Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation Focus. Working with you to impact lives at kalamazoo valley community college

E-Newsletter | November 2023


Director's Message

We here at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation are grateful for all of the caring people who are working together to improve our region. We're proud at the college to be a significant partner with the state of Michigan in the goal to increase education levels in Michigan. The state is aiming to increase post-high school education from 49 percent of the population to 60 percent by the year 2030.

The results will have a tremendous impact on our communities. As more people come back for a college degree or chose to work on some type of post-secondary credential with us, we are seeing an increased need for scholarships and for financial support. Returning students face real barriers in areas such as the high cost of childcare, transportation or the tools needed for their new profession.

Please consider including the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation in your family's annual giving. The Foundation will give 100% of your gift to students who need some extra support to change their lives. Thank you for all that you do and give to make this a wonderful place to live - we are grateful for you. 

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


Welcome to our new Foundation Officer

A professional headshot photograph of a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a dark gray blazer and a patterned scarf or bow tie. She has a warm, genuine smile and is photographed against a blurred blue-gray background in a traditional portrait style.

Annette Chapman recently joined our team as Foundation Officer. Most recently, Annette was the Senior Vice President of the Battle Creek Community Foundation where she managed the grantmaking and scholarship functions. During her 17 years at the BCCF, she specialized in project management, operations, development, and strategic planning. She also served as the Executive Director of the Battle Creek College Access Network where she assisted people in achieving post-secondary credentials.
 
Image os a muted illustration of pumkpins resting on a pile of fall leave. Text reads: Happy thanksgiving a small note to express our sincere appreciation for your generosity confidence and loyalty. we are deeply thankful and extend you our best wishes for a joyful holiday.

Michigan's Higher Education Goal

image is solid black outline of the state of michigan. Text circling around the image reads 60% by 2030

60% of adults with a post-secondary education by 2030

A bar chart showing median annual wages based on education level after one year and five years of work. The data demonstrates that higher education leads to higher wages. For example, those without a high school diploma earn about $9,400 after one year and $16,100 after five years, while those with a master's degree or higher earn about $56,100 after one year and $71,100 after five years. Each education level (no high school diploma, high school diploma, certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's or higher degree) shows increased earnings, with both the starting salary and five-year salary growing progressively higher with each additional level of education completed.
There are not enough adults in Michigan with the skills necessary to fill high-skill jobs. Michigan needs to meet the 60 by 30 goal to boost incomes and improve long-term outcomes for working families.

The data is very clear - higher median wages are directly correlated with higher education.  A person with a bachelor's degree earns more than twice the person with a high school degree five years after leaving school.

According to the latest data, only 49.1 % of Michigan's working age population has a credential higher than a high-school degree.

 
 
giving tuesday

November 28, 2023 marks the day of the global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.  Please consider a gift to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation Annual Fund and change the world of one person/student by providing scholarships-an investment into their future.

Scholarships are important because:
  • They support student performance
  • Encourage philanthropy
  • Help students focus on learning
  • Reduce financial barriers
  • Support equitable outcomes
  • Decrease future debt
  • Demonstrate commitment
GIVE TODAY!

*
All gifts to the Kalamazoo Valley Community Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.  You should consult your tax advisor or applicable federal and state income tax instructions.

 
Student Spotlight

If you missed seeing this video of gratitude from the Opportunities for Education Event, please take a minute and listen to one of our Kalamazoo Valley Community College scholarship recipients.  See firsthand why our students are so special.

Michelle Bustamante's Story

 
upcoming events

kalamazoo valley sustainable brewing
Mug Club Memberships Now Available
Kalamazoo Valley's sustainable brewing program is now offering $40 Mug Club memberships. Mug Club members will receive the following benefits for Taps On Tuesday events for the 2023-2024 school year:
  • A 20 oz. numbered, Kalamazoo Valley Sustainable Brewing branded mug
  • $1 off all draft beer food and specials
  • Priority registration for special events and membership renewal
There are 50 available membership positions, so come grab one while they last.

 A promotional poster for "Michigan Reconnect Comedy Night" featuring an illustrated design of diverse, laughing faces (showing people of different ages and ethnicities) gathered around a vintage-style microphone. The poster uses a vibrant color palette of blues, oranges, and greens.
Text content:
"Michigan Reconnect Comedy Night
Nov. 10 | 5-8 p.m. | Kalamazoo Valley Museum's
Mary Jane Stryker Theater | 230 N. Rose St. Kalamazoo 49007
hosted by Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Reserve your ticket for the Reconnect Comedy Night!
This FREE event will feature stand-up comedians from
around the greater Kalamazoo area.
In between sets, learn about educational opportunities
available for adults. Whether you are new to college
or are considering a return to complete your degree,
Kalamazoo Valley has abundant resources to alleviate
financial and life barriers that will aid in your success.
Open to adults 18 and older. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and
non-alcoholic beverages served.
Validated parking available for the Eleanor Street parking garage.

Learn more at
www.kvcc.edu/reconnect
KalamazooVALLEYâ„¢
community college
 
what’s happening at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The kalamazoo valley museum is operated by kalamazoo valley community college and is governed by its board of trustees.

image is a warm illustration of an oveflowing mug of hot cocoa with three marshmallows floating on top of the liquid.
Hot Chocolate Holiday

Visit the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for more family fun after the November 18, 2023  Holiday Parade in downtown Kalamazoo. Enjoy free winter-themed crafts and activities from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Create your own "hot chocolate" ornament and show off your coloring talent while learning about the upcoming winter program events at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. In the Innovation Lab, learn about density and how to make a marshmallow sink. Visit the planetarium to experience "Let It Snow," a full-dome video with images choreographed to classic holiday music. This show is both fun and suitable for any age and will be offered at 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Planetarium tickets are $3:00 per person. Museum general admission is free. 
Update Your Contact Information

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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



Mission. The KVCC Foundation advocates for and financially supports Kalamazoo Valley Community College students and programs. Vision. To remove financial barriers for all Kalamazoo Valley Community College student. Values. The KVCC foundation adheres to ethical and effective stewardship of our current and future resources.
269.488.4821 kvcc.edu/foundation Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation. 6767 West O Avenue, PO Box 4070, Kalamazoo, MI, 49003-4070