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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
April 15, 2025

Greetings College Community,

The successful completion of a college credential is an amazing accomplishment. The graduates who we will celebrate during the April 27 commencement ceremony have overcome every obstacle placed in their way. I am so proud of them.

I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you have done to assist those completing a credential. Our students frequently report how much they value their classroom instruction and the assistance they receive from various college employees. Over the last year, our campus communities have worked together to create an inclusive environment where our students feel that they belong. When students know they are welcome and supported, they can truly learn, grow and thrive with us.

Thank you for your part in helping our graduates achieve their dreams.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President





Personal Safety on Campus Roads
The Kalamazoo Valley Public Safety office would like to remind you that our campus roads are public roads. Slow down! Be extra mindful of pedestrians crossing the road to come to class and of the public, who might be on campus walking, running or enjoying the nature trails connected to campus. Follow all stop signs on campus and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Remember that Public Safety can enforce traffic laws on any of our campus roads. Drive safely!

TTC Parking Lot Resurfacing Begins Next Month
Starting Monday, May 5,  Lot A (the faculty lot), shown below in ORANGE, will be closed for the week for resurfacing. Anyone who usually parks in that lot should park in Lot B or an alternate location. The following week, improvements will begin on ATC Drive from the intersection of Cougar Drive north to the intersection of Cougar Drive west, shown below in YELLOW. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements.

                                     


Sharlet Alagia | May 24, 1960 - March 28, 2025
Sharlet Alagia, a Kalamazoo Valley Museum aide, passed away Friday, March 28. She was 64. She was employed by the college from September 2021 until her death. She is survived by her daughter, Toyo (Josiah Doyle) Ohtsuka; grandson, Kai Doyle; sibling, Drake Vosberg. Her obituary can be found here.

Banner Self-Service Upgrades
On April 16, the Personal Information and Employee sections of Banner Self-Service will be upgraded, bringing significant changes to the user interface. Please refer to the Employee Self-Service Guide for instructions on navigating the new pages. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to review your personal information and submit any necessary updates to Human Resources using the Employee Change of Information form. Stay tuned for additional updates.

Arbor Day Ceremony Honorees Deadline is April 16
The deadline is April 16 to submit names of current and former staff and faculty members and their loved ones for consideration to be honored at this month’s Arbor Day tree-planning ceremony. Click here. The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 at the Texas Township Campus in the memorial tree garden near the south storm ponds (behind the Advanced Technology Center).

Bring Your Child to Work Registration Deadline is April 16
Employees planning to participate in Bring Your Child to Work Day should complete this form by April 16. The event will be held Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24. The job shadowing day is intended to give children a glimpse of the working world through the guidance of their parents. For more information, contact Kristen Dame in HR at kdame@kvcc.edu or ext. 4450.

Employee Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Did you know that all employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program? This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. For more information, click here.

You Are Not Alone – Community Resources Available
Some of our students, co-workers, friends, relatives or even ourselves may need assistance from time to time. The college has a list of community resources on our website. Click here. We encourage you to share the list with others.
 
Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee Trainings
Diversity and Bias in the Search Committee is a required training for all staff and faculty wishing to serve on a search committee. Participants will explore the basics of serving on a search committee and gain insight into how implicit or unconscious bias can influence the decision-making process. 

April 28 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Room 128 (AWH) | Register Here
May 29 | 9 - 11 a.m. | Room C1410-1 (Groves) | Register Here

Retirement Services and Voya
For those who have a MPSERS and/or Voya account, Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. To sign up for a session or to view dates and times, click here.

TIAA
Do you have an account with TIAA? A listing of webinars in April, May and June can be found by clicking here. Would you like to save more for retirement? The supplemental retirement plan gives you the opportunity to continue to save toward retirement. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers three plans through TIAA. The deduction can either be a percentage of your check or a fixed dollar amount. To learn more on the different plans, click here. These options are for employee-only contributions. 
 
