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MISSION STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College creates innovative and equitable
opportunities that empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Oct. 15, 2024

Greetings!

Keeping the lines of communication open is a key to organizational success. Actively engaging one another in meaningful conversations has been an important part of our work together over the past several years. I continue to enjoy your input and feedback through our committee work and combined efforts to make Kalamazoo Valley Community College a great place for all to learn, grow and thrive.

We are entering a very busy time of the academic year, working toward the completion of the current semester, commencement and the end of the calendar year. Family responsibilities, the change of seasons and upcoming holidays can be overwhelming. In the midst of these demands, I encourage you to do everything possible to stay focused on our mission and the work at hand. Let's keep communicating, collaborating and working together!
 

signature: L. Marshall Washington

L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D.
President
New Kalamazoo Valley Community College Board of Trustees Member Named
                      Photo of a professional quality of a woman in a jacket or sweater and before a black background. Text underneath reads Elizabeth Burns, Trustee
                                     
Join us in welcoming Dr. Elizabeth Burns, M.D., M.A., who was appointed to the Board of Trustees on Oct. 8. She will fill the term vacated by Julia Buck. Dr. Burns is the president emerita of Marygrove College, Detroit, and professor emerita, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed). She served as interim provost at Marygrove College in Fall 2015 after retiring from WMed and became president in January 2016, serving until the college closed in December 2019. She completed working on the closure issues through June 2024. more

cosmetology and barbering
Image is a flyer that contains a collage of five scenes of students cutting hair or studying at the barbering college. Text reads Cosmetology and barbering grand opening october 17 from 9am to 4pm hair care services will be available on a walk-in basis at a discounted rate. guests are invited to enjoy music provided by a DJ, a photo backdrop, giveaways, free food and drinks. www.kvcc.edu/haircare
 
law enforcement training academy

Upcoming Police Academy Training Scheduled
The Law Enforcement Training Academy will be completing Emergency Vehicle Operations driving training on the following dates in the Texas Township Campus parking lot:

  • Oct. 18 - 20
  • Oct. 26 - 27
Please watch for signage.
clifton strengths gallup
College Volunteers Needed for Clifton Strengths Relaunch 
Student Development Services and Human Resources are reviving the Clifton StrengthsAssessment (formerly Clifton StrengthsFinder) for students and employees. For those not familiar with Clifton Strengths, completing the online talent assessment and identifying your "Top 5" is a way to:
  • Discover what you naturally do best
  • Learn how to develop your greatest talents into strengths
  • Use your personalized results and reports to maximize your potential
Four certified Strengths Coaches, two from Student Development Services and two from Human Resources, will lead the relaunch to ensure that the value of being a strengths-based institution is at the forefront of what we do at the college. A new component with the relaunch is the training of 30 in-house "Strengths Champions" from throughout the college. Strengths Champions will be able to administer and interpret the assessments without the responsibility of facilitating workshops or professional development training sessions. The time commitment varies but shouldn't be more than two to three hours per week, in addition to six hours of required training (two three-hour sessions or one six-hour session). This professional development opportunity is open to all full-time faculty and staff. 
 
The deadline to apply to be a Strengths Champion has been extended to Oct. 15. Click here to access the application. You will be notified if selected. Contact Nkenge Bergan or Aaron Hilliard with questions.

IN MEMORIAM

    Image shows a close-up portrait of a person wearing rimless glasses with gold accents. They have short dark hair, facial hair, and are photographed against a gray brick wall background. The person has a neutral or slight smile expression and is wearing what appears to be dark colored clothing.
Jeffrey Lance "JJ" Lillard, II
Dec. 29, 1999 - Sept. 29, 2024
Custodian (Three Months of Service) 

The college community is mourning the loss of Jeffrey Lillard, who recently joined the Kalamazoo Valley Community College family as a custodian. The Kalamazoo Central High School graduate was an avid poetry lover, in total authoring 175 poems. He also had a passion for anime, superheroes, video games and music. He was described as an encourager to everyone he met. He received his custodial certification through the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. A Celebration of Life was held Oct. 10 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. For information, visit the Whitley Memorial Funeral Home website here.
human resources
Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled for Employees
To help employees prepare for the flu season, Kalamazoo Valley is hosting three more flu clinics for all employees. Below are the dates, site and times.

Oct. 22 | Texas Township Campus | Room 3310
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Reserve your time slot by clicking HERE and complete the information needed
 
Nov. 7 | Texas Township Campus | Room 3330
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Reserve your time slot by clicking HERE and complete the information needed
 
Employees should bring a copy of their insurance card. Contact Becky Craft in Human Resources at rcraft@kvcc.edu with questions.

