And for Butkievich, who has regularly met with officers from Public Safety, mentored peers, and led prospective students around campus, she’s done her best to make her mark on campus.

A lot of her work on campus has come through her positions on the Student Government Association. When she received an email her sophomore year about an open position on the Class of 2026 Cabinet, she just knew she had to run.

“Being a student advocate was something I was super passionate about,” Butkievich said. “It just seemed like a chance I wanted to take on myself.”

And that chance worked out.

In her first semester on the Student Government Association, she partnered with the facilities office to install menstrual product disposal bins in public restrooms, something that may seem small but significantly improved accessibility across campus. 

The next year she became the Student Safety Liaison, working closely with Public Safety on a number of initiatives around Quinnipiac, including two Public Safety Open Houses to allow students a space to get to know the officers protecting them.

Currently, she’s working to reduce tuition costs on for-credit, unpaid internships and collaborating on a plan to bring an over-the-counter medical vending machine to campus.

Butkievich also works with students one on one in a different role: Peer Catalyst.

“Taking on the position was actually what pushed me to get more involved on campus,” she said. “It helped me feel really confident and passionate about being a student leader.”

Inspired by the guidance she received from her Peer Catalyst Mentor when she was first starting out, she wants to pass it on.

“Being a Peer Catalyst Mentor has been the most rewarding role I’ve had on campus,” Butkievich explained. “I’ve been able to become a mentor and encourage others.”

She also holds the title of Admissions Student Ambassador. She leads campus tours, assists during Admissions’ events and helps families navigate the process. Working there has given her a close group of friends and supporters who always have her back.

Butkievich’s passion for service began in high school through the Connecticut FFA. As Connecticut FFA State President, she represented almost 4,000 members, advocated for student needs at a national level and led leadership development programs for other students in the Connecticut FFA.

“Being able to serve as a mentor and a supporter for students while advocating for their needs with government officials really solidified for me that I want to take on the same role in my career,” she said.

And she’s continued down that path with her recent internship.

Working in U.S. Senator Chris Murphy’s Hartford office, she supported outreach and casework, especially with Veterans Affairs.

“Some days, I would be picking up phones or writing letters,” Butkievich explained, “Other days, we’d be out in the community helping veterans with documents and services.”

She’s driven not just by ambition, but by empathy.

As a commuter and first-generation college student, she understands how difficult going to college can be, so she applied to be an Orientation Leader.

“The way I slowly but completely fell in love with Quinnipiac pushed me to apply,” she said. “I’m so excited to take on the role this summer!”

Beyond her better known leadership roles, Butkievich also serves as the Vice President and Secretary of the Honors Program Leadership Board, Law in Society Representative on the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Council, and was the Connecticut FFA’s 2024 National Officer Candidate, the first woman from Connecticut to reach the final round.

When it comes to incoming or current Bobcats, her advice is simple.

“Take chances on yourself, say yes to every opportunity that presents itself and go out of your way to get to know the people around you.”