The Pool App
Is your healthcare coverage through Kalamazoo Valley Community College? Have you downloaded the app for The Pool? On the app, you will have access to pain management, diabetes management, health management, diabetes and heart health and virtual second opinions. To learn more, click here.
 
Maven – Maternity and Postpartum Support
Employees who are covered under the Kalamazoo Valley Community College medical plan now have additional support. Whether you’re an expectant parent or excited partner, Maven can support you in answering questions, connect you with qualified professionals and more. 
Maven support includes: ?
  • Management of high-risk pregnancy
  • Steps to avoid the chance of preterm birth
  • Low birthweight and C-section care
  • Help for parents with an infant(s) in the NICU
  • Advice to prepare parents for returning to work
Click here for more information.

AFLAC Accident Plan
If your medical plan is through Kalamazoo Valley Community College, you also have AFLAC Accident for no additional cost. The AFLAC Accident covers all dependents who are enrolled on your medical plan. For more information on AFLAC Accident, click here.

Welcome New Employees
This list of new employees and employees in new roles was provided by the Human Resources department and is a quarterly feature in this newsletter. All full-time employees who were hired between January and March 2025 are included. Join us in welcoming these new colleagues.
 
New Employees
Angel Banuelos | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor
Leona Carter | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor
Austin Crandall | Developer
Ally DeNooyer | Administrative Assistant
Kathleen Drzewiecki | Senior Office Specialist
Kimberly Dupree | Training & Development Coordinator
Lindsey Hart | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor
Kayla Haywood | Custodian
Kelly Higgins | Administrative Assistant
Alexzandriah Jerry | Student Financial Services Representative
Tyler Lawrence | Program Support Specialist
Nathan McAllister | Custodian
Ellen Pancake | Library Services Supervisor
Cierra Pitts | Program Training Manager Cosmetology
Rose Ponce | Student Financial Services Representative
Andrew Rakowski | Interpreter
Gaoshan Raymond | Administrative Assistant
Kevin Tucker | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor
Daniel Warren | Program Training Manager Cosmetology
Rickey Westfall | Custodian
 
Employees in a New Role
Tom Bauer | HVAC Technician
Ashley Bergkamp | Assistant Director of Library Access Services
Beth Brandon | Assistant Director of Kalamazoo Promise Services
Jermaine Clark | Custodial Supervisor - TTC
John Garwood | Public Safety Officer II
Nizora Haitova | Director of Institutional Research
Lisa Peet | Student Financial Services Representative
Aaron Williams | Assistant Director of KVAAP
Tracy Williams | Program Coordinator

Register Now for Instruction and Student Services Summit
The Instruction and Student Services Summit will be Friday, May 2. Register now.
If you are unsure if you should attend, please check with your supervisor.

Collegewide Luncheon Scheduled for May 2
As part of the Summit on Friday, May 2, a collegewide luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the Texas Township Campus in the Student Commons and Cafeteria. All employees are invited to attend. Register now.

Fall Summit Planning Underway
The Summit planning team has been working hard to create an engaging Fall 2025 Summit event. We want to maintain features that work well and implement a few minor adjustments that will help us connect better with your creative ideas. 
 
To start, we’re including two additional links which will allow you to provide us with new suggestions. First, there is a link for session topics so we can locate a Kalamazoo Valley or local expert to lead a session. We’ve received many wonderful suggestions from you in the past that we are working hard to utilize but we would love to hear more of your recommendations. We’re also adding a link to submit ideas for dynamic keynote speakers. Lastly, you will find the traditional link to the call for proposals if you’re excited about offering your own session. We appreciate your contributions!
 
The deadline to submit Fall 2025 Summit session topics and keynote speaker ideas is Friday, April 18 at 5 p.m. The deadline to submit a proposal is Thursday, May 22. 
 
Click here to submit session topic ideas
Click here to provide keynote speaker suggestions
Click here for the call for proposals

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator.

