Greetings Students,

One of the sure signs of nearing the end of the semester is celebrating student success during Commencement!

The college community will commemorate student success during Commencement on Sunday, Dec. 18. More than 278 of your student colleagues have petitioned to graduate. We expect great participation and a large crowd of family members and friends at Miller Auditorium beginning at 2 p.m.

I am looking forward to hearing from student speaker Heather Austin, a gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps who is an Iraqi War veteran and single mom to five children. She has maintained a 3.5 GPA in business administration while working full time at FedEx and continuing to advance through military ranks. Her remarks are sure to be inspiring.  

Kalamazoo Valley alum Brian Murray, an automotive technology instructor, will provide faculty remarks and the campus band is returning for the celebration! For those of you graduating, congratulations!  For those of you who continue to press forward, we are cheering for you!

Soon we all will be celebrating the end of the fall semester, so until then, stay focused on the goal.

Sincerely,

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

• Wednesday | Dec. 7, 2022 | 2 - 6 p.m. | Texas Township Campus

Visual Art Transfer Student Portfolio Reviews Held at CNM
Are you a student interested in transferring to a university with a visual arts program? Would you like the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by a professional? If so, please join us for multiple upcoming events to have work reviewed by Western Michigan University. These events will be located downtown in the lobby at Kalamazoo Valley's Center for New Media on Dec. 6 and 8 from noon - 2 p.m.
 
All visual arts students are welcome to join and do not need to be planning to apply to Western Michigan University to have their portfolios reviewed at these events. To learn more, contact Ezra Bell. 

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Center for New Media Spotlight Series: Aerick Burton
Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Aerick Burton has been following his passion for art since an early age. He is an artist who doesn't hesitate to push boundaries and explore new mediums. Utilizing his expertise in photography, graphic design, branding, fiber arts, sculpture and origami, he has been able to create art of all kinds throughout his artistic career. Join him for a talk on Dec. 15 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Room 175, CNM.
 

His iconic utilization of origami methods and designs across media allows him to create unique and powerful artwork that transcends genres and shows a clear dedication to his craft. Burton finds inspiration in everything from everyday objects to the emotions he feels while creating art and is constantly looking for ways to further develop his unique artistic voice and produce art that both inspires him and impacts others.

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Join us for Spirit Week: Let's Celebrate the Completion of Fall 2022!
In celebration of the season and the last week of the semester, Kalamazoo Valley has planned multiple Spirit Week events across our campuses from Dec. 13 - 15. Join us at any of the upcoming events listed below:

• Dec. 13 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Hot Chocolate Bar and Holiday Cookie Decorating | Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building Lobby
• Dec. 14 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Hot Chocolate Bar and Holiday Cookie Decorating | Texas Township Campus Cafeteria
• Dec. 15 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Hot Chocolate Bar and Holiday Cookie Decorating | Anna Whitten Hall Lobby

To learn more, contact Ezra Bell.


No Late Hours Dec. 20
The Admissions, Registration and Records office, The Financial Aid office, the Enrollment Management office and Student Development Services will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

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Time to Buy Commencement Caps, Gowns, Honors Regalia 
Attention December graduates! You can buy commencement regalia up until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Bookstore on the Texas Township Campus. Also for sale are diploma frames, graduation yard signs and mortarboard graphics! Congratulations to those receiving their degrees and certificates at the graduation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University.

Bookstore Accepts Winter Financial Aid on Dec. 19
Dec. 19 is the first day you can use winter financial aid to make purchases at the Texas Township Bookstore. Book authorizations will end on Jan. 25. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Note that the college will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and reopens on Tuesday, Jan. 3. However, online orders can be placed anytime at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Online orders can be mailed to any address, or held for pickup at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore or at the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. Shipping is $5.

Shop for the Holidays at the Bookstore!
The perfect gift for you and your family is Cougar gear! Get everything from comfy college-branded sweatshirts, pants, socks, T-shirts and hoodies, plus mugs, backpacks, baseball caps, water bottles and more at the Texas Township Bookstore. For your convenience, you can shop online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. Shipping is $5. Buy in person from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

 

Get Involved on Campus

The Office for Student Life and Engagement is here to connect you with a number of events in our new virtual space. From meeting with transfer colleges and making a budget to learning about your strengths, our office offers learning opportunities outside the classroom. Meet new people and connect with campus contacts to make your college experience more meaningful. For more information, contact Ezra Bell.

Upcoming events include:

Dec. 5 | Respiratory Therapy Information Session | 5:30 p.m.
Interested in a career as a respiratory therapist? Join us at the Texas Township Campus in Room 1310 for a free informational session to learn more! Participants will connect with faculty, learn about Kalamazoo Valley's Respiratory Therapy program and review its application process and requirements. No RSVP is needed to attend! For more information, contact Amy Murray.
 
