|
Feb. 13, 2023
Greetings Students!
Winter in Michigan is always an exciting time of year and winter semester provides its own joys and challenges. Whether you are joining us remotely, taking classes on campus or both, thank you for investing in your future by choosing Kalamazoo Valley.
We are pressing forward with a multitude of events. The schedule includes virtual and in-person programming at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Black Artists' Show at the college's Center for New Media. Many college clubs and organizations are also holding regular meetings. A calendar of activities is available on the homepage of the college website. I hope that you will take advantage of all that the college has to offer.
Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, guests, faculty and staff continues to be at the forefront of our efforts. I want you to follow all of the best practices for staying healthy. By washing your hands frequently, receiving vaccinations and boosters and honoring the decision of some who choose to wear face coverings will go a long way toward our shared responsibility.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I continue to be amazed by your determination and flexibility as you complete your education. Please remain resilient and positive. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your faculty members or to Student Development Services. We are here to help you achieve your goals!
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
PTK Inducts New Members
Kalamazoo Valley's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, conducted its Winter 2023 induction ceremony for new members on Feb. 2 in the Texas Township Campus Theater. Chapter advisors, officers, inductees and their loved ones were present at the event to celebrate the new members and their achievements.
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, was the event's keynote speaker and provided words of encouragement and celebration during the ceremony.
Click here to view pictures from the ceremony. To learn more about PTK, email ptk@kvcc.edu.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Last day to withdraw from 1st seven-week classes is Feb. 13
- First-half semester classes end Feb. 27
- Second-half semester classes begin Feb. 28. Register now at www.kvcc.edu/register.
- The summer class schedule should be available online the week of Feb. 20. Registration opens March 6.
Free Tutoring Available
Need some extra help in your classes? Free tutoring is available at the Learning Centers on the Texas Township Campus and at Anna Whitten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus. Visit www.kvcc.edu/tutoring for a complete schedule.
Neurotransmitters and Your Mental Health
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry chemical signals ("messages") throughout your body. There are many different neurotransmitters - each with its own role to play. Key neurotransmitters that impact mental health are serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Serotonin is the "happy" neurotransmitter, and has many roles in the nervous system. It's involved with maintaining our body temperature and is transformed into melatonin to help us get sleepy when the light starts to dim. It's also important for our memory, our stress response and processing our emotions. Because of its role in mental health, many medications for depression target the serotonin that is produced in the brain. Some serotonin is made in the brain, but most of it is actually made in the gut. One of serotonin's roles in the gut is to help our gut keep food moving through it ("gastric motility"). more
Join Us to Learn More About Health Careers at Kalamazoo Valley
Are you interested in pursuing a career within the health care industry? Would you like the opportunity to learn more about the emergency medical services, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy and medical assistant technology programs offered at Kalamazoo Valley? If so, please join us at any of our upcoming Health Career Information Sessions to learn more. During these interactive events, guests will be able to learn about available programs, application processes and program requirements for each of the career paths listed below. No RSVP is needed to attend.
Join us on any of the following dates:
Dental Hygiene
Wednesday, Feb. 15 | 6 p.m. | Texas Township Campus in Rm. 4550
Respiratory Therapy
Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 5:30 p.m. | Texas Township Campus in Rm. 1310
Medical Assistant Technology
Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 5:30 p.m. I Texas Township Campus in Rm. 4550
Click here to learn more about Kalamazoo Valley's Health Careers programs.
Kalamazoo Valley Offers Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) Coaching Course Beginning in March
Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) Coaching is an evidence-based training program focused on culinary coaching - a novel approach to improve nutrition that combines culinary training, health coaching principles and tele-medicine tools and resources. CHEF Coaching is designed to train allied health professionals to provide easy-to-follow culinary instruction and education directly to patients and clients in order to improve the quality - and often reduce the cost - of food preparation in the home.
This 10-week training combines Parts 1 and 2 of the CHEF Coaching program. Participants who successfully complete the two-part program will earn a Certificate of Completion in Culinary Coaching from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Institute of Lifestyle Medicine and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The course instructors are Lizzie Luchsinger and Jane Barg.
See all of the details and registration information here. For more information, contact Lizzie Luchsinger at 269.353.1265 or mluchsinger@kvcc.edu.
Munchies Available at the Bookstore!
