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.

Nov. 25, 2024

Greetings students!

During this season of thankfulness, I am grateful that the college continues to make significant progress toward achieving our mission of creating a more equitable environment where every student can learn, grow and thrive.

As you count down to the end of this semester, remember to stay engaged so that you can finish strong. Participate in discussions, do your homework, ask questions if you need clarification and remember to seek help from an advisor or counselor if necessary. 

I wish you and your family and friends all the best during the Thanksgiving recess.

Although there are no classes scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 27, college buildings will be open until 5 p.m. for student services, like financial aid, tutoring and libraries. All college buildings, except the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, will be closed beginning on Nov. 28, reopening on Monday, Dec. 2. The museum will be closed on Thursday and Friday, but open Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. I encourage you to visit it!


Sincerely,

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


College Closed for Thanksgiving Recess
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, campuses will be open but there will be no classes. The Wellness and Fitness Center will be closed. All college buildings, except the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, will be closed beginning on Thursday, Nov. 28, reopening on Monday, Dec. 2. The museum will be closed Thursday and Friday, but open Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Campuses reopen and classes resume Monday, Dec. 2.


admissions, registration, and records

Bright pink promotional flyer for "GRADFEST" hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The event is described as a “warm-up event prior to graduation on Dec. 15.” Confetti and graduation caps are scattered across the top of the image. Attendees can pick up graduation tickets, Kalamazoo Promise, Veterans, and Honor cords, buy regalia from the bookstore, decorate graduation caps, RSVP for commencement, pose for professional headshots, connect with the University Center, and enjoy food. Event dates and times: Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the AWH Lobby and Thursday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the TTC Cafeteria Lower Level. "See you there!" appears at the bottom with the Kalamazoo Valley logo.

Promotional flyer for "Western Wednesdays" at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Text reads: “Are you interested in transferring to Western Michigan University? Connect with advisors and admission representatives from Western Michigan University.” Event date: Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to Noon. Location: Cafeteria. Logos for Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College appear at the bottom. The design uses brown and gold tones on a light gray background
Promotional flyer for a "Test Anxiety Workshop" hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The workshop offers students a deeper understanding of test anxiety and strategies for success. It takes place on October 15 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room 128 AWH. The background features abstract scribbles and question marks, with an illustration of a stressed student surrounded by symbols like a checkmark, red X, and confused speech bubbles. Logos for The Kalamazoo Promise and Kalamazoo Valley are displayed.
Promotional graphic for "Transfer Tuesday" at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Event invites students to connect with college and university admissions representatives. Held on December 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level cafeteria. The left side asks students if they’re unsure about which four-year college or university to attend after finishing their academic goals at KVCC. The right side gives event details in bold white and pink text on a bright magenta background. Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo is in the bottom right

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honors program

A large collection of winter clothing and accessories arranged on a table and nearby surfaces. The items include neatly folded jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, and socks in various colors and sizes. A green and beige dinosaur-themed children’s coat is prominently displayed on top. Several pairs of winter boots and shoes are lined up on the floor next to the table. The scene suggests a clothing drive or donation setup in a cozy indoor space with a rug and wooden flooring
Warm Clothing Drive Benefits Unsheltered

Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Honors Program recently collected more than 300 clothing donations for United for the Unsheltered of Kalamazoo. Donation bins were located across the college's campuses from Oct. 21 - Nov. 8. The drive collected 43 jackets/coats, 67 tops/sweaters, 40 pairs of pants, 32 hats, 72 pairs of socks, 21 pairs of gloves, seven pairs of shoes, two snow pants, 13 scarves and three blankets.

"I cannot tell you how excited I was to hear that the Honors Program students wanted to do another clothing drive this year," said Megan Giambrone, president of United for the Unsheltered. "We have several students who participate with our organization in other ways, so we are familiar with some of them." more


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
havirmill cafe

Havirmill Cafe Now Open
Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley�s culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the Havirmill Cafe. The cafe offers grab-and-go options, as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees. It is located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo. Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday through Dec. 5. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page.


 

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.
Bulletin board-style flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Math Club. Large text reads “Math Club” under the Kalamazoo Valley logo. Event details are displayed on pinned note paper and sticky notes.

