MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Oct. 15, 2025
Greetings!
One of our important values at Kalamazoo Valley is humor and well-being. We aim to promote a healthy environment for mind, body and spirit. Nurturing creativity, humor and enjoyment of work, and learning is crucial for our happiness at work.
Thanks to a generous gift from the Stryker Johnston Foundation, we have some special opportunities to spark that happiness. I hope many of you were able to enjoy the food trucks that came yesterday. In the newsletter below, you will see details about more fun activities - sign up for a chair massage on Oct. 21 or come out to enjoy a free movie with your friends and family at Celebration Cinemas on Oct. 26.
We are entering a busy time of the academic year, making progress in multiple semester parts of term and planning for commencement and the end of the calendar year. Family responsibilities, the change of seasons and upcoming holidays can be overwhelming. In the midst of these demands, I encourage you to think of ways to nurture your well-being! Let's work hard, but let's also take care of ourselves and each other.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Enjoy FREE Food, Movies and More! Check out these upcoming free employee wellness and engagement activities. Don't miss out on a massage, food and movies!
Take a moment to prioritize your self-care and enjoy a 15-minute relaxing massage at the Texas Township Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Please email hr@kvcc.edu to sign up. Spaces are limited and first preference will be given to those who have not already participated.
Food trucks are coming again! Come relax, connect with colleagues and enjoy a tasty meal from local food trucks on Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Texas Township Campus! To help us ensure enough food, please register for a time slot in advance below:
Noon - 2 p.m. | Register(corrected)
2 - 4 p.m. | Register
Register now to enjoy one of two movies at a private showing at Celebration Cinemas on Sunday, Oct. 26! Feel free to bring family and friends. The family-friendly selections are Tron: Ares (PG-13) at 1:30 p.m. and another movie TBD at 1 p.m. A free popcorn, soda and candy combo will be provided. Sign up here.
Click here for more photos from our first food truck event on Oct. 14! These opportunities are being made possible thanks to a gift from the Stryker Johnston Foundation to support the wellness and engagement of all employees.
Reminder: Winter Summit 2026 Proposal Deadline is Oct. 24 The deadline to submit proposals for the Winter 2026 Summit is Friday, Oct. 24. Everyone at the college is invited to submit one. To submit a proposal, click here. Winter Summit will be held Thursday, Jan. 8. Open Enrollment Takes Place Nov. 1 - 15 Open enrollment for all full-time employees is Nov. 1 - 15. It is important for all full-time employees to review their current coverage and make any changes during this time. Join us at our informational meetings and open lab sessions to learn more.
Enrollment will happen online, through Plan Source, our benefit portal. If you do not wish to make any plan changes, you will still need to log into your benefit portal and complete enrollment. Your username will be your full Kalamazoo Valley email address. Your password will be reset to your birth date: YYYYMMDD
Informational Meetings: Representatives from Kalamazoo Valley Community College's benefits partner, Gallagher, will be on campus to discuss 2026 plan changes, premiums and additional ancillary benefits (e.g., Omada, Hinge Health, 2nd MD). These will be one-hour sessions with time for Q&A. *RSVPs required. Click on a date.
Drop-In Lab Sessions: If you need help, Human Resources staff will be available to assist with Plan Source login and online enrollment at the drop-in sessions below. *No registration is needed. Just stop by!
Nov. 5 |Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, Rm. 246 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2026 Insurance Rates Listed below are the monthly rates for 2026. The new rates will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.
For a downloadable version of today's Open Enrollment message, clickhere.
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 July through September 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 Kimberly Dupree | Training & Development Coordinator Kathleen Drzewiecki | Senior Office Specialist 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 Gaoshan Raymond | Administrative Assistant Andrew Rakowski | Interpreter Kevin Tucker | Academic & Career Pathway Advisor Daniel Warren | Program Training Manager Cosmetology Rickey Westfall | Custodian
EMPLOYEES IN A NEW ROLE Ashley Bergkamp | Assistant Director of Library Access Services Tom Bauer | HVAC Technician Beth Brandon | Assistant Director of Kalamazoo Promise Services Jermaine Clark | Custodial Supervisor - TTC Nizora Haitova | Director of Institutional Research John Garwood | Public Safety Officer II Lisa Peet | Student Financial Services Representative Aaron Williams | Assistant Director of KVAAP Tracy Williams | Program Coordinator
Deadline to Petition to Graduate for Fall is Oct. 31 The deadline to petition to graduate for fall semester completion is Oct. 31. Students who petition after the deadline may not have their names printed in the December 2025 Commencement program book. Click here to learn more. Wellness & Work: Empowering Women through Healthy Living Join the MI-ACE Women's Network for a Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Groves Campus in Room C1410. Speakers Rachel Bair and Lasonda Wells, Ph.D. will share strategies on nutrition, stress management and holistic health to support well-being and workplace satisfaction. All faculty and staff are invited. RSVP here.
