COMMENCEMENT

Introducing KCC’s new alma mater—an inspiring anthem created through the collaboration of our talented faculty. The lyrics, written by English Professor Ron Davis, reflect the values that unite our campus community. Music Professor Dr. Gerald Case-Blanchard composed the original melody, and Dr. Mark Wells added rich harmonization to complete the piece.

Explore the links below to hear and learn more about this meaningful new tradition.

World Premiere of Alma Mater KCC, performed by the KCC Choral Union on April 21, 2024

Learn KCC’s Alma Mater

Kellogg Arena doors will open at 6 p.m. for guests and graduates.

Please enter through the main Box Office entrance (located on the rear side off of Jackson Street, adjacent to Festival Market Square).

Ceremony begins at 7 p.m.

Please use the new entrance off McCamly Street South, marked by the green dot on the map below.

Additional parking is available throughout downtown Battle Creek through ABM Parking Services. Rates vary by location.
To view parking maps and learn more about fees, visit www.battlecreekparking.com.

The City of Battle Creek offers a variety of parking options in addition to the Kellogg Additional City of Battle Creek parking information is also available.

KCC has recently instituted royal blue caps and gowns, so prior years’ regalia (2023 or older) may not be worn. Purchasing your cap/gown at KCC’s Bruin Bookstore can be done in-person or you can submit the form via fax at 269-962-0995 or via email at [email protected] by Friday, March 20.

Cap and gown orders will be available for pick up at the Bruin Bookstore April 28 – May 12 during bookstore hours:

• 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays

Honors Program members meeting all the graduation requirements prior to graduation will be contacted about the Honor Cords. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society are invited to wear stoles, which will be available for purchase in the KCC Bruin Bookstore at the time you pick up your cap/gown (April 28 – May 12).  If you have questions, please email Student Life at [email protected].

Your degree program may offer additional regalia; information on those pieces will be communicated with you via your instructors and/or your KCC email.

If you wish to decorate your cap, the Student Life Office will have craft supplies you are welcome to use available starting April 27. Stop by and make your cap your own!

For those looking to continue their celebration beyond the Commencement ceremony, below you’ll find a list of eateries within roughly one mile of the Kellogg Arena. Where possible, reservations are recommended.

Restaurant	Address	Phone	Hours
The Alloy Restaurant	50 Capital Ave SW Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-380-0320	6a-9p	reservations recommended
Barista Blues Cafe	91 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-968-8430	8a-2p
Café Rica USA	62 E Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49015	269-441-0205	6:30a-4:30p
Cafetal	451 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49037	269-753-1187	7a-2:00p	reservations recommended
Cereal City Nutrition	182 Capital Ave NE Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-358-6245	7a-7p	$3 dollars off with a KCC Student ID
Clara’s on the River	44 McCamly St Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-963-0966	11a-10p	reservations recommended
The Cricket	36 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-963-2725	11a-11p	reservations for upstairs dining recommended 20% off the entire tab for students wearing a cap and gown/ have a diploma tube
Griffin Grill & Pub	38 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-965-7206	11a-12a
Handmap Brewing	15 Carlyle St First Floor Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-441-0028	3p-10p	reservations recommended $4 dollars off pizzas for graduating students
Jimmy John’s	25 Capital Ave SW Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-969-3966	10a-7p
Kitchen Proper	34 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-753-1550	4p-8p	reservations recommended
Load A Spud Battle Creek	80 W Michigan Ave Suite B Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-245-9128	11a-7p	10% off for students with KCC Student ID
New Holland Brewing	64 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-213-8776	12p-10p	reservations recommended
Nina’s Taqueria	248 Capital Ave SW Battle Creek, MI 49037	269-969-9448	11a-9p	reservations recommended
O.T.’S Up-N Smoke BBQ	450 Capital Ave NE Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-963-7777	11a-9p	offers take-out only
Pastrami Joe’s Deli	32 W Michigan Ave # 2 Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-788-9345	7a-7p	reservations recommended 50% off for students wearing a cap and gown
Pizza Rescue	65 Calhoun St Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-753-1024	4p-8p
Schlotzsky’s	14 W Michigan Ave Battle Creek, MI 49017	269-963-2526	10a-7p

Battle Creek Restaurants not listed who would like to celebrate with our newest Bruin alumni are invited to contact the Student Life Office at [email protected] or 269-565-2634 to be added.

Our Kellogg Community College photographers shot thousands of photos at various 2025 graduation-related ceremonies. You can learn more about the photographs captured and find links to the Dropbox galleries via the link below.

KCC Daily: How to view 2025 Commencement and Pinning Ceremony Photos

The 2026 ceremony will be livestreamed on Kellogg Community College’s YouTube page during the event.

Reservations can be made online by following this link: KCC Commencement CB. Please note, reservations must be made by 5:00 p.m. on 4/22 to receive the discounted rate of $155.00 + tax. Make sure you check the “Accessible Box” to show all availability.

If you prefer to make your reservations by phone, please call (269) 380-0320 and mention your Group Block Code (944)

Participating in commencement can feel intimidating, but we have a whole team of staff and faculty here to make sure your experience is a smooth celebration! Our biggest pro-tip? Follow the Bruin Blue pawprints and the person in front of you. Check out the video below to learn more about what you can expect as a graduate at KCC’s commencement ceremony. What to expect at Commencement (KCC login required to view)