Our celebration of the April commencement on Sunday
KV Focus Plus - May 1, 2024
MISSION STATEMENT Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.
May 1, 2024
Greetings,
Our celebration of the April commencement on Sunday was delightful. It was another great day for our students, college and for the broader community who will continue to benefit from the skills and abilities of our graduates!
The successful completion of a college credential is an amazing accomplishment. The graduates who we celebrated have overcome every obstacle placed in their way. I am so proud of them.
I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you have done to assist those completing a credential. Our students frequently report how much they value their classroom instruction and the assistance they receive from various college employees. To watch some of their stories and to enjoy a celebratory graduation video, visit the college's YouTube channel.
Sincerely,
L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
Congratulations, Graduates! Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day for Kalamazoo Valley's commencement ceremony. We're so proud of our graduates and happy to welcome the newest group of alumni. Student speaker Leona Carter told her fellow graduates to approach life as they did with college, one challenge at a time. For photos from the event, click here.
Nursing Program Celebrates Graduates Kalamazoo Valley's nursing program staff and faculty celebrated with a pinning ceremony for its graduates on Saturday, April 16. Nursing Program Director Lori Orr said, "I'm so proud of our graduates. They worked so hard and I'm confident that they will all be excellent nurses." See photos from the pinning ceremony here. May 2024 Art Exhibit - Student Celebration Faculty and staff at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Center for New Media are gearing up to share and celebrate the hard work and creative achievements of students who have taken studio arts and applied arts and media technology classes. The 2024 Year-End Student Celebration Exhibit will open during Art Hop on Friday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. and will showcase art and design works created by students from the studio arts, animation and game art, illustration, graphic design, multimedia and web design and development programs. The exhibit is open to any student who has taken an art class. It will remain on display through the end of the month.
College Observes Summer Hours Beginning Sunday, May 5 For the period of Sunday, May 5 through Saturday, Aug. 3, Kalamazoo Valley Community College will observe summer hours. The hours of operation are as follows:
Mondays through Thursdays: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (30 minutes for lunch)
Fridays through Sundays: College closed
Regular hours resume the week of Aug. 4. Many services are available online at www.kvcc.edu.
College Celebrates Youth Apprenticeship Week Building off the success of National Apprenticeship Week, Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW) is a nationwide celebration, May 5 - 11, that highlights the benefits and value of Registered Apprenticeship program opportunities for youth, ages 16 - 24. Employers, educators, labor unions, workforce professionals and their partners collaborate, allowing youth the opportunity to earn competitive wages while obtaining the relevant training and experience to start their careers.
Kalamazoo Valley is celebrating 50 years of partnerships with the U.S. Department of Labor, state of Michigan, over 130 business partners, community organizations and approximately 500 apprentices in Registered Apprenticeship programs; serving adults, youth, women, veterans, underrepresented and underserved populations. While the primary focus has been skilled trades and manufacturing, the college has expanded its reach to include non-traditional apprenticeship in fields such as information technology and business. The college's commitment and contribution to workforce development and economic growth was recognized by the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners in 2023, naming Kalamazoo Valley as a leader and expert in the field of Registered Apprenticeship programs with the United States Department of Labor.
Wellness and Fitness Center Summer Hours and Pool Information Kalamazoo Valley's Wellness and Fitness Center will operate with adjusted hours for the summer semester. For the period of May 6 through Aug. 2, the fitness center will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pool will be available for the period of May 6 - June 27 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Click here to learn more about the Wellness and Fitness Center. For more information, contact Renea Peruski.
Cougar Cafe Summer Hours Looking for a quick snack or something for lunch while on the Texas Township Campus? The Cougar Cafe offers a wide variety of grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads and soup. Subway is also located inside. The cafe is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Note that the Coffee Den, located in the Student Commons at the Texas Township Campus, will be closed for the summer, though you can still buy a cup of coffee while on campus inside the cafe.
Recognize Employee Excellence Kalamazoo Valley Excellence Awards will be presented to highlight the outstanding work of Kalamazoo Valley staff and administrators. The awards recognize those who have a demonstrated record of exceptional work in support of the college mission. Regular full-time, part-time employees and paraprofessionals are eligible. Kalamazoo Valley welcomes all faculty and staff to participate in the nomination process. You may nominate up to three individuals per year. The nomination form can be found here.
Deadline for Nominations: Nominations must be submitted by July 31.
Nominee Eligibility
All staff (part time and full time) and administrators who are in good standing and who have completed at least one year of service and/or their probationary period to the college are eligible for this award, unless the staff member has received the Excellence Award within the last five years.