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.

Open Enrollment Takes Place Nov. 1 - 15
Open enrollment for all full-time employees is Nov. 1 to 15. It is important for all full-time employees to review their current coverage and make any changes during this time. After Nov. 15, no changes will be allowed unless you experience a qualifying life event. 

If you need assistance during this time, please stop by one of our in-person sessions listed below.
  • Nov. 6 - Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, Rm. 246, 1 - 4 p.m. (laptops will be available for employees)
  • Nov. 8 - Anna Whitten Hall, Rm. 207, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Nov. 7 - Texas Township, Rm. 8430 (Library Lab), 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 12 - Texas Township, Rm. 8430 (Library Lab), 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
During open enrollment, you'll be able to shop and select healthcare coverage that will work for you along with other benefits. 

Enrollment will happen digitally, through Plan Source, our benefit portal. If you do not wish to make any plan changes, you will still need to log into your benefit portal and complete enrollment. As open enrollment nears, Human Resources staff will be in touch with more details.
 

2025 Insurance Rates

Listed below are the monthly rates for 2025 medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance for full-time, benefit-eligible employees. Rates will be effective January 1, 2025.

Image is a table comparing employee health insurance plans. the date is as follows: for an employee only, a traditional PPO plan costs $206 per month, a simply blue PPO plan is $90 per month, and an HDHP Plan with HSA is $144 per month. for an employee plus one, a traditional PPO plan costs $414 per month, a simply blue PPO plan is $170 per month, and an HDHP Plan with HSA is $278 per month. for family, a traditional PPO plan costs $564 per month, a simply blue PPO plan is $244 per month, and an HDHP Plan with HSA is $362 per month.
 

Employee Engagement and Wellness Committee

Time to Breathe: A Seven-Week Meditation Offering
Bring your breath back home to your body and have some moments of grounding and quiet with guided and silent meditation. A brief topic and inspiration (15 minutes) and then five minutes of guided meditation and 10 minutes of silence. Give your nervous system some TLC and join us. Sessions are 30 minutes and are held via Zoom. Cathy Colella, director of institutional support services, will facilitate the meditation sessions. Be sure to coordinate with your supervisor for attendance. Find a quiet and comfortable space and join. Everyone is welcome. 
 
Oct. 17: Falling Leaves Meditation | Register
Oct. 24: Looking for My Smile | Register
Oct. 31: I Belong Meditation | Register
Nov. 7: I am Grateful Meditation | Register
Nov. 14: Present in this Moment | Register
wellness and fitness center
Image is of a flyer with an illustrated banner across the top. The banner is simple illustrations of several running calves and feet in sneakers. Text reads. Ready step go.
Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Employee Step Challenge
The Employee Step Challenge is coming to a close, but it's not too late to submit your step logs. You have until Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. to enter any remaining logs. This year, we had more than 150 registered participants, and our collective goal was 26 million steps. Thanks to your dedication, we surpassed that goal with a grand total of 26,203,217 steps in just the first three weeks.

A big congratulations to week three's raffle winner: Sirri Bearss
 
Want to see the current team and individual leader boards? Stop by the Wellness and Fitness Center to view our overall progress and celebrate everyone's accomplishments. If you have any missing step logs, be sure to submit them by the deadline using this link: Submit Step Logs.
 
