Gala to Honor Two Outstanding Alums, Raise Funds for Students

Butte College's Annual Gala will take place on Saturday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Manzanita Place in Chico. Hosted by the Butte College Foundation, this year's gala will raise funds to support students in ag leadership, athletics, firefighting, heavy equipment, music, and speech and debate.

The evening will also highlight the profound impact Butte College has had on shaping the lives of two alums who went on to lead in their communities - CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit assistant chief Carlos Alcantar and Alfred Koala, founder and president of Feeding Nations Through Education.

Carlos Alcantar

Assistant Chief
CAL FIRE, Santa Clara Unit

Born in Southern California and raised in Alturas by a hardworking immigrant mother, Carlos was inspired at a young age to become a firefighter after a life-changing encounter with first responders. Starting as a seasonal firefighter in 1997, he has built a career characterized by leadership and perseverance, being promoted to assistant chief in 2024. He now manages cooperative fire operations serving multiple communities, leading teams that provide critical fire protection and emergency medical services.

A graduate of Butte College's 33rd Fire Academy, Carlos later earned his associate degree in social and behavioral sciences, a milestone that helped advance his path into a leadership position with CAL FIRE. His commitment to lifelong learning reflects his dedication to growth and excellence.

Carlos has served on the front lines of major incidents, including the Camp Fire, and remains deeply engaged in community outreach and mentorship. Known for his integrity and compassion, he continues to inspire others through his service and leadership.

Read More About Carlos

Alfred Koala

Founder and President
Feeding Nations Through Education

Alfred Koudougou Koala has transformed a life of hardship into a global mission of service. Raised in rural Burkina Faso without electricity or running water, he faced extreme poverty and food insecurity. He traveled to the United States, determined to change his circumstances, and pursued education, enrolling at Butte College, where he found a supportive community that helped him thrive.

While at Butte College, a profound act of generosity from his classmates and mentors inspired Alfred to launch what would become his nonprofit organization. Today, Feeding Nations Through Education has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives through sustainable agriculture, clean water projects, microloans, and educational support.

Alfred earned an associate degree from Butte College, a bachelor's from Chico State, and an executive MBA from Sacramento State, and now serves as an IT Manager for VSP. His journey reflects resilience and a deep commitment to uplifting others through education and opportunity.

Read More About Alfred

"Our 2026 Outstanding Alumni reflect the very best of Butte College," said Butte College Superintendent/President Virginia L. Guleff. "Their journeys highlight how education creates opportunity, inspires leadership, and leaves a lasting impact on communities near and far. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and continued impact."

The Butte College Foundation hosts this annual event to expand student opportunities and support student success. Butte College student emcees, musicians, and volunteers help bring the evening to life. The gala includes dinner, auctions, and special program highlights. Tickets are $150 each and are available at butte.edu/gala.

The event's platinum sponsors are Law Offices of Daniel H. Alexander, Budget Blinds of Chico, California State University, Chico, North State Planning and Development Collective, Modern Building / Clark Sullivan, North Sierra Consulting, Inc, and Tri Counties Bank.

"At the heart of the gala is a celebration of our students, those working toward their dreams today and the Outstanding Alums who show what is possible," said Suzanne Watroba, executive director of the Butte College Foundation. "We are honored to partner with supporters who believe in our students and invest in their futures."

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Manzanita Place,1705 Manzanita Ave, Chico, CA 95926