Hall of Fame
Known for his athleticism, leadership, and defensive intensity, Hayes was an outstanding point guard and team leader for the Vikings during the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. A two-year captain, Hayes helped lead Bethany to a combined record of 39-11 during his career, including an 18-7 mark as a freshman, followed by a 21-4 sophomore record as the Vikings claimed a spot in the NJCAA Region XIII Tournament. During his second season in 1995-96, Hayes averaged 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 9 assists per game while serving as one of the team’s primary playmakers and defensive leaders. He earned Bethany’s Most Valuable Defensive Player Award and was also recognized as the team’s assist leader. Hayes helped guide the Vikings to a Southern Division Championship and a MCCC Consolation Championship during the 1995-96 campaign.
Following his time at Bethany, Bukata earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Scholastica and his master’s of business administration from Howard University in Washington DC. He later returned to Bethany Lutheran College, serving as an admissions counselor from 2001–2006 and founding the College’s Multi-Ethnic Center. In 2006, Bukata became Executive Director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, a position he held until 2021. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. In 2020, Bukata co-founded the consulting company Love & Struggle. He co-authored and self-published a book, “WRITE on RACE to be RIGHT on RACE: Resource Journaling Guide.” His commitment to serving his community has included extensive leadership and volunteer involvement. He served on the Mankato Area Public Schools Board from 2021–2022 and received the Facing Race Award in 2014. Throughout the years, Bukata has contributed his time and leadership to numerous boards, organizations, and community initiatives, including the Blandin Foundation Board, Mount Olive Lutheran School Board, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, Mayo Clinic Mankato Hospital Board, YMCA of Mankato Board of Directors, Mankato Police Reform Steering Committee, Mankato and Richfield Juneteenth celebration committees, Mankato’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Board, the African American Leadership Forum, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Board of Directors and the College of St. Scholastica’s Board of Trustees. Bukata is married to fellow Bethany alumna Lisa (Westendorf ’96), and together they have four children: Damani, Jalen, Zavier, and Zuri. Their family remains active in the church, with memberships at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Mankato and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato while in the area.
