Kalamazoo Valley Community College

InFocus News for kalamazoo community college students
MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
Oct. 28, 2024

Greetings students!

Congratulations! You've made it to the midpoint of the fall semester! For many, it seems that classes just began and, for others, time seems to drag along. We understand! At this halfway mark, it is important to take a breath and assess where you are with your studies. Are you on track to successfully complete your classes? Do you need to recommit to your work? My advice to you includes that you do your homework, participate in class and, if you need help, reach out for assistance right away. We have dozens of professionals available to assist you. You can do this!

Believe it or not, it's time to register for winter semester. To make it easy for you, we've planned a Winter Registration Blitz on Oct. 29, 30 and 31 to help you get it all done. For those of you who plan to graduate this semester, the deadline to petition to graduate for fall semester completion is Oct. 31. See details below for how to apply to graduate. We hope we will see all of you graduates at our commencement celebration on Dec.15 - you deserve to be celebrated!

 Sincerely,

signature: L. Marshall Washington
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President

admissions, registration, and records
A flyer of of an illustrated snow covered landscape. Over the image, text reads winter registration blitz. get registered for winter semester, pick up some kalamazoo valley swag, have a snack and be entered into a drawing to win some cool prizes! October 29, 10am to 2pm and 4 to 7pm. October 30, 10am to 2pm. October 31 10am to 2pm. Check in at the tables located near the main gym at texas township campus.
Image contain a photograph of three young adults standing with a blue cougar mascot that is dressed in KVCC tshirt. All three indiviuals and the mascot are giving the camera a 'thumbs up' gesture. the image also prominently features the KVCC and Western Michigan University logos. Text reads: Wednesday, october 30, 9am to 4pm. Western michigan university on-site admission event. Kalamazoo valley community college texas township campus, lower level cafeteria. Interested in transferring to western michigan university? join us and connect with advisors and admissions representatives from WMU to learn about available transfer resources. www.kvcc.edu

Collage of graduation photos showing joyful graduates in caps and gowns. The top left image features a graduate holding flowers and a diploma while sitting by a fountain, with a friend taking a photo. The top center image shows a speaker addressing a large audience at a graduation ceremony with a stage full of faculty members. The top right image displays a graduate posing with family members on a grassy lawn. The bottom left image captures a graduate smiling inside a large auditorium, surrounded by other graduates. The bottom center image shows a group of graduates raising their diplomas in celebration outside by a tree. The bottom right image features a graduate posing with family members in front of a fountain on campus.
Deadline to Petition to Graduate is Oct. 31
Are you planning to graduate in December? The deadline to petition to graduate for fall semester completion is Oct. 31. Students who petition after the deadline may not have their names printed in the December 2024 Commencement program book. Click here to submit your application.
 
Students are encouraged to take part in celebrating their achievements by attending commencement on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Information will be emailed to eligible participants on Nov. 1. Click here to see highlights and here to view photos from the April 2024 Commencement celebration earlier this year. For questions, call the Admissions, Registration and Records office at 269.488.4281.

Image is a photo of a variety of vegetables in a pile. Text to the white space to the right reads Food 4 Thought culinary student competition
Three images of culinary students working in a professional kitchen. The first image shows a student in a white chef's uniform focused on plating food with precision. The second image captures a student in a black chef's uniform carefully placing ingredients on multiple plates lined up on a counter. The third image shows another student in a white chef's uniform and black apron adding finishing touches to a dish. Each student is wearing a black head covering and black gloves, concentrating on their tasks in a busy kitchen environment.
Pictured Left to Right: Abigail Hardy, Jacob Roberts, Kasey Gambee
Winners Announced at Culinary Competition
Culinary students recently competed in the Kalsec Food 4 Thought Culinary Competition. Students were paired with a research chef or food scientist from Kalsec to create an appetizer that was sampled by guests at the event.

Congratulations to the following winners:
First Place: Emily Evans | Cheesy Shrimp & Grits Bites
Second Place: Abigail Hardy | Pepperjack Crab Cakes with Pesto
Third Place: Susan Miller | Smoked Salmon Rillettes with Lemon Curd
Runner-Up: Jacob Roberts | Baci Dolcezza
Runner-Up: Michael Wolfe-Rose | Cranberry-Glazed Confit Duck Wings

Winners received scholarships ranging from $500 - $1,400.
visiting writer's series

Flyer for the Visiting Writers Series at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, featuring botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer. Event details include two lectures on Wednesday, November 6, at 10 a.m. ('Braiding Sweetgrass') and 2:15 p.m. ('Restoration and Reciprocity') at the Texas Township Campus, Dale B. Lake Auditorium. Pre-registration is required, and a QR code is provided for registration. The flyer also mentions a book signing immediately afterward. It includes a photo of Robin Wall Kimmerer, a cover of her book Braiding Sweetgrass, and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and KVCC logos
havirmill cafe

Havirmill Cafe Now Open
Students enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley's culinary arts and sustainable food systems programs put their training to work in the Havirmill Cafe. The cafe offers grab-and-go options, as well as a hot bar with freshly made entrees. It is located in the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St., in downtown Kalamazoo. Havirmill Cafe hours are Monday - Thursday from  Oct. 29 - Dec. 5. Please follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.