Get your snack on at the Texas Township Bookstore! In addition to books and supplies, did you know you can buy munchies, including small candies for as little as 10 cents, 25 cents and 89 cents? All your favorites are here, from Laffy Taffy, Sour Patch Kids, Gummy Bears, Andes Créme de Menthe Thins to so much more! There's a wide array of snacks from which to choose, ranging from chips, Welch's fruit snacks, Pop-Tarts, crackers, chocolate-covered pretzels to peanuts and cashews. The Bookstore is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Support Culinary and Brewing Students at Taps on Tuesday
Taps on Tuesday social events have resumed at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building downtown. These happy hours are hosted by culinary and brewing students and staff and run from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Beer and food pairings, appetizers and wine are available for purchase. Walk-ins only; no reservations required. Taps on Tuesday will run on Tuesdays through April 18.
The Office for Student Life and Engagement is here to connect you with a number of events on campus. 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:
Feb. 14 | Kalamazoo Promise Services Progress Report Luncheon | Noon - 3 p.m.
Kalamazoo Promise students are invited to join us from noon - 3 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 9318 for the Kalamazoo Promise Services Progress Report Luncheon. At this event, attendees will be able to meet with Kalamazoo Promise Services staff, discuss questions, review course schedules and meet with an advisor. For more information, email Narda McClendon.
Feb. 15 | Born 2 Succeed | 3 p.m.
Are you a male student looking to connect with others pursuing a degree? Are you interested in networking with successful individuals from within the community? If so, you are encouraged to join the Born 2 Succeed (B2S) program. B2S provides mentoring, leadership development, career exploration, strength/talent identification, peer support, tutoring, workshops and chill nights for male students. Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 3 - 5 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall in Room 128. For more information, contact Ezra Bell at ebell@kvcc.edu.
Feb. 15 | EmployU Workshop | 3 p.m. POSTPONED
EmployU Workshops are events designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills that prepare them for entering today's competitive workforce. Event topics range from useful tips to elevate your resume to advice on navigating job search sites. This month's event will be conducted via Zoom. Click here to join. For more information, contact Mary McConnell.
Feb. 16 | Valley Food Share | 2 - 4 p.m.
Valley Food Share is an initiative designed to meet the immediate food needs of Kalamazoo Valley students. Through the program, currently enrolled students can pick up a bag, or a "share," which includes food grown locally and sourced through our own Food Innovation Center as well as non-perishable items from Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. For more information, visit kvcc.edu/foodshare.
Feb. 20 | Valley Future Educators' Club (VFEC) | 1 p.m.
Are you a student interested in pursuing a career in education? Valley Future Educators' Club provides a great opportunity to network with Kalamazoo Valley faculty and peers interested in the field of education. Join us at our next meeting for some informal learning, conversation and fun! This event will be held in person at 1 p.m. on the Texas Township Campus in Room 4240 and will also be available via Zoom. Click here to join virtually. To learn more, contact Cheryl Almeda.
Feb. 21 | 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
Do 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!
Basketball Player Spotlight
Player Spotlight is an occasional feature highlighting outstanding student-athletes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Honorees are nominated by their coach. The Cougars have a lot to be proud of. Congratulations to our men's and women's basketball teams for both currently ranking No. 1 in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference! The women share the No. 1 spot with Glen Oaks Community College. The Cougars' final home games of the season on Feb. 11 were exciting and action-packed: The women defeated Lansing Community College, 75 - 39. The men played hard and with heart in a tight match to the end with Lansing CC winning 95 - 105.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Jakya Rimpson
Position: Forward/Center
Hometown: Mattawan, Michigan
Major: Social Work
Why outstanding: Jakya has grown into a force to be reckoned with inside the paint. Her defense has consistently contained other team's centers and she has proven to have a versatile offense by getting to the basket and knocking down mid-range shots. Jakya is always looking out for those around her, including younger siblings, her teammates and friends.
Taylor Rickli
Position: Guard
Hometown: Paw Paw, Michigan
Major: Nursing
Why outstanding: Taylor is the epitome of someone who strives to get better and do better every single day. Currently maintaining a 3.53 GPA,Taylor has consistently built new habits to help her be as efficient as possible both on and off the court. She's always pushing the limits on how hard she works in practice and everyone around her is challenged to match her energy.
