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.
Feb. 17, 2025

Greetings students!

Winter in Michigan is always an exciting time of year and winter semester provides its own joys and challenges. Whether you are joining us remotely, taking classes on campus or both, thank you for investing in your future by choosing Kalamazoo Valley.

We�ve reached the middle of the semester. How are you doing? Remember that humor and well-being are key values at Kalamazoo Valley. If winter has left you feeling drained, the college has activities to help you feel healthy in your mind, body and spirit. Did you know that as an enrolled student you have access to the Wellness and Fitness Center�s extensive equipment, pool and yoga room? If you are looking to experience something new, our museum exhibits and campuswide events can help you feel refreshed. Additionally, many college clubs and organizations are holding regular meetings. You might learn something new at a club or even make new friends. A calendar of activities is available on the homepage of the college website. I hope that you will take advantage of all that the college has to offer.

As I walk through our campuses and see you in the hallways, I continue to be amazed by your determination as you complete your education. Please remain resilient and positive. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your faculty members or to Student Development Services. We are here to help you achieve your goals.

Sincerely,

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

public safety
What To Do in a Medical Emergency
In the case of a medical emergency, here are some steps you can take:
  • Call for help by calling 4911 from any college phone or dialing 911.
  • Check for pulse and responsiveness of the patient.
  • Locate and remove AED from white cabinet and follow prompts.
  • Perform CPR as needed.
  • Stay with the victim until Kalamazoo Valley Public Safety arrives.
For more information, please refer to the yellow safety book located in all classrooms.
admissions, registration, and records
Promotional graphic for “Western Wednesday” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The event invites students interested in transferring to Western Michigan University to connect with WMU advisors and admissions representatives. Key dates listed are February 19, April 2 (noted as On-Site Admissions Day), April 9, and April 23. All sessions take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upper level of the cafeteria. Logos for Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College appear at the bottom. Text is in brown and gold tones on a light gray background.
Promotional graphic for “Transfer Tuesday” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, encouraging students to connect with college and university admissions representatives. The event is geared toward students unsure of which four-year institution to attend after completing their academic goals at Kalamazoo Valley. Dates listed are February 25, March 11, and March 25. Students are directed to visit transfer tables located in the lower level of the cafeteria between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The design features white and gray text on a bright pink background, with the Kalamazoo Valley logo in the bottom right corner.
kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (KVAAP)

KVAAP Student Highlight: Jaleesa Campbell

Meet Jaleesa Campbell, current first semester nursing student. She juggles school, work and family life, while remaining active in KVAAP. She works in the finance industry while raising four children and attending nursing classes. She plans to complete her BSN at Davenport University and then begin working in the healthcare industry.

 

When asked about her experience in KVAAP, Campbell said, �I wouldn't be where I am today without KVAAP. I am incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing program. The staff is exceptional, always ready to support you with whatever you need to succeed. They greet you with a smile and open arms, making you feel truly welcome. Ana is amazing, her knowledge and kindness have been extremely valuable, and I appreciate her so much.�


KVAAP Info Sessions:

  •          Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 5 p.m.
  •          Wednesday, Feb. 26 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College's School of Cosmetology & Barbering, announcing that discounted services are now available to the community. The design features a black styling comb and silver haircutting scissors on the left side. Bold black and bright blue text highlights the service offering. A blue arrow at the bottom contains a call to action: “For more information and to make an appointment visit [www.kvcc.edu/haircare.”](http://www.kvcc.edu/haircare.”) The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner.
libraries

Explore Black History in the Libraries
Search our online catalog or browse our displays to find print and electronic books about African American history.  Or, delve into these online databases:  
  • American Mosaic: The African American Experience: Includes hundreds of primary source documents, in addition to historical images. 
  • Ethnic NewsWatch: Contains newspaper, magazine and journal articles from ethnic and minority press, from 1959 to the present.
  • JSTOR: Explores the humanities and social sciences with deep coverage of African and African American studies. 
 
Ask a Librarian
Did you know that librarians can help with research and citation? Evaluating information? Or finding a book on a topic of interest? Ask a Librarian!


 cougar cafe
What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus?
There are a lot of tasty options to look forward to at the Cougar Cafe! From Feb. 17 - 20, warm up with some corn chowder. Monday, Feb. 17, enjoy our baked potato bar. Tuesday, Feb. 18, keep your day moving with a walking taco. Wednesday, Feb. 19, get some midweek energy with some meatloaf. Thursday, Feb. 20, finish strong with some chicken tenders.
 
Feb. 24 - 27 we will be serving chicken noodle soup. Monday, Feb. 24, get cozy with some chicken pot pie. Tuesday, Feb. 25, enjoy a wet burrito. Wednesday, Feb. 26, snack on some Asiago chicken. Thursday, Feb. 27, finish the week off strong with some beef stew. We look forward to serving you!