Kalamazoo Valley community college technical trades expo thursday, novemeber 7, 4 to 7 pm advanced technology center texas township campus 6767 west O avenue. learn more about the training available at kalamazoo valley community college and prepare for a rewarding career in the technical trades field. tour technical trades labs, observe hands on skills demonstrations, talk with employers, instructors, and students. observe classes. learn about financial aid, internships, and apprenticeships. automotive technology, electrical technology, HVAC technology, engineering design/manufacturing technology, welding technology, energy systems technology, construction, chemical technology, computer information systems, wind turbine academy and more. for more information email enrollment@kvcc.edu.

libraries
Library Open House
Join the Libraries and Learning Center Open House at TTC on Thursday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for information about the academic support we offer, plus snacks.

Citation Guide
For questions about paper formatting and citation - MLA and APA - check out our online Citation Guide. There you will find no-nonsense instructions for citing sources and avoiding plagiarism, as well as helpful links to more resources.
 
Schedule an Appointment with a Librarian
Need help finding and identifying authoritative sources for your research assignment? Having trouble getting what you need from databases or the web? Need a thorough rundown on how to do citation? Request an appointment with a librarian by filling out the online form to tell us about your assignment and availability. We'll set a time with you to team up and conquer any research obstacle you are facing.

Hours and Contact Information


phi theta kappa honor society
PTK to Induct New Members Oct. 30
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, has recently extended new invitations for membership to eligible students. Those who accept are invited to participate in an optional induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 in the Texas Township Campus Theater, Room 4240. New members who plan to take part in the ceremony will meet in Room 4230 at 6 p.m. for a brief orientation prior to induction. RSVP required by no later than Thursday, Oct. 23. more
student employment services
Looking for a job, internship, apprenticeship and/or volunteer opportunity?
Student Employment Services assists students with job searching, resume writing and practice interviewing. Visit Career Coach, Kalamazoo Valley's online job board, to see if there is something that interests you. If you are looking for something different other than what is listed, we can help. Call 269.488.4040 or email careercenter@kvcc.edu to schedule an appointment.

Here are some of the jobs currently posted on Career Coach:
Business Pathways (Accounting/Business/Information Technology/Marketing/Administrative Assistant)
Secretarial openings at several local schools
Web or Converting Extra - Graphic Packaging International
Practice Support Assistant - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Office Supervisor - Neuropsychology Associates
Network Operations Specialist - Portage Public Schools
 
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement/Public Service
Police Officer - Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Government
 
Culinary/Brewing (Sustainable Food Systems)
Kitchen Cook - Vineyard Assisted Living
Multiple opportunities at Greenleaf Hospitality Group
 
Education
Several Education related openings
ESI Paraprofessional (Special Education) - Portage Public Schools
Lead Teacher - Early Learning Professional - YWCA Kalamazoo
 
Engineering & Skilled Trades
Automotive Service Technician - Ford Dealerships
CAD Engineer - Canvas Innovations
Electrician - Graphic Packaging International
Senior Service/HVAC Technician - Hinman Company
Maintenance Worker - Plumbing and Heating - Portage Public Schools
Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship - Greenleaf Hospitality
Electrical Technician - Kiss Technologies
 
General Studies
Atrium Attendant, Room Attendant and similar positions - Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Day Custodian - Portage Public Schools

Health Careers
Registered Medical Assistant - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Dental Hygienist - Texas Corners Dental
Medication Technician - Vineyard Assisted Living
Practice Support Assistant - Integrated Services of Kalamazoo
Caregivers Wanted, Earn While you Learn - Visiting Angels
Medical Scribe - iScribeMD
 
Human Services/Social Sciences/Public Services
Early Learning Professional Supervisory Coach - YWCA
Therapist - YWCA Kalamazoo
 
Sustainable Horticulture
Environmental Health Supervisor - BHSJCHA
Grower - Young Plants Wenke - Greenhouses
 
Volunteer/Unpaid Internship Opportunities
Care Collective Volunteer - Care Collective of Southwest Michigan
Companionship Volunteer - Elara Caring

career: join KVAAP at the program showcase. are you an undecided student? this event is for you! come learn about kalamazoo valley's programs that lead to exciting careers! Thursday november 7, 12:30 to 2:30pm in anna whitten hall, room 128. Register for classes. enjoy free pizza. interact with staff and students. business, sociology, culinary arts brewing, art and new media, counseling, communication, liberal arts, and more.

