Kalamazoo valley community college

InFocus: news for the kalamazoo valley community college students

MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Dec. 9, 2024

Greetings students!

One of the sure signs of nearing the end of the semester is celebrating student success during Commencement!

The college community will commemorate student success during Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 15. We expect great participation and a large crowd of family members and friends at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium beginning at 2 p.m. We hope that you will attend and enjoy the ceremony; graduation is one of life's landmark events and will be a key part of your life's timeline. It's a symbol of change, progression and moving on to a new life.
 
For those of you graduating, congratulations! You've proven to yourself and to the world that you know how to work hard and that you can see things through to the end. For those of you who continue to press forward, we are cheering for you and can't wait to celebrate you at a future Commencement!
 
I wish for all of you the drive, focus and health you need to finish up the semester strong. Persevere just a little longer and soon we all will be celebrating the end of the fall semester!


Sincerely,

signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President


admissions, registration, and records
Promotional image for the 2024 Commencement Celebration at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Event Date and Time: Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m.
The background is bright blue with large, semi-transparent “2024” text behind the main title.
Elegant white script reads “Commencement,” while bold black text states “Celebration.”
Large block text across the bottom says, “CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES.”
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right corner.
Celebrate Commencement Dec. 15

Whether you are graduating this year or showing support for your classmates, we invite you to join us for commencement! The 91st Commencement of Kalamazoo Valley Community College is scheduled for Sunday, Dec.15, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium, on the campus of Western Michigan University. Parking is free in the ramp or Lots 33 & 34 that are adjacent to the auditorium. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Now for Winter Semester
Registration is underway for winter semester! The semester starts Jan. 13 and classes are filling up quickly. If you need help figuring out what classes to take, make an appointment with an advisor or counselor by calling 269.488.4040.


Bright pink flyer for Transfer Tuesday at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Left side text:
“TRANSFER TUESDAY” in large white and pink text. Below it reads:
“Are you unsure of what four-year college or university you want to attend after you complete your academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley?”
Right side text:
“Connect with college and university admissions representatives at Transfer Tuesday.
Dec. 10
Look for transfer tables in the lower level cafeteria between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.”
Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
student employment services
Looking for a Job, Internship, Apprenticeship and/or Volunteer Opportunity?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach, Kalamazoo Valley�s online job board, to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for something different other than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment.

Here are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:

Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information
Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Secretarial openings at several local schools
Office Supervisor � Neuropsychology Associates
Paraprofessional Intervention � Portage Public Schools
Tech Intern � Kalamazoo Public Schools

 
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Multiple opportunities at Greenleaf Hospitality Group
 
Education
Education-related opening
Lead Teacher � Early Learning Professional � YWCA Kalamazoo
 
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Electrician � Graphic Packaging International
Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship � Greenleaf Hospitality
Tool and Die Journeyman � Harloff Manufacturing Company LLC
CNC Machinist  � Smith Metal
HVAC Service Technician � CTI Mechanical Contractors Inc.

 
General Studies
Atrium Attendant, Room Attendant and similar positions � Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Day Custodian � Portage Public Schools
Recreation/Sports Specialist 1 � Western Michigan University


Health Careers
Dental Hygienist � Texas Corners Dental
Medication Technician � Vineyard Assisted Living
Medical Scribe � iScribeMD

 
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Referral Specialist � Family Health Center
Skill Building Technician � Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Case Coordination Specialist � Residential Opportunities, Inc.
Enhanced Behavioral Supports Technician � Residential Opportunities, Inc.

