(Butler, PA) One received permission from a Nicaraguan family to open her home and provide transportation to their relative, a Butler County Community College student facing a housing challenge.
Another was referenced as the “glue guy” – the team member who always kept the group together and positive, and worked behind the scenes to bring about success without seeking recognition.
Another arranged for a sign language interpreter to assist in conducting training for a firefighter who could neither speak nor hear.
The efforts of those and of 48 other BC3 employees who work on main campus or at the college’s additional locations have been recognized with Above and Beyond Awards since their debut in 2014.
Butler County Community College individual and group Above and Beyond Award recipients are, top row, from left, 2014, Barry Pallone, individual; Nicole Barnes, Amanda Fleming and Dottie Los, group; 2015, Karen Zapp, individual; Polly Goettler and Ron Thompson, group; 2016, Sherri Mack and Alex Gladis, individuals. Second row, from left, 2016, Sean Carroll, Susan Davis, Steve Lockovich, Jenn Loue, Garrett Nogan, Jodie Parson and Joyce Shafer, group; 2017, Meg Ashenden, individual; and Sara Artzberger and Kelly Flis, group. Third row, from left, 2017, Dr. Josh Novak, Amy Pignatore, Renee Piovesan, Kim Smith and Kathy Sommers, group; 2018, Kevin Smith and Janice Reiter, individuals; Becky Smith and Suzanne Wasilewski, group; 2019, Patty Colosimo, individual. Fourth row, from left, 2019, Kiley Cribbs, individual; Mary Berrier, Sean Carroll, Susan Davis, Steve Lockovich, Jenn Loue, Jennifer Sarabok and Joyce Shafer, group; 2022, Rhiannon Baron, individual; and Amanda Fleming, group. Fifth row, from left, 2022, Amy Gallagher, Karen Jack, Juli Louttit, Mary McGinnis, Mikayla Moretti, Dr. Josh Novak, Torey O’Donnell, Morgan Rizzardi and Jennifer Taylor, group; 2023, Matt Kovac, individual. Sixth row, from left, 2023, Ann McCandless and Donna Smith, individuals; 2024, John Felczak, Dr. Ryan Kociela and Juli Louttit, individuals; 2025, Stephanie Long and Debra Buttyan, individuals; Dr. Ryan Kociela, Dr. Sharla Anke and Laura Wiest, group. Not pictured: Bonnie Morrow, 2015, group.
Above and Beyond Awards are presented to an individual, office, department or division that demonstrates outstanding customer service in areas such as a willingness to assist others by going the extra mile, exemplary performance in their job area or an additional effort to help a person or group within the BC3 community.
A committee reviews nominations. Awards are announced during convocation, the unofficial start of the college’s academic year.
“So much of what makes BC3 special happens in the everyday moments when someone does a little more, cares a little deeper or steps in when they are needed,” said Megan M. Coval, BC3’s president. “And what we recognize sends a message about what we value. The Above and Beyond Awards give us a chance to make sure those contributions are seen and celebrated.”
Above and Beyond Awards for 2026 will be presented during the college’s 2026 convocation Aug. 20 in Founders Hall on main campus.