Elizabeth Neumeyer taught at Kellogg Community College for 39 years, from 1968 to 2007, primarily teaching history and psychology. She continued working closely with the College in various capacities for several years after retirement, eventually authoring “Always a Bruin: A History of Kellogg Community College 1956-2017,” which was published in hardcover by the College in 2020.
KCC turns 70 this year. What’s your strongest memory from your time at the College?
It was a clear warm Michigan day in early May 1968 and I arrived at the campus to be interviewed. My 1956 Chevy got me there. I walked up the steps to see the shining pools and all the campus in bloom and I was stunned. I prayed that I would get offered a position.
The other memory is a kind of kaleidoscope of images from graduations. I always enjoyed the procession to “Pomp and Circumstance,” seeing the graduates’ faces – some joyous, some solemn and some thinking, “Wow, I made it.” It was always fun when they broke out of line and came over and hugged you.
What are some “fun facts” about the history of the College most people don’t know?
The students in the first class of 1956 decided we were Bruins, beating out other choices of Pioneers, Rams and Terriers.
Battle Creek Community College began in a fire station remodeled into a Grand Army of the Republic Hall and then remodeled into classrooms.
The students promptly called Battle Creek Community College BC3. When we became Kellogg Community College, students lovingly called us Cornflake U or Rice Krispy College, a tribute to W.K. Kellogg.
Former KCC President Dr. Paul Ohm and civic leader Stan Tooley sketched out the plan for KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center on a napkin on a plane ride back from Japan.
What was the most interesting thing you learned through your research and interviews for your book on the College’s history?
Even after teaching here for 39 years, I learned much more about the College than I knew before. I learned how important the College was to the community as I interviewed local leaders, especially former board members, former administrators and graduates. I am known for saying “community is our middle name” and I was gratified to hear that everyone agreed.
How would you describe the legacy of Kellogg Community College? What do you think the future of the College looks like?
The 70th anniversary is platinum. It is a shiny silver metal and one of our school colors is silver. Platinum is strong, durable and does not corrode. We live up to that reputation and we will be here for the community in whatever way we need to be. Community is our middle name.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I ask people to consider donating to the Beyond Tuition fund to help students in emergencies that get in their way of continuing their education. It is my favorite fund.
This Q&A first appeared in the March 2026 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.