Upcoming MI-ACE Event
Crochet & Create: A Beginner's Guide to Crafting with Yarn
Tuesday, April 29 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Room 4380 (TTC)
Join us for a fun and informative crochet session designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike! Whether you're just starting your crochet journey or working on a current project, this is the perfect opportunity to learn new tips, tricks and techniques to elevate your craft. Participants must bring their own crochet supplies (yarn, hooks and any other materials for your project). All skill levels are welcome!

Everyone is invited — women and men — to attend.


REAL ID Required for Travel Starting May 7
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card to board domestic flights. If you are planning to fly for professional development, please make sure your ID is ready. A REAL ID typically has a star in the upper corner. If your driver's license does not, consider upgrading now to avoid travel disruptions. Visit tsa.gov/real-id for more information.


News from the Libaries
Library Returns
Don’t forget that it is time to return borrowed library materials.
  • Return all borrowed materials by the last day of the semester, Monday, April 28.
  • Contact the library if you would like to request a renewal.
  • Drop off books and media at any book drop or library service desk.
  • Return laptops and hotspots 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.
Students Study in the Library!
Many students don’t know that the Libraries are the perfect place to study. 
 
Encourage your students to check out the:
  • Peaceful Atmosphere
  • Excellent Views
  • Individual and Group Study Furniture
  • Computers and Printers
  • Help from Librarians
  • Access to Books and Electronic Databases
  • Study Rooms (TTC)
Start Research Here:  Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context
You’ve assigned the final research paper.  You want your students to find reliable information to back up their claims. Point students to our Current Issues databases. 
 
Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context provides information on hundreds of social issues and is a good place to start. Students can “Browse Issues” to find a topic that interests them, or enter topic ideas in the search bar.  Opposing Viewpoints offers several different types of articles: overviews, viewpoints, academic journals, magazines and newspapers.  Once students find the information they need, they can click the citation icon for an MLA or APA citation and email the articles to themselves. (Remind them to proofread those citations with our Citation Guide!)
 
Want your students to have a personalized introduction to library resources?  Reach out to Jim Ratliff (ACC/BHLC) or Amy Brandt (TTC) to book an instruction session.
 
New Books at the Libraries
Check out the latest arrivals at the library! Our newest books cover a range of topics, from cutting-edge research to bestselling fiction—visit the library or browse the list online to find your next great read.
 
Hours and Contact Information  

It’s Giving Week!
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation invites you to give to our student assistance and scholarship funds.

Kalamazoo Valley faculty and staff know what it takes to help students learn, grow and thrive. You know that we have ambitious, resilient students who are making sacrifices to pursue their dreams. However, many of our students experience financial barriers to their success that we could help remove together. Please consider donating to the Foundation so we can grow the funds available to assist our students.

Did you know?
When you donate to the Foundation, you can designate your donation to go to the General Fund for Student Support, to the Valley Food Share program or to the Technical Trades Capital Campaign. Ask us how!

How to Give
  • Set up payroll deduction through the Kalamazoo Valley Employee Portal. Visit the Human Resources section. The Foundation Employee Payroll Deduction Form is posted under Payroll Resources.
  • Donate via credit card online through the Foundation webpage: kvcc.edu/foundation.
  • To donate with cash or check, deliver your gift in person to the Foundation employees in the President’s Suite at the Texas Township Campus:
    • Vicki Warkoczeski, administrative assistant - x4539
    • Suprotik Stotz-Ghosh, foundation officer - x4197
    • Alisha Siebers, executive director - x4821



Retirement Celebration Planned for April 22
Save the date and mark your calendar for this year's Retirement Celebration. The event will take place Tuesday, April 22 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in Room 4240 (TTC).
This year's retirees are:
Ruth Baker | 12 years
Renee Daudert | 14 years
Laurie Dykstra | 30 years
Janice Fulford | 19 years
Dawn Kemp | 13 years
Richard Kraas | 23 years
Erick Martin | 27 years
Thomas Sutton | 16 years
Laurence Taylor | 27 years
Caroline Whiting | 19 years

Commencement Takes Place Sunday, April 27
Kalamazoo Valley Community College will hold its 92nd commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium, 2200 Auditorium Drive in Kalamazoo.

