KCC ALUMNI 

Click here to nominate a KCC alum!

The Kellogg Community College Foundation takes great pride in the many KCC alumni who have benefited from their studies here at the College. Want to share your KCC pride? Alumni wear is in the Bruin Bookstore now! You can purchase an Always a Bruin T-shirt or sweatshirt  at the Bruin Bookstore, and $5 from each item sold will go towards the KCC Alumni Scholarship Fund through the KCC Foundation. Always a Bruin wear can also be purchased by clicking on clothing under the merchandise tab at kellogg.edu/bookstore.

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BruIN Magazine

BruIN is a quarterly magazine published by KCC to share news and information with alumni, community partners and fans of KCC. View the latest edition of the magazine below (click to view full screen). To request a complementary print copy of the magazine, email your full name and mailing address to [email protected].

View the magazine online at kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.

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KCC Alumni Awards

The KCC Alumni Awards recognize former Kellogg Community College students who have made outstanding strides in their professional field, enriched their community and supported KCC.

While alums may not self-nominate, there is no limit on the number of nominations one can submit. Once a nomination has been received, the KCC Foundation will reach out to the nominee to gather additional information. The recipient(s) are announced at the Kellogg Community College annual Outstanding Bruin Awards.

Award Criteria

Nominee must have earned a minimum of 12 credits from Kellogg Community College.
Nominee must show outstanding service or enrichment to their community.
Nominee must provide support for Kellogg Community College, while a student and beyond.

To nominate someone for an Alumni Award, please click here.

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Congratulations to the 2026 Recipients of a KCC Alumni Award!

Douglas Mann

Douglas Mann attended KCC from 1981 to 1983 and earned an Associate in Science in 1983. He then went on to earn both 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, 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 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 attended Kellogg Community College from 2000 to 2002 as part of the inaugural New Century College cohort, earning an Associate in Arts 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 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 The Ability Collective of Barry County, 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 co-founder of Queer & Friends of Hastings, supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy and community connection. As an alumna, she continues to support Kellogg Community College through partnerships, scholarship work, and ongoing advocacy, exemplifying integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to service.

Emily Riske

Emily Riske attended from 2001 to 2003 and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing 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, she 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 Kellogg Community College 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 Degree in Nursing, an Associate Degree in General Studies, 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 healthcare 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 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.

She continues to support Kellogg Community College by giving back directly to its nursing program, mentoring students in their early clinical experiences and serving as a positive ambassador within the healthcare community. Her contributions extend beyond education through her dedication to patient-centered care and her efforts to strengthen the next generation of nurses.

 

2025 Alumni Awardees:

Micheal Holcomb

Joseph Marah

Cody Newman

Avery Rose

Thomas Watson

2024 Alumni Awardees:

Susan Clark, Class of 2012

Eric McClure, Class of 2015

Christopher Stafford, Class of 1997

Tiffany Thatcher, Class of 2014

2023 Alumni Awardees:

Teresa Allen, Class of 1997

Bobby Holley, Class of 1974

Tom Rose, Class of 2003

Bernie Stankewicz, Class of 1969

2022 Alumni Awardees:

Joe Blythe, Class of 1969

Ross Dingwall, Class of 1961

Nicole Finkbeiner, Class of 2002

Dr. Kay Keck, Class of 1977

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Alumni Spotlight

We would love to hear what you’ve been up to since your time at KCC. Please join our Kellogg Community College Alumni Facebook page. Also, take a moment to fill out the questionnaire below and help us celebrate our Bruins past and present.