January 2026 Newsletter

Sonya Bernard-Hollins '91
Alumni Relations Manager

Then... A Flashback to the First Graduation

While campuses across the country made headlines in the late 1960s with Vietnam War protests, Civil Rights marches and clashes with the “establishment,” Kalamazoo Valley was writing a different kind of student story.

In the midst of a tense national climate, our students chose a positive response: a “Reverse Protest.” It was their way of pushing back against the negativity surrounding college students and showing that student voices could also be joyful and community-focused.

One unforgettable flashback photo shows students hoisting Kalamazoo Valley's first president, Dale B. Lake, on their shoulders and chanting, “Lake is no Fake!”

Kalamazoo Valley Community College launched in 1966 with more than 800 students from across Michigan eager to begin the inaugural term and be a part of something brand new. These early Cougars didn’t just attend classes. They helped shape the campus culture. Administrators welcomed student input, and students responded with pride, optimism and plenty of personality.

See these and other fun historic images HERE.

Do you have a Kalamazoo Valley memory from the early days? We’d love to see it. Email shollins@kvcc.edu to share your memories for a possible highlight.

And, Now... Kalamazoo Valley Cosmetology Grads Celebrate Fashion Eras

The first class of Kalamazoo Valley's School of Cosmetology and Barbering celebrated fashion through time. Students researched and worked in teams to represent decades through hair, makeup and costume design. A fashion show was held to highlight and celebrate their creativity. Congrats to the inaugural November 2025 graduates! The School of Cosmetology and Barbering offers discounted services to the community. Book your appointment HERE.

Check out the images from their show HERE.

Making 'Dessert First' a Sweet Success

Meka Phillips founded Dessert First in Kalamazoo in 2011. Her shop features boutique-style desserts and specialty personalized cakes to celebrate every occasion.   

Why did you attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

I graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, and, as a local, Kalamazoo Valley Community College was part of my community. After high school, I attended Hampton University, but I returned to Kalamazoo Valley, where I earned my associate of science degree before transferring to Western Michigan University to complete my bachelor of science. 

When did you realize you could turn your idea into a real business? 

After college, I worked for PNC Bank. In 2011, I took baking classes for fun at Michael’s Arts and Craft Store, and was soon asked to teach one. After a couple of years, I started selling desserts at the local farmers’ market — and that’s when I realized I had built such a strong following that I needed to focus on custom cakes. 

Which skills from Kalamazoo Valley show up in your business today? 

My classes taught me the finance, business and communication skills I need to run a business and communicate effectively with my staff. 

Read more of Meka's story HERE.

Are you an alumni with a business? Sign up for our Alumni Business Directory and you could be our next Alumni Business Spotlight! SIGN UP HERE.

Wind Turbine Technician Academy Celebrates Graduates

The Wind Turbine Technician Academy graduated new students in December. The program provides a fast track to jobs that are in demand and pay high wages. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers this course as a non-credit, full-time program allowing men and women the chance to be job ready in less than six months. Students attend Monday through Friday, eight hours each day for 24 weeks. Training is held at Kalamazoo Valley's Groves Campus. To see more graduation photos, click HERE. To learn more about becoming a student of the nation's leading training program for wind turbine technicians, click HERE.

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.