Sept. 7 Marks the First Day of Classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College begins its fall semester Wednesday, Sept. 7. More than 6,000 students are registered to take classes online or in person at one of the college's four campuses.

KV Vibe Fest, the college's new back-to-school celebration, will take place from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Texas Township Campus on Sept. 7 and from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Anna Whiten Hall on the Arcadia Commons Campus and from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building.

Kandace "DC" Lavender kicks off the semester at 10:15 a.m. in the Student Commons at the Texas Township Campus. She is a favorite on the college scene and has an innate ability to connect with audiences of all ages, races and backgrounds. Through acoustic, live band, and spoken-word performances, DC has proven her ability to electrify audiences while sending messages of love, peace, political awareness and hope.

DJ Conscious plays from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. He has opened for artists such as Erykah Badu, Raekwon, B.O.B and more. His eclectic mix of reggae, funk, hip-hop and R&B always treats his audience to a performance filled with of L.I.F.E (Love, Inspiration, Freedom & Entertainment). He'll be at Anna Whitten Hall Sept. 8 and at the Culinary and Allied Health Building on Sept. 13, starting at 11 a.m. both days.

Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from college clubs and organizations, as well as to connect with college and community resources at KV Vibe Fest. Free food will be available, courtesy of the college's University Center partners.

Kalamazoo Valley offers 50 certificate programs and associate degrees in 60 areas of study. In addition to associate degree and certificate programs in business, health care, human and public service, technical occupations and industry, the college also provides a quality experience for students preparing to transfer to four-year institutions following graduation.