Butler, a publication of Butler University. observatory telescope focused on blue sky
James Danko in blue shirt, tan pants at silver railing with trees and observatory dome behind him

From the President

Vision isn’t just about seeing what’s immediately before us, but rather looking beyond the horizon and imagining the possibilities. Just as navigators once used the stars to chart their course, so too have educational institutions relied on visionaries to illuminate their path forward. The cover of this magazine bears testament to such foresight—iconic Holcomb Observatory,…

man in blue jeans and blue shirt with Butler logo standing at large telescope.

1,200 Years in the making

Professor of Physics and Astronomy Brian Murphy has traveled great distances for an optimal view of a total solar eclipse—to Manitoba, Canada (1979), Vietnam (1995), and southern Illinois, with students and alumni (2017). On April 8, 2024, all he’ll have to do is exit the Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium. That day, for the first time…

blond woman in royal blue jacket over black shirt

Butler+

As Butler seeks to support learners of all life stages and in alignment with the University’s Strategic Direction, the Division of Professional Studies (DPS) was established to serve the needs of adult and online learners through degree, certificate, and non-degree programs. It also helps organizations achieve their employee training and development goals through the creation…

Returning Role

Twelve years after finishing his final game as a member of the Butler Men’s Basketball team that competed in back-to-back national championship games, Grant Leiendecker ’11 returned to Hinkle Fieldhouse in August in a new role as Associate Vice President for Athletics. “I’ve walked into that building 1,000 times, but to know I’m walking in…

Connecting Bulldogs

Butler has long been known for its first-year experience, earning a spot in the national ranks. But by hiring Nii Kpakpo Abrahams in 2022 as the inaugural Director of the First-Year Experience, the University is placing even more focus on ensuring new Bulldogs feel connected. “We have a moral imperative to deliver on the promises…

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An Abiding Devotion…

One of the distinguishing features of a Butler education has always been the meaningful relationships between our students and faculty. In addition to being outstanding scholars in their fields of expertise and well-versed in the leading practices in teaching and learning, Butler faculty care deeply about their students. As students engage in undergraduate research and…

Two men walking in a hallway, one in a white shirt and gray pants, the other in a blue shirt and tan pants. both carrying a laptop computer.

Guided Paths

When Braxton Martorano ’22 came to Butler University in August 2019, he experienced a bit of culture shock. As a first-year student from a diverse city, he quickly realized that Butler’s culture was more homogeneous than he expected. That set the stage for a student–professor mentorship that would alter the course of his undergraduate experience…

Empowering impact

Butler alumnus and current MBA faculty member Mike Simmons MBA ’02 recalls three pivotal moments in his life that helped shape who he is as a person and had a direct impact on his professional success: His time as an undergraduate student at Wabash College His 30-year career at Eli Lilly with 11 years spent…

Follow Through

As a freshman at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Victory Sampson knew one thing—he wanted to go to college without adding a financial burden to his family.“I began a plan,” Sampson says. “I asked myself, ‘What can I push myself in, what can I participate in, what are all the activities that I can do…

The Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation at Butler University

Collaborative Community

In the heart of Indianapolis, a quiet revolution is underway. The Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation (ICAEI) is a visionary project led by Lisa Brooks, Dean of Butler’s Jordan College of the Arts, and Lauren Shelton, Director of the Butler Community Arts School. Together, they are working to bridge the gap between art…

Pursuing Passions

As a first-generation college student, Maylin Andrade Saracayo ’27 had an inspiring role model in her older sister who graduated from Indiana University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work at IUPUI. Saracayo had intended to follow in her sister’s footsteps by attending IU until a campus visit to Butler inspired her…

Breaking the Model

Early Learning Indiana had an ambitious goal, one that would address a major need across the state. While the demand for early childhood educators in Indiana is growing, there’s a lack of qualified teachers to meet the need. Early Learning Indiana, an organization that strives to ensure young children are prepared with the essential skills…

Nourishing Curiosity

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, College of Education Professor Catherine Pangan MS ’99 was looking to “scratch an itch with adult learners,” she says. “I believe curiosity never ends,” says Pangan, who’s been finding new ways to connect with the Butler community since she joined the College in 2008. That same year, Pangan moved into…

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Thoughtful Planning

Teaching high school may look like an odd blip on Muhammad Jan’s healthcare-heavy resume. In actuality, this PA and 2023 graduate of Butler’s Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) Bridge program has followed a thoughtful plan to become a practicing healthcare educator. “My entire journey to this point has revolved around education. Knowledge is like an…

Creating A Hub

When Al Carroll ’13 addresses a room full of college students, he tends to ask two questions. The first one is “How many of you are from Indiana?” Hands around the room shoot up as students demonstrate their state pride. The next question tends to lead to a different response. “How many of you intend…

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Remembering Ross

Ross Hall, Butler’s oldest residence hall (circa-1954), was first referred to as the Men’s Residence Hall and later named after Butler’s 19th president, M.O. Ross. The hall witnessed just under 70 years of move-ins, move-outs, and first-years finding their way (in addition to many early morning fire alarms and stolen exit signs). And while Ross…