Leann Ellis, Butler Community College’s vice president for academic affairs, was the center of attention Tuesday afternoon when her “Butler family” organized a reception to celebrate her recognition as a South Plains College Distinguished Alumni.

The Levelland, Texas-based community college was celebrating its 50th anniversary and gave the Distinguished Alumni award to five past graduates, including Ellis.
Thursday Ellis toured some of the school’s facilities before the Distinguished Alumni reception and banquet that evening.

“It was really amazing,” she said. “They’ve really grown.”

Her mentor from the speech and theater department was able to attend the reception at South Plains.

“She was extra special,” Ellis said.

Ellis said she was “humbled” when she learned of the honor.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” Ellis said. “I was so proud because I love my community college home and I was also proud to know that Butler respected it.”

She was able to stifle the tears of joy, she said, until she was called to the South Plains stage where she was given a bouquet of flowers from her Butler family.

“That’s when I lost it,” she said. “For my Butler family to acknowledge that was a meaningful award, that meant a lot, too,” Ellis said.

“When I think about the word ‘distinguished,’ that fits her in every sense of the word,” said Butler President Jackie Vietti. “She has just done marvelous things for Butler. This is a very fitting tribute.”