Our work requires a great investment of skill, talent, time and energy.
MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
July 1, 2025
Greetings!
Our work requires a great investment of skill, talent, time and energy. We have come through an impactful year together, and now as we look toward summer, we can pause and reflect on the 2024-2025 school year. As a part of this reflection, I hope that you will be able to take some time away from your work to truly rest and recharge.
I have found that time away from the office, classroom and day-to-day activities allows me to reflect on accomplishments and plan for the future. However you plan to rest and recharge this summer, please know that your efforts are deeply appreciated and that together we are making the college a place for all to learn, grow and thrive. Have a safe and enjoyable July 4!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
College Joins Achieving the Dream Network Kalamazoo Valley Community College joined the network of Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility.
As one of nine institutions joining the organization as part of its 2025 cohort, Kalamazoo Valley will enter into ATD's Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program designed to build essential institutional capacities and accelerate student success. Grounded in ATD's Community Vibrancy Framework, the engagement will help Kalamazoo Valley strengthen critical capacities with the ultimate goal of supporting the transformation of Valley as we seek to become inclusive, equitable hubs of economic mobility and regional vitality.
"Joining ATD represents a transformative opportunity to accelerate our vision of creating innovative and equitable opportunities for all students. We're ready to deepen our data-informed approach and build institutional capacity that empowers every student to learn, grow and thrive," said L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., college president. more
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities Get ready to grow, connect and fuel your potential! We�re thrilled to invite you to a series of stimulating lunch and learn opportunities and professional development events designed to sharpen your skills and inspire new ideas. At Kalamazoo Valley, we encourage and embrace our employees learning new skills for work, finding fun ways to promote personal growth and incorporating wellness into their lives.
A schedule of events is planned throughout the year to offer you several occasions each month to enjoy learning about new topics. Whether you're looking to expand your expertise, network with colleagues or simply enjoy your lunch while learning, these sessions are your chance to level up. Don�t miss out � mark your calendar, bring your enthusiasm and let's make learning a fun adventure we embark on together!
July 2025 Events An Introduction to Plant Identification Date: Monday, July 28 | Noon - 1 p.m. Location: Food Innovation Center, Room 113 (Zoom option available below)
Let�s dive into the fascinating world of plant identification! Whether you are a nature enthusiast or just curious about the greenery around you, this introductory lunch and learn event will teach you the basics of recognizing different plant species. Enjoy your lunch with friends and colleagues while gaining new insights into the plants in our surroundings.
Essentials of Composting Date: Thursday, July 31 | Noon - 1 p.m. Location: Food Innovation Center, Room 113 (Zoom option available below)
Join us for a lunch and learn where we will explore the basics of composting and how it can benefit both the environment and your daily life. Learn simple, effective ways to turn food scraps and organic waste into nutrient-rich soil while enjoying your lunch with colleagues. Whether you are new to composting or looking to refine your skills, this session will give you practical insights to get started. Let�s dig in and make sustainability second nature!
Can�t attend these events in person? No problem! You can join remotely via Zoom from your office or phone for the 20-minute classroom portion of the event. Click here 10 minutes before the event to join on Zoom.
For both events, please bring footwear appropriate for walking outdoors. The first 20 minutes will be in the classroom and the end of the talk will take place outside.
Note: As with all lunch and learn events and professional development, please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend.
Chosen First Name Rollout Kalamazoo Valley Community College supports the use of chosen first names for students and employees who prefer a name different from their legal one. Kalamazoo Valley allows the use of chosen first names in college communications, records and systems � except where legal names are required by law.
The college is gradually implementing chosen first name use across all platforms, including internal and external communications (e.g., emails, letters, phone calls, internships) whenever possible.
The rollout begins with an online utility allowing employees to request the use of a chosen first name. The form is located in MyValley, under Profile and Settings. The option will also be available to display a chosen first name on the front and legal name on the back of a Valley ID card. This phased approach will allow us to address any issues before expanding to the entire college community. Full implementation, including students, is targeted for Fall 2025.
A webpage with more information is available here.
Please join us during the following virtual information sessions to learn more about these updates and how you can assist and support this effort:
July 10 | 11 a.m. - Noon July 22 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Aug. 13 | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Register here. If you have questions, please contact Trice Batson, director of diversity and inclusion.
