College and Museum Closed January 23rd Due to Inclement Weather
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.
March 24, 2025

Greetings students,

Together with over 1,000 other community colleges across the country, Kalamazoo Valley will celebrate Community College Month during April. This nationwide, monthlong initiative was designed to improve awareness about the academic and economic advantages of attending community colleges. 

We are delighted that you have chosen to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College. You are a part of a large group of intelligent and determined individuals who recognize the unmistakable value of attending Valley. Community colleges like ours should be the first choice of many college-bound students, because, in addition to offering quality education from caring instructors who love to teach, we are vital to our local and state economies.

Community colleges are a uniquely American educational model designed to guarantee access to affordable, high-quality higher education for all. I�m proud to be a part of an inclusive institution that offers opportunity to everyone. I am also proud of our staff and faculty and I am proud of you! More than 320,000 students have enrolled at the college since 1966. You are a part of a legacy of thousands of Kalamazoo Valley cougars who have used their education to help our region prosper and grow.

Therefore, during this month of celebration, I celebrate you and thank you for making Kalamazoo Valley your choice.

Congratulations and thank you for positively influencing our community!

Sincerely,

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

admissions, registration, and records
Deadline to Petition to Graduate is March 31
Are you planning to graduate in April? The deadline to petition to graduate for winter semester completion is March 31. Students who petition after the deadline may not have their names printed in the April 2025 Commencement program book. Click here to submit your application. more

Join Upcoming Health Careers Application Workshops
Are you planning on applying to one of our health careers programs? The application period is April 1 - 15. Join upcoming workshops to learn how to navigate the process with confidence. Take part on any of the following dates:
�    March 24 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Click here to join via Zoom
�    April 1 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Texas Township Campus, Room 1310
�    April 4 | Noon - 2 p.m. | Anna Whitten Hall (downtown) Room 128
�    April 8 | 5 - 7 p.m. | Click here to join via Zoom
No RSVP is required to attend. more

Fall 2025 Registration Opens April 7, Class Schedule Available
Registration for the Fall 2025 semester opens the week of April 7 and is based on earned credit hours. Click here to view the Fall 2025 course schedule. Fall registration dates are as follows:
  • Students with 36 or more credit hours | April 7 | 8 a.m.
  • Students with 24 or more credit hours | April 8 | 8 a.m.
  • Students with 12 or more credit hours | April 9 | 8 a.m.
  • Registration for all other students | April 10 | 8 a.m.
Payment is due Monday, July 14 by 7 p.m., when registration temporarily closes for non-payment cancellations. Upon reopening on July 17, classes that are not paid for, on a payment plan, covered by financial aid or covered by a third-party will be dropped after five business days of registration. Advisors and counselors are available to help students select the correct courses for each degree plan. To schedule an appointment, call 269.488.4040.
Bright pink flyer for "Transfer Tuesday" hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Students unsure about which four-year college or university to attend after KVCC are invited to connect with admissions representatives. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, with transfer tables available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level cafeteria. Text encourages students to explore transfer options and meet with college reps. Kalamazoo Valley logo appears in the lower right corner
Promotional flyer for Western Michigan University On-Site Admission Event. Event takes place Wednesday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus cafeteria. Students interested in transferring to WMU can meet with advisors and admissions representatives to learn about transfer resources. Students who apply at or before the event may receive a same-day admissions decision. Image includes students smiling and posing with Kalamazoo Valley’s blue cougar mascot. Includes logos for KVCC and Western Michigan University, plus a QR code labeled "Scan to Register." Website listed: www.kvcc.edu
Promotional flyer for "Western Wednesday" hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University. Event is for students interested in transferring to WMU. Attendees can connect with advisors and admission representatives from Western Michigan University. Event dates are Wednesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 23. All sessions run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upper level of the cafeteria. Includes logos for Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Digital flyer promoting the Kalamazoo Valley Shuttle Service. On the left is an illustration of a white shuttle van. On the right, text reads: “Kalamazoo Valley Shuttle Service. Scan the code for the survey!” Below the QR code it says, “Please take this short survey to help us improve the shuttle service.” The flyer includes the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo in the bottom right corner
Digital flyer for the Ned Foskey Poetry Prize hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Header reads: “The Ned Foskey Poetry Prize.” A QR code is displayed in the top right corner with the instruction “Scan the QR code for details and guidelines.” The deadline for submission is Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Any registered Kalamazoo Valley Community College student is eligible. Prizes are: First place: $150 Second place: $100 Third place: $75 Students may submit up to three previously unpublished poems. The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right. The background is a textured yellow and gray gradient.
A graphic of three colored pencils—red, cream, and beige—blending into swirling rainbow ribbons in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The ribbons flow across a white background. In the bottom-right corner, the words "Writing Contest" are displayed, with "Writing" in red cursive and "Contest" in blue cursive font
English Department Essay Contest
Students, turn your prose into profit and get published! Enter your essays in the Kalamazoo Valley Community College annual essay contest to be eligible to compete for cash awards and publication in the 2024-2025 edition of Winning Essays, which will appear online, not in printed form. This publication becomes part of the Kalamazoo Valley library's permanent collection. Entries should be essays written in English 098, 099, 110, 111, and 160, and in any 200-level English literature class. Winners will be notified by mail during the summer of 2024 as soon as the judges have made their decisions. more
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.
 
Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
 
Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information
Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Client Access Specialist � Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Accounts Payable/Accounting/Payroll Clerk � Harding�s Markets West
Elementary Media Secretary � Portage Public Schools
Administrative Quality Specialist � Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
 
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Several opportunities - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Kitchen Crew � East Egg Campus (WMU)
Life Story Chef � Betzler Life Story Funeral Home
 
Education
Paraprofessional � Several jobs at local schools
Part-Time Advanced Early Learning Professional � YWCA
Part-Time Tutor � Best Brains Learning Center
Classroom Coordinator � Tri-County Head Start
 
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Service Repair Technician � Fluid Power Engineering
Apprentice Ironworker � Ironworkers Local 25
Process Technician for Plastic Injection Molding � W-L Molding
Welder/Fabricator � Walinga USA
 
General Studies
Golf Course Grounds Attendant � Kalamazoo Country Club
Several general entry-level jobs � Greenleaf Hospitality Group
 
Health Careers
Dental Hygienist � Several Opportunities
 
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Supportive Live-in Educator for Children with Special Needs � Apex Social Group
Community Health Worker � Family Health Center
libraries

The Libraries Have a Database for That�
The Libraries subscribe to over 100 databases - searchable online collections of articles - so that you have access to high quality information for free.  If you have a research project of any kind, chances are we have a database for that.

 
Ask a Librarian
Need help using a database? Evaluating information? Or finding a book on a topic of interest? Ask a Librarian!
Promotional graphic for Kalamazoo Valley Community College's School of Cosmetology & Barbering. A black styling comb and silver barber scissors are shown on the left. The text reads: “Kalamazoo Valley Community College SCHOOL OF COSMETOLOGY & BARBERING is NOW offering discounted services to the community.” A blue arrow at the bottom includes the text: “For more information and to make an appointment visit www.kvcc.edu/haircare.” The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is displayed at the bottom right.
cougar cafe
What's for Lunch at the Texas Township Campus?
We have delicious offerings to enjoy over at the Cougar Cafe this week! From March 24 - 27, stop by for some white chicken chili. Monday, March 24, start the week off right with some orange chicken. Tuesday, March 25, it is taco Tuesday! Wednesday, March 26, enjoy some lasagna. Thursday, March 27, finish the week with General Tso�s chicken. The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Options Downtown

Promotional flyer for Havirmill Café at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Decorative watercolor illustrations of vegetables, including a yellow bell pepper, red pepper, and red onion, are featured at the top. The center text reads: “HAVIRMILL CAFE WILL BE OPEN MONDAY – THURSDAY | MARCH 17 – APRIL 17 11:30 A.M. – 1 P.M. LUNCH SERVICE ONLY – NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED” Footer includes the Facebook icon with the handle “KVculinaryeats”, phone number 269.548.3200, and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo.
kalamazoo valley youth summer camps
Register Now for Kalamazoo Valley Summer Camps
Looking for some summer fun for your kids or grandchildren? Explore Kalamazoo Valley�s wide variety of youth summer camps. From athletics to hands-on learning, there�s plenty at Kalamazoo Valley to keep kids busy all summer long. Click here to learn more.
Promotional poster for a concert featuring rapper Juicy J, hosted by the Campus Activities Board at Western Michigan University. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at Miller Auditorium. Text states: “Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.” Image of Juicy J wearing yellow sunglasses, a white outfit, and jewelry is on the right. A "Parental Advisory: Explicit Content" label is in the top-right corner. Social media icons for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Spotify appear at the top, with the handle @wmucab. A note at the bottom reads: “Kalamazoo Valley Community College students can purchase tickets for 50% OFF in person at Miller Auditorium with a valid Valley ID. The discount does NOT apply to online ticket sales.” Includes Kalamazoo Valley Community College and KV logos.
Get discounted tickets (50% off!) with your Valley ID. Tickets must be purchased in person at Miller Auditorium.
 The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
Wide photo collage of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College campus bookstore exterior, shown from three angles. The storefront features brick walls, large black-framed windows, and blue window decals with the white "KV" logo. Full-length images of diverse KVCC students are displayed on the window panels, promoting school spirit. One panel includes the website "bookstore.kvcc.edu" and summer hours listed as Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. A folding sign labeled “Bookstore” is visible near the entrance
Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
Attention April graduates! Commencement regalia is available until 5 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Also for sale are diploma frames, mortarboard graphics and more. The graduation ceremony is Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. You can also shop online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
get involved on campus at kalamazoo valley community college