Leader board
*As of Wednesday Oct. 9, 5 p.m.
 Image is a table comparing individual and team leaders for a college-wide step competition. The individual leaders are first place: Domingo Gomez; second place: kristi tullis; third place: susan teague; fourth place: steve ott; fifth place: terri mcdonald. for the the team leaderboard, first place: stride or die; second place: will walk for cupcakes; third place: happy place; fourth place: team cubicle; fifth place: CNM speedy snakes.
Thank you again for stepping up to the challenge! Let's finish strong!
Kalamazoo valley community college foundation
Image is a flyer for the Food 4 Thought competition and includes a photograph of vegetables in the upper left corner and a photograph of tomatoes and cream cheese on toast. Text reads food 4 thought kalsec food for thought culinary competition. October 24, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm. Marilyn J. Schlack culinary and allied health building 418 E walnut street, kalamazoo, mi 49007 We are thrilled to invite you to an exciting culinary competition! Join us for the kalsec food for thought culinary competition, an evening of creativity, flavor, and fun as talented student chefs from the kalamazoo valley community college culinary school will be paired with a kalsec research chef or food scientist and go head-to-head to showcase their best appetizer dish. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to taste and socialize with fellow foodies. Register now and let the flavors begin! Admission is free. www.kvcc.edu/foundation
taps on tuesday
This image is a collage featuring three different scenes. In the top-left, there are two glasses of amber-colored beer being held by individuals seated at a table, suggesting a casual gathering or tasting. In the top-right, there is an arrangement of small dessert items, with sugared fruit squares and biscuit-like treats served in paper cups, possibly for a catered event or tasting. The bottom-right image shows bite-sized appetizers in white wrappers, topped with a creamy mixture of what appears to be chicken salad garnished with microgreens, indicating a food-tasting event or gathering with drinks and snacks.
Employees Get Half Off at Taps on Tuesdays
Taps on Tuesday is a happy hour-style event hosted by Kalamazoo Valley's brewing department that runs on Tuesdays through Dec. 10 from 5 - 7 p.m., except Oct. 29. Beer and food pairings, appetizers and wine are available for purchase. Students, alumni, faculty and staff receive 50 percent off their purchases.
The honorable harvest lecture series
The Honorable Harvest Lecture Series Continues
In her book "Braiding Sweetgrass," Kalamazoo Valley's Visiting Writers series author Robin Wall Kimmerer describes the Indigenous principles and practices of the Honorable Harvest, which asks us to give back in reciprocity for what we have been given. This lecture series explores ways we can come together to nurture and restore the Honorable Harvest in our communities and in our everyday lives. All programming is free and takes place on Tuesdays through Nov. 19 in Room 223 at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building in downtown Kalamazoo.

Bats in Southwest Michigan
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Learn about local efforts in citizen science around bat conservation and the work that local organizations are doing. Beth Keith, a citizen scientist, will share about her love for bats and the way she's been able to channel her love for these relatives of the night sky into action toward bat conservation. She will also address some common practices that residents in urban and rural areas can take to improve bat habitat.

Manoomin, The Food That Grows on Water
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Manoomin, the Anishinaabemowin word for wild rice, directly translates into "the good berry." This word reflects the importance of this staple food to the Anishinaabe diet and culture. An aquatic grass rich in protein, Manoomin has been an important part of Anishinaabe life since their arrival to the Great Lakes from the East Coast. Join Roger LaBine, water resource technician from Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Cortney Collia, cultural teacher and educator, for an engaging session to learn about the story of Manoomin, its connection to the people, and restoration efforts in Michigan.


libraries
Student Research Starts Here: 'Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context'
Papers are due and students are still looking for a topic. Or, maybe they've already chosen a controversial issue and need reliable information to back up their claim. Suggest one of our Current Issues databases.
 
"Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context" provides information on hundreds of social issues and is a good place to start a research project. Students can:
  • "Browse Issues" to find a topic of interest, or enter topic ideas in the search bar
  • Choose from overviews, viewpoints, academic journals, magazines and newspapers
  • Email articles to themselves and click the citation icon for MLA or APA citations
    • Additional citation information can be found on the library Citation Guide
Citing AI
Citation is a formal way acknowledging the words and ideas of others, even if that "other" is a machine! Check out our examples for citing generative artificial intelligence (AI) in both MLA and APA formats. 
 
Request an Appointment with a Librarian
Librarians are standing by to answer research and citation questions. Encourage students to drop in between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or use our online form to schedule an appointment with a librarian. 
 
Hours and Contact Information
418 and 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 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Oct. 15 and will reopen from Oct. 29 - Dec. 5. Follow the Havirmill Cafe Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KVculinaryeats.

The 418 Restaurant will be open to the community, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from Nov. 6 to Dec. 5. Reservations will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 269.548.3239.

