Former SoCal gang member who served 15 years in prison graduates college in second chance at life

CLAREMONT, Calif. (KABC) -- It was an exciting and emotional day at Pitzer College as it hosted its commencement ceremony in Claremont.

One of the graduates was a former gang member who served 15 years in prison. He's now sharing his inspirational story of reform.

It's a dream come true for Kenneth Butler who has gone from gang member to convicted felon, to Fullbright fellow and now college grad.

"My greatest achievement is graduation, for sure, the Fulbright has to be up there at the top for sure, but me graduating from College is my greatest achievement," Butler said.

Butler is a founding member of Pitzer College's groundbreaking inside-out pathway to B.A. program.

While serving his 15-year sentence Butler began taking college courses. When he was paroled last summer he became a full-time student at the Claremont campus, changing his life forever.

"If I wouldn't have enrolled in this program, I don't know where my life would have been," he said.

Butler then headed to Uganda for 10 months to study the country's prison system and its low recidivism rate.

"Coming from a low-income community, having served 15 years in prison, I'm bringing that experience into a whole new place of study for me," Butler said. "I can relate to the guys who have been incarcerated, and I have an understanding of that so I think it's going to be an easy connection."

Raised by his grandmother, Butler, who lost her to COVID-19 just three months after being released from prison, says his academic accomplishments are a tribute to her faith in his reform.

"I just wanted to make her happy," he said. "I've caused a lot of pain over the years, and I just want to put a smile on her face, give her something to be proud of."

Butler will be getting his Master's degree, and ultimately wants to teach others, showing them that education is the way to a better future.

Editor's note: This report was originally published in May 2022.