By SUSIE DUMMIT
As everyone returns to campus and dives back into their old routines, many of Colorado College’s organizations begin the year by inviting in new community members and welcoming back familiar ones.
One of the most prominent of these groups is The Butler Center, which works to promote inclusion and recognition of diversity. On the evening of Friday, Aug. 30, they held their annual open house, debuting new staff members and introducing their organization to interested community members.
“At The Butler Center, we welcome everyone to stop by and share their stories,” said Amairani Alamillo, administrative assistant and CC alumna. “We look forward to providing a safe space for anyone who needs and taking part in their journeys.”
Along with Alamillo are four other key staff members who co-hosted the event: Paul Buckley, assistant vice president and director of The Butler Center; Pearl Leonard-Rock, associate director; Noble Gough, the gender and identity development specialist; and Manteen Zafer, the new coordinator of mentorship and diversity initiatives. With their own unique experiences and areas of expertise, each staff member helps provides different perspectives and foster a secure environment — particularly for people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and international students.
Since the organization’s founding five years ago, the Butler Center’s work “to lead Colorado Colege’s efforsts in co-creating a laerning community that is inclusive and just” continues to have a large presence on campus through their programming, initiatives, and sponsored lectures.
“I’m excited to see fresh faces at the open house,” said AiLi Pigott ’22, who actively participated in events at The Butler Center last year. “And I’m interested in what events they have in store for the community this year.”
If you’d like to find out more about The Butler Center or get involved, you can visit one of their offices on the second floor of the Worner Campus Center to meet with staff one-on-one, or check out their homepage on the CC website.
One of the most influential of these groups is the Butler Center, which works to promote inclusion and recognition of diversity. On the evening of Friday, Aug. 30, they held their annual open house, debuting new staff members and introducing their organization to all who are interested.
“At the Butler Center, we welcome everyone to stop by and share their stories,” said Amairani Alamillo, administrative assistant and CC alumna. “We look forward to providing a safe space for anyone who needs and taking part in their journeys.”
Along with Alamillo are four other key staff members who co-hosted the event: Paul Buckley, Assistant Vice President and Director of the Butler Center; Pearl Leonard-Rock, Associate Director; Noble Gough, the Gender and Identity Development Specialist; and Manteen Zafer, the new Coordinator of Mentorship and Diversity Initiatives. Providing their own unique experiences and areas of expertise, each staff member helps bring in different perspectives and foster a secure environment — particularly for people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and international students.
The Butler Center’s mission statement “to lead Colorado College’s efforts in co-creating a learning community that is inclusive and just” continues to hold great significance since the organization’s introduction five years ago.
“I’m excited to see fresh faces at the open house,” said AiLi Pigott ’22, who actively participated in events at the Butler Center last year. “And I’m interested in what events they have in store for the community this year.”
If you’d like to find out more about the Butler Center or get involved, you can visit one of their offices on the second floor of the Worner Campus Center to meet with staff one-on-one, or check out their homepage on the CC website.