office of diversity and inclusion

Image is a flyer with a colorful, striped background behind the solid black silhouette of a woman’s head. Text reads: Lecture Tuesday, October 15 from noon to 1 P.M., free. Drop-In Museum Hours Tuesday, October 15 from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M., free Experience the profound impact of Black music on American culture and social movements through rare artifacts and interactive displays. From jazz to hip-hop, discover how iconic Black artists have shaped popular culture and inspired change, while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black people in the face of racial discrimination. Black History 101 Mobile Museum Music Of The Movement Tuesday, October 15 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus, Room 4240 Keynote Speaker Dr. Khalid El-Hakim
A promotional poster for Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month celebration at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The left half contains event details on a dark blue background with decorative flowers, while the right half shows a vibrant illustration of people celebrating with music, food, and dancing under colorful papel picado (traditional Mexican paper banners) decorations. The illustration depicts musicians playing guitars, people dancing, eating tacos, and drinking beverages, with a festive atmosphere enhanced by cacti and decorative bunting. Text reads: Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Tuesday, october 22, Noon to 2 P.M., Free Room 4240, Texas Township Campus Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Celebrate the vibrant cultures, rich histories and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx communities. Enjoy a day filled with live music, games, food and fun! This event is open to all students, staff and faculty. Don't Miss This Exciting Celebration Of Heritage And Unity!
Workshop introduction to neurodiversity facilitated by the disability network southwest Michigan. Explore how neurodiversity influences sensory, movement and communication differences, the impact of ableism on brain-based disabilities and ways to support students and colleagues. Thursday, October 22 from 10am to noon. Free. Room 4240 texas township campus. RSVP required by October 22.
The official kalamazoo valley community college cougar bookstore
A photo of folded tshirts resting on a table stacked with books. Both shirts feature a rainbow and the words Good Vibes kalamazoo valley
Send Good Vibes with Bookstore's New Retro-Style T-Shirt
The Bookstore has heard you want clothing with more color, something new and different. YOU GOT IT! This 100% pre-shrunk USA sourced cotton T-shirt comes in two colors with the message "Good Vibes" across the front. Boogie on down to the Texas Township Campus Bookstore, and ride the retro wave with this '70s- inspired groovy T! If surfin' the web is more your thing, get it online from our website at bookstore.kvcc.edu.
Image is a flyer for poetry competition and depicts a pair of hands writing the competition information onto a jagged-edged scrap of paper. text reads faculty poetry and fiction reading october 23 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm texas township campus, room 4240, english instructor john abbot will read his original fiction, dean billy reynolds will read his original poems. free and open to the public.
Image is a flyer with a colorful, hand-painted illustration of trees and flowers. Text reads: November art hop. Nature’s impressions: land life and abstraction. November 1 from 5:30 to 8PM during art hop in the center for new media arcus gallery. Sponsored by MRC artworks and KVCC.
athletics
A group of smiling individuals, mostly young women, are gathered indoors for a photo. They are dressed in casual clothing, many wearing black hoodies with Cougars Volleyball and a cougar logo printed on them. Two adult women are also part of the group, one wearing a blue T-shirt and the other a gray shirt with the same Cougars Volleyball logo. They appear to be in a community or school setting, with visible windows, tables, and storage equipment. Several Cheez-It boxes are scattered in the foreground, suggesting they may be involved in a community activity or team event.
Volleyball Players Volunteer at Food Program for Kids
Kudos to our Lady Cougars volleyball team volunteering to help pack food bags for the PowerUp program at Portage Public Schools on Sept. 25. The initiative provides nutritional items for students to take home in backpacks over the weekend. We're so proud of how student-athletes embrace community service here at Valley!

Enjoy a Free Home Volleyball Match this Weekend!
Come show your school spirit and cheer on the Lady Cougars Volleyball Team on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. and noon. They play Muskegon Community College in the main gym on the Texas Township Campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Bring your friends and family! Remember, home games are always free! The last home game of the season is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Find the full schedule here. Read an article about the volleyball season here.
kalamazoo valley accelerated associate program (KVAAP)
Upcoming KVAAP Event - The Program Showcase
Join KVAAP at the Program Showcase on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Anna Whitten Hall, Room 128. At the event, students will have an opportunity to speak with representatives from different Kalamazoo Valley programs. The event is perfect for undecided students or students who are considering changing their program of study, but it is open to everyone. You don't have to be a KVAAP student to participate. Free pizza will be provided.
 
Classroom Visits
Classroom visits are a great way for students to hear about our program. If you are interested in having someone from KVAAP come speak to your fall students for 15-minutes about the program, please contact Elizabeth Schab at eschab@kvcc.edu. 
 
Upcoming KVAAP Info Sessions
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 5 p.m.
Attending a KVAAP Info Session is a required part of the application process. Interested students can register 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.
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.
Secret Societies Illuminated in New 'Mystery and Benevolence' Exhibit
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 Masons 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.
 
All Ages Invited for Chemistry Day Hands-on Experiments Oct. 19
It's time again for CHEMISTRY DAY! If you like science experiments and hands-on learning, don't miss this fun, free program at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to 4 p.m.! This year's theme is "Photography and Imaging: Picture Perfect Chemistry." You'll get a peek at the techniques and practices for preserving artifacts, and learn how to safely exhibit fragile objects. We're teaming up with the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society for an exciting day of hands-on activities and demonstrations for learners of ALL ages and abilities. Among the demonstrations will be how UV light affects pigmentation, and the different materials and techniques used to make and care for photographs from different time periods. No preregistration is needed. Learn more at kalamazoomuseum.org.

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 2 and up. It's first come, first served free tickets on the day of the show.
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
6767 West O Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070