! became a New York Times bestseller and National Book Award finalist, earning him a Guggenheim Fellowship. Today, he writes at his own pace, grounded in gratitude and creative integrity.

In an 8th grade National Honor Society event, Kelly (Kyle) Kidd ’16 proudly declared that she wanted to work in orthopedics and play Division I volleyball when she grew up. Now, years later, Kidd has made both dreams a reality. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduate spent her collegiate experience preparing for a career as a physician assistant (PA) in orthopedics while simultaneously competing as a member of the Butler women’s volleyball team.

Steven Williams II spent much of his childhood questioning if football was the sport for him. With a father who played football at North Carolina Central and a mother who loved basketball, athletics surrounded him—but Williams gravitated toward artistic hobbies.

Chase Metcalf didn’t follow the typical path of a collegiate tennis player. While many of her peers picked up a racket at a young age, she didn’t start until she was 10, hitting balls recreationally at a park. By 13, she joined a club and began competing more seriously while also traveling for soccer. In high school, she was told she had to make a choice between her two sports—and tennis prevailed.

Butler University has launched Boldly Butler, a new strategic direction and comprehensive campaign that builds on the success of Butler Beyond. The initiative reaffirms Butler’s mission to “boldly innovate and broadly educate”—preparing students for meaningful lives and professional success while strengthening the University’s impact in Central Indiana and beyond.

Imagine if your college experience spanned across continents. Studying conservation after experiencing the beauty of Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains National Park. Living in the international business hub of Sydney, Australia, as you study global supply chain management. Practicing your Spanish over a home-cooked meal with your host family in Merida, Mexico. Butler didn’t just imagine a global degree—it made it a reality.

Butler University is reimagining access to higher education through two new initiatives: Founder’s College and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Both aim to open doors for students while meeting urgent community needs in healthcare and beyond.