The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Options at the Bronson Healthy Living Campus


Promotional image for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Havirmill Café. The café will be open for lunch service only from Monday to Thursday, January 16 through February 27, between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. No reservations are needed. The design includes watercolor illustrations of a yellow pepper, red onion, and red pepper surrounding the café’s logo. Contact details at the bottom include the Facebook handle @KVculinaryeats and phone number 269.548.3200. The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley’s 418 (Four One Eight) dining experience. Text reads: “418 Four One Eight” WED. & THURS JAN. 29 – FEB. 27 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Last seating at 12:30 p.m.) Please call 269.548.3239 for reservations. Background is navy blue with faint outlines of various leafy vegetables. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right corner.
 The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
A wide-angle composite image showing the exterior of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) Bookstore. The storefront features large glass windows decorated with full-size images of diverse students and the KVCC logo in blue and white. The left section displays the bookstore hours, website (bookstore.kvcc.edu), and a freestanding sign. The center section includes the entrance door and students pictured in KVCC apparel. The right section continues the window graphics and includes a brick wall with signage for Kalamazoo Valley Community College above.

Get in the School Spirit at the Bookstore!
Classes are now in full swing! What a great time to pick up some new Cougar Swag to wear at home games, or at college and community events! From T-shirts to hoodies, decals to water bottles, the Texas Township Campus Bookstore has tons of cool Cougar items! Come on in and show off your Cougar spirit, or shop our online store at bookstore.kvcc.edu.

get involved on campus kalamazoo valley community college

Blue winter-themed flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College event titled "Button Up!". Decorative snowflakes are scattered across the background. Event Title: Button Up! Event Dates and Locations: Feb. 18 at CNM Lower Level Lobby, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at AWH Main Lobby, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at TTC Cafeteria Pit, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Description: Take a break from studying to create your own button and enjoy light refreshments! Imagery: To the right, three pin-back buttons are shown: A blue button with white “KV” in a circle (Kalamazoo Valley logo) A white button featuring a fierce cougar head and the word “COUGARS” in bold blue letters The back of a blank silver button Footer: Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo in white at the bottom right corner.

Colorful flyer for the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Bold text reads “LGBTQ+ diversity club” across a rainbow-striped background. Meetings are every Monday from noon to 1 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall, Room 205, downtown Kalamazoo. Contact Club Advisor Misti Mahon at mmahon@kvcc.edu. A note states the KVCC shuttle bus drops off at Anna Whitten Hall at 11:45 a.m. Mondays. Visuals include a hand-drawn megaphone, rainbow symbols, and gender icons on a black background. Kalamazoo Valley logo at the bottom.

Flyer for the Art and Animation Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Winter 2025. Meetings are held Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in CNM Room 65. Students are invited to join a diverse group of peers who enjoy watching and playing animated drawings in various forms. The club encourages creativity and inspiration. For more information, contact Aubrey Jewel Rodgers at arodgers@kvcc.edu. A note at the bottom mentions additional “game jam workshops” held on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Joshua Winters-Brown and Aubrey Jewel Rodgers. The background includes digital art tools like a stylus, tablet, pencil, sketchbook, and deadline calendar. Kalamazoo Valley logo appears in the corner.
Flyer for the Gaming Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The flyer has an 8-bit pixel art theme with blue grid background, a treasure chest, pixelated trees, and a "score" counter showing 18,500. Text reads: "You're invited to play a variety of games, from TTRPGs and board games to video games, and everything in between! We meet on Thursdays from 4–9 p.m., but you don’t have to come the entire time. Drop in when you can! We'll be in Room 1310 (TTC) all semester (except Feb. 20 when we will be in Room 2420). We hope to see you there!" Top left corner has “Gaming Club” logo; bottom right includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
Promotional image for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Valley Future Educators’ Club event titled “An Evening with Educators.” The event takes place on February 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Room 4240. It is open to any student interested in pursuing a career in education. Attendees will hear from individuals with various levels of experience and diverse jobs in the education field who will ask and answer questions. The design features school-themed illustrations, including a calculator, watercolor palette, notebook, protractor, paperclips, and push pins. The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner.