Dec. 6 | Medical Assistant Technology Information Session | 5:30 p.m.
Interested in a career as a medical assistant? Join us at the Texas Township Campus in Room 4550 for a free informational session to learn more! Participants will connect with faculty, learn about Kalamazoo Valley's Medical Assistant Technology program and review its application process and requirements. No RSVP is needed to attend! For more information, contact Amy Murray.
 
Dec. 6 | KVAAP Information Session | 5 p.m.
Join this virtual information session to learn more about how the Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program can help you achieve your educational goals. Upon signing up, a Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you. Click here to register. For more information, contact Kendall Walker. 
 
Dec. 6 | Kalamazoo Promise Services Zoom Pop-Up | 5 p.m.
Zoom Pop-Ups are virtual presentations dedicated to the development of skills needed to be successful in college and life. Presentations are led by Kalamazoo Promise Services staff, Kalamazoo Valley faculty and community educators. Click here to join. For more information, contact Beth Brandon.
 
Dec. 7 | Employer On-Campus Recruitment Visit - Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Employer On-Campus Recruitment Visits are interactive events where students can learn about local area employers and job opportunities. Join us at the Texas Township Campus Cafeteria on Dec. 7 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Our special guest will be a representative from Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation.
 
Dec. 7 | EmployU Workshop | 3 p.m.
EmployU Workshops are events designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills that prepare them for entering today's competitive workforce. Event topics include useful tips to elevate your resume, advice on navigating job search sites and interview strategies. This month's session will be conducted via Zoom. Click here to join. For more information, contact Mary McConnell.
 
Dec. 13 | FAFSA Night | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Financial Aid Office is hosting several FAFSA© Nights to assist families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA©). Staff will be available to answer questions. Students do not need to be attending Kalamazoo Valley to receive assistance in completing the FAFSA©. If you have questions or need help, stop by the Financial Aid Office every Tuesday between 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Room 9210 at the Texas Township Campus. For more information, email finaid@kvcc.edu.
 
Check the college calendar for other upcoming opportunities.
 
Student Organizations
Did you know Kalamazoo Valley has a number of student clubs and organizations? From dance club to anime, there is something for everyone. Clubs are a great way to meet people! Check out the complete list here.
 
College Social Media
Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for all of the latest campus news. And every Tuesday, you can check us out on TikTok!

Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach  to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for a different job other than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment.
 
Below are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
Art and New Media
Digital Product Manager Associate - Humphrey Products
 
Accounting/Business/IT/Marketing
Elementary Attendance Secretary - Portage Public Schools
Secretary to the Principal - Portage Public Schools
Legal Assistant/Paralegal - Oshtemo Charter Township
Accounting Specialist - Division 7 Building Contractors, Inc.
 
Culinary/Brewing
Culinary Supervisor - Old Burdick's Wings West
Sous Chef - Greenleaf Hospitality
Restaurant Event Coordinator/Supervisor - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
 
Education
Conservation Educator - Kalamazoo Nature Center
Assistant Teacher - Jumpstart Childcare of Kalamazoo
Lead Teacher - Community Action
Substitute Teachers and Parapros - EDUStaff
 
General Studies
Parking Attendant - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Blush Stylist Apprentice - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Valet Attendant/Radisson Plaza Hotel - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
 
Health Careers
Rehabilitation Tech - Hope Network
Certified Medical Assistant - Southwest Michigan Dermatology
Medical Scribe - Helix Scribe Solutions
Registration/Scheduler - WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Medical Records Specialist - LifeWays Community Mental Health
 
Human Services
Safety and Loss Prevention Security Officer - Greenleaf Hospitality
Behavior Technician - Residential Opportunities
 
Trades
Engineering Tech - Western Diversified Plastics
CADD Designer Intern - Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
Test Lab Technician / Test Engineer - Western Diversified Plastics
Automotive Maintenance Technician - Bridgestone Retail Operations
Construction Site Inspector - Oshtemo Charter Township

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Kalamazoo Valley Libraries:
Exam Treats, Study Spaces, Returns and Database Spotlight
Exam Treats
Exam-time schedules can be brutal. It can be easy to overlook simple necessities such as nourishment. If you find yourself hungry between tests, the libraries have you covered. Stop in to either location for a selection of free chewy granola bars and other munchies. And while you're here, why not study while you snack?

