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Our Distinguished Alumni Spotlight features recent award winners who™ve been recognized as part of ™s annual Profiles of Excellence Dinner. Our winners are nominated for their notable influence and determination over time throughout their profession, family, and community. Nominations are reviewed and selected by the President™s Cabinet and Departmental Division Chairs. These individuals are the true embodiment of the many ways leads to better lives, and it™s an honor to share their stories.

Connor Kauffeld is the co-owner (with brother, Ryne) of Kauffeld Brothers Construction. Born and raised in Elizabethtown, Connor attended after graduating from Elizabethtown High School in 2014.

Even while still in high school, the brothers ran their own business with Kauffeld Brothers Lawn Care. While attending college, their business continued to grow until it morphed into Kauffeld Brothers Construction, which is now a full-scale excavating and contracting business that specializes in site development, finish grading, and demolition. In 2019, shortly after graduating from , both Connor and Ryne received the Hardin County Young Entrepreneur Award.

In his private time, Connor is a soccer enthusiast and served as the JV Coach and Varsity assistant coach for Elizabethtown boys Soccer from 2020-2022. His team made it to the final four of the state tournament in 2021.

Kauffeld credits for equipping him with tools needed to navigate being an entrepreneur while obtaining a degree. He says that without the flexibility offered, Kauffeld Brothers Construction would not be where it is today because his professors taught him that discipline and work ethic would take him a long way. Kauffeld especially appreciates his communications professor, Katrina Eicher, with giving him the speaking skills that he has used time and again in his professional life.

™s Distinguished Alumni Program recognizes graduates and former students for their successes and exemplary service to their professions and communities. Nominees must have completed a credential (degree, diploma and/or certificate) from , or have been enrolled as a student at ECC/ETC/, at least five years ago. Self-nomination is permitted. Active members of the faculty and staff are not eligible for consideration. To nominate someone, fill out the .