veteran services
image is a flyer with an illustration of a waving american flag covering the upper left corner. text reads a legacy of loyalty and service. veterans day. veterans day flag raising ceremony november 11 at 7:45am flagpole entrance texas township campus. kalamazoo valley community college
 
center for new media
Event poster featuring a colorful abstract art piece titled 'Jewel Tone Study' showing trees with multicolored circular canopies against a background of yellow circles, with small blue dots forming a meadow-like pattern at the base. The artwork demonstrates a playful interpretation of natural forms using geometric shapes and vibrant colors. Text reads Novemeber Art Hop Nature's Impressions land life and abstraction. november 1, 5:30 to 8pm during art hop at the center for new media, arcus gallery. Jewel tone study is an art collaboration by marta j, jasmine K, joe r, and amartina s. Sponsored by MRC artworks and Kalamazoo valley community college

Image is a flyer with simplistic illustrations of fall leaves and trees. Text reads Kalamazoo valley community college presents it's the season of the sticks november 5, from 3 to 4 pm in room 4230 texas township campus. take a break from the course work and studying and chill with us. we'll have games, coloring, and snacks.

transfer tuesday are you unsure of what four-year college or university you want to attend after you complete your academic goals at kalamazoo valley? connect with college and university admissions representatives at transfer tuesday. october 29, november 5, november 19, december 10. look for transfer tables in the lower level cafeteria between 10am and 2pm.
western wednesdays are you interested in transferring to western michigan university? connect with advisors and admission representatives from western michigan university. on-site admissions day: wednesday, october 30 from 9am to 4pm in the texas township cafeteria. other days are wednesday november 6 from 10am to noon. wednesday, november 20, 10am to noon. wednesday, december 4, 10am to noon.

valley future educators clubl. thinking about pursuing a degree in an educational field? the valley future educator's club (VFEC) offers a great place to meet other students like you who share a passion for teaching and learning and are interested inn investigating a career in education. all meetings are held in texas township campus room 4370, with the exception of november 18, which will be texas township campus room 4550. mondays, 1 to 2pm. 2024, november 18, last meeting of the year. 2025, january 27, february 17, and march 17.

art and animation club. fall 2024 thursdays, 11am, center for new media room 65. come join a diverse group of students who love watching and playing drawings in motion in multiple forms. be creative and inspired with the art and animation club. for more information, contact aubrey jewel rodgers and arodgers@kvcc.edu
honors program warm clothing collection drive. october 21 through november 8. kalamazoo valley honor's program will be collecting used socks, boots, coats, scarves, hats, gloves, blankets, pants, shirts, and hand warmers for united for the unsheltered of kalamazoo. collection bings will be placed around the texas township campus.
image is a flyer in the design of a corkboard notice wall with the information contained in the form of several notes pinned to the board. Text reads kalamazoo valley community college math club. when? 3:30 pm on november 22 and december 6. where? the lounge near the learning center (texas township campus, room 2220) located on the second floor. what? fun math activities tutoring opportunities for all mathematic levels.
Image is of hand-drawn hearts, flowers, and wavy lines that are rainbow colored. Text reads LGBTQ+ diversity club. Join the LGBTQ+ diversity club at kalamazoo valley community college! We have bi-weekly meetings and host events for LGBTQ+ students and allies. Come build community, engage in advocacy/education or just hang out. To sign up, request more information find out when the club meets or to join our discord server, contact club advisor misti mahon at mmahon@kvcc.edu or club president dawson knipp dknipp8724@mail.kvcc.edu

office of diversity and inclusion


A three-panel image showing different aspects of what appears to be a college event. The left panel shows two women posing together in front of colorful balloon decorations, with one wearing a floral yellow dress. The middle panel features a musician in black attire and hat playing guitar while seated. The right panel shows a large room with multiple round tables where diverse groups of people are seated, with international flags hanging along the wall, suggesting a multicultural gathering or celebration.
Hispanic/Latinx Celebration Drew Great Turnout
A steady stream of students, staff and faculty members came out during lunchtime on Tuesday, Oct. 22 for live music, food and games that uplifted the vibrant cultures, rich histories and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx communities, as part of the college's "Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month" event held on the Texas Township Campus. Guests were treated to a well-known local musical treasure, guitarist/singer/songwriter Rene Meave. Featured at the 2024 Fretboard Festival, sponsored by our Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Meave has been recognized by both the American Song Festival and the BMI Song Festival. Thank you to everyone for your support of this Office of Division and Inclusion program. Click here for more photos.

