May 15, 2023
Greetings Students!
Summer weather appears to have finally arrived! Seeing the sunshine daily, boosts my spirits and helps to set the tone for our summer season of community collaborations. As you continue to dedicate yourself to your classes, I hope that you will find time to enjoy many of the events and activities scheduled during the coming weeks.
The "Mind Matters" exhibit continues through June 18 at the college's Kalamazoo Valley Museum. This important exhibit was strategically scheduled to present information about the complex issue of mental wellness during mental health awareness month. As a part of related programming, a mental health fair, free and open to the public, is scheduled on Saturday, May 20 from 1 - 3 p.m. This event will include regional partners such as Gryphon Place, Disability Network of Southwest Michigan and others who will be providing free information about services available for those seeking more information about this topic.
Friday, June 2 marks the opening of the 12th Alumni+ Art Show featuring submissions from dozens of talented Kalamazoo Valley alumni. This year's show is sponsored by Bell's Brewery and begins at 5:30 p.m. in the college's Center for New Media. Winners will be announced during a short program at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
On June 16 -19, the college is collaborating with others on Kalamazoo Juneteenth 2023 activities. Be watching for additional details at www.kalamazoomuseum.org and @juneteenthkzoo on Facebook.
In addition to traditional college classes in person, online and blended, there are opportunities for middle school aged students and life-long learners available through the college's athletic camps, free cooking classes for kids and early middle college career exploration week-long camps. For a full schedule visit campusce.net/kvcccommunity.
I wish you a pleasant summer and trust that your time at Kalamazoo Valley is productive and rewarding.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Need Assistance? Student Services Can Help!
Click here for a list of student services offices that can offer you assistance throughout the semester. You can contact them to schedule:
- In-person appointments
- Virtual appointments
EMC Completion Ceremony Held Last Week
A completion ceremony for more than 135 Early/Middle College students was held last week in Dale B. Lake Auditorium to recognize their academic achievements. The group, representing 18 area high schools, has a program GPA of 3.28 and a semester average of 3.40.
Ninety-one students earned degrees, including 11 certificates of achievement, four certificates and 74 associate degrees! This translates to the completion of more than 7,500 credit hours - saving students and their families more than 1.1 million dollars!
Congratulations! See pictures here.
Police Academy Graduates 20
Cadets from the 95th Police Officer Training Academy graduated last week in a ceremony in Dale B. Lake Auditorium. All 20 of the cadets were sponsored by area police agencies and will begin working following graduation. See photos from the ceremony here.
Center for New Media's Student Celebration Exhibit Winners Announced
A huge congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Year-End Student Celebration Exhibit The entries were judged by Kelly Vander Kley, a practicing Southwest Michigan artist who has dedicated herself to the arts and education through her career as a design instructor and her own participation in community art projects. more
New to Kalamazoo Valley? Get Your Valley ID Card Now
As a new student, you are required to get a Valley ID card. A Valley ID card is needed for many student services, parking validation, testing center, class roster and security verification, fitness center and door access at our downtown campuses. You can also get some great discounts with your student ID Card when used at participating restaurants, art organizations and businesses.
Getting your Valley ID card is easy:
- Upload your photo and required information at our Virtual ID station at the link on your MyValley page here (you'll need to log into your MyValley account). We will mail your ID card directly to your home.
- Come to the Student Service Desk at TTC ( 269-488-4100) or AWH (269-373-7800) to obtain your card by drop in or by appointment.
You must be registered for classes in order to obtain your Valley ID Card. Your ID will remain valid for every semester that you are enrolled at Kalamazoo Valley.
New Course Offerings for Fall 2023
A total of 11 new course offerings have been added for the Fall 2023 semester in the areas of education, computer information systems, biology, chemistry and energy systems applications.
The new education courses include EDU 112, Teaching Lab Seminar III; EDU 207, Physical Science for Elementary Ed; and EDU 217: Inclusive Practices in Elem Ed. In Winter 2024, we will also offer EDU 230, Early Childhood Teaching and Learning and additional math and science courses for Early/Elementary Education students. More
Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Are You Ready for Summer?
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries at the Texas Township Campus and Anna Whitten Hall are open and available to support you this summer.
Services and Hours
Library materials are available for checkout and staff are available to assist you. We also offer services remotely through email, phone, 24/7 chat, and Zoom. Call us at 269.488.4328 or email us (libraries@kvcc.edu) with any questions. See our website for up-to-date Summer hours.
