Chico Fire Capt. Ryan Fellers will be honored at Butte College's annual Spring Gala on March 8.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Butte College's annual Spring Gala on March 8 will highlight the profound influence that Butte College alums have on their communities and industries.

Two outstanding alumni, Jessica Bjork-Madrigal, a leader in the construction industry, and Ryan Fellers, a distinguished Chico fire captain and instructor, will be honored.

Bjork-Madrigal, vice president and co-owner of Bjork Construction Company, Inc., has built a remarkable career in the construction industry, according to Butte College staff. After attending Butte College from 2005 to 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree 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 placed in the Top 25 of the San Francisco Business Times' list of top women-owned businesses in the Bay Area, been awarded the San Francisco Business Times' "Best Place to Work" award and the Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Associated General Contractors of America. Bjork-Madrigal advocates for women in construction, speaking at university events about her experience in the field. Bjork-Madrigal hopes to pass on the business to her children someday, continuing her family's legacy in the construction industry.

Jessica Bjork-Madrigal, vice president and co-owner of Bjork Construction Company, Inc., will be honored at Butte College's annual Spring Gala on March 8.

Chico Fire Captain 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 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) seasonal firefighter in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit, Fellers 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. Fellers 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

"This year's honorees are great examples of the diverse pathways a Butte College education can open up," said Superintendent/President Virginia L. Guleff. "They reflect the many ways our alumni go on to create meaningful change in their industries and communities."

The Butte College Foundation hosts the annual Spring Gala to enhance student opportunities and success. Student volunteers from the industrial technology programs and the Butte College Ag Leadership Club work on the event. The gala includes dinner, a silent auction, a dessert auction and a live auction, along with performances by Butte College students and student emcees from the Speech and Debate team.

The event's platinum sponsors are the Law Offices of Daniel H. Alexander, MJB Welding Supply and Tri Counties Bank.

“We sincerely thank our community and sponsors for their support of Butte College students. Your generosity makes a significant impact on their educational journeys,” said Suzanne Watroba, executive director of the Butte College Foundation. “We look forward to honoring our supporters and alumni at our upcoming gala.”

Butte College's annual Spring Gala is at 6 p.m. March 8 at Manzanita Place in Chico. Tickets at $150 each are available at butte.edu/springgala. Manzanita Place is at 1705 Manzanita Ave., Chico.