Nathan Butler is originally from Cadiz, Ky., and graduated from Bellarmine with a degree in Communication. He started his career in radio with Ham Broadcasting before coming on board with what is now iHeart Radio as a news anchor and director of operations for the Kentucky News Network. He later worked as executive vice president of Operations for Orbital Media Networks, a satellite uplink facility in Denver, Colo., and as vice president of North American Sales for ATX Networks. After returning to Louisville in 2019, he opened Mosquito Authority of Louisville and Fitness Machine Technicians. Nathan lives in the Highlands with his wife, Kristen, and their son, Maximus. What contributions make you especially proud? Many advancements of the university are made possible by its alumni. I am extremely honored to serve as the Alumni Board president. This board has the privilege of being the voice for the thousands of graduates of both undergraduate and graduate programs. During my time as a board member, we have seen an increase in young alumni outreach, athletic transformations and an expansion of new programs. These advancements are assisted by the Bellarmine Forward program. I am extremely proud of the board's commitment to this program and its support for student services. As a student who relied on scholarships, I'm also proud of the board’s fundraising efforts. How did your Bellarmine experience help you succeed? I came from a very small city in Kentucky, and I had unprecedented support from my entire community through high school. When I was searching for my undergraduate home, I wanted a place that provided that same support, and I found it right here at Bellarmine. The compassion of our faculty and staff ensured that I stayed focused and moving forward. In addition to those pushes along the way, I was able to help develop a network of connections that assisted with job placement. Professors and advisors frequently said, you can be successful, but how are you going to get there? That challenged students to find a vision and, most importantly, to formulate a plan and a path. While I was supported, I was constantly encouraged to make that path, not just expect it to appear. What’s your advice to current Bellarmine students? While degrees show that you have the training and follow-through to compete in the job market, the connections you make and the involvement you complete give you the best shot at success. Get to know students in other majors, volunteer, complete internships and find people who have already excelled in your field. Frequently check in with your network and use the student and career resources available.