By Maude Bristol-Perry
Good evening everyone.
I am Maude Bristol-Perry. I stand before you today as a proud and purpose-driven woman, one who has spent a lifetime serving this community, guided by faith, hard work, and a heart committed to uplifting others.
I am the proud founder and owner of Sugar & Spice Childcare Center, which I have operated for 52 years. My journey in service began decades ago as the first Black female supervisor in Calhoun County from 1968 to 1971; the first African American woman to serve on the Battle Creek City Commission; and later the first female mayor in 1984, followed by vice mayor in 1985.
I’ve had the honor of serving as president of the local Battle Creek NAACP. I helped to open and establish Kellogg Community College’s first day care enter, in partnership with Battle Creek Community Hospital, and also helped launch the Wilson School Elementary Afterschool Program.
Throughout the years, I have served on more than 25 boards and organizations, not for recognition but because I have always known that my purpose is to serve. My goal has been to help make Battle Creek a community where families thrive, children grow with love, and opportunity is within reach for all.
I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank Dr. Paul Watson, president of Kellogg Community College, and the outstanding staff and faculty who lead this institution with such dedication.
Kellogg Community College was founded in 1956, the very same year I graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. With over 50 years as a child care professional and a Child
Development Associate credential through the Council for Professional Recognition, I have always believed in the power of early childhood education. Thanks to the encouragement of Ms. Verda Sherrod and Mrs. Lisa Farrell, I decided to pursue an associate degree in Early Childhood Education here at KCC.
It was the faculty in the ECE Program who inspired me to push forward, to apply both my life experience and newly acquired knowledge not just for myself, but to help shape future initiatives like the New Level Sports Ministries Village Learning Center.
At 87 years young, I’m proud to say that you are never too old to learn. Education has no age limit, and personal growth has no deadline.
To the younger generation, I say: Keep learning. Use your voice. Develop your skills. And most of all, be an encourager.
Let me leave you with a few encouraging thoughts:
- Always be ready to help. Ask, “Can I help you?” And mean it.
- Live boldly. Don’t compromise your values.
- Cherish your uniqueness. Let your integrity speak for you.
- Be mindful and purposeful. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Show kindness, love and thoughtfulness. As Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
- Believe in yourself and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- Take responsibility for your actions. It shows humility and earns respect.
In my life’s journey, I know I fulfilled my calling, with purpose and deep gratitude. Today, I enjoy the fruits of my labor with a grateful heart.
To be called a trailblazer, a beacon of light, a living legacy in Battle Creek, that is a blessing I do not take for granted.
I could not have done this without the constant love and support of my family, my children, grandchildren, great-grands, my special niece and granddaughter who stood by me through my two-and-a-half-year educational journey.
To my pastor, for her many prayers. To my church family, for their encouragement. To my mentor, Mrs. Verda Sherrod. To my professors Jamie Bishop and Ann Miller, and my anchors Ms. Johnisher and De De Tuggle, I thank you.
And to Lisa Farrell, early childhood career pathway navigator through Community Action and WKKF, thank you for making my journey possible.
I’ve shared with you my story. Now it’s your tum. As you move forward on your own path, remember this:
YOU. DO. YOU.
Congratulations Class of 2025!
KCC’s 2025 Commencement ceremony was held May 15 at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, celebrating the accomplishments of 1,109 graduation candidates from four semesters at KCC, including Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025. The Class of 2025 is the 67th graduating class at KCC, which was founded in 1956.