When: 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 6

Where: The lounge near the Learning Center (TTC 2220), located on the second floor

What: Fun math activities and tutoring opportunities for all mathematics levels

The flyer includes various math doodles such as triangles with formulas, a cylinder with volume calculation, and circles with area and volume formulas. Contact info for questions: bkloosterma3302@mail.kvcc.edu and lwinch@kvcc.edu. The design resembles a real corkboard with paper pinned up for an academic and creative aesthetic
Promotional flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Music Club. Bold neon text reads:
“Kalamazoo Valley Community College Presents: MUSIC CLUB.”
Subheading: “Are you looking for a great musical escape with people to relate? Come together for good vibes!”

Event Details:

Date: December 6

Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

Location: Room 4240, Texas Township Campus

Contact for questions:
Audrey Mattson at amattson8174@mail.kvcc.edu
Bryce McGruder at bmcgruder5086@mail.kvcc.edu

Background features purple-toned leaves with a glowing neon frame for a vibrant and creative aesthetic. Kalamazoo Valley logo in the lower right corner
Flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Harry Potter Club. The background features a magical Diagon Alley-style shop with glowing windows. The text appears on a parchment scroll and reads:

"Harry Potter Club"

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 details:

Date: Tuesday, December 10

Time: 4 – 6 p.m.

Location: Room 4230, TTC (Texas Township Campus)

Questions?
Email Russ Barnes at rbarnes@kvcc.edu or Ariana Schultz at aschultz1564@mail.kvcc.edu.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo in the bottom right corner
Promotional flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Art and Animation Club. On the left side, there is a comic-style explosion bubble with the text:

"ART AND ANIMATION CLUB"
(Displayed in large, bold, pink letters with a black and white outline over a bright yellow background with comic-style white clouds and motion lines.)

On the right side:

Fall 2024
Thursdays | 11 A.M. | CNM Room 65
Come join a diverse group of students who love watching (and playing) drawings in motion in multiple forms. Be creative and inspired with the Art & Animation Club.

For more information, contact Aubrey Jewel Rodgers at arodgers@kvcc.edu.

The Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner.
Flyer for the Valley Future Educators' Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. At the top, there's an illustration of a red apple with a green leaf and brown stem. Below, bold text reads:

"Valley Future Educators’ Club"

Headline:
"THINKING ABOUT PURSUING A DEGREE IN AN EDUCATIONAL FIELD?"

Body Text:
The Valley Future Educators’ Club (VFEC) offers a great place to meet other students who share a passion for teaching and learning and are interested in investigating a career in education. All meetings are held in TTC Room 4370.

Meeting Time:
MONDAYS, 1 – 2 P.M.

Meeting Dates for 2025:
Jan. 27, Feb. 17, and Mar. 17

Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner.
Flyer for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Spanish Club. The background is a vibrant yellow with red and orange decorative patterns on the sides, inspired by traditional Hispanic designs.

Header:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
SPANISH CLUB
TUESDAYS 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Invitation Text:
Come join us to practice your Spanish, play games, listen to music, plan fun events, and learn about Hispanic and Latino culture!

Location:
ROOM 8350 TTC

Contact Information:

President: Isai Hernandez (ihernandez4721@mail.kvcc.edu)

Vice President: Natalia Smith (nsmith3178@mail.kvcc.edu)

Secretary: Sophie Menci (smenci1180@mail.kvcc.edu)

Treasurer: Andrew Van Tassel (avantassel6150@mail.kvcc.edu) 

Kalamazoo Valley logo in the bottom right corner.
Flyer for the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The background is white with colorful elements including rainbow stripes at the bottom and rainbow-colored hearts and a flower made of rainbow-colored petals surrounding a central heart with the pride flag.

Header Text:
LGBTQ+ DIVERSITY CLUB

Main Description:
Join the LGBTQ+ Diversity Club at Kalamazoo Valley Community College!
We have bi-weekly meetings and host events for LGBTQ+ students and allies.
Come build community, engage in advocacy/education, or just hang out.