More than 250 students are expected to participate. Board Chairperson Lucinda Stinson will speak, along with English instructor Ron Higginbotham and student Katrise Hudson, who is graduating with an associate degree in criminal justice. Hudson was voted captain of the Kalamazoo Valley women’s basketball team during her freshman and sophomore years.

Guests without tickets may view the ceremony via livestream on Public Media Network’s PMN Discover, Channel 187. It will also stream online at publicmedianet.org, as well as on Roku, Apple TV and Firestick apps.
 
Lead with Your Strengths
We’re excited to reinvest in our journey of being a strengths-based organization by utilizing the CliftonStrengths assessment. Developed by Gallup, the assessment is designed to help individuals identify their unique strengths and talents. It is based on the idea that people are most effective and engaged when they leverage their natural talents.

If you haven’t taken the CliftonStrengths Assessment, you are encouraged to sign up to explore CliftonStrengths and discover new opportunities for growth and how you can lead with your Strengths.

Here is how to get started:
  • With supervisor approval, register to attend one of the sessions below:
  • You will receive a code from one of the Strengths coaches before the session. The code will allow you to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment. The assessment will take approximately 45 minutes.
  • Attend the session to learn more about how to read your report, dive into your top strengths and focus on what you do best.
Questions? Email strengths@kvcc.edu.

News from KVAAP
KVAAP March Madness Events
Thank you to everyone who attended the KVAAP March Madness events last month! We had 146 students, faculty and staff members attend between both campuses. Click here and here to see photos from the events.

Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
  • Tuesday | April 15 | 5 p.m.
  •  Wednesday | April 23 | 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday | April 29 | 5 p.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.
 
Second Annual KVAAP Alumni Gala
The Second Annual KVAAP Alumni Gala is an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of KVAAP graduates. This special event will bring together alumni from various cohorts to network, reconnect and engage with career resources that support their continued growth and success. The event will take place on Friday, April 18 from 6 - 8 p.m. and will be held at TTC Room 4240.

Photographer on Campus
Are you in need of a headshot? A professional photographer will be available to take employee photos May 13 in the lower level area of the Student Commons on the Texas Township Campus. Appointments are available in 10-minute increments from 9 to 10:50 a.m. and from 1 to 2:50 p.m. Sign up now here.   
Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia
Please spread the word to April graduates that they can buy commencement regalia up 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.
 
Winter Book Buyback Scheduled for April 28 - May 2
Let students know that they can get cash for their used Winter 2025 books at Book Buyback. It takes place April 28, April 29, April 30, May 1 and May 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore. To find out which books will be accepted and for what amount, call the Bookstore at 269.488.4030, visit bookstore.kvcc.edu or email bookstore@kvcc.edu.

What's for Lunch on the Texas Township Campus?
Menu for April 14 - 17

  • April 14 - 17 | Chicken and Rice Soup
  • Monday | April 14 | Mac n Cheese Bar
  • Tuesday | April 15 | Walking Taco
  • Wednesday | April 16 | Wings
  • Thursday | April 17 | Baked Potato Bar
Menu for April 21 - 24
  • April 21 - 24 | Corn Chowder
  • Monday | April 21 | Orange Chicken
  • Tuesday | April 22 | Tacos
  • Wednesday | April 23 | Spaghetti
  • Thursday | April 24 | Lasagna

The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 



Yes, it's That Time — Softball and Baseball Season!
Enjoy some fresh air and support the softball and baseball teams at the same time! You’re invited to drop in at any time at the home games, which are always FREE at the college’s Texas Township Campus. See below for the remaining home games now through May. To read the head softball and baseball coaches’ season outlooks, click here.