Laptops, Hotspots, and Textbooks on Reserve
Laptops and hotspots are available for students who do not have access to a computer or Wi-Fi at home. Students can borrow technology for the entire semester. Visit our website for more information. The Libraries also offer access to many textbooks used by the college. Check the link to see if we have books for your class available. Most reserve items may be checked out for up to three hours.
ValleyCat Online Catalog
Look for library books (print and electronic) by using the ValleyCat online catalog, which is the search box right in the middle of the library homepage. Learn how to search or create an account by watching our ValleyCat tutorials or by asking a librarian for help.
Request a Book through MeLCat
The Kalamazoo Valley Libraries participate in MeLCat, a service that allows students, staff and faculty to borrow items from other participating libraries throughout the state of Michigan. Click here to search for materials available to borrow. Make sure to have your Valley ID ready. Books can be sent directly to the Kalamazoo Valley library location of your choice, and the library will contact you when your item is available for pick-up.
Summer Reading
If you're looking for a good summer read or if you want to start a reading habit, check out our ValleyREADS LibGuide, a website that provides lots of resources for recreational reading. Click on the "What to Read Next" tab for suggestions, including access to a free book recommendation e-magazine called Booklist Reader.
Database Spotlight: NoveList Plus is a database devoted to book recommendations! Search for the perfect summer read with categories such as fiction/non-fiction, age, genre, read-alikes and more. You can even browse by "Appeal" and craft a personalized book list. Need help navigating the database? Ask a librarian for assistance.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Visit us online
Call 269.488.4328
Email
Chat with a college librarian 24/7
Zoom by appointment, please email
Follow us on Instagram (@kalamazoovalleylibraries)
Need School Supplies or Textbooks? Visit the Bookstore
The Texas Township Campus Bookstore sells everything you need to be a successful student. It has textbooks, computers, backpacks, binders, pens, markers, glue sticks, art supplies, a variety of calculators and more, even candy and snacks starting at 10 cents! Note that summer hours are now in effect. The Bookstore will be open 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from May 8 to Aug. 4. Shop in person or online. Online orders may be picked up at TTC or the Anna Whitten Hall Library at the Arcadia Commons Campus in downtown Kalamazoo, or mailed to any address you want. Shipping is $5.
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. Check the college calendar for upcoming opportunities.
May 18 | 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.
May 22 | Mental Health First Aid | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help offered to a person who may be developing a mental health challenge or is in a mental health crisis. MHFA is an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Please join us to learn more. This event will be held at the Texas Township Campus in Room 4240. To learn more or to RSVP, email Trice Batson or Cat March.
May 24 | Learning Center Open House | 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Join Kalamazoo Valley's Learning Center and tutoring staff for an open house on May 24. The Learning Center's goal is to assist students in their journeys to becoming better independent learners. Stop by anytime from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus in Room 2220 or join us virtually via Zoom rooms located in MyValley. For questions, email learningcenter@kvcc.edu or call 269.488.4397.
May 25 | 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.
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.
Softball, Baseball Teams Close Seasons with Third-Place Finishes
The Cougars softball and baseball teams wrapped up their 2023 regular season on May 6. The softball team finished third in the Western Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association with a league record of 16-14 and an overall record of 21-25 under the leadership of Head Coach Emily VanFleet. The team had the honor of qualifying to compete at the NJCAA Region 12 District B Tournament in Stevensville, Michigan held from May 11-13. Ultimately, the Lady Cougars fell to Oakland Community College 3-1 in a consolation round, which ended their district tourney run. Head Coach Steve Bennecke's baseball team also finished third in the MCCA's Western Conference. It ended with a league record of 13-12 and an overall record of 21-21. It did not qualify for post-season play this time around.
Two Basketball Players Reaching 1,000-Point Feat Earn Dale B. Lake Award
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has selected the two basketball players who recently achieved 1,000-point career milestones as the recipients of its coveted annual Dale B. Lake Award, the college's highest honor for student-athletes. Abigail Long, a point guard on the women's team, and Myles Johnson, a guard and forward on the men's team, accomplished their scoring feats on Feb. 18 and Feb. 11, respectively. Read the full story here.
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.