Workshop flyer titled “Is My Brain Working Against Me?” Subheading reads: “Probably, but not on purpose! There are reasons we procrastinate and, in this workshop, we’re going to talk about them and then look at some ways we can avoid it.” Event details: March 25 | 3 – 4 p.m. | TTC 4230 Two cartoon brain illustrations are featured: one with flames on top and a panicked expression, and another in a relaxed, meditative pose. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom. Background features a large light blue "KV" watermark
Harry Potter Club flyer. Text on aged parchment background reads: "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, March 25 Tuesday, April 8 Tuesday, April 22 Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Location: TTC | Room 3250 Background includes Harry Potter imagery with Gryffindor crest and Hogwarts-themed props. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right corner
Flyer for “Mathematic Madness” hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Math Club. Event date: March 28 at 3:30 p.m. in TTC Room 2220. Description: "Watch Kalamazoo Valley’s biggest uber-dorks compete to earn the title of 'Biggest Math Nerd' through an event full of math challenges!" For questions, contact bkloosterma3302@mail.kvcc.edu. The flyer features colorful math-related illustrations, including protractors, rulers, calculators, a triangle diagram labeled A, B, and C, and math operation symbols. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears at the bottom right.
Flyer for a Kalamazoo Valley Community College event titled “Make the Friendship Bracelets, take the moment and taste it!” Description: Join in to create friendship bracelets to share with friends, classmates, coworkers, and family. Light refreshments will be served. Event Dates and Locations: Tuesday, April 1 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | CNM Lower Level Lobby Wednesday, April 2 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | AWH Main Lobby Thursday, April 3 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | TTC Cafeteria Pit The flyer has a green background and is decorated with colorful beaded bracelet graphics. One bracelet spells “KALAMAZOO VALLEY,” and another says “GO COUGARS” with a heart bead. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is displayed in the bottom right corner
Flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College event titled “It’s Giving ‘Exam Ready!’” Event Date and Time: April 1, from 3 to 4 p.m. Location: TTC Room 4230 Description: A workshop to help students build a study schedule for final exams. Topics include study methods, time management, and strategies to find time to study. Visual elements include an illustration of an hourglass, stacked books, a checklist with one item checked off, and a pencil. Logos: Kalamazoo Valley Community College and The Kalamazoo Promise
Promotional flyer for “Study Palooza” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Audience: Biology and chemistry students preparing for upcoming tests. Event Description: Meet with instructors, review for final exams, and enjoy pizza and refreshments. Dates and Times: April 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. April 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Location: Lower Level Library RSVP Contact: Cynthia Schauer at cschauer@kvcc.edu Visuals include a laptop with a play icon, a book displaying a QR code labeled "scan for more info," a pencil, a plant, a smartphone, and a pencil holder with writing tools. Logo: Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Digital flyer for Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Music Club. Headline: Music Club Tagline: Are you looking for a great musical escape with people to relate? Come together for good vibes! Event Date and Time: April 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. Location: Room 4240, TTC (Texas Township Campus) Contact Information: Audrey Mattson: amattson8174@mail.kvcc.edu Bryce McGruder: bmcgruder5086@mail.kvcc.edu Background features purple leaves with neon pink and white glowing text elements. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner.