BASEBALL
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 19 vs. Kellogg CC (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 26 vs. Lake Michigan College (double header)
  • 3 p.m. | Tuesday | APRIL 29 vs. Grand Rapids CC (9 innings)
  • 2 p.m. | Thursday | MAY 1 vs. Glen Oaks CC (double header)
SOFTBALL
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 19 vs. Lake Michigan College (double header)
  • 1 p.m. | Saturday | APRIL 26 vs. Glen Oaks CC (double header)
Click here for the Athletics website to find the away games.

Player Spotlight
Player Spotlight is an occasional feature highlighting outstanding student-athletes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The honorees have been nominated by their coaches. Today we are spotlighting three baseball players.
 
BASEBALL

WILLIAM LOWERY
Position: Pitcher
Hometown: Grosse Ile, Michigan
Major: Exercise Science
Why outstanding: Will is a reliable presence for our team, both on and off the field. As a pitcher, he brings a composed, confident mindset to the mound, but it's his behind-the-scenes leadership and work ethic that sets him apart. He was named Second Team All-MCCAA (Michigan Community College Athletic Association) and earned a spot on the MCCAA All-Freshman Team. He approaches every practice, lift and game with a professional mindset, consistently setting an example for himself and his teammates to be better. His maturity, drive and team-first attitude make him a valuable asset to our program. Will is studying exercise science and plans to pursue a career in the sports or healthcare field, hoping to make a lasting impact on others just as his coaches have made on him. He has a 3.27 GPA.
 

JJ MANION
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Major: Nursing
Why outstanding: JJ is a driven and talented student-athlete who brings dedication both on the field and in the classroom. With a 3.60 GPA in the challenging field of nursing, he has shown the ability to balance academic rigor with athletic excellence. Known for his work ethic and leadership, JJ has consistently performed under pressure, earning multiple accolades, including All MCCAA Baseball (Michigan Community College Athletic Association), First Team All MCCAA Western Conference, All MCCAA Freshman Team, National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 12 Division II All Region, and being named MCCAA Pitcher of the Week twice. His future plans include continuing both his academic and athletic journey at Grand Valley State University, where he will study nursing and play baseball.
 

AIDEN WARN
Position: First base
Hometown: Mattawan, Michigan
Major: Accounting
Why outstanding: Aiden is someone who leads by example through his hard work and willingness to help others. He doesn't seek the spotlight, but his actions often speak louder than words. With a 3.88 GPA, he shows the ability to balance his athletics and academics. Whether it's offering support to a friend or putting in extra effort when it's needed most, Aiden consistently shows up with sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility. Those who know him appreciate his steady presence and genuine character. His future plans include continuing both his academic and athletic journey at Davenport University, where he will study accounting and play baseball.


Foodways Symposium Showcased Indigenous Cuisine
The community got an insider’s view into Indigenous cuisine and culture at this month’s Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium, from sampling dishes, watching cooking demos, hearing from a panel of elders, witnessing an outdoor water ceremony to taking a Potawatomi wetland plant walk and more. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Kalamazoo Valley Community College thanks the presenters for helping bring the freshwater foodways theme to life. Click here for photos from festivities on Friday, April 4 and here for Saturday, April 5. Learn more about this annual two-day food celebration at kalamazoofoodways.org.
 

Earth Day Rain Garden Tours Offered Saturday, April 26
Celebrate Earth Day with a free guided tour of the museum’s rain garden at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 to learn how simple landscaping changes can have a significant positive impact on the environment in urban settings. These family-friendly tours will last about 20 to 25 minutes. Register at kalamazoomuseum.org.
 

Panel Discussion, Film Closes Out Special-Effects Filmmaker Exhibit
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s exhibit about legendary stop-motion animation filmmaker Ray Harryhausen will be ending on Sunday, April 27 with a bang. At 1 p.m. that day, hear from Connor Heaney, the Scotland-based curator of the exhibit, at an in-depth panel discussion and documentary screening. Tickets for this FREE event will be available at noon on the day of the program at the museum’s front desk, first come, first served. Find more details at kalamazoomuseum.org.
 
Two 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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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070






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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009 · USA