Kellogg Community College is pleased to announce four recipients of the 2026 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 they were students 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 2026 KCC Alumni Award recipients, listed below, were recognized during the College’s annual Outstanding Bruin Awards ceremony April 28 on campus in Battle Creek.
“On behalf of Kellogg Community College and the KCC Foundation, we congratulate the recipients of the 2026 KCC Alumni Awards,” Michelle Williamson, 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 Douglas Mann, Cloe Rose Oliver, Emily Riske and Sylia Van Horn-Williams. For more information about the KCC Alumni Awards, visit kellogg.edu/alumni.
Douglas Mann
Douglas Mann, of Battle Creek, attended KCC from 1981 to 1983 and earned an Associate in Science degree in 1983. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and a Master of Architecture degree at the University of Michigan. He also completed a teaching certification at Western Michigan University.
Mann’s lifelong connection to KCC reflects a deep and enduring commitment to education, mentorship and service. Mann started his career as a licensed architect but began teaching at KCC in the fall of 1996. He began as a full professor at KCC in January 1997. Over nearly three decades, he has shaped the academic and professional paths of hundreds of students as a professor and program director of Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology, while also developing new courses in engineering technology and architectural history and earning multiple honors, including the KCC Foundation Starfish Award, the G. Edward Haring Employee of the Semester Award and the Full-Time Faculty Excellence Award.
Mann’s impact at KCC extends far beyond the classroom. He has served as faculty advisor for the student Tech Club for more than 25 years, sustaining one of the College’s longest-running student organizations, and has been a leader across numerous institutional initiatives, including as a charter member of the Faculty Senate and contributor to accreditation, enrollment and grant committees. Known for his enthusiasm and authenticity, he has actively promoted KCC through outreach efforts such as hosting campus tours, presenting at conferences and organizing field trips to support student transfer opportunities. His dedication is evident in both large-scale initiatives and everyday contributions that enrich campus life and student experiences.
Beyond the College, Mann has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and youth development. He has served in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, earning the District Award of Merit, and has spent decades supporting local youth through church programs, education initiatives and volunteer coaching. Whether mentoring students, supporting community organizations or contributing his time and resources to KCC, Mann exemplifies dedication, enthusiasm and integrity, making a lasting impact on both the College and the broader community.
Cloe Rose Oliver
Cloe Rose Oliver, of Hastings, attended KCC from 2000 to 2002 as part of the inaugural New Century College cohort, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 2002. Her experience at KCC helped shape her confidence as a learner and leader, providing a strong foundation for her professional path. She currently serves as assistant to the superintendent at the Barry Intermediate School District, where she supports operations across communications, human resources, technology coordination and financial processes.
Since her time at KCC, Oliver has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community engagement and leadership. She serves as president of the Thornapple Arts Council and Ability Collective of Barry County boards of directors, vice president of the Hastings Public Library Board and trustee of the Barry Community Foundation, while also contributing to several other local and regional initiatives. Her leadership reflects a deep dedication to education, the arts and building inclusive, connected communities.
In addition to her organizational roles, Oliver takes direct action to address community needs. She is the founder of Porchlight Pantry, a neighborhood-based mutual aid effort that has provided more than 1,800 meals and essential items to local families, and is cofounder of Queer & Friends of Hastings, supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy and community connection. As an alumna, she continues to support KCC through partnerships, scholarship work and ongoing advocacy, exemplifying integrity, compassion and a strong commitment to service.
Emily Riske
Emily Riske, of Galesburg, attended KCC from 2001 to 2003 and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree in 2003 before continuing her education with a BSN and MSN from Baker College and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Spring Arbor University. She rejoined KCC as a Nursing adjunct in 2023 and is now serving as Nursing faculty at KCC.
Riske brings both academic excellence and extensive real-world experience to her role. Her professional achievements include leading hospital quality improvement initiatives aligned with national standards and helping her organization earn the Perinatal Excellence recognition from the Joint Commission, the first hospital in Michigan to receive this distinction.
Since returning to KCC, Riske consistently places students at the center of her work. She invests significant time in developing high-quality instructional materials, providing individualized support and fostering a welcoming, supportive learning environment. Known for her dedication, collaborative spirit and student-centered approach, she has earned the respect of both students and colleagues for her reliability, enthusiasm and commitment to continuous improvement.
Beyond the classroom, Riske has demonstrated strong support for KCC through active committee involvement, curriculum development and mentorship. Her connection to KCC spans decades, including nearly 18 years as a clinical adjunct instructor, during which she mentored Nursing students and supported their transition into practice. She continues to contribute to both the College and the broader community through service, including her past leadership as a 4-H youth mentor and her ongoing commitment to supporting student growth and success.
Sylia Van Horn-Williams
Sylia Van Horn-Williams, of Battle Creek, attended KCC from 2015 to 2019, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree, an Associate in General Studies degree and a Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2025.
Now serving as a registered nurse and adjunct clinical instructor at KCC, her journey reflects a full-circle commitment to the College that helped launch her career. Her academic achievements include multiple Dean’s List honors, graduating cum laude, and membership in Phi Theta Kappa, along with invitations to Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society.
Van Horn-Williams is a compassionate and dedicated health care professional and educator. Through her work in patient care, quality improvement and mentorship, she demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to excellence. As a clinical instructor, she supports and guides KCC Nursing students in developing critical thinking, confidence and professionalism, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. Her perseverance, compassion and leadership are evident in both her professional accomplishments and her ability to inspire those around her.
Van Horn-Williams continues to support KCC by giving back directly to the Nursing Program, mentoring students in their early clinical experiences and serving as a positive ambassador within the health care community. Her contributions extend beyond education through her dedication to patient-centered care and her efforts to strengthen the next generation of nurses.
Pictured above, from left to right, are 2026 KCC Alumni Award winners Cloe Rose Oliver, Sylia Van Horn-Williams and Douglas Mann. Not pictured is Emily Riske.
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