MACKINAC ISLAND — As leadership from and advocates for Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges gathered on Mackinac Island for their annual summer conference, a packed agenda included time to honor several Michiganders who have gone above and beyond to support the mission of community colleges.

The Michigan Community College Association was proud to recognize Thomas L. Butch of Delta County with the 2024 Michigan Community College Association Special Recognition Award, given in recognition and appreciation of exemplary contributions and commitment to supporting the mission of Michigan’s community colleges.

“Tom’s commitment to the students, faculty and community of Bay College is nothing short of remarkable,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association. “Fifty years on the Board of Trustees is an incredible commitment in service to higher education and the entire Escanaba community, and we’ve benefited greatly from Tom’s experience and wisdom in advising on statewide community college issues along the way.

“We’re incredibly proud to be able to recognize his exemplary service as he prepares to retire from the Bay College Board at the end of this year.”

A member of the Bay de Noc Community College Board of Trustees for 50 years, Butch was appointed in 1974 and elected to the office for eight subsequent terms. He has mentored every trustee through the behaviors he has modeled, establishing a board that is civil, inquisitive and equally dedicated to student success and fiscal responsibility.

In 2019 the Board of Trustees renamed the Bay College library to the Thomas L. Butch Library in his honor.

He will become a Trustee Emeritus to continue representing Bay College as its most dedicated cheerleader in the community upon his retirement at the end of his term on December 30.