As Washtenaw Community College prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, we recognize
the thousands of alumni who turned opportunity into achievement. For six decades,
WCC has opened doors to education, careers and brighter futures — and these 60 Stories that will be compiled over the year reflect that enduring mission.
Tom Butman is a prime example of a Washtenaw Community College employer partner who is “all in.” Butman’s family business — Gene Butman Ford in Ypsilanti — regularly employs multiple WCC alumni as full-time employees across the business, including service, parts, sales and human resources department.
He also offers work-study apprenticeships and part-time work to WCC students, assists with tuition reimbursement, and hosts WCC class tours.
Butman knows he's getting qualified employees because, as an industry board member for the past 12 years, Butman helps to guide the college’s curriculum to meet industry workforce needs.
The dealership’s general manager also happens to be a proud alumnus of WCC. Though he studied accounting and earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwood University, Butman enrolled in WCC’s Transportation Technologies program for four semesters to gain a deeper understanding of every aspect of his family’s business.
“The perspective it gave me was unique for dealers and managers. It helped me not only with advising our guests and customers at the dealership, not only in the process that we go through to repair vehicles but also in mentoring young people,” Butman said.
In May 2025, Butman was bestowed an Honorary Associate Degree in Community Service at the college’s Commencement Ceremony for his extraordinary contributions to the advancement of WCC and its mission.
Butman also participated in the WCC-hosted industry panel discussion at the 2025 Detroit Auto Show alongside college President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, MichAuto’s Executive Director Glenn Stevens and DTE executive Neal T. Foley.
“I think the number one thing that I really appreciate about WCC is the amount of communication between us in the business sector and WCC in the education sector. We can all get into our silos and have our own ideas, but with our partnership I feel heard,” Butman said. “The business world needs more connections with the education world. With more communication we are both able to grow.”
Tags: 60 Stories, Alumni Profile, Transportation Technologies