KCC ALUMNI
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 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 www.kellogg.edu/bookstore.
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 kcccommunication@kellogg.edu.
View the magazine online at kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.
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.
Congratulations to the 2023 Recipients of a KCC Alumni Award!
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.
2022 Alumni Awardees:
Joe Blythe, Class of 1969
Ross Dingwall, Class of 1961
Nicole Finkbeiner, Class of 2002
Dr. Kay Keck, Class of 1977
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.