Harry Potter Club flyer from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The background features a parchment scroll, a Gryffindor robe, and a spellbook. The header reads "Harry Potter Club" in the signature Harry Potter font. Text: “We will be doing all the Harry Potter things that you wanted to do: crafts, playing Quidditch, discussing theories, Tri-Wizard Tournament, and so much more. Join us! 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.” Meeting Dates: Tuesday, February 11 Tuesday, February 25 Tuesday, March 11 Tuesday, March 25 Tuesday, April 8 Tuesday, April 22 Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Location: TTC, Room 3250 Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right.
Promotional image for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Music Club. The event is designed for students looking for a musical escape and a chance to connect with others over shared interests. Tagline reads, “Come together for good vibes!” The Music Club will meet on February 28, March 21, and April 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus (TTC). For more information, students are encouraged to contact Audrey Mattson at [amattson8174@mail.kvcc.edu](mailto:amattson8174@mail.kvcc.edu) or Bryce McGruder at [bmcgruder5086@mail.kvcc.edu](mailto:bmcgruder5086@mail.kvcc.edu). The background features dark purple leaves with a glowing neon border and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo in the bottom right corner.
Promotional flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Math Club Valentine’s Day Party. The background is light pink with red and pink decorative elements like roses, ribbon, and hearts. The text reads: “Kalamazoo Valley Community College Math Club is having a… Valentine’s Day Party.” Event details include: February 28 at 3:30 p.m., outside Room TTC 2220. For questions, contact [bkloosterma3302@mail.kvcc.edu](mailto:bkloosterma3302@mail.kvcc.edu). The Kalamazoo Valley logo is displayed in the bottom right corner.
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College's wellness event titled "Stan Yourself – Avoid Burnout and Make Time for YOU." The event is scheduled for February 25 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128. The text encourages students to prioritize self-care and rest as essential to academic success. Visual includes a large blue foam finger with "#1" to emphasize self-prioritization. The Kalamazoo Valley logo appears at the bottom right.

Promotional graphic for a Kalamazoo Valley Community College event titled "Study Methods? Lowkey Fire!" happening March 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128. The event focuses on building effective study methods and habits to make school easier. The graphic includes an image of Steve Buscemi’s “How do you do, fellow kids?” meme, framed in gold, and text explaining the importance of study habits in a playful tone. The Kalamazoo Valley logo appears in the bottom right corner, and the "Twenty Years at Kalamazoo Promise" logo is in the top right.

office of diversity and inclusion
Save the Date: Women�s History Month Event to Honor Anna Whitten
Mark your calendars for �A Life of Service: Anna Whitten Tribute Luncheon,� a Women�s History Month event hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. It will be held Wednesday, March 12, from noon to 1:30 p.m., in Room 128 at Anna Whitten Hall. The program will celebrate the legacy of Whitten, a longtime board member after whom the college�s Anna Whitten Hall is named. The afternoon will include a dedication of the newly installed interactive display in the Anna Whitten lobby about Whitten�s accomplishments at the college and in the community. She served on the Board of Trustees from 1968 until her death in 2016. Guests are encouraged to wear red in support of Equal Pay Day. The event is free, and RSVPs are not required. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Promotional flyer for Black History Month at Kalamazoo Valley Community College featuring a film screening of Pullman and the Railroad Rebellion. Event takes place Tuesday, February 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 4240 at the Texas Township Campus. The documentary explores the role African Americans played in shaping the Black middle class and civil rights movement through the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids—the first Black union chartered by the American Federation of Labor. A historical black-and-white image of passengers and porters at a train station is shown. Light snacks and beverages will be served. The 2025 theme is “African Americans and Labor.” Kalamazoo Valley logo appears at the bottom right.
Flyer promoting safeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone, hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The training is scheduled for February 26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 128, Anna Whitten Hall. The half-day suicide intervention training helps participants identify individuals at risk and connect them with professional resources such as crisis line workers or healthcare providers. Learning objectives include recognizing suicide warning signs, overcoming avoidance, applying the TALK steps (Talk, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe), and using community resources for support. Refreshments will be served. RSVP is encouraged by February 23 via the QR code. The training is open to faculty, staff, and students. Flyer includes Kalamazoo Valley logo and a bold yellow color scheme.

athletics

 
Don�t Miss the Last Home Basketball Games of the Season!
Saturday, Feb. 22 is the last home basketball games of the season for the Cougars. Show some love and cheer on the women�s basketball team and men�s basketball team when they play Grand Rapids Community College that day at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively! All home games are played in the main gym at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu.
 
Group photo of twelve smiling women standing on a stage in front of a balloon arch made of silver, black, and light blue balloons. The backdrop is a dark curtain. The women are dressed semi-formally in dresses and skirts, many wearing name badges on lanyards. The setting suggests a celebratory or formal event, possibly a recognition or awards ceremony.
Softball Team Helps Out at Night to Shine Prom Experience
It takes many volunteers to make the Tim Tebow Foundation�s Night to Shine Kalamazoo prom experience happen annually for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Cougar softball players were honored to be among them at this year�s event held on Friday, Feb. 7 at Southridge Church in Kalamazoo.
 
