From the Office of Alumni Relations |
Hello, *{{Informal Name}}*, |
We often celebrate women of national stature during Women’s History Month; however, Kalamazoo Valley Community College also has history to celebrate. Marilyn J. Schlack was a trailblazer who shaped higher education right here in Kalamazoo County.
Schlack joined the college in 1974 following a career in teaching and counseling. She served as assistant dean for general studies and later advanced to dean of instruction and executive dean. On Oct. 1, 1982, she became the college’s second president, succeeding founding President Dale B. Lake — making history as the first woman to serve as president of a Michigan community college. The above historic picture captures Lake passing the presidential mantle to Schlack. She led the college until her retirement in 2017. Schlack died in 2021 at age 85.
This Women’s History Month, we honor a leader whose vision and courage helped build the foundation of educational excellence at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Let’s go, alumni. |
Sonya Bernard-Hollins '91
Alumni Relations Manager |
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Then ... Club on the Road
Kalamazoo Valley Community College students hit the road in 1976 on bicycles. The 18 students were led by former instructors Paul Millikan and Phil Wilson on an adventure from sea to shining sea. They covered 3,500 miles in 32 days to celebrate the country's bicentennial. The faculty duo led the club they founded in 1973 as a unique social studies/physical education experience to test students' endurance, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Throughout the years, themed trips inspired students to discover the wonders of Michigan, America's Southwest and Florida.
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And, Now ... Clubs Galore
Today, there are more than two dozen student clubs at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Each club provides a unique, exciting opportunity to connect with students, learn new skills and find your passion.
Do you have a Kalamazoo Valley Community College memory from the early days? We’d love to see your photos or hear your inspirational stories. Contact shollins@kvcc.edu to share your memories for a possible Alumni Spotlight. |
Alumni Return for Speed Mentoring
What is it like rushing in the ambulance on a call? Will the nursing field allow me the flexibility to raise my children? Those were just some of the many questions asked of Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumni during a recent Speed Mentoring event presented by the advisors of Student Development Services. Pictured, at left, are alumni Saeed Saidali, Danielle Mercier, Chloe Orton, LeAnn VanderWall, Faye Scott-Farnsworth and Brittany Nelson.
Twenty-four students joined an interactive rotating conversation with professionals who shared the perks and challenges of being in the healthcare profession. Alumni represented the nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/EMS, medical assisting, respiratory care and pharmacy tech career fields.
Are you an alumnus with experience that would benefit students in your career field? Email Sonya Hollins, alumni relations manager, to share your interest in future mentoring opportunities.
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Law Enforcement Academy Celebrates 100th Graduating Class
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Law Enforcement Academy celebrated the program’s 100th graduating class in December. Two of those students were officers Terryn Williams and Lauryn Mohney, who work for the Pokagon Tribal and Covert Township police departments, respectively.
Follow Kalamazoo Valley Law Enforcement and Corrections Academy on Facebook. To learn more about becoming a student of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Police and Corrections Academy, click here. |
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Our Contact Information
Alumni Relations
6767 West O Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49009
269.488.4347 shollins@kvcc.edu
www.kvcc.edu/alumni |
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