Butler Magazine Fall 2025

Jeffrey Carvell stands in classroom with engineering equipment behind him.

Engineering a Vision

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…

Butler University President James Danko speaks at podium beside Ross Hall talking about the Butler Gateway Project.

From the President

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…

Dan Cooreman in a blue suit jacket smiles in front of a green forest background.

An Enduring Legacy

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.

Annie Brown sings and plays guitar on stage with her band.

Purpose in Practice

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's Dugan Hall, with its limestone and glass facades, on a sunny summer's day. A graphic from Poets & Quants for Undergrads states "Best Undergraduate Business Schools" in front.

Where Experience Meets Opportunity

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…

Kaveh Akbar in a suit sitting with a dark background behind him

A Rare Mind

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,…

Kelly Kidd in a blue shirt with gold Olympic medals around her neck

Being On The Ball

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…

Butler football player Steven Williams II in football uniform looks across the field.

Success through Persistence

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.

Butler tennis player Chase Metcalf smiles while holding tennis racket.

On Top of Her Game

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…

The words Boldly Butler in front of an image of a bulldog statue at Butler University

Boldly Butler

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.

"Going Global" in large text overlays background of Sydney, Australia, aerial photograph.

Going Global

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…

Amelia Buhner in a blue Butler University shirt sitting in a practice hospital room

First in Their Class

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.

Butler Blue IV on Butler University's move-in day in front of a welcome sign for new students

Blue’s Views

It’s hard to believe, but the Butler University Live Mascot Program has been going strong for 25 years. Since Butler Blue I’s debut in 2000, four Bulldogs have proudly carried the mantle of “Blue,” each leaving their own paw print on the University’s history.