Local Business Leader Scott Betzler Named Kalamazoo Valley Community College Distinguished Alumni

Scott Betzler, president of Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, has been named Kalamazoo Valley Community College's 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient.

Betzler, a 1990 graduate of the college, continued his education at Ferris State University and graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mortuary Science in December 1992. That same year he became a licensed funeral director and Vice President of Betzler Funeral Home.

Always an innovator, Betzler achieved many firsts throughout his career. In 1999, through his leadership, Betzler Funeral Home became the first in Michigan to offer pet cremation services. In 2002, he hired and trained one of the first in the country funeral home therapy dogs. In 2003, Betzler became the first Life Story Funeral Home in the country and in 2006; he developed and built the Life Story Center on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo. The Life Story Center was innovative in its design, revolutionizing the celebration of life concept by featuring a home-like setting, large gathering areas and a commercial kitchen.

In 2008, he became president of Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes. In 2017, Betzler Life Story Funeral Home became the first funeral home in the state licensed by the State of Michigan in food service.

Always ready to share his experience and passion with other professionals, he continues to speak at professional conferences and mentor other young professionals.

He is community minded, having served as past board member of the Kalamazoo Humane Society. He is active volunteer with the Mattawan Schools and is a member of the Oshtemo Rotary Club. Scott is the secretary of the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo and serves on the board of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. He is married to another Kalamazoo Valley alumnus, the former Julie Ballard, and together they have two children.

Betzler credits his time at Kalamazoo Valley with much of his success. In addition to being dedicated to his studies, he played golf and received the college's Alfie Award from then coach, Dick Shilts. The award recognized those who displayed character, humility and team play.

Betzler joins a long line of other Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. The award was established in 2013 and has recognized George Todd and Eva Ozier, among others. He was honored and received his award during the KVCC Foundation's Alumni Taps on Tuesday event on April 11 at the Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building on the Bronson Healthy Living Campus.

In commenting on the award, KVCC Foundation Executive Director Linda Depta said, "Although we considered a number of nominees for the award, Scott stood out as uniquely qualified for this recognition. Together with the entire KVCC Foundation Board of Directors and college President, L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., we extend our hearty congratulations to Scott and are grateful for his leadership, passion and commitment to serving others."

For more information about the KVCC Foundation and the Distinguished Alumni Award, visit www.kvcc.edu/foundation.

For photos of the April 11 Alumni+ Taps and recognition event, go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/kalamazoovalley/albums/72177720307444146.