December 2025 Newsletter

Alisha Siebers
Associate Vice President for College Advancement
Executive Director of the KVCC Foundation
asiebers@kvcc.edu
269.488.4821

Congratulations to our Cosmetology and Barbering Graduates!

We recently celebrated the inaugural graduating class of the Kalamazoo Valley School of Cosmetology and Barbering, a group of talented, driven and creative students who are now ready to enter Michigan’s beauty and wellness workforce. 

This first graduating class represents more than a new program chapter; it reflects Valley's commitment to expanding career pathways, supporting industry needs and preparing highly skilled professionals. 

From hands-on training to business and client-care education, these graduates are stepping boldly into careers as licensed cosmetologists, entrepreneurs and future salon leaders. 

Please join us in congratulating them on this historic achievement! See photos here.

Conference Explores Language Deprivation in Deaf, Hard of Hearing 

A first-of-its-kind Michigan conference brought together more than 300 educators, parents and professionals this past fall to address language deprivation among deaf and hard of hearing children. Hosted by Kalamazoo Valley and partner organizations, the event highlighted early language access, brain development and practical strategies for supporting DHH students.

“The goal of the conference was for parents, educators and professionals to leave with practical tools and hope,” said organizer and Valley faculty member Jamie Hunerjager.

Keynote and breakout sessions explored neurological impacts, accessible language practices, interpreting strategies and educational placement, with participants joining from across the state and abroad. To read more, click here.

PTK Students Spread Holiday Cheer

Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK,) the international honor society for two-year colleges, and Honors Program students had an eventful fall semester, earning statewide recognition for academic excellence while organizing several community service projects. From blood drives to holiday card making, these students made a difference through leadership, compassion and hard work.

More than 100 students with Phi Theta Kappa gathered to make handmade holiday cards for a long-term care facility, a nursing home and an addiction recovery center. The event promotes kindness and connection through small acts of creativity. 

“We have 150 cards that we can donate. This was more than last year, so we owe a big thank-you to everyone who participated,” said Analiese Puzon, PTK vice president of service. 

Valley to Honor Seven Community Leaders for MLK Day

For the second consecutive year, Kalamazoo Valley Community College will use the occasion of its longstanding annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day program at the college’s Texas Township Campus to honor community members doing extraordinary work in the areas of freedom, justice and democracy. The public is invited to the free event.

Seven leaders will be celebrated at the 2026 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Annual MLK Beyond the Dream Celebration: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Those interested in attending must RSVP by Jan. 21. Lunch is provided. Read more here.

Kalamazoo Valley Visiting Writers Series Events

Mary Hatch and Elizabeth Kerlikowske are co-authors of “Art Speaks: Paintings and Poetry.” Hatch and Kerlikowske will be at Kalamazoo Valley’s Texas Township Campus on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. in the Student Commons Lounge. Their work spans visual art and poetry and has appeared in dozens of exhibits and hundreds of public and private collections across North America. Learn about all of our Visiting Writers events here.