Active Violence Response Trainings Active Violence Response Trainings will be offered four more times in October. The sessions are 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.
Higher Learning Commission FAQs - Reaffirmation Process Q:How often does this reaccreditation review process happen? A: Reaccreditation is a continuous process the college prepares for. It is a 10-year journey marked by key milestones and ongoing evaluations that fuel sustained excellence and accountability.
Q: What exactly happens during our 10-year reaccreditation review? A: The reaccreditation journey is driven by a series of strategic components woven into the HLC's evaluation framework which ensures Kalamazoo Valley consistently meets every benchmark across the 10-year cycle.
Q: What is a "Comprehensive Evaluation"? A: This in-depth review occurs at regular intervals and involves a thorough examination of Kalamazoo Valley's operations and compliance with the HLC's standards.
Q: What is the "Assurance Review" I keep hearing about? A: Kalamazoo Valley's Assurance Agreement is the institutional blueprint, filled with proof of performance, alignment with HLC's criteria and a clear vision of sustained excellence.
Q: What are "Quality Initiatives"? A: For Open Pathway colleges like Kalamazoo Valley, these are projects designed to improve specific aspects of our organization or pursuit of strategic initiatives. When Valley submitted the "Excellence in Academic Advising (EAA)" report this past May the quality initiative received accolades from HLC reviewers.
Q: Are there other ongoing requirements besides the 10-year review? A: Yes, an "Institutional Update" occurs each year. Think of Institutional Updates as HLC's annual wellness check - gathering insights into Kalamazoo Valley's organizational health to confirm the college is on track and in compliance year after year. Look for more HLC FAQs in upcoming newsletters or visit the webpage.
Welcome to a Month of Emergency Preparation Training! Below are October events. Advance registration is required.
KVCC Emergency Procedures
Friday, Oct. 24 | 11 a.m. - Noon | Register | Room 1320 (TTC) or Zoom
In an effort to strengthen our workplace readiness and resilience, all are invited to take part in an interactive emergency procedures training designed to equip you with critical response skills. This impactful session will dive into key topics such as:
Severe weather protocols
Lockdown procedures and
Communication strategies during crises
Through this event, you will learn skills to stay calm, act decisively and support one another during emergencies.
The Emergency-Ready Workshop
Monday, Oct. 27 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Register | Room 4380 (TTC) or Zoom
Get ready to take preparedness to the next level. This interactive workshop invites you to kick off your training by watching at least TWO of the October training videos below. After viewing, join our engaging event where we'll unpack real-world strategies and practical tools for staying safe - whether you're navigating an emergency at home or at work. This session is all about developing tools to anticipate emergency situations at home and at work before they happen.
Level Up in Minutes: Short Videos for your Busy Schedule
We've assembled a series of brief video trainings you can access on your own timeline to brush up or dive into something new. Each clip delivers thought-provoking, practical tips that lead to action.
"The Bystander Effect (Examples + Experiments)" [5:26] A definition of the bystander effect, why and when it happens, and actions to take to help prevent it. "What to Do in an Emergency!" [17:18] Ways to anticipate and prepare/rehearse how to react if a crisis occurs. "The First Responder Mindset" [11:57] How to adopt a first-responder mindset so you are prepared to survive and help others survive until first responders reach the scene. "Be More Than a Bystander" [7:56] Proactive community involvement and personal responsibilities in disaster readiness.
Don't forget: you can also sign up for the Emergency-Ready Workshop (above) focused on strategies outlined in these videos.
Note: Please check with your supervisor to be sure your work schedule allows you to attend. Also, please plan to bring your own lunch. Questions? Contact Kimberly Dupree, training and development coordinator at kdupree@kvcc.edu.
Lead with Your Strengths Our strengths-based journey continues. We are committed to helping every team member explore and leverage his or her unique talents through the CliftonStrengths assessment, developed by Gallup. Whether you are new to the assessment or simply looking to revisit your results, now is a great time to engage. These sessions are open to everyone, not just our newest employees.
Haven't taken the assessment yet? Join us to discover your Top 5, and other reports, to learn how to invest in your strengths.
Already have your Top 5 report and still curious about your full 34? Let's explore.
Just want a refresher or to re-engage with your strengths? You are welcome to join as well.
Wherever you are on your strengths journey, these sessions are designed to help you focus on what you do best.Sign up today and keep leading with your strengths. Here is how to get started:
With supervisor approval, register to attend one of the Explore Your Strengths sessions below:
Then, if needed, you will receive a code from one of the Strengths coaches before the session. This code will allow you to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment. The assessment will take approximately 45 minutes.
Next, attend the session to learn more about how to read your report, dive into your top strengths and truly invest in your strengths.
Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Employee Step Challenge The Employee Step Challenge ended Sunday, but it's not too late to submit your step logs. You have until Thursday, Oct. 16 at noon to enter any remaining logs by clicking here. We need all those steps to help surpass last year's total of 35 million. Final leaderboards, grand raffle winner and college step totals will be announced Friday, Oct.17. T-shirts will be available in the Fitness Center any time after 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 31. The center is open from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday - Thursday, and 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fridays. The next challenge kicks off Jan. 1!
Employee Group Fitness and Drop-in Classes Offered Through Dec. 11 Pilates will be offered Tuesdays and yoga on Thursdays, both 12:05 - 12:45 p.m., in Room 6040 in the Wellness & Fitness Center through Dec. 11. NO equipment is needed. Check in at the front desk with your Kalamazoo Valley I.D.
News from the Libraries 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 or request an individual appointment. Or, consider scheduling a library instruction session for your class. For more information about instruction, visit ourInformation for Instructors web page.
Upcoming KVAAP Sessions We are continuing to accept students for the Winter 2026 semester! 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 here.
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 3:30 - 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 27 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.
Time for 20 Percent Off Tuesday on Oct. 28 at the Bookstore! Get 20 percent off in the Texas Township Campus Bookstore on Oct. 28! 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 awesome 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.
Scholarships Available for Students to be Mascot Do you know any students who would want to be Kal, the Kalamazoo Valley mascot? Encourage them to apply now for the Kalamazoo Valley Mascot Scholarship. The award is $1,200 per semester and includes agreeing to represent Kalamazoo Valley Community College at on- and-off campus events. Activities include, but are not limited to, community festivals, local K-12 school appearances, campus athletic events and student engagement events of any kind at the discretion of the college.
Requirements
Be enrolled in at least six credit hours at the college
Availability for on- and off-campus events
A reliable form of transportation
Completing the scholarship application form linkedhere
Turning in the completed application to Student Financial Services
Students should be aware that they may be asked to perform mascot responsibilities in the summer semester as well. For questions, email development@kvcc.edu. What's for Lunch? Cougar Cafe is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Coffee Den is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Next week's menu includes:
Monday | Oct. 20 | Chicken noodle soup; grill station selections
Tuesday | Oct. 21 | Chicken noodle soup; grill station selections
Wednesday | Oct. 22 | Chicken noodle soup; chili mac, mashed potatoes and vegetables
Thursday | Oct. 23 | Chicken noodle soup; fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy
Last Chance to Watch a Home Volleyball Game! The Lady Cougars wore pink T-shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at their Oct. 9 home match, triumphing over Lansing Community College after losing to them earlier in the season. Click here to see all the photos. Come out and support the volleyball team at their final two home games! Below are the details. They take place in the main gym at the college's Texas Township Campus and are free! Bring friends and family!
Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6:30 p.m. | vs. Southwestern Michigan College
Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | vs. Lake Michigan College
Click here for the full schedule of both home and away games, and read a story about the season here. For regular team updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook @kvccvb.
Baseball and Softball Players Volunteered in September
Kalamazoo Valley's baseball team supported the American Foundation's "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" for suicide prevention on Sept. 28 at Milham Park in Kalamazoo. On Sept. 30, the Lady Cougars softball team attended the Challenger Little League for Special Needs Kids at Milwood Elementary School in Kalamazoo. Kudos to both teams for taking the time to show love to the community! All five of the college's sports teams participate in two community service projects every semester.
'Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks' Exhibit Now Open Explore the rich festival culture of Mexico through historic and contemporary masks at the "Dancing With Life: Mexican Masks" traveling exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, now through Jan. 4. The museum is the first in the nation to show the exhibit. It centers around the work of the mask makers and dancers themselves through written and recorded interviews, including bilingual Spanish and English texts.
'Am I An American or Am I Not?' Exhibit Debuted Oct. 12 The thought-provoking "Am I An American or Am I Not?" traveling historical exhibit is now on view at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, through Jan. 4. It asks visitors to think about examples of unfair treatment from our country's past and present in order to protect the American promises of life, liberty and justice for all. It is named after a quote from Fred Korematsu, who famously challenged the mass imprisonment of 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII.
Bring the Kids to Chemistry Day on Oct. 18 It's Chemistry Day time at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! Explore the chemistry of spices through fun experiments on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. Free seeds will be given away, so you can continue the joy of the science of spices in your own garden! The event is free, and pre-registration is not required. Visit kalamazoomuseum.orgfor details.
Fall Honorable Lecture Series Continues Through Nov. 18 Enjoy weekly talks this fall examining ways we restore the tenants of reciprocity with the natural world as a community and as individuals. Organized by Kalamazoo Valley Community College's ValleyHub in partnership with the museum, the sessions are held every Tuesday, now until Nov. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This drop-in lecture series takes place at the college's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. View the list of topics at valleyhub.kvcc.edu/events.Note: The Oct. 28 event will be held earlier, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
