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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
March 14, 2025

Greetings College Community,

We're seeing many signs of spring - birds returning, weather changes, buds on the trees  - and, for us here at the college, the semester mid-point. All of you have been working hard, supporting our students and working with our community. My hope is that you will feel refreshed by the spring season and that it will give you the energy you need to help our students finish off the semester strong!

Kalamazoo Valley values caring and respect. We work together to foster a safe, dynamic learning environment and to honor civility, service and collegiality. Our mission - to create innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive - remains steadfast. Thank you for all of the energy you put into making sure that these values are reflected in all that we do here at the college and in the communities we serve.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

Safety Precautions to take in the Case of an Active Shooter
Kalamazoo Valley's Department of Public Safety is prepared for such an event, but additional steps can be done by everyone to minimize the dangers. Use the Avoid, Deny, Defend Model.
  • Avoid: If you are near an exit, run and seek safety. Help others that may need assistance exiting the building.
  • Deny: Barricade, barricade, barricade. Fortify your workspace and classroom. Work as a team and lock all doors. Place heavy objects in front of the door to prevent or delay entry. Turn off the lights. Find objects that you can stand behind for protection. Do not hide under desks. Look for objects that can be used as a weapon.
  • Defend: If your barricade doesn’t work, be prepared to fight.
  • First responders will systematically clear the campus and each room during and after the event. Contact Kalamazoo Valley Public Safety for Active Violence Training and security assessment of your workspace.
For more information, please refer to your yellow safety book located in your office or classroom.
Women's History Month Events Planned
In honor of Women's History Month, the Kalamazoo Valley MI-ACE Women's Network is planning three events for faculty and staff to attend:
  • March 21 | Sip and Connect Networking | 8 - 9 a.m. | Room 4560 (TTC) | Coffee and tea will be provided
  • March 25 | Finding Stability Amid Change, A Mindfulness Lesson and Guided Meditation | 4 - 5 p.m. | Room 247 (CAH) 
All are encouraged to attend.

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. 
March 26 | 10 a.m. - noon | Room 4370 (TTC) | Register Here
April 28 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Room 128 (AWH) | Register Here

Active Violence Training
This 1.5-hour class is designed to equip staff and faculty with essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively in the event of an active violence incident. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, develop situational awareness and implement life-saving strategies. This training aims to enhance safety and preparedness across campus. 
March 19 | 1 p.m. | Room 128 (AWH) | 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 March 2025 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. 
 
New! 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.

New Employee Orientation Dates for March to December 2025
Every new hire attends a New Employee Orientation. Below are the dates for March through December 2025. Sessions run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for full-time employees, and until 1:30 p.m. for part-time employees.

Monday, March 17                            Tuesday, April 1                            
Thursday, April 17                            Thursday, May 1                           
Monday, May 19                                Monday, June 2
Monday, June 16                              Tuesday, July 1
Wednesday, July 16                         Monday, Aug. 4
Monday, Aug. 18                               Wednesday, Sept. 3
Tuesday, Sept. 16                              Wednesday, Oct. 1
Thursday, Oct. 16                              Monday, Nov. 3
Monday, Nov. 17                                Wednesday, Dec. 3
Deadline to Petition to Graduate is March 31
The deadline to petition to graduate for winter semester completion is March 31. Encourage students to petition before the deadline. Those who petition after the deadline may not have their names printed in the April 2025 Commencement program book. more

Employee Fall Registration
Employee registration for the Fall 2025 semester is April 4 - 7. Full and part-time employees may request access to online registration for themselves and/or their dependents through 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4.

To request access:
1. Send a message from your Kalamazoo Valley employee account to arr@kvcc.edu. Enter “Employee Registration” as the subject so we can easily find your request for early access to registration among all of the emails we receive from students. It must be from a “@kvcc.edu” address.
2. List the name and Valley Number or birth date for each admitted person who will be registering.
3. We will add authorization to each person’s record and reply to confirm.
4. Beginning March 6, each authorized individual may log into MyValley, select "Register or Drop Classes" from My Links and register.

If you miss this opportunity, you may still register following the standard registration schedule for all students beginning Monday, March 10. Please email the Admissions, Registration and Records office at arr@kvcc.edu, or call x4281, if you have questions.