Hannah Vallier
Position: Guard/Forward
Hometown: Vicksburg, Michigan
Major: Nursing
Why outstanding: Hannah is currently maintaining a 3.6 GPA all the while being an awesome contribution to our basketball program. She is a great teammate, always encouraging in practices and games and has consistently been the first person to initiate our team-bonding activities all season. As a sophomore, she has continued to set a grand example of how to balance being a student-athlete with grace for her freshman teammates and incoming recruits.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Andre Whiteside
Position: Forward
Hometown: Parchment, Michigan
Major: Liberal Arts
Why outstanding: Andre is a young man of high character and willingness to do what others will not. He is a leader by action, and you can always count on him to get the job done. He is a solid academic student with goals of going on to a four-year school to get a bachelor's degree. He has really made some big strides forward on the court as well, and has become a starter during the Conference season.
Ramere Draper
Position: Guard
Hometown: Wyoming, Michigan
Major: Undecided
Why outstanding: Ramere brings a wide breadth of experience to the men's basketball program. His love for music is one reason he can connect with people. He is a solid academic student who loves to learn and always wants to grow as a person. His basketball skills speak for themselves. He is a great asset to our program and the Kalamazoo Valley community.
Caleb Johnson
Position: Guard
Hometown: Portage, Michigan
Major: Undecided
Why outstanding: Caleb is a hard worker who always has a great attitude. His work ethic is what sets him apart on and off the court. He is in the Honors Program and is doing great with his academics. He continues to get better and better on the court and is making a positive impact in the basketball program.
Henrietta Lacks Mini-Exhibit Closes on March 5
Henrietta Lacks is probably one of the most famous women that most of us didn't know we need to thank for many major medical breakthroughs, like cancer treatments and the polio and COVID-19 vaccines and more. Learn the late Henrietta Lacks' amazing story from a mini-exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum that concludes its run on March 5. The African-American woman's cells were used in experiments worldwide without her knowledge. The "HeLa Story: Mother of Modern Medicine" exhibit was put together by the museum and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, with the help of her Kalamazoo family. For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
Loy Norrix High School Stages Henrietta Lacks Play
A play about Henrietta Lacks that debuted last fall at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is now in schools! More than 600 students at Kalamazoo's Loy Norrix High School were treated to "HeLa" on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Playwright and director Buddy Hannah said he was thrilled that schedules permitted just about all of the cast members from the original show to participate in the hour-long, daytime performance.
"I was honored for the school to share the play with students during Black History Month," the Kalamazoo Valley alum said, adding that he's in talks to also bring the production to schools in Benton Harbor and Battle Creek. "It is important for both Black and white students to know as much Black history as possible."
Hannah said the bookings are a direct result of people having either seen or heard about his play's staging at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, or visited the associated exhibit about Henrietta Lacks on display at the museum.
Check Out Local Civil Rights Historian's Pop-Up Exhibit
Looking for something to do for Black History Month? The Kalamazoo Valley Museum has opened a new pop-up mini-exhibit that showcases Kalamazoo-related items collected by longtime local civil rights historian Murphy Darden, Sr., as well as highlights pieces Murphy created representing people, places and events in Kalamazoo history. The "Kalamazoo Through the Eyes of Murphy Darden" exhibit will be on display through March 19.
'Mental Health: Mind Matters' Exhibit Opens Feb. 18
Enjoy a special storytime suitable for children touching on mental health on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 1 - 3 p.m. at the college's Kalamazoo Valley Museum, as part of the museum's launch that day of its "Mental Health: Mind Matters" exhibit on the third floor. Kids and caregivers will listen to the story book "How Full is Your Bucket?" by Tom Rath. At the conclusion, a hands-on activity will encourage participants to reflect on what their own bucket of positive and negative interactions might look like. 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 - 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
Museum Hosts Fretboard Festival March 3 - 4
For the 18th year, the Fretboard Festival returns to Kalamazoo to celebrate the city's stringed-instrument legacy and musical heritage. Enjoy in-person and virtual performances and workshops March 3 - 4 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. Admission is free.
The festival kicks off on Friday, March 3, 5:30 - 9 p.m., at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and will feature a musical performance from Bahar Ensemble and "The History of the Oud" presentation by Beau Bothwell. It continues on Saturday, March 4, from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., with workshops, vendors and performances from Joel Mabus, Dave Johnson, Crossroads Blues Band and many more at Anna Whitten Hall and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
For the lineup, virtual viewing details and more, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
|