Avoid Telephonic Phishing We�d like to remind everyone to stay alert for telephonic phishing (vishing) attempts and unauthorized remote access tool usage (e.g., Quick Assist, AnyDesk, TeamViewer).
Key Points to Remember:
Never share passwords or MFA codes over the phone.
Do not allow remote access to your system unless it�s a verified internal IT support request.
Be cautious of calls claiming to be from IT, vendors or help desk urging urgent action.
If you�re unsure � hang up and verify. Contact the IT department directly.
If you suspect a phishing attempt or remote access scam:
Do not engage further.
Disconnect from the session (if remote access was granted).
Report the incident immediately to IT/security at it@kvcc.edu.
Staying vigilant helps protect all of us. Thank you for doing your part.
Volunteer Opportunities Available for All The college will have a presence at a number of festivals and events this summer in an effort to recruit students for the fall semester. Upcoming events include:
Black Arts Festival | July 12 | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Bronson Park
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | July 19 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
Beyond the Backpack | Aug. 9 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Bronson Park
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Aug. 16 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Sept. 20 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Bank Street
Front Row (L to R): Instructor Lief Doezema, students Benjamin Smeltzer, Levi Zoller, Lucas Lockner, Garin Farrell and Instructional Manager Hannah Higgins. Back Row (L to R): Students Ian (Mel) Coash, Alexander DeGraff, Zachary Webb, Anders Zimmerman, Evan Clark and Michael Van Duine
Wind Turbine Technician Academy Celebrates 31st Graduating Class Congratulations to the newest graduates of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Wind Turbine Technician Academy. The academy�s 31st graduation ceremony took place June 20 at 11 a.m. at the college�s Groves Campus. The ceremony was hosted by Ian Salo, director of energy and technical career training programs, and included remarks from Terry Plemmons Jr. from NextEra Energy. Click here to learn more and here to see pictures from the graduation ceremony.
Support Student Dreams at the OFE Join us at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 for an evening of community, cuisine and celebration at the 2025Opportunities for Education(OFE) Scholarship Fundraising Event at Kalamazoo Valley Community College�sFood Innovation Center, located at 224 E. Crosstown Parkway in downtown Kalamazoo.
This annual gathering promises an unforgettable night under a big tent where friendship, food and philanthropy come together to support students.
Some of the region's most popular restaurants will be featured, along with student and faculty chefs from the college's culinary and brewing programs. Guests will enjoy a walk-around tasting where they can sample signature dishes plus beer, wine and other beverages. Tours among the vegetables, flowers and herbs growing in the Food Innovation Center's greenhouse will also be available.
Proceeds from the OFE event directly benefit the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation scholarship fund, helping determined and resilient students achieve their educational goals and bring fresh energy to our region. Your support makes a meaningful difference.
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.
Retirement Services and Voya
For those who have a MPSERS and/or a 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 for July, August and September 2025 can be found by clicking here. Would you like to schedule to meet with a TIAA financial consultant? Participants can use the one-on-one meeting linkto schedule their meeting.
Essentials by TIAA is a reimagined financial education program to empower you, the employee, with practical insights for confident financial planning.
Would you like to save more for retirement? A supplemental retirement plan gives you the opportunity to continue to save towards 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.
Mental Health
Balancing work and family are important. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. That support is just a click or call away. As a member of The Pool, you have access to a variety of resources for support:
Behavioral health �On the back of your BCBSM ID, you�ll find the number for a mental health line. This is 24/7 help that will connect you with a professional that will assist you in finding the right support.
Virtual care � From the comfort of your home through Virtual Care, access mental health services like therapy sessions and consultations with board-certified psychiatrists.
Blue Cross well-being� Browse through your various online tools that offer personalized health assessments, trackers and content to support your overall well-being, all for free. Learn more 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: ?
News from the Libraries TTC Library Open House: July 2
Visit the Library and Learning Center Open House on Wednesday, July 2, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Explore our spaces, meet our staff, enjoy some snacks and learn to make origami corner-hugger bookmarks!
New! Citation Walkthrough Videos
Could your students use citation guidance that can be paused, rewound and reviewed as needed? Our new Citation Walkthrough Videos teach how to cite in MLA and APA formats step-by-step.
The MLA and APA "How to Cite Anything: Detailed Citation Walkthrough" videos break down the process of creating complete citations for the References or Works Cited page of their papers.
