Butte College Outstanding Alumni Awarded at Spring Gala

The Butte College Spring Gala, a fundraiser for the Butte College Foundation and Athletics, was held on March 13 at the Bell Memorial Union in Chico. Proceeds from the event are used to provide opportunities for success for our students through scholarships and academic program support. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the many sponsors, underwriters, donors and attendees who, through their generous efforts, make this event successful. Our students thank you!
Download an Outstanding Alumni Nomination Form >
View photos of the 2010 Spring Gala >

Big band entertainment was provided by the Fabulous Swing Kings, and Butte College alumnus, Pat Walsh—the Sports Guy-- from KFBK Radio was the emcee for the event. Butte College also honored four alumni with the presentation of the 2010 Outstanding Alumni Awards.

“At the Spring Gala, we recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves personally and professionally in their particular field of study, life’s work or community service,” said Dr. Diana Van Der Ploeg, Butte College President. “This year we’re proud to recognize four alumni – Jim Culp, David Mobilio, Perry Reniff, and Aaron Rodgers—who have truly demonstrated tremendous dedication and effort.”

Butte College 1993 graduate Jim Culp served his country in the US Air Force from 1996 through 2002 distinguishing himself as one of only two non-flying lieutenants in the 1999 Kosovo Campaign to be honored with a Meritorious Services Award. Culp, who became an ordained minister and earned his master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry while in the Air Force, continued his service to others when he returned home to Chico. He founded Orchard Church in Chico where he serves as pastor, along with the non-profit Wilderness Experience Youth Program.


David Mobilio, a graduate of Butte College’s 91st Law Enforcement Academy in 1995, was posthumously honored. In 2002, Officer Mobilio lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a patrol officer and liaison officer for Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) with the Red Bluff Police Force. Mobilio served with the Red Bluff Police Department for four years and dedicated his time and energy to teaching children how to make good choices in life.

At the graduation of the 124th Law Enforcement Academy, Michael Enyart was awarded the first David Mobilio Memorial Scholarship (watch video). Michael Enyart is currently serving as a police officer for the City of Chico.


Recently retired Butte County Sheriff Perry Reniff, a graduate of the college’s Administration of Justice program, dedicated 37 years to public service in Butte County. From 1972 through 1991, Reniff was a deputy for the Butte County Sheriff’s Department. In 1991 he became assistant sheriff and from 2002 until December of 2009 he served as the county’s sheriff. Reniff founded the Butte County Designated Area Deputy Program and a anti-methamphetamine Website www.2stopmeth.org and volunteered countless hours at numerous community events and fundraisers.


Famed National Football League Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, attended Butte College in 2002 and was a starting quarterback for the college, was honored for his work on and off the field. On the field, Rodgers is only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in his starting season and finished fourth in the league in both passing yards (4,038) and touchdowns (28) in the 2009 season. This year, he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.Off the field, Rodgers participates in community benefits including the Andy North and Friends Golf Getaway for the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Edgar Bennett Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon; the Vince Lombardi Golf Classic; and served as co-host for the Young Life Charity Golf Tournament from 2006-08.


To see more videos from the Butte College Foundation, be sure to visit our YouTube page. >