 
Volunteer/Unpaid Internship Opportunities
Care Collective Volunteer � Care Collective of Southwest Michigan
Writer/Journalist Internship � The Borgen Project
Game Operations Intern � Greenleaf Hospitality

Flyer for the KVAAP Program Showcase at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Event Date and Time: Thursday, November 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128.
Headline: “CAREER” with illustrated icons including gears, trophies, rockets, and charts.
Subheading: “Join KVAAP at The Program Showcase.”
Text: “Are you an undecided student? This event is for you! Come learn about Kalamazoo Valley’s programs that lead to exciting careers!”
Programs listed include:
– Business
– Sociology
– Culinary Arts Brewing
– Art and New Media
– Counseling
– Communication
– Liberal Arts
– and more
A circular blue badge highlights: “Register for classes, Enjoy free pizza, Interact with staff and students.”
RSVP instructions provided via a QR code.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right.


libraries

Library Returns
In all the end-of-the-semester hustle, don�t forget it is time to return borrowed library materials.
  • Return all borrowed materials by the last day of the semester, Saturday, Dec. 14.
  • Drop off books and media at any book drop or library service desk.
  • Return laptops and hot spots to the circulation desk at either library.
  • Use the convenient 24/7 book drop outside the Tower entrance at the Texas Township Campus to return books and media.
  • The Libraries will assess student account holds and replacement fees for unreturned material.
Study Spaces
Both the Texas Township Campus (TTC) and Anna Whitten Hall (AWH) libraries have quiet and scenic study spaces with computer and printer access. Stretch out and enjoy a drink or snack. The TTC Library has study rooms available on a walk-in basis, and the lower level study room has a computer workstation with a webcam, so you can attend a Zoom class in the library.

Hours and Contact Information
cougar cafe
Cougar Cafe: This Week�s Menu
There are some tasty options at the Cougar Cafe on our Texas Township Campus for all to enjoy this week! Stop by Monday through Thursday for some lemon orzo soup. Looking for something else? Monday, Dec. 9, the cafeteria will be serving a baked potato bar. Tuesday, Dec. 10, come get your fixings for a taco salad. Wednesday, Dec. 11, get cozy with some chicken potpie. Thursday, Dec. 12, we will be serving shepherd�s pie. With a lot of options to choose from, the Cougar Caf� has you covered!
Promotional flyer for Drop-In Fitness Classes at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Wellness & Fitness Center.
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, now through December 12, at 5:15 p.m. in Room 6040.
Slogan in bold yellow text reads: “Don’t let the cold get you down.”
The design includes illustrations of workout equipment: a water bottle, silver dumbbell, blue hand weights, and a pink jump rope, with a black and yellow background.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right.
Promotional flyer for Taps on Tuesdays at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Dates and Time: Now through December 10 (except October 29), Tuesdays from 5–7 p.m.
Location: 418 Restaurant, Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary & Allied Health Building.
Description: A happy hour–style event hosted by Kalamazoo Valley’s brewing department. Beer and food pairings, appetizers, and wine are available for purchase. Walk-ins only; no reservations required.
Faculty, staff, students, and alumni receive 50% off purchases.
The flyer features a logo with a beer tap and the words “Taps on Tuesdays KVCC.”
Logos for Kalamazoo Valley and brewing symbols are also included.

Promotional flyer for the Harry Potter Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Background shows a wizard-themed street with glowing shop windows, resembling Diagon Alley.
A parchment scroll overlay includes the following information:
"Please take the Harry Potter house quiz at wizardingworld.com/sorting-hat before you come, and email your results to Ariana Schultz at aschultz1564@mail.kvcc.edu."
Event Date and Time: Tuesday, December 10, from 4–6 p.m.
Location: Room 4230, TTC campus.
For questions, contact Russ Barnes at rbarnes@kvcc.edu or Ariana Schultz at the email above.
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right.

office of diversity and inclusion
Join Save the Date for Valley's MLK Jr. Celebration on Jan. 30
Mark your calendar! Join Kalamazoo Valley Community College at our Martin Luther King Jr. discussion luncheon honoring three community members on Thursday, Jan. 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus. Watch for more details soon! The free event will be open to the general public, as well as the campus community.

Join our Distribution List for Upcoming Events
Thank you everyone for the incredible engagement and attendance at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion�s numerous programs this fall! Ranging from exploring neurodiversity and psychological safety and celebrating multiple cultures and much more, attendees tell us these events are spurring dialogue and learning. Periodically, we share information about upcoming events with individuals on our distribution list. If you would like to be added to the list, click here to complete a short Google Form. 