The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
Three students stand together smiling in what appears to be a college library or study area. All are wearing Kalamazoo Valley Cougars branded hoodies or sweatshirts in different styles. The student on the left wears a navy blue hoodie and carries a backpack, the student in the middle wears a grey and black hoodie, and the student on the right has vibrant blue hair and wears a black hoodie with yellow pants. The Cougars logo is visible on their apparel.
Time for 20 Percent Off Tuesday on Oct. 29 at the Bookstore!
Don't miss the great deal in the Bookstore on TUESDAY, OCT. 29! Get 20% OFF! It's a STANDING discount on the LAST Tuesday of every month at the Texas Township Campus Bookstore! Had your eye on something? Now's the time to buy it! The Bookstore is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Promotion excludes electronics, food and course materials. Discount applies to in-store purchases only.
 
Rummage Sale Promises Even More Bookstore Deals Nov. 18 - 22
HOLIDAY RUMMAGE SALE! Start your holiday shopping with great deals at the Kalamazoo Valley Texas Township Campus Bookstore! One week ONLY! From Monday, Nov. 18 to Friday, Nov. 22! Come on in and get the bargains while they last for in-store purchases! The Bookstore has Burt's Bees, candles, selected jewelry and much more marked down for quick sale. Why spend a mint on gifts when the Bookstore has you covered?
athletics
A group of students or volunteers pose outdoors on a sunny day under a tree with yellow-green foliage. They are holding a purple and white sign that reads 'Thank you for supporting walk to end alzheimer's.' The group appears diverse, with some members wearing Kalamazoo Valley apparel. They are arranged in two rows, some standing and some kneeling on the grass. One person on the far right is holding what appears to be a small dog. The photo is taken in what looks like an urban setting with buildings visible in the background.
Women's Basketball Team Joins Walk to End Alzheimer's
The Lady Cougars basketball team on Saturday, Oct. 19 walked in downtown Kalamazoo's Bronson Park in solidarity with those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Held in 600 communities each year, the Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research. In Kalamazoo, $53,000 was raised this year. Players said they learned that seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and that 11 million people are currently providing unpaid care for loved ones. "I lost my grandfather to this disease in 2019, so it felt good to show up and support the movement and engage with the community as a group," said Head Coach Felicia Thomas.

Are You Ready for Some Basketball?
Kalamazoo Valley Community College's women's and men's basketball teams are gearing up for a great season! Conference play officially begins in January, but you can see the players in action for FREE now during home games in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus through December. Here are the home games in November:
 
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. (vs. Albion College JV Scrimmage)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. (vs. Mott Community College)
  • Saturday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. (vs. Kankakee Community College
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. (vs. Rock Valley College)
 MEN'S BASKETBALL
  • Monday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. (vs. Owens Community College)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Mott Community College)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (vs. Rock Valley College)
 For the full schedule, click here.
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.
ooky spooky light show
Planetarium Offers Free Halloween-Themed Light Shows
Looking for Halloween fun for your little ones? Enjoy FREE a 20-minute-long "Ooky Spooky" light show at our Kalamazoo Valley Museum's planetarium on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Thursday, Oct. 31. Showtimes are 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. This family-friendly show includes four Halloween music favorites. Each song in this light show is synchronized with full-dome graphics to create an experience that is fun and entertaining. It is suitable for grades two and up. It's first come, first served free tickets on the day of the show.
 
Enjoy Free Post-Holiday Activities at the Museum Nov. 23
After the Maple Hill Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23, stop by our Kalamazoo Valley Museum for FREE hands-on activities and planetarium shows, plus visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Create festive handmade treasures and compete in the Reindeer Games from 1 - 3 p.m. Enjoy "Let It Snow," a full-dome video show choreographed to holiday music in the planetarium. Showtimes are noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Admission to the museum and all activities are free! For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
 
A promotional poster for a museum exhibit titled 'Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art' at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The poster features two Masonic artifacts against black backgrounds: on the left, an oval pendant with symbolic imagery including blue pillars and geometric shapes; on the right, a ceremonial compass-shaped pendant featuring a sunburst design with a face at its center. The text announces the exhibit runs until January 5, 2024, is free, and includes 80 pieces showcasing Masonic and Odd Fellows history. The museum's contact information and logo appear at the bottom: 230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo, kalamazoomuseum.org, 269.373.7990.
New 'Mystery and Benevolence' Exhibit Illuminates Secret Societies
Step into the mysterious world of secret societies with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum's newest exhibit, "Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art"! The captivating, free traveling exhibition is on display now through Jan. 5. Eighty carvings, sculptures, textiles and regalia bring to light the histories, symbolism and values of the Freemasons and Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, taking visitors behind the veil of these intriguing fraternal orders that have had an influence on contemporary American popular culture. Entry to the exhibit and to the museum are free.
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Texas Township Campus
6767 West O Avenue
PO Box 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
269.488.4400