Charles T. Button provided vivid proof that the lessons learned in athletics are not confined to the playing fields. "Athletics were the motivating force behind my entire career in education," admitted Button, the Chief of the Bureau of Special Education Management Services for the New York State Education Department. "Participation in athletics gave me confidence, taught me the values of teamwork, helped me accept defeat with grace and achievement with humility," he continued. "Experience in both active participation and coaching enabled me to develop qualities of leadership, planning, organization, working with the public, and speaking to groups. This led to successful experiences as district principal, superintendent, and the New York State Education Department."
At Cortland in the 1940's, "Chuck" Button was an all around athlete who particularly excelled on the basketball court. "The thrill of scoring 20 points or more in a number of basketball games was great, and beating Alfred in track for the first time was enjoyable," recalled Button. "But my greatest satisfaction in Cortland sports came from holding St. Bonaventure's high-scoring center to less than 10 points, thus enabling us to win the game at Olean in 1948. They didn't lose many games in Olean. At one time this streak was over 70 straight wins. I remember Chugger and the other coaches working with me on defensive techniques for two weeks prior to the game. It paid off with a win for Cortland (54-49) and a great deal of satisfaction for me."
Button earned a B.S. from Cortland in 1948 and an M.S. in Education from Cornell in 1952. After graduating from Cortland, he spent eight years as a teacher and coach in Henderson, West Leyden and Hamburg. His basketball team at Hamburg captured a sectional title. The Chittenango, N.Y., native served six years a s district principal at South Otselic and Moravia. Button then became the Superintendent of Schools in Medina for seven years, before beginning his career with the New York State Education Department as supervisor in School Business Management. Button served eight years in that capacity and seven years as executive secretary of the New York State Association of School Business Officials.
In 1974-75, he was elected chairman of all the State Executive Secretaries of the International Association of School of Business Officials. Button was presented the Outstanding Service Award for 1976 by the New York State Association of School Business Officials. In 1979, the New York State Pupil Transportation Association presented Button with its first Honorary Life Membership. In 1980, he was appointed vice chairman of the Transportation Committee of the International Association of School Business Officials. An author of many articles for state and national publications, Button and his wife, the former Eleanor Wittman, class of 1946, have two children.
UPDATE: Button passed away on Nov. 12, 2011 at age 87.