The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore

 
Fall Book Buyback Scheduled for Dec. 16 - 20
It's time for Book Buyback! Get cash for your used Fall 2024 books. Come out Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Find out which books will be accepted and for what amount at the Bookstore website at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Questions? Call 269.488.4030.
 
Bookstore Selling Uniforms for Winter Semester Classes
Attention brewing, barbering and cosmetology students! The Bookstore is your place for uniforms! The Bookstore works with your faculty and vendors to get you the best value, and you can use your financial aid! Stop on by the Texas Township Campus Bookstore, or order online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. We also have class kits and relevant supplies such as stethoscopes, penlights, train cases, study aids and more. The Bookstore � so much more than books!


Bookstore Accepts Winter Financial Aid on Jan. 2
Jan. 2 is the first day that students can use winter financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. However, online orders can be placed anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders can be mailed to one's home or other address, or held for pickup at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore or at the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. Shipping is $5.

Winter-themed promotional flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore.
Large white handwritten-style text on the left reads: “Baby it’s Cold Outside.”
On the right, a message encourages shoppers to visit the Texas Township Campus Bookstore for a wide selection of winter gear, including hats, gloves, scarves, warm hoodies, cardigans, and handmade Nepalese woolen gloves by Rising International—great for gifting.
Shoppers can visit in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
The bottom right features a cartoon snowman wearing a “COUGAR” beanie, scarf, and gloves, saying: “Stay warm out there!”
The Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore logo appears at the bottom.
 
athletics
Four smiling young women stand outside near a brick wall on a snowy day, posing for a group selfie. They are dressed warmly in winter jackets, with two wearing black beanies—one featuring a Kalamazoo Valley Cougars logo. All four are wearing black Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball apparel. A snowy parking lot and trees are visible in the background through a window.
Softball Team Helps Salvation Army Raise Funds
Kudos to the Lady Cougars softball team for collecting donations as Salvation Army bell ringers! They served outside the Harding's Market in the Woodbridge Shopping Village in Portage on Saturday, Dec. 7.

FREE Home Basketball Games at Valley!
Conference play doesn�t officially begin until January, but you can check out the winning moves of Kalamazoo Valley�s women�s and men�s basketball teams now! They�ve been doing extremely well in pre-season games. Home games are always free in the main gym on our Texas Township Campus. One of these dates below is sure to fit your schedule!
WOMEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. (vs. Jackson College)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. (vs. North Central Michigan College)
MEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Washtenaw Community College)
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Jackson College)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. (vs. North Central Michigan College)
 For the full schedule and scores, click here.
 
 what's happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. the kalamazoo valley museum is operated by kalamazoo valley community college and is governed by its board of trustees.

Free Winter Break Fun for Children Planned at the Museum
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum invites the whole family to enjoy FREE activities during winter break, Dec. 27 through Jan. 4 � all centered around STEM mysteries! Expect magic presentations and workshops, hands-on fun, cool demonstrations and planetarium shows. Admission to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and all �Mysteries at the Museum� winter break activities is free, excluding the planetarium shows, which are $3 per person. Seating is first come, first served for the planetarium shows and certain programming. For the schedule and activity descriptions, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
 
Promotional graphic for a new exhibit titled "Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art" at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The exhibit runs through January 5, 2024, and is free to attend. The exhibit features eighty carvings, sculptures, textiles, and regalia that illuminate the histories, symbolism, and values of the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The image includes two ornate symbolic artifacts, one oval-shaped and the other a medallion with a sunburst and triangle motif. Text includes museum address (230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo), website (kalamazoomuseum.org), and phone number (269-373-7990).
�Mystery and Benevolence� Exhibit Ends Jan. 5
Step into the mysterious world of secret societies with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s newest exhibit, �Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art�! The captivating, free traveling exhibition is on display now through Jan. 5. Eighty carvings, sculptures, textiles and regalia bring to light the histories, symbolism and values of the Freemasons and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking visitors behind the veil of these intriguing fraternal orders that have had an influence on contemporary American popular culture.
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400