SOFTBALL
Savanna Disbrow
Position: First Base/Right Field
Hometown: Gull Lake, Michigan
Major: Sports Psychology
Why outstanding: Savanna is a leader on and off the field. She has an incredible work ethic and inspires her teammates to be the best they can be. She not only upheld a 4.0 GPA this semester, but she also has a job and is a pen pal to a young athlete in the area. She uses her experiences now to help this athlete through her own struggles with the game and inspires her to keep going and to do her best. She is planning on continuing her career at a four-year university, while studying sports psychology, to become a mental performance coach for college athletes.
Hannah Mellinger
Position: Pitcher/Second Base/Third Base
Hometown: Paw Paw, Michigan
Major: Dental Hygiene
Why outstanding: Hannah is one of the hardest workers on our team. When she is not playing softball, she is either keeping up with her studies or working. She upheld a 4.0 GPA through this semester while doing so. She plays with the passion, heart and grit that all teams need and makes sure to have fun while she's doing it. After her two years at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, she is planning on entering the dental hygiene program, and help mentor young athletes in the area to develop their skills and share her love and passion for the game.
Marissa Jo Taylor
Position: Outfield
Hometown: Greenville, Michigan
Major: General Studies
Why outstanding: Marissa Jo, better known as Jo, is another one of our athletes who has maintained a high GPA of 3.84 through the year. She has become a strong, confident young woman who always puts others before herself. She is always cheering on her teammates and makes sure no one ever feels alone. She has come in the clutch many times and remains a humble leader, even as her confidence has grown.
BASEBALL
Korbin Griffin
Position: Outfield/First Base
Hometown: Richland, Michigan
Major: General Studies
Why outstanding: Korbin is the epitome of a professional. Just looking at Korbin, he stands out from everyone else. His frame and how he goes about his business is that of a next-level player. Anything we asked Korbin to do on the field, he did it. Whether it was changing his position when we had a few injuries or getting the big hit, he came through multiple times for us throughout the year. Korbin hit .346 on the year with 11 home runs, but it was his leadership that really stood out throughout the year.
Kris Stojanovski
Position: Outfield
Hometown: Northville, Michigan
Major: Finance
Why outstanding: It hasn't been the easiest journey for Kris at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Coming in as a freshman was a very eye-opening experience. This year was a big year for the third-year outfielder. Kris has matured not only as a player, but as a person. He became a vital part of this team as he hit .410 on the year and led our team in multiple offensive categories. He also grew as a leader for our team and will be graduating with a GPA above 3.0.
 
Transportation, Child Care Assistance Available
Are you or do you know of someone who is experiencing barriers to completing an education or finding employment? If so, help may be available with Mi-LEAP funding to pay for training, credit programs and receive supportive services such as transportation, childcare and other assistance that may lead to job placement. To learn more, reach out to Adam Westhouse, Program Navigator, at awesthouse@kvcc.edu.
Unique Mental Health Fair Coming Up May 20
A one-of-a-kind Mental Health Fair approaching mind wellness from multiple angles comes to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday, May 20 from 1 - 3 p.m. The drop-in event includes information tables from nine vendors, including services offered by a therapy dog clinic, the area's leading suicide prevention agency, Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Counseling Office, the disability, racial healing and LGBTQ+ communities and three other organizations. The museum's "Mental Health: Mind Matters" interactive exhibit will be open on the third floor throughout the event. Admission is free to the fair, the museum and to the exhibit.
There also will be guest speakers. From 1 to 1:30 p.m., the SWMI Journalism Collaborative will share the research the group has done on mental health in the Mary Jane Stryker Theater. In the next session, from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m., representatives from the WMU Therapy Dog Clinic will be bringing a dog, and will talk about how its program helps children and adults. Hear about the suicide prevention programs of Gryphon Place in the final session planned from 2:30 - 3 p.m. Find more details about the Mental Health Fair at kalamazoomuseum.org.
Mark Your Calendars for Juneteenth Black Film Fest
Enjoy a free showing of the "Summer of Soul" documentary and a community discussion with Kalamazoo-based musicians when the Juneteenth Black Film Fest comes to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Friday, June 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. The film highlights the legendary, but little-known Harlem Cultural Festival of summer 1969, which celebrated African-American music and culture. The screening is organized by Soul Artistry LLC. Find out about the other local Juneteenth events happening that weekend by visiting @Juneteenthkzoo on Facebook.
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