Cronenwett Family Creates a Lasting Legacy

Bryan Cronenwett describes his brother Bill Cronenwett Jr. as an entrepreneur who was always willing to help others out. That's why Bryan and his sisters Sue Harris and Kay Walters had no qualms about donating $100,000 to the KVCC Foundation for the establishment of the William S. Cronenwett Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The siblings were in charge of carrying out their brother's wish to make a lasting contribution to a worthy cause.

The endowed scholarship will be awarded annually to eligible Kalamazoo Valley students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Services program including EMS, EMT and paramedics. The first three awards will be given during the Fall 2023 Semester.

Bill Cronenwett, who died in May 2021 at the age of 70, was a lifelong resident of Lawton. After graduating from Lawton High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force. In 1980, he earned an associate of science degree in business administration from Kalamazoo Valley.

He served for many years on the community's Quick Response Team and the Lawton Fire Department and was one of original first responders. He owned and operated the Village Party Store in Lawton and later opened a construction and landscaping business called Hilltop Construction.

"He was always willing to help people out who were willing to help themselves," Bryan Cronenwett said. "He was very committed to giving back to the community. That's why we felt that establishing a scholarship to help students get started with a career in EMS made sense. Bill wanted to put money toward helping other people get started."

Cronenwett said he and his sisters were impressed that there are no administrative fees associated with creating a scholarship through the KVCC Foundation. "We're happy that the scholarship will help multiple people over a long period of time and that the money goes directly to students," he said.

Cronenwett is certain that his brother would be pleased. "There's a real need for EMTs and community support of people who want to get started in meaningful careers," he said. "This will have a lasting impact that will continue to help the community."

His sister Sue Harris agreed. "I would describe Bill as being quite frugal but if he heard of someone who was struggling, his quiet, generous side would come out. I feel that the scholarship will carry on that legacy." The Cronenwett family encourages students from Van Buren County to apply for the scholarship.

Kalamazoo Valley offers an EMT-basic program that includes several track options for completion: a traditional two-semester option; a matriculation option for those who are already licensed medical first responders; and a 14-week academy option. The online health careers application is available at www.kvcc.edu or by emailing .

For more information about the scholarship, see www.kvcc.edu/scholarships.