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 renamed after her. A luncheon 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 “my 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.”
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation Mini Grants Available
The KVCC Foundation offers a grant program that funds opportunities that benefit Kalamazoo Valley students and to support a collegewide culture of giving. The grants are awarded to individuals and groups that help Kalamazoo Valley students learn, grow and thrive. Grant proposals are reviewed throughout the fiscal year for grants of $2,500 or less.
 
Grant applications that benefit the larger community, such as funds to support community education programs, are also accepted. Employees and students are welcome to apply. Past projects have included funding to purchase trees to replant after the tornado, a grant to buy extra chef uniforms for students in need and provision of toolkits for an outreach electrical program at the Northside Association for Community Development.
 
To learn more, or to apply, contact Alisha Siebers, associate vice president for college advancement and executive director of the KVCC Foundation, at asiebers@kvcc.edu or x4821.
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.

To that end, the college now has four certified Strengths coaches: Renee Martin, Mary McConnell, Miranda McDowell and Amy Reynolds, who will oversee the assessment and interpretation of the results. Martin and Reynolds will work with faculty and staff while McConnell and McDowell will connect students with CliftonStrengths. They will be assisted by 24 Strengths champions from different areas of the college.

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 the March 28 session at 2 p.m. in Room 4370/80 (TTC). 
  • 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.
If you can’t make it on March 28, additional sessions will be forthcoming. Questions? Email strengths@kvcc.edu.

 
Library Open House
Encourage your students to join the Libraries and Learning Center Open House at the Texas Township Campus on Tuesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. for information about the academic support we offer, plus snacks and a library egg hunt!
 
New ProQuest Central Research Assistant
Try the new ProQuest Central Research Assistant and enhance your search results with built-in AI technology. This AI-powered assistant:
  • Suggests associated keywords which you can add to your search with a mouse click
  • Describes the key takeaway from each document you view
  • Details additional subjects discussed within the text
  • Helps identify and define the important concepts for you
  • Brainstorms and displays clickable related topics to explore further
Request a Book through MeLCat
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries participate in MeLCat, a resource-sharing service that allows students, staff and faculty to borrow items from other participating libraries throughout the state of Michigan. Click here to search for materials available to borrow. Make sure to have your Valley ID ready. Books can be sent directly to the Kalamazoo Valley library location of your choice, and the library will contact you when your item is available for pick-up.
 
Hours and Contact Information

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.

What's for Lunch on the Texas Township Campus?
We have delicious offerings to enjoy over at the Cougar Cafe! From March 17 – 20, enjoy some vegetable beef soup. On St. Patrick's Day, Monday, March 17, stop by for some corned beef and cabbage. Tuesday, March 18, get festive with some loaded nachos. Wednesday, March 19, enjoy a chicken broccoli bake. Thursday, March 20, finish the week off strong with a sweet Thai chili bowl.
 
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. We look forward to serving you. The Cougar Cafe is open Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Downtown Restaurants to Reopen Next Week
Need some lunch plans? Stop by the Havirmill Cafe for freshly made entrees and grab-and-go options! Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., from March 17 - April 17. Follow the Havirmill Cafe's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

If you have more time, take some time out of your day for a fine dining experience. Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley’s culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the 418 restaurant. The 418 will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays, March 20 - April 17. Reservations can be made to be seated from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Please call 269.548.3239 for reservations.

Both restaurants are located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut, in downtown Kalamazoo.
KVAAP Updates
Aaron Williams was recently named the new assistant director of KVAAP. He previously served as an academic and career pathway advisor. In this new role, he will also continue to work with Kalamazoo Valley student athletes as the athletic liaison.
 
Upcoming Events - KVAAP March Madness
Kalamazoo Valley faculty, staff and students are invited to join us for these fun events. Come hang out, eat pizza, learn about KVAAP and watch March Madness basketball games! More information about our bracket challenge will be coming soon.
  • Thursday, March 20 from noon - 4 p.m. | TTC Room 4240
  • Friday, March 21 from noon - 4 p.m. | AWH Room 307
 
 Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
  • Tuesday, March 18 | 5 p.m.
  •  Wednesday, March 26 | 10 a.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register here.

Men’s Basketball Team Qualifies for National Championship
Kalamazoo Valley’s men's basketball team won the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) State Championship Saturday, March 1 before an audience of over 700 fans at our Texas Township Campus! The Cougars beat Macomb Community College, 93-85. Read all the details here. Enjoy photos from the championship here.