Promotional flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Talent Show. Event Date: April 18 at 7 p.m. Location: Dale B. Lake Auditorium Large stylized text on the left says "Show Your Talent" in white over a green layered shape on a blue background. Event details: "Have a talent? Sign up for our Kalamazoo Valley Talent Show! Any Kalamazoo Valley Community College student, faculty member, or alumni can participate in the talent show. Want to tune in? Doors open at 6 p.m." A QR code is included for sign-up, along with contact info: Email amattson8174@mail.kvcc.edu or bmcgruder5086@mail.kvcc.edu. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the lower right
Promotional flyer for the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The background features a rainbow-striped megaphone with colorful gender symbols and doodles on a black backdrop. Bold white text reads: “LGBTQ+ Diversity Club” Meeting Time: Every Monday from noon to 1 p.m. Location: Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Anna Whitten Hall, Downtown Kalamazoo, Room 205 Club Advisor: Misti Mahon, email: mmahon@kvcc.edu A note at the bottom states the college shuttle bus drops off at Anna Whitten Hall at 11:45 a.m. on Mondays. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is displayed in the bottom right

Promotional flyer for the Art and Animation Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for Winter 2025. Meeting Time: Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: CNM Room 65 Description: Students who enjoy watching, creating, and playing animated drawings in motion are invited to join. The club encourages creativity and inspiration. Contact: Aubrey Jewel Rodgers at arodgers@kvcc.edu Bonus sessions: “Game jam workshops” held Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with Joshua Winters-Brown and Aubrey Jewel Rodgers. Visuals include sketchbooks, a pen, a laptop, a calendar marked “deadline,” and digital drawing devices. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is at the bottom right
Flyer for the Gaming Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Design mimics a retro video game with pixelated text, trees, hearts, and a treasure chest. Header: "Gaming Club" in large pixel-style font. A “Score: 18500” label and three red hearts are at the top. Text: "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’ll be in Room 2420. We hope to see you there!" Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is in the bottom-right corner
Promotional flyer for “Coffee: Seed to Cup,” a series of educational sessions led by Gary Marquardt from Feedback Coffee & Education, hosted at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Session 1 – April 12, 10–11:30 a.m., $25: Covers coffee’s journey from farm to cup, including bean transformations and flavor differences based on brew methods. Session 2 – April 19, 10–11:30 a.m., $35: Focuses on the historical origins and trends in coffee culture from circa 1300 to present, including its popularity in the U.S. Session 3 – April 26, 10–11:30 a.m., $25: Discusses coffee-buying decisions, labels, price points, grind types, and includes tasting of three coffees. All classes held at Kalamazoo Valley’s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Contact: Charmelle Abdullah at 269-353-1268 or visit www.kvcc.edu/community/. A QR code and the Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo are also included. Image shows whole coffee beans and ground coffee in wooden and metal scoops on a rustic surface
Flyer for a class titled “Like Beer? Intro to Home Brewing” at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Date and Time: April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $130 Location: Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building. A large illustrated beer tap pours into a foamy mug on the right side of the flyer. A QR code in the upper right corner is labeled “Register Here.” The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is displayed at the bottom

office of diversity and inclusion
Three-panel photo collage from a Kalamazoo Valley Community College civil rights–themed event. Left panel: A man in a suit speaks at a podium to a seated audience. Several attendees are wearing red attire. Large windows and a projector screen are visible in the background. Center panel: A group of attendees pose together in front of a civil rights exhibit display featuring photos and informational panels. They are smiling and dressed in red, black, and patterned clothing. Right panel: A woman speaks at a podium with a Kalamazoo Valley Community College sign. A microphone and audience member's head are visible in the foreground.
Anna Whitten Hall�s Namesake Honored as Building Turns 20
Anna Whitten may be gone, but the legacy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s longest-serving board member is very much alive! It was heartwarming to see the large crowd of community and staff members at the March 12 Women�s History Month luncheon honoring Whitten on the 20th anniversary of Anna Whitten Hall, our downtown Kalamazoo instructional building being renamed after her. A highlight was the official unveiling of the new interactive display in the Anna Whitten Hall lobby chronicling Whitten�s life story and accomplishments. The audience was also treated to a moving video about Whitten�s inspirations and vast humanitarian record, followed by memories from retired Valley English and communications instructor Sadie Clark Miles who calls Whitten �her second mother.� Whitten, a respected Kalamazoo civil rights icon, joined the college�s Board of Trustees in 1968, serving until her death in 2016 at age 95. Read more here. Click here for more photos from the �A Life of Service: Anna Whitten Tribute Luncheon.� 

athletics

Team photo of the 2024–25 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Men’s Basketball team. Thirteen players wearing black jerseys with blue trim and the word “COUGARS” pose against a stylized basketball court background. Player names are listed above and below the image, from left to right: Top row (back): Corey George, Jackson Bushu, Benny Donald, Joe Liedel, Josh Wilson, John Sweeney. Bottom row (front): Brandon Downs, Ramere Draper, Josiah King, MaKyle Doss, Byron Linley, Jaremiah Palmer-Kirtdoll, Jamier Palmer-Kirtdoll. The background includes blue and purple gradient lighting with the Kalamazoo Valley Cougars logo in the corners.
Men's Basketball Makes History at National Tournament
It�s been an amazing ride for Kalamazoo Valley�s men�s basketball players this season, first winning their conference, then being named state champs and next qualifying to compete at the national tournament. While they did not win at nationals, they won the first round of play and a quarterfinal game, and in doing so made Kalamazoo Valley Community College history! This was the first time that the Cougars have ever won a game at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men's Basketball Championship since the college�s founding in 1966.