Examples of Criteria for Award Selection
An accumulated record of exemplary achievement as a staff member or administrator.
Consistent contributions toward quality initiatives that support the college mission (Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive) and values (VALUES - Board Policy 402).
Outstanding execution of long-term collaborative projects that positively impact the college strategic plan (Strategic Plan).
Excellence in achieving goals related to the college strategic plan.
Exemplary customer service to internal and external customers.
Positive contributions to the college culture, including promoting positive communication, attitude, trust and commitment to students, staff, faculty and customers.
Note: A single act of service, project or event, except under rare circumstances, is insufficient to be selected for this award.
Call for Entries for Student Planner Information Begins May 6 Beginning May 6, your department will be able to submit events and important dates for inclusion in the college's 2024-2025 Student Planner. This printed piece will serve as a compass for campus engagement as students navigate through the academic year. The call for entries period closes Monday,June 10 by 5 p.m.
Prior to submitting information for inclusion in the planner, event requests must be submitted to Event Services via Astra Schedule for review. Once your events have been approved, please click here to submit your information for inclusion in the planner.
Note that non-event information, such as important academic calendar or application dates, do not require an Astra Schedule review. Virtual events, or events that are not on any of the college's campuses, may also be submitted for inclusion in the planner without an Astra Schedule review. For questions, contactKhadijah Kabbani.
News from Human Resources Employee Assistance Program
Did you know that all employees at Kalamazoo Valley have access to our Employee Assistance Program? This is a confidential work-based program that offers resources to employees. For more information, click here.
Pet Insurance with Nationwide Having a pet can be worrisome when they get sick. Insurance can help manage the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills caused by accidents or illnesses. For more information, click here.
Employees Should Verify Service Credit
All employees, especially those close to retirement or getting ready to retire, should check their years of service in miAccount. For security reasons, members will use MiLogin to access miAccount. It is important that members verify that their service credit is correct, and that they will have enough service credit by their planned retirement effective date. This is also a great time to review your personal information (address, email and beneficiary) while checking your service credit.
Office of Retirement Services and Voya
Do you have an MPSERS and/or Voya account? Voya offers one-on-one virtual appointments and webinars. Click here to register for a session.
TIAA
Do you have an account with TIAA? To meet for a one-on-one appointment with the assigned TIAA financial consultant, use the One-on-One Meetings scheduling link. A listing of webinars for April, May and June can be found by clicking here.
College Celebrates Retirees The college recognized recent retirees at an April 17 celebration. See photos from the event here. Congratulations and thank you to the following for your service to the college: Cheryl Stout, web focus programmer, 9 years; Craig Jbara, vice president - strategic business and community development, 11 years; Robert Stokes, vehicle and grounds manager, 17 years; Gloria Larrieau, English faculty, 20 years; Elizabeth Barker, museum support specialist, 27 years; Bonnie McGee, administrative assistant, 28 years; Kevin McKinney, computer support technician, 30 years; Brenda Vander Roest, office manager - student financial services, 30 years; Muriel Hice, director of business services, 31 years; Kenneth Lattin, custodian, 34 years; and the late Mark Sigfrids, mathematics faculty, 34 years.
Take Your Child to Work Day Kalamazoo Valley Community College hosted Take Your Child to Work Day activities last week. The job-shadowing day is intended to give children a glimpse into the working world through the guidance of their parents. Twenty-four children, ranging in age from 5 to 16, participated. Think of the Bookstore for Mother's Day Gifts
Mother's Day is coming up on May 12. Don't forget Mom on her special day! From Burt's Bees spring gift sets, yummy scented candles to colorful spring jackets, the Texas Township Campus Bookstore has great Mother's Day gifts. Come check out the selection!
Bookstore Offers More than Textbooks With new students joining us all the time, be sure to let those registered for summer classes know that the Texas Township Campus Bookstore sells everything they need to be successful. 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 the Bookstore will be open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from May 6 to Aug. 2. Shop in person or online at bookstore.kvcc.edu. 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. Kalamazoo Valley Libraries: Course Reserves, New Books, NoveList Plus, and MeLCat Course Reserves
Interested in updating your course reserves for the next semester? Submit a Course Reserve Form found on our Course Reserves page to get started. Check out the Course Reserve FAQs or contact Ashley Bergkamp at abergkamp@kvcc.edu or 269.488.4313 for more information.
