Butler Tech educator turns personal battle into $100K scholarship for future chefs
By Rachel Whelan
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BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio (WLWT) — A scholarship created by longtime Butler Tech educator and chef Lee Corder has officially surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal, ensuring future students pursuing careers in the culinary arts will receive financial support for years to come.
Corder spent 18 years working at Butler Tech, most recently serving as the district’s director of secondary education. Known for his passion for teaching and cooking, Corder launched the Lee Corder Culinary Scholarship after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Despite ongoing health challenges, Corder said the scholarship was never about him, but about removing barriers for students with talent and drive.
“There was a student who had been accepted into the Culinary Institute of America in New York,” Corder said. “He didn’t know if he could go because he couldn’t afford it. That’s when it clicked — we need to do something here.”
In just a few months, donations from friends, former colleagues, students, and complete strangers pushed the scholarship fund past $100,000. That milestone allows the scholarship to award $5,000 annually, in perpetuity.
“That allows us to have a $5,000-a-year scholarship forever,” Corder said, “long after we’re all here.”
The fund is administered through the Hamilton Community Foundation, which manages hundreds of scholarship funds across the region. Foundation leaders say scholarships specifically supporting culinary arts students are rare.
“We manage almost 300 different scholarships, and only two will even consider somebody going into culinary arts — and this is one of them,” said Jacob Stone-Welch with the foundation.
The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors across Butler County, with preference given to Butler Tech students. Recipients are not required to attend Butler Tech after receiving the award, and the scholarship can be used toward culinary education or training at the school or program of the student’s choice.
Although cancer treatments have made it difficult for Corder to enjoy his own food, he says cooking has always been about serving others.
“It gives me a sense of purpose,” Corder said. “A sense of accomplishment to be able to do something.”
That sense of purpose extends beyond the kitchen. Just last weekend, Corder walked his youngest daughter down the aisle — a moment he says meant everything to him.
“She pushed up the ceremony a little bit to make sure dad could be there,” he said. “And I love her for that.”
Corder said the overwhelming response to the scholarship reaffirmed something he’s believed for a long time.
“I think most people are good at heart,” he said. “And this experience did nothing but reassure that.”
Organizers said the scholarship fund will continue accepting donations, and any additional money raised will go directly toward increasing the annual award amount or expanding future scholarships.
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