KCC announces 2023 Alumni Award winners

Pictured, from left to right, are KCC Vice President for Communications and Advancement Eric Greene, Bobby Holley, Teresa Allen, Tom Rose, Bernie Stankewicz and KCC Foundation Executive Director Teresa Durham.

Kellogg Community College is pleased to announce four recipients of the 2023 KCC Alumni Awards.

Awarded annually, the KCC Alumni Awards recognize the recipients’ achievements in their professional field, service or enrichment to their community and support for KCC while a student and beyond. Recipients must have earned 12 or more credits from KCC and are chosen based on community nominations and an application process.

The four 2023 KCC Alumni Award recipients, listed below, were recognized during the College’s annual Outstanding Bruin Awards ceremony April 26 on campus in Battle Creek.

“On behalf of Kellogg Community College and the KCC Foundation, we congratulate the recipients of the 2023 KCC Alumni Awards,” Teresa Durham, executive director of the KCC Foundation, said. “You have made your alma mater immensely proud and we thank you for your advocacy, contributions, career achievements and service.”

This year’s Alumni Award recipients are Teresa Allen, Bobby Holley, Tom Rose and Bernie Stankewicz. For more information about the KCC Alumni Awards, visit kellogg.edu/alumni.

Teresa Allen, Class of 1997

Teresa Allen, of Nashville, Michigan, attended KCC from 1995 to 1997, earning an Associate in Applied Science degree and continuing her education to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Siena Heights University. With more than 23 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Allen is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Charitable Union in Battle Creek.

Known and recognized for her high energy and contagious enthusiasm, Allen is a successful strategic and innovative leader. Her community service includes the Maple Valley Board of Education, Battle Creek Rotary and the Thornapple Valley VFW Auxiliary.

In 2021, Allen and her sisters established the Susan B. Aiken Scholarship in memory of her mother, a longtime KCC employee. In 2022, she worked with KCC staff on the installation of free period product dispensers in all KCC women and gender-neutral restrooms.

Bobby Holley, Class of 1974

Bobby Holley, of Battle Creek, is a US Army veteran and attended KCC from 1963 to 1974, where he participated on the cross-country team and entertained at many events with his band. Holley earned an Associate in General Studies degree from KCC and continued his education to earn a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.

For more than 30 years, Holley has worked tirelessly for the betterment of Battle Creek, fighting against crime and violence; bringing attention to the plight of the homeless; conducting “stop the bullying” campaigns; fundraising for hats, gloves, socks and bikes for children; and providing scholarships to area high school students to attend KCC.

Whether sleeping in a cardboard box in the bitter cold, crawling from one community to another or singing in front of stores, Holley’s love and respect for Battle Creek, its youth and KCC is always center stage.

Tom Rose, Class of 2003

Tom Rose, of Richland, earned an Associate in General Studies degree from KCC in 2003 and continued his education to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Miller College and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Homeland Security from Siena Heights University.

From 1974 to 2001, Rose served as a sergeant with the Coldwater Police Department, spending the next 19 years employed at KCC. Even though he retired in 2020, he continues to help students succeed by teaching Lifelong Learning classes and volunteering for many KCC activities.

Rose’s accomplishments through his career in law enforcement and as an educator, coupled with many specialized trainings and involvement in community service, are remarkable. But it is his experience at KCC, as he states himself, that has made him the person he is today. He is truly committed to helping students be the best they can be.

Bernie Stankewicz, Class of 1969

Bernie Stankewicz, of Coldwater, attended KCC from 1966 to 1969 and earned an Associate in Business Administration degree. He continued his education to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a teaching certificate from Olivet College, and a Master of Arts and Educational Specialist degree from Michigan State University.

Stankewicz’s 35 years in education includes Branch Intermediate School District teacher and supervisor of KCC Adult Education; director of Vocational Education and assistant superintendent for the St. Joseph County ISD; and executive director for Professional Educational Services. Today, Stankewicz is an adjunct professor of business and economics at KCC’s Grahl Center campus in Coldwater.

Stankewicz has served in the Michigan Army National Guard and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has held professional and community service leadership positions and his awards are numerous. Throughout his career, he has advised many students that KCC is the best place to start their education.

Pictured above, from left to right, are KCC Vice President for Communications and Advancement Eric Greene, Bobby Holley, Teresa Allen, Tom Rose, Bernie Stankewicz and KCC Foundation Executive Director Teresa Durham.

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