New Books
Discover something new for your summer read! Kalamazoo Valley Libraries makes it easy to browse our latest additions. At the Texas Township Campus, find the newest books on display shelves by the upstairs circulation desk, and browse other recent titles by the downstairs Reference desk. At Arcadia Commons Campus, see all the new titles available for checkout on the New Book Cart. You can also browse the latest additions online with our New Books Guide.
Database Spotlight: NoveList Plus
Want something tailored to you? 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.
MeLCat
In case we don't have what you are after, Kalamazoo Valley Libraries participates 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.
PTK Charity Walk Raises More than $1,000 for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes Kalamazoo Valley Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, raised more than $1,000 in donations for Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes at the third annual PTK Charity Walk on April 26. The event was held at the Texas Township Campus and garnered participants from throughout the college community. In addition to taking place as a community event, this year's walk was also held as an interactive informational session for faculty development.
Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes provides the community with free food pantry programs and is a valued partner of the college's Valley Food Share initiative. Through the partnership, currently enrolled students can sign up to receive a box or a "share" of food with produce from Kalamazoo Valley's own Food Innovation Center as well as non-perishable items donated from Loaves and Fishes.
Donations will continue to be accepted this week. Click here to donate and click here to see pictures from the event. For questions about Kalamazoo Valley's PTK chapter, email ptk@kvcc.edu. Giving Week Update Thank you, everyone, for all that you do to build a culture of giving at our college! We appreciate your giving spirit and how you donate your time, talents and treasure to help our community. We're excited to report that during this year's Giving Week, college employees donated $5,222 in new gifts and pledges. These gifts, in combination with the $6,600 the Foundation receives through continued payroll deductions, will result in $11,822 available to assist our students next year. Thank you! If you are interested in giving to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation through payroll deductions, fill out this form available under Human Resources in the Employee Portal.
Learn about Valley's Used Name Policy on May 22 Registration is underway for "Understanding the Used Name Policy," to be held Wednesday, May 22, from 9 - 10:30 a.m., in Room 209 at Anna Whitten Hall in downtown Kalamazoo. All are welcome to attend. Please email Trice Batson at tbatson@kvcc.edu or Nizora Haitova at nhaitova@kvcc.edu to reserve your spot. Get an update of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Used Name Policy and how to support those interested in requesting a used name. The policy supports the college's commitment to creating inclusive and equitable classrooms, campuses and communities. This process allows students, faculty and staff to use a name of their choosing in many places where a legal name is not required, recognizing that people have many reasons for doing so. It also allows for the self-designation of appropriate pronouns. Still Time to Check out a Home Baseball Game! Last chance to attend a home baseball game! Cheer on the Cougars on Thursday, May 2 at 2 and 4:30 p.m. when they play Marian University's Ancilla College at the Texas Township Campus. Entry is FREE! Visit athletics.kvcc.edu for the full schedule and scores.
Check out The Gilmore Film Series at the KVM Love piano music? Join The Gilmore Film Series in progress at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Experience three more films in the museum's Mary Jane Stryker Theater, on Thursday, May 2; Friday, May 3; and Tuesday, May 7. Films are shown during the lunch hour starting at noon, except the May 7 film which will start at 2 p.m. Admission to the film and to the museum are free. Tickets can be picked up at the museum's front desk on the day of the performance. The film series is one part of The Gilmore Piano Festival. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for film descriptions. More about The Gilmore Piano Festival 2024 can be found at thegilmore.org.
Museum Hosts Comic Book Day Events May 4 Celebrating the Arts Celebrate pop culture and the arts with Kalamazoo Valley Community College in downtown Kalamazoo this weekend for National Free Comic Book Day! Children and adults alike are invited to come draw, animate, sing and dance at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and next door at Anna Whitten Hall, on the college's Arcadia Commons Campus in the heart of the city. The fun starts at 10 a.m. at the museum and 10:30 a.m. at Anna Whitten Hall, running until 3 p.m. at both sites. The event is free, and registration is not required.
It's part of the "Art and Animation Symposium" done in partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, the Center for New Media Applied Arts and Media Technologies program, Crescendo Academy of Music and Olivia Grace & Company. Enjoy activity stations in the hallways of both buildings, plus cartooning workshops, an animation showcase and artist talk. Expect to meet loads of costumed characters like Black Panther, Tinker Bell and Captain America! Guests are invited to dress in their favorite Star Wars, science-fiction and princess outfits. Free comic books will be available at Anna Whitten Hall. Visit kalamazoomuseum.org for the schedule.