Study Spaces
Both libraries feature quiet, cozy and convenient study spaces in unique environments. We have tables, computers, comfy armchairs and isolated study cubicles with plenty of room to situate yourself and your belongings. The Texas Township library has closed study rooms for extra privacy - ask about availability. The Anna Whitten Hall library features a unique scenic lookout over downtown Kalamazoo and the TTC library offers a panoramic two-story view of the surrounding nature preserve. Did we mention that we have free snacks for exam time?

Returns
In all the end-of-the-semester hustle, don't forget that it is time to return borrowed library materials. Please return any items that are due and contact the library if you would like to request a renewal. To return books and media, please drop off materials at any book drop or library service desk. A convenient 24/7 book drop is located outside the tower entrance at the Texas Township Campus. Laptops and hotspots should be returned to the circulation desk at either library location.

Database Spotlight: CQ Researcher
Congressional Quarterly (CQ) Researcher  is a great source for comprehensive and unbiased reports by seasoned journalists on newsworthy issues. Search for your topic by keyword or browse the alphabetical Issue Tracker for subjects of interest. Each 24-page report provides a full overview, background and projection of future prospects for the issue covered and links and leads to further research. Whether you've already got a subject in mind or you are just searching for ideas, CQ Researcher is a great place to start exploring those hot topics.

We look forward to connecting with you!
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328 
Email libraries@kvcc.edu
Chat with a college librarian 24/7 (https://www.kvcc.edu/library/asklib.html)
Zoom by appointment, please email
Follow us on Instagram @kalamazoovalleylibraries

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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 focus on women's and men's basketball.
 

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Abigail Long, co-captain
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Major: Web Design / Coaching

Why outstanding: Long was Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Freshman and Player of the Year last season, averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds. She is back to double down on her legacy here at Valley this season as co-captain for the second consecutive year. She is resilient with an extreme work ethic. She has also maintained a 4.0 GPA and is on track to graduate this spring. 

 

Carly Boughton
Position: Power Forward
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Major: Undecided

Why outstanding: Boughton is already making an impact on and off the court. She finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in our final pre-season scrimmage against Kalamazoo College, earning our first game ball of the season. As a freshman, she is already displaying great leadership by being vocal and physically raising the bar every practice. She's a hard worker and a great motivator for her teammates. 

 
MEN'S BASKETBALL

Myles Johnson
Position: Guard/Forward
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Major: Liberal Arts

Why outstanding: Johnson is a leader on and off the court. His games speak for themselves, but off the court he continues to strive for excellence. Recently our team was asked to participate in the Lincoln Elementary Spirit Week assembly. Johnson and some of our team responded by attending and leading a special segment at the event, which was a big hit. We have heard nothing but positive responses from the school's teachers and administrators. Johnson also takes his studies serious, currently maintaining a 3.4 GPA while keeping his plate full with basketball, academics and community service. He has participated in a total of four service projects so far this school year.

Jakson Dentler
Position: Guard
Hometown: Otsego, Michigan
Major: Business

Why outstanding: Dentler was a walk-on last year and, through hard work and dedication, has earned a scholarship spot on the team this year. His work ethic and attitude is what sets him apart as he is a pleasure to coach. Dentler thrives while balancing working hard at school, maintaining a job and committing time to community service projects. He is the type of person who welcomes a task and puts his best foot forward. He is finding success on and off the court this year.

DeShawn Leslie-Tinsley
Position: Guard
Hometown: Battle Creek, Michigan
Major: Undeclared

Why outstanding: Leslie-Tinsley is on the team as a walk-on red-shirt, meaning he is not participating in games this year. He has embraced his role on the team and brings energy and effort every day to make himself and our team better. In the classroom, he carries a B average while juggling a work-study job on campus. He has really embraced the college experience thus far and continues to thrive on and off the court. We are looking forward to big things from Leslie-Tinsley as he continues his career here at Kalamazoo Valley.

 

Ready for Some Basketball? Home Games in December
If you're looking for a free, fun activity with a variety of dates from which to choose, Kalamazoo Valley men's and women's basketball games are a great option! They take place in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus. Here's the December home game schedule. Your friends and family are welcome, too!

• WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 7 p.m.
  Men's Basketball, Valley vs. Albion College J.V.
• WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14, 5:30 p.m. 
  Women's Basketball, Valley vs. Mott Community College
• WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14, 7:30 p.m. 
  Men's Basketball, Valley vs. Mott Community College
• WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28, 5:30 p.m. 
  Women's Basketball, Valley vs. Detroit Christian Community College
• WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28, 7:30 p.m. 
  Men's Basketball, Valley vs. Detroit Christian Community College

For the full season schedule, click here. Check out our sizzle reel here.

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During the upcoming semester break, food and beverages will be available on Texas Township Campus as follows.

