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E-Newsletter | January 2024

Director's Message
Last month I attended my first Kalamazoo Valley commencement ceremony and I was touched by the determination of our graduates. At one point in the ceremony, our president Dr. Washington asked the graduates to stand if they worked 30+ hours a week while they attended our college. Nearly every one stood! When I look back to my days as a student and how I could barely handle working my 12 work study hours each week, I am so impressed by the Kalamazoo Valley students' grit. During this season of fresh starts and goal setting, take inspiration from our hardworking students. If they can reach their goals, so can we!


Alisha Siebers
Associate Vice President for College Advancement
and Executive Director for the KVCC Foundation
asiebers@kvcc.edu
269.488.4821

 




Call for Nominations for Distinguished Alumni

Do you know a Kalamazoo Valley Community College alum who has earned distinction in their career field? Are you aware of a Kalamazoo Valley alum who has modeled exemplary personal growth and accomplishment? Kalamazoo Valley Community College is inviting you to share the names and accomplishments of outstanding Kalamazoo Valley alumni to be considered for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. Award criteria, nomination form and submission guidelines can be found here. 

To be considered for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award, nominations should be received no later than February 1, 2024. Contact Denise Thomas, alumni relations coordinator at 269.488.4314 or dthomas1@kvcc.edu for more information.

Take a moment and meet Kalamazoo Valley's previous Distinguished Alumni.


NEW-The Susan McKinney Scholarship (alumna)
A new endowed scholarship has been created at the KVCC Foundation. Retiring Valley Computer Support Technician, Kevin McKinney, established the scholarship in memory of his late wife Susan, who passed away unexpectedly in 2020.

Susan graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek in 1984, Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1999 and Western Michigan University in 2005 with a degree in accounting. She worked as a quality review coordinator for PNC Bank in Oshtemo.

The Susan McKinney Scholarship was established to support tuition and personal expenses to qualifying students in the accounting program at Valley. If you would like to help Kevin grow this scholarship, you can donate here.  Just indicate "McKinney Scholarship" on the on-line form.
Alumni, Share Your Story!
Sharing your personal story of your journey in education, career field and life experiences is inspirational and invaluable to others. Sometimes students just need to hear that success can be achieved and what hard work and perseverance can deliver.

Share your story with us here, and be an inspiration to Valley students and others. Need help on what to say? Consider one of these conversation starters:
  • What made you decide to go to Valley?
  • What challenges did you face as a student or in your career?
  • What advice would you give to a Valley student to be successful in education and in a career?
  • How has your education at Valley assisted you in your life path?
  • What is one of the most significant lessons you have learned along your way?

(L to R) Senator Sean McCann, Senator Sarah E. Anthony, Appropriations Chair,
L. Marshall Washington,  Kalamazoo Valley Community College President and State Representative Julie Rogers

Kalamazoo Valley Receives $19.5 Million to Renovate Skilled Trades Facilities
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has received a state appropriation of $19.5 million to renovate its Skilled Trades Wing at its Texas Township Campus. These funds, along with an additional $19.5 million match that the college plans to raise from multiple sources, will enable Kalamazoo Valley to meet changing technology needs and the ever-growing demand for trained workers in the skilled trades.

In addition to renovating its 68,000 square foot wing, the college aims to add a 20,000 square foot expansion to accommodate a new automotive program. This expansion will provide new opportunities for program offerings such as hybrid and electric vehicle technology training, renewable energy storage systems and autonomous vehicle diagnostics and repair. The continued growth in electric vehicles will lead to a greater need for workers skilled in computer programing, engineering, installation and repair. The new space will also better equip Kalamazoo Valley to offer customized training for automotive employers who are looking to provide industry recognized credentials for their staff.

Stay tuned for updates about this exciting opportunity for our community!  


Kalamazoo Valley Receives Grant for Unmet Transportation Needs and a College Completion Coach
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is receiving a grant from the state for $58,850 to address "unmet transportation needs of adult learners as part of a wider effort to support adult student and immigrant student success." Kalamazoo Valley is also receiving $150,000 to support a "Completion Coach" for wraparound support services to immigrant, refugee, and first-generation students. The grants are among $1.5 million being awarded to increase completion rates at community and tribal colleges in the state. It is coming from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Sixty by 30, Global Detroit, and Michigan College Access Network. Twelve other institutions are also receiving funding.
 
Valley Launches 2024 MLK Day Events Online Calendar
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is coordinating the digital community calendar for MLK Day 2024 events. Every year, the community has enjoyed the convenience of going to a central webpage to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. Day programs and service opportunities in the Kalamazoo area. Visit MLK Day. Please share the URL  - https://www.kvcc.edu/mlkday/ - with your contacts, and keep checking the landing page as it will be continually updated as items are received. Also, save the date for Valley's MLK Day celebration on Feb. 1. more

NOW OPEN - Furniture Exhibit Featuring Two Centuries of History
For a limited time, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum provides a rare peek at its unique items in storage, some never seen publicly at any point since the museum's founding in 1881! The FREE, "Off the Shelves: Exploring the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's Furniture Collection" exhibit showcases the museum's furniture collection spanning over 200 years of history, from mass-produced to one-of-a-kind pieces, like a replica of King Tut's throne. Also see Dobbin the horse, which was used to train cavalry officers; the neon Hoekstra Hardware sign that graced the back entrance of the store for several decades; and other pieces that all tell stories. The exhibit runs through Jan. 21. Entry to the museum and exhibit are free.
Update Your Contact Information

Have you moved? Changed your name or have a different email address? If you have new contact information, please take a moment and complete the Information Update form.

Help us stay in touch with you by submitting your online contact form.

Staff Support
If we can be of any assistance to you please give us a call.

Alisha Siebers                                             Annette Chapman
Executive Director                                        Foundation Officer
269.488.4821                                               269.488.4442
asiebers@kvcc.edu                                      achapman@kvcc.edu







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Kalamazoo Valley Community College · 6767 W O Ave · Kalamazoo, MI 49009-7402 · USA