Group photo of fifteen young men standing in a donation sorting area. Most are wearing black or dark athletic clothing and baseball caps featuring a blue and white Cougar logo, indicating they are likely part of a sports team. They are smiling and posing together in front of shelves filled with sorted items like diapers, books, and hygiene products. Some donation bins and clothing racks are visible in the background, suggesting a volunteer or community service activity.
Men�s Baseball Team Volunteers at Food Pantry
Kalamazoo Valley men�s baseball players volunteered at the Twelve Baskets Food Pantry in Portage on Saturday, Feb. 8. The pantry, now celebrating 10 years, is located at 10332 Portage Road. It provides free perishable and non-perishable groceries to about 400 families weekly during four distribution days held monthly on alternating Fridays and Saturdays.
 
Group photo of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s women’s basketball team posing with a group of children and coaches indoors. Some players are in teal uniforms labeled “Cougars,” while others wear casual attire. The children, mostly girls, are smiling and standing among the athletes. The setting appears to be a campus lobby with a tiled floor, tan walls, and a table with a Cougars banner in the background. The team and guests are gathered in a friendly and welcoming environment, suggesting a community or youth outreach event.
Women�s Basketball Team Marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day
In recognition of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Valley�s women�s basketball players worked with the Junior Pro Youth Basketball Program, coached by Health Campbell from Marcellus. The group joined them for some meet-and-greet fun during their recent Conference win against Kellogg Community College. The Lady Cougars say they are proud of the girls because they dominated with a 6 -1 record despite being the smallest team in their program. Each year, National Girls & Women in Sports Day honors achievements like this of females in sports.
 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.
 Color photograph of special effects artist Ray Harryhausen animating a small skeleton warrior model. He is leaning on a tabletop, looking closely at the articulated figure posed with a sword and shield. The scene is lit with dramatic red lighting, and the image appears framed like a film reel with "Kodak Safety Film" printed vertically on the left edge.
See Three Iconic Stop-Motion Animation Movies for Free
Celebrate the legendary artistry of Ray Harryhausen, the master of stop-motion animation, at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! Enjoy an enchanting series of FREE movie screenings featuring some of his iconic films. These screenings tie in with the traveling exhibit �Ray Harryhausen: Miniature Models of the Silver Screen,� currently on view at the museum through April 27. While there is no cost to see the films, tickets will only be available at noon on the day of each show at the front desk, or online. Due to limited seating, it is first come, first served. Here�s the lineup: Sunday, March 30, �The 7th Voyage of Sinbad�; Sunday, April 6, �Jason and the Argonauts�; and Sunday, April 13, �Clash of the Titans.� All showtimes are at 1 p.m. Guests are invited to return for a special in-depth panel discussion exploring Harryhausen�s enduring legacy led by Connor Heaney, curator for the Harryhausen Foundation, at 1 p.m. April 27.
20th Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (2005-2025)
Film About Fretboard Festival�s 20-Year History Screened March 2
Learn the 20-year story of Kalamazoo's Fretboard Festival through a documentary commissioned by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. It will be shown for FREE on Sunday, March 2 at 1 p.m. at the museum. Hear from local area musicians and those in the music community who have been a part of the Fretboard Festival's celebration of the history, heritage and music of fretted instruments, along with the people who make and play them. This film will last 45 minutes. Tickets will be available on the day of the film screening at the museum's front desk. Return later in the month for this year�s Fretboard Festival on Friday, March 21, and all day on Saturday, March 22. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for details.

colorful collections of the kalamazoo valley museum

Two New Fun Exhibits Highlight Items from the Museum�s Archives
�Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� opened Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, respectively, and will be on display through Aug. 31. �Colorful Collections� features items from the permanent collection of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum displayed in a rainbow of hues. Delve into the color spectrum like never before as you enjoy some of the brightest and boldest examples from the KVM's collection. �The Art of Advertising� showcases nostalgic signs and advertisements from local businesses from the museum�s archives, offering up an eclectic mix of advertising paraphernalia from bygone eras.

 Painting of an elderly man smiling warmly while wearing a large brown cowboy hat and a maroon western-style shirt adorned with colorful decorative patches and a bolo tie. His face is expressive, showing deep wrinkles and joy. The background transitions smoothly from green at the bottom to blue at the top, creating a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere.

Local Black History Shared in Two Mini-Exhibits
Learn interesting local Black history facts from two mini-exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, on display now through March 2. The �One Family's Legacy: The Williams-Johnson Family� mini-exhibit features photos and mementos representing over 100 years of Black history in Kalamazoo, curated with the assistance of community leader Jacob Mabry Pinney-Johnson. Pinney-Johnson is a fourth-generation Kalamazoo resident whose family members were important to the history of Southwest Michigan. The second mini-exhibit, "Collecting Black History: Murphy Darden's Legacy,� showcases items collected by late Kalamazoo historian and artist Murphy Darden, including artifacts, images and historic documents chronicling the achievements of African Americans, as well as his artwork. Admission is free.
 
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400