Week of Dec. 19
Monday thru Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Coffee Shop Only
Thursday, Closed
Friday, Holiday
 
Week of Jan. 2
Monday, Holiday
Tuesday thru Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.  - 12:30 p.m. - Coffee Shop Only
Thursday, 10 a.m. -  1:30 p.m. - Café Only (Summit Day)
Friday, Closed
 
Standard Hours Beginning Jan. 9
Café:
Monday thru Thursday, 7:30 a.m. -  3 p.m.
Friday, Closed
 
Coffee Shop:
Monday thru Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, Closed
 

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Free Winter Break Fun at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Winter break is around the corner! Need some fun and free (or low-cost) things to do with kids? Our Kalamazoo Valley Museum has several activities you can check out! See below. Click here for the full schedule.

 

TUESDAY - THURSDAY, DEC. 27 - 29 | 10 a.m. - noon & 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Join us for Space Discover Days activities to learn how NASA makes discoveries about

the universe! Ages 5 & up.

 

WEDNESDAY | DEC. 28 | 1, 1:35 & 2:10 p.m.

Meet live birds of prey in a show by Kalamazoo Nature Center staff.

 

FRIDAY | DEC. 30 | 1 - 3 p.m.

Enjoy New Year's party-hat decorating, drawing and writing activities.

 

TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3 - 4 | 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

"Let It Snow" holiday music and light show comes to the planetarium.

 

WEDNESDAY | JAN. 4 | 1:30 p.m.

Watch sand painting artists create winter-themed pieces live to music.

 

THURSDAY | JAN. 5 | 2 p.m.

Experience the "Let It Snow" holiday music and light show at the planetarium.

 

FRIDAY | JAN. 6 | 1 - 3 p.m.

Make cute winter owl magnets and color!

 

Admission is free to the museum, as well as to the birds of prey and sand painting shows. Planetarium shows are $3. For more info and tickets, visit https://kalamazoomuseum.org/. Tickets can be purchased at the front door or online.
 

 

'Wonder Media' Exhibit: Great Choice for Older Kids

Looking for something to do with older kids in December, especially during winter break? Visit the Wonder Media exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! This new exhibit provides a fun way to explore the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly important issue: spotting misinformation in whatever form it may appear, from printed and online articles to social media posts, ads and everything in between. It features 14 news and media literacy-building activity stations, which will be of interest to students in 6th grade and older, as well as adults. Watch a virtual tour here! Admission is free to exhibits and to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
 

Expose Your Li'l Tots to Space!

Our Kalamazoo Valley Museum has a new "Astronaut Training" theme in its free Children's Landscape play area that serves ages five and under! Children can use their imagination, train and become an astronaut, then launch into space and test the experiments aboard their spaceship.

 

Winter break hours are:

Dec. 27 - 29 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 30 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 - 4 p.m.

Jan. 3 - 4 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 - 7 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 - 4 p.m.

 

Holiday Music Planetarium Show Runs Now - Jan. 5
What does Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Brenda Lee and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra have in common? They and other popular artists are featured in the "Let It Snow" holiday music and light planetarium show running now through Jan. 5 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum! See below for a full list of showtimes. Buy tickets at the front desk, or in advance by choosing from the list of dates at kalamazoomuseum.org/planetarium. Tickets: $3 (museum entry is free). Run time: 30 minutes. Check out the trailer here!
 
SHOWTIMES:
Dec. 2 - 17 | Fridays and Saturdays | 11 a.m.
Dec. 27 - 30 | Tuesday thru Friday | 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Jan. 3 - 4 | Tuesday and Wednesday | 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Jan. 5 | Thursday | 2 p.m.

Ride the FREE Holly Jolly Trolley in Downtown Kalamazoo
Did you know the Holly Jolly Trolley in downtown Kalamazoo is co-sponsored by Kalamazoo Valley Community College's own Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and it's FREE? You can ride it Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 27 - Dec. 19; Saturday, Dec. 24; and Saturday, Dec. 31, for limited hours. See below for the schedule. Catch the trolley on the hour, and 30 minutes after the hour, at Kalamazoo City Hall, the first stop. The trolley makes eight stops each trip!
 
REGULAR HOURS (Nov. 27 - Dec. 19): 
Thursdays |  5 - 9 p.m.
Fridays | 5 - 9 p.m.
Saturdays | 11 a.m. -  8 p.m.
Sundays | noon - 4 p.m.
 
SPECIAL HOURS:
Saturday | Dec. 24, noon - 4 p.m. (Christmas Eve)
Saturday | Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. (New Year's Eve)
 
For questions about the Holly Jolly Trolley, call 269.388.2830.

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