Now for more exciting news! The team qualified this week for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Men's Basketball Championship as an at-large participant, despite losing to Henry Ford Community College in the Great Lakes District Tournament Final on March 8. Historically, the tournament is comprised of 16 teams who won their respective district tournaments. However, the at-large category was created beginning in the 2023-24 season, allowing for four additional teams to petition to compete.

Each school seeking an at-large bid must submit its season statistics and narrative detailing the high points of the season. A selection committee of nine NJCAA members (typically athletic directors) from across the country review this information and determine the at-large participants. The Cougars have been seeded seventh in the tournament with their first matchup being on Tuesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. in Danville, Illinois, against the No. 10 seed, Bryant & Stratton College (Wisconsin). For more information about the tournament, click here. It runs through March 22.

Women’s Basketball Qualified for Great Lakes District Tournament
Kudos to the women’s basketball players! They qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Great Lakes District A Tournament held last week. The team fell to Marian University’s Ancilla College in Indiana, 68-46, in the first round of play, so they could not advance in the tournament. As for their regular season, the Lady Cougars wrapped that up on Wednesday, Feb. 26 winning at Glen Oaks Community College with a score of 51-30, finishing with a record of 7-7 (an overall record of 15-13). Click here to see photos from their final home game on Feb. 22.
 

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 women's basketball and three men’s basketball players.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
KATRISE HUDSON
Position: Center
Hometown: Bloomingdale, Michigan
Major: Criminal justice
Why outstanding: Katrise demonstrates pure leadership on the court and in the classroom. She was voted captain her freshman and sophomore years here. She values education above all else and holds herself to extremely high standards, always setting goals and striving for them, simultaneously challenging her peers to do the same. Katrise will continue her education at a four-year university next year and aspires to make a career out of being a force of change in public policy.
 
GLORIVEL RODRIGUEZ-ROSARIO
Position: Guard
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Major: Undecided
Why outstanding: Glorivel has great work ethic. As an international student, she has gracefully adjusted academically and immediately began making her mark here in our basketball program. She led our team in almost every statistic this season. She is one who never gives up. Glorivel will be a staple in our program next year as a sophomore.

CALEY KERWIN
Position: Guard
Hometown: Schoolcraft, Michigan
Major: Early education
Why outstanding: Caley became a dual-sport athlete this year as a softball player who joined the basketball team. While multitasking demands from both teams, she always gave 100% of herself. Caley is someone always striving to become a better version of herself and her work ethic matches that. She will be leaving Kalamazoo Valley this year with two degrees and looking to continue her education at a four-year university in the fall.

MEN'S BASKETBALL
MAKYLE DOSS
Position: Point guard
Hometown: Jackson, Michigan
Major: Business
Why outstanding: MaKyle has taking on the role of point guard this year and has been an All-Conference performer. His ability to adapt to whatever the team needs is a big part of the Cougars' success.

RAMERE DRAPER
Position: Wing
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Major: Business
Why outstanding: Ramere has been a huge part of our program for the last few years. His ability to work well with others and be a team player sets him up for success.

JOEY LIEDEL
Position: Shooting guard
Hometown: Mason, Michigan
Major: Business
Why outstanding: Joey is an outstanding leader who continues to succeed on and off the court. His leadership has been a big reason for the success of the men’s basketball program.

Museum Offers Free Fretboard Festival for 20th Year March 21 - 22
Celebrate Kalamazoo's rich musical history when the annual Fretboard Festival returns March 21 - 22! This FREE event is a celebration of guitars and all stringed instruments. Enjoy live performances, workshops and more at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Kalamazoo Valley’s Anna Whitten, conveniently located next to each other in downtown Kalamazoo. The festival kicks off Friday, March 21 with performances by Michigan mandoliner Brian Oberlin and musical partners at 6 and 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and the free tickets are first come, first served. The festival continues Saturday, March 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum has been the proud organizer of the festival for the last 20 years! Click here for the lineup, performance times and other details. Watch the museum’s newly released documentary about the festival here.
Free Foodways Symposium Returns April 4 - 5
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium! This free annual celebration of greater Kalamazoo’s agricultural history and heritage cuisine will be held April 4 - 5 at two of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s locations in downtown Kalamazoo. It will explore foodways through the lens of water, and all the ways in which water gives us life and sustains us. The event kicks off the evening of Friday, April 4 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 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), the state of Michigan’s designated grain. Manoomin 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 more details.
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.
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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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