*Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a series. Click here to read part 2, click here to read part 3, click here to read part 4 and click here to read part 5.
For more than 50 years, Kellogg Community College has been the go-to destination for community members looking to jump-start their education or career.
Each year has seen the college grow and expand to enrich the lives of more and more of our community’s future leaders, and the 2013-14 promises to be no different.
Here is the first installment of a series we’re rolling out over the next few days on this blog to highlight just a few of the reasons that make this year a great one to be a Bruin.
Community support
KCC students this year should know that they are part of an institution that has a strong tradition of community support. This support was particularly evidenced last fall, when the college put forth a request during the general election for a 15-year renewal of the college’s capital millage to continue the work of renovating buildings and equipping classrooms with modern technology. The voting public approved KCC’s request, agreeing to levy a tax on themselves in a struggling economy and by doing so showing the value that is placed on KCC and its role in the community.
Plans to use the millage funds for college improvements are well underway, with various construction and renovation projects to begin throughout the coming academic year.
The college gives back to the community in more ways than one. A service learning endorsement that requires each KCC student graduating with an associate’s degree outside of the applied sciences to complete at least 15 hours of service learning work will contribute thousands of volunteer hours to the region each year. Service learning students in a single course at KCC’s Grahl Center in Coldwater last fall completed more than 1,000 hours of community service.
Additionally, the college offers students and employees the opportunity to participate in Bruins Give Back volunteer events that see dozens of volunteers from KCC giving back to their community each month. KCC student-athletes also volunteer on a regular basis, serving during Bruins Give Back as well as mentoring youth at locations around Battle Creek each week.
Last spring, KCC was one of just two two-year colleges and one of just 15 schools in the state to be listed on the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service learning and civic engagement. Also last spring, the college was awarded a Breakthrough Campaign Award by the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region in recognition of its work on the organization’s behalf in 2012.
Click here to read part 2 of our series on why 2013 is a great year to be a Bruin at KCC, click here to read part 3, click here to read part 4 and click here to read part 5!