Also this season, Valley Head Men�s Basketball Coach Jim Horn was named Coach of the Year for the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) for 2024-2025. Then, sophomore guard Joey Liedel was chosen Western Conference Player of the Year, sophomore MaKyle Doss was selected Western Conference Defensive Player of the Year and and sophomore Ramere Draper was named to the National All-Tournament Team. Another point of pride was Liedel reaching the rare career college milestone of 1,000 points during a home game on Jan. 4.  

Free, Free, Free � Baseball and Softball Games!
Softball and baseball season is underway at Kalamazoo Valley Community College! You�re invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always free at the college�s Texas Township Campus. Here's the remaining home games now through May.
 
BASEBALL

  • 2 p.m. | Thursday | MARCH 27 vs. Lake Michigan College
  • 2 p.m. | Thursday | APRIL 3 vs. Lansing Community College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 12 vs. Ancilla College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 19 vs. Kellogg Community College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 26 vs. Lake Michigan College (double header)
  • 3 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 29 vs. Grand Rapids Community College (9 innings)
  • 2 p.m. | Thursday | MAY 1 vs. Glen Oaks Community College (double header)
SOFTBALL
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 5 vs. Glen Oaks Community College (double header)
  • 3 p.m. | Friday | APRIL 11 vs. Marian University�s Ancilla College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 12 vs. Lansing Community College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 26 vs. Glen Oaks Community College (double header)

For the full season schedule, click here.
 

 Banner graphic reading “What’s Happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.” The image includes the Kalamazoo Valley Museum logo with the "KV" in a blue circle and a tagline below stating that the museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and governed by its board of trustees. To the left are three small images: a smiling couple, a modern building, and children observing an exhibit.


Split image promoting the 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium. On the left side, a graphic logo features the text “Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium 2025” with a stylized black fork at the center, sprouting blue leaves from its top prongs. On the right side, a scenic photo shows a lake with lily pads and wetland plants in the foreground, and a forested tree line under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds
Free Foodways Symposium Returns April 4 - 5
Are you a foodie? Mark your calendars for the 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium! It'll be an exploration of freshwater foodways and Indigenous culture and cuisine! This free annual food celebration will be held April 4 - 5, 2025 at two of Kalamazoo Valley Community College�s locations in downtown Kalamazoo. It kicks off at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Friday, April 4 with a water ceremony at 5 p.m., then a free distribution of seeds from 6 to 7 p.m.  A keynote address follows from 7 to 8 p.m. illuminating the gift of Manoomin (wild rice). Manoomin three sisters salad appetizers will be served from 8 to 8:30 p.m. 

Enjoy more free activities the next day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at the college�s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Learn how to make venison and wild rice casserole, Manoomin three sisters salad and kid-friendly meals with local vegetables. Some of the other activities include a Potawatomi wetland plant walk, panel discussion with Native American elders on the topic of �What does the water ask of us,� presentation about the story of the Kalamazoo River, songs, youth activities, building tours, community organization showcase and more. Visit kalamazoofoodways.org for the schedule and further details.
 
Illustrated movie poster for "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad." At the center, Sinbad, wearing a white shirt with a red and gold vest, stands at the helm of a ship with a concerned woman beside him. Surrounding them are dramatic fantasy elements including a cyclops, a green dragon breathing fire, battling skeletons, a two-headed bird of prey, and scenes of stormy seas and shipwrecks. The title “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad” is prominently displayed in bold, stylized black lettering on a yellow-orange background. The overall tone is adventurous and mythical
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: March 30, �The 7th Voyage of Sinbad�; April 6, �Jason and the Argonauts�; and April 13, �Clash of the Titans.� All showtimes are at 1 p.m. and on Sundays. 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.
colorful collections at the kalamazoo valley museum
Two New Fun Exhibits Highlight Items from the Museum�s Archives
Check out the new �Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� exhibits on view through Aug. 31! �Colorful Collections� features items from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s permanent collection 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 area businesses from the museum�s archives, offering up an eclectic mix of advertising paraphernalia from bygone eras. 
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400