Chad Okrusch is a professor, author, photographer, philosopher, and singer-songwriter with deep roots in Butte, Montana. After attending graduate school in Eugene, Oregon, circumstances brought him back to his hometown to accept a pair of jobs in a city that, at that time, had no jobs to offer. The Butte “vortex” has kept hold of him since, and continues to inform and inspire his myriad creative projects and academic career.

Chad reflects on spending decades within a creative community that is blossoming, one that is creating inspiration and truly authentic stories. His latest project, written for his daughters and titled ‘Mostly Love’ explores themes of resilience, connection, heartbreak, and all that keeps us making songs when life gets messy. A thoughtful love letter to a place, people, and community that Chad holds dear.

In the classrooms of Montana Technological University, Chad teaches philosophy and communication, where he works with students on questions of ethics, meaning, and how we live together in community. He shares his thoughts on AI and helping young people find clarity and humility in a world that’s moving faster than any of us can track.

One thread running through all of Chads works, is exploring how people build lives of integrity and creativity in the places they love, and how they contribute to the place's capacity to grow in healthy ways.

And maybe the appropriateness of the Comic Sans font… and aliens.

Of all the places, Chad Okrusch calls Butte, Montana home.

For more information on Chad’s projects, visit www.chadokrusch.com