Outstanding Alums
Our Outstanding Alumni represent the impact of a Butte College education in communities, workplaces, and industries throughout the region and beyond. This annual recognition honors graduates whose achievements, leadership, and service inspire current and future students. Explore our past honorees and celebrate the accomplishments of alumni who continue to make a difference.
Recent Outstanding Alums
Jessica Bjork-Madrigal
Jessica Bjork-Madrigal, vice president and co-owner of Bjork Construction Company, Inc., has built a remarkable career in the construction industry. After attending Butte College from 2005 to 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Arizona State University. Bjork-Madrigal has helped lead Bjork Construction Company for nearly a decade. Under her leadership, the company continues to be recognized across many areas, including workplace excellence, sustainability, and diversity. Bjork Construction has been ranked in the Top 25 of the San Francisco Business Times' list of top women-owned businesses in the Bay Area, has been awarded the San Francisco Business Times' "Best Place to Work" award, and has received the Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Associated General Contractors of America. Bjork-Madrigal has long advocated for women in construction, speaking at several university events about her experience in the field. She hopes to pass on the business to her children someday, continuing her family's legacy of excellence in the construction industry.
Captain Ryan Fellers
Fire Captain Ryan Fellers, a graduate of the 29th Butte College Fire Academy, has dedicated his career to public safety and firefighter education. After beginning his firefighting journey as a CDF seasonal firefighter in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit, he became a volunteer firefighter with Chico Fire Company 1 in 1999. In 2002, Fellers was hired as a firefighter for the City of Chico. His leadership and dedication resulted in his promotion to fire apparatus engineer in 2010 and fire captain in 2014. He currently serves on the rescue team and steps in as battalion chief when necessary. Beyond his service in the field, Fellers has given back to the Butte College Fire Academy as a supervisor and instructor, ensuring academy recruits meet the highest standards. He is widely respected throughout the state for his contributions to firefighter training and safety.
Julie Martin
Julie Martin is a distinguished healthcare professional with over 18 years of experience at Enloe Health. Martin’s career has been marked by increasing scope and responsibility; she currently serves as the vice president of ambulatory operations.
Martin began her journey in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant across various California care settings before earning her LVN certification from Butte College in 2001. She returned to Butte College to earn her associate degree in registered nursing in 2003. Throughout her tenure at Enloe, Martin's work has had a profound impact on the communities she serves. From roles such as staff nurse and charge nurse to her pivotal position as director of quality management, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional knowledge of healthcare operations and regulatory requirements. She went on to earn a bachelor's and master's in nursing with an emphasis on leadership. As a certified professional in healthcare quality, Martin has played a key role in innovations, including the expansion of Enloe's command center structure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brandon Slater
Brandon Slater began his college journey in Butte College's welding classes while still in high school. This commitment paved the way for him to enter Chico State as a sophomore. In 2006, he graduated with a degree in construction management. In 2011, he joined his family's construction company, Slater & Son, as vice president and became president in 2020. His leadership has steered the company through managing multimillion-dollar projects, including new commercial, residential and school facilities and school modernization endeavors. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brandon continues his family's legacy of philanthropy and civic engagement. Actively involved in causes such as youth development, empowerment and education, he generously contributes to organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of the North Valley. Slater's commitment extends to various board affiliations, including serving as Secretary for the Valley Contractors Exchange and contributing to the Chico State Construction Management Industry Advisory Board, among others.
Todd Kimmelshue
Tod Kimmelshue is a family farmer, a retired ag finance/banking advisor, and a lifelong community volunteer. He attended Butte College from 1977-1979 and transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in ag business. He worked in the agricultural finance and banking industry for more than 35 years. He’s served on a number of community boards. He was elected Butte County Supervisor in 2021 and is presently the chair.
Rigo Sanchez
Rigoberto Sanchez grew up in Hamilton City and attended Butte College from 2012-2015, while playing on the football team. He later transferred to the University of Hawaii on a football scholarship. In 2017, Rigoberto signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He remains committed to serving his community by hosting a free youth camp in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts and Hamilton City High School. He also has assisted with meal distributions for low-income families and participated in community service events in Indianapolis and his hometown.
Dale Ott
Dale Ott is the president and owner of Vitil Solutions Inc., a firm that provides compliant desktop services to government and education clients. He attended Butte College in 1977 while working graveyard shifts to pay for his education. He earned his associate's degree in electronics in 1979, followed by his bachelor's and master's degrees. Dale received an offer to work for IBM and has spent over 40 years in the industry. He credits his early success to his Butte College instructors and mentors.
Dr. Laurel Hammang & Joel Belben
Dr. Laurel Hammang and Joel Belben are honored as a couple, which is fitting since they met while attending Butte College as members of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Both attended Butte in 2008 and transferred to 4-year universities. After earning her associate's degree in biology, Dr. Hammang went on to earn a bachelor's degree and an MBA. She graduated with her Doctorate of Optometry and completed her residency at UC Berkeley. She owns an optometry practice in Chico. Joel is a senior manager at Ernst & Young and works in environment, health, safety and sustainability consulting, in-process improvement and digital enablement.