Contact Information:
To sign up, request more information, find out when the club meets, or to join the Discord server, contact:

Club Advisor: Misti Mahon, mmahon@kvcc.edu

Club President: Dawson Knipp, dknipp8724@mail.kvcc.edu

Kalamazoo Valley Community College logo appears in the bottom right corner



office of diversity and inclusion
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

Attend Gradfest for $10 Off Coupon on Commencement Attire
Are you graduating in December? Don�t miss Gradfest! The Bookstore will hand out $10 Off Coupons there for your purchase of graduation attire, including caps, gowns and tassels! Gradfest will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo in the main lobby, and Thursday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria in the Lower Level. At the Anna Whitten Hall Gradfest only, caps and gowns will be available for on-site sales. No worries if you can�t attend that day. Those joining us the day after at the Texas Township Campus can buy their attire at the Bookstore. Graduating students can buy their commencement attire at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore anytime during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., up until Friday, Dec. 13. Commencement is Sunday, Dec. 15. Note that you can buy graduation attire online, but coupons are redeemable only in the Bookstore. For questions, call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030. Gradfest is a fun event where guests not only get a graduation regalia coupon for in-person purchases, but can RSVP for commencement, pick up graduation tickets, decorate their graduation caps, get professional headshots and enjoy food.

 
Time for 20 Percent Off Tuesday on Nov. 26!
Get 20 percent off in the Texas Township Campus Bookstore on Nov. 26! The promotion is held on the LAST Tuesday of EVERY month! Come in and get yourself some Cougar clothing, art supplies, a new water bottle (even Hydro Flask) or anawesome backpack! Promotion excludes electronics, food and course materials. Discount applies to in-store purchases only. Feel free to take a spin through the Bookstore now to see what you�d like to buy. Or, take a peek online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.

 
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!

 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
Collage of action-packed images featuring Kalamazoo Valley Community College basketball teams during games against teams in black and yellow uniforms.

Top left: A player in a light blue and gray uniform jumps to block a shot from a Mott player while teammates and spectators watch.

Top middle-left: Intense defensive stance as a KVCC player guards a Mott ball handler near the sideline, with coaches seated behind.

Top middle-right: Close contact between players mid-play as they battle for ball control.

Top right: A KVCC player dribbles downcourt followed by teammates while being pursued by opponents.

Bottom left: A KVCC player (#22) elevates for a layup as defenders close in.

Bottom middle: Physical defense as a Mott player blocks a KVCC player (#13) trying to pass the ball.

Bottom right: The KVCC women's basketball team and fans celebrate together with raised arms and cheers near the court after a game.

The collage captures dynamic movement, teamwork, and the energy of collegiate basketball competition.
FREE Home Basketball Games at Valley!

Kalamazoo Valley�s women�s and men�s basketball teams both dominated against Mott Community College in pre-season home games on Nov. 20! The Lady Cougars won 60-42, and the men triumphed 95-60. Click here for more pictures of the women�s basketball team and here for pictures of the men�s basketball team. Remember, home games are always free, and feel free to bring your friends and family! There are lots of games now through December in the main gym on our Texas Township Campus. One of these dates below is sure to fit your schedule!
 
WOMEN�S BASKETBALL
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. (vs. Rock Valley College)
  • 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
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Rock Valley College)
  • 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, 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.


Group photo of the Kalamazoo Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra posed inside a grand, historic church with stained glass windows and large organ pipes. The ensemble, consisting of around 25 members of diverse ages, stands in formal black attire—many wearing tuxedos and evening dresses—holding a variety of string instruments including mandolins, classical guitars, and mandolas. A banner on the left side reads “Kalamazoo Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra.” The setting is elegant and reverent, suggesting a formal concert performance.
Museum Hosts Two Free Holiday Music Concerts for Dec. 6 Art Hop

Experience the magic of the season when the Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra performs two FREE concerts at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum during the Friday, Dec. 6, Art Hop. The shows are at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Seating is first come, first served on the first floor of the museum. The orchestra was founded in 2003 to revive the mandolin orchestra tradition in Kalamazoo. It is a plucked string ensemble consisting of mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, guitars and bass. Learn more at kalamazoomuseum.org.
 
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, including the planetarium shows. 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 Illuminates Secret Societies
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