Butler and McConnell Air Force Base Celebrate 50 Years 

Butler Community College celebrated with McConnell Air Force Base on April 24 to recognize 50 years of educational opportunities provided by Butler on McConnell AFB. This anniversary celebration took place more than 50 years after the first Butler class was taught on McConnell AFB, January 27, 1975.  

In 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding was enacted to waive student fees for ID card holders enrolling in McConnell classes. This initiative has benefited 324 students, resulting in a total savings of $66,872 for military personnel. Since 1999, Butler’s Military Assistance Scholarship has supported 1,822 military dependents, resulting in a total savings of $1,107,395 

"Butler Community College has served Airmen from all over the country here at McConnell Air Force Base,” Colonel Matthew Basler “Baz”, Commander of the 931 Operations Group, expressed. “They have helped these Airmen grow intellectually, becoming better versions of themselves. When those Airmen leave Kansas and serve elsewhere throughout the world, they will make a global impact with the education they received at Butler Community College.” 

Butler has graduated 1,012 military affiliated students with associate degrees and enrolled nearly 13,500 since 1999. The college offers 8-week and 5-week courses along with regular term, blended and online classes to make earning degrees attainable for all students, including military affiliated students. With the uncertainty that comes with a military lifestyle, Butler is committed to flexibility. 

“The 22d Force Support Squadron (FSS), the McConnell Education and Training Center, and the base Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing (ARW), Col. Cory Damon, deserves special acknowledgment,” Erika Gestring, McConnell Campus and Wichita Service Center McConnell AFB, High School Academy Director, said. “Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), allowing us to remain on the base for the past 50 years.” 

Over the last 50 years, the campus has made significant technological advancements. “This improvement allows individuals who cannot attend in person to participate in classes remotely. We have expanded our on-base course offerings to include more degrees listed in our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), meeting the diverse needs of our students,” Gestring noted. 

The half-century celebration included a McConnell AFB Honor Guard Presentation of Colors, a National Anthem, invocation of prayer and several speakers who acknowledged the benefits and opportunities this campus location has created for many students. Butler’s male barbershop quartet, the Smorgaschords, performed two numbers. Butler’s Culinary Arts and Great Western Dining catered the event. 

In military fashion, coins were presented to attendees that featured both McConnell AFB and Butler Community College on opposite sides to commemorate the anniversary. 

In the Fall 2025 semester, McConnell will offer its first Early College Academy pathway option, a Liberal Arts MyTrack that allows student electives, for high school students. This option is available for military and non-military affiliated students. 

Butler and McConnell AFB are continuing their partnership and remain committed to serving military students and their families. 

To view the photo album, visit 04.24.25_McConnell 50 Years Celebration | Flickr