The corresponding "In-Text Citation Walkthrough" videos show how to properly refer to the detailed citation lists as they write their papers in either format.
Together, these brief tutorials help learners avoid plagiarism and develop crucial academic communication skills.
Summer Reading Challenge
Students can read five books from five categories by the end of the summer for a chance to win a prize! Tell them they can stop by the libraries for a Summer Reading Challenge bookmark to track their progress, and to check out ourbook display online or in person for recommendations on what to read. They can turn in a completed bookmark to enter the prize drawing and earn a summer reading pin.
Need Help Now? Ask a Librarian
Librarians can help Kalamazoo Valley students with questions about research and citation. Encourage your students to visit the Libraries, schedule ahead or use our 24/7 chat service. Or, consider scheduling a Library Instruction session for your class. For more information about instruction, visit our Information for Instructors webpage.
Devin Dortch (left) works with math faculty member, Andrew
Young (right) at Valley Advantage program
KVAAP Student Highlight - Devin Dortch Devin Dortch is a computer science student completing his first year at Kalamazoo Valley. In addition to KVAAP, Dortch is also a Kalamazoo Promise Scholar in the ELEVATE program and he completed Valley Advantage in the summer of 2024. He discovered his passion for computer programming in high school, after teaching himself how to code. After completing his associate degree, Dortch plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue his studies in software engineering.
He appreciates the encouragement that KVAAP provides: �Even with all the hard work and focus I put in, nothing compares to the support of those who genuinely care � and that�s exactly what KVAAP has given me."
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions Students can attend these information sessions via a Zoom meeting link that will be sent to them upon signing up. These sessions will explain how KVAAP can assist students with achieving their educational goals. Interested students can register for an information sessionhere.
Wednesday | July 2 | 10 a.m. Tuesday | July 8 | 1:30 p.m. What's for Lunch on the Texas Township Campus? The Cougar Cafe has adjusted its menu for the summer semester. They will be serving Subway, salad and pizza as well as hot coffee and snacks. Breakfast sandwiches are available until 11 a.m. Monday - Thursday. The Cougar Cafe's summer hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The Coffee Den is closed for the summer.
Get Creative! Enjoy drawing, painting or creating comics? Stop by the Kalamazoo Valley Bookstore to find a wide variety of art supplies at great prices! We carry Winsor Newton, Strathmore, Micron, Lyra, Copic and so much more! Whether it�s painting �plein air,� illustrating some incredible Manga adventure or just sketching for pleasure, you�ll be sure to find inspiration on our shelves. Art supplies also make great gifts! Come on in or check us out online at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
Free Wallace & Gromit-Themed Summer Programming Looking for free activities for a young child this summer? The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will be hosting hands-on fun centered around the beloved claymation characters of Wallace, Gromit and Shaun the Sheep from the TV, film and book series! Expect creativity, laughter and interactive exhibits, as kids embark on whimsical journeys with the animated characters. Activities will be offered every Thursday � June 19 through July 24� from 1 to 3 p.m., except July 10, when the start time will be 11:30 a.m. Registration is not required. The museum�s �Inventive Adventures� summer break is inspired by the museum�s new traveling exhibit, �Wallace & Gromit� and Shaun the Sheep�: Shear Genius!�
Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep Exhibit Now Open Step into the environments of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep to explore their contraptions, antics and escapades through dramatic play and interactive opportunities, as part of a new traveling exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Designed for children ages three through nine, the exhibit encourages playfully solving STEM-based and social-emotional problems in fun and engaging ways. �Wallace & Gromit� and Shaun the Sheep�: Shear Genius!� was created by Minnesota Children�s Museum and Aardman Animations� Limited � 2025. It runs now through Aug. 31. Find more details at kalamazoomuseum.org.
Enjoy Free RainGardenTours Wednesdays & Saturdays Take a free guided tour of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum�s rain garden to learn how such gardens play a vital role in improving water quality and supporting local wildlife. From now until Aug. 30, tours will take place every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and every Wednesday at the same times. These family-friendly tours last about 20 to 25 minutes. Register now online at kalamazoomuseum.org, or sign up on the day of at the front desk.
Two Fun Exhibits Highlight Items from the Museum�s Archives Have you seen the new �Colorful Collections� and �The Art of Advertising� exhibits at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum? �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. The exhibits will be on display until Aug. 31.
