Did You Attend KCC?
Perhaps you are an alumnus and don’t know it.
Graduation from KCC is not a requirement to be considered an alumnus!
There are no membership dues or fees to be involved as an alumnus. We welcome your participation in a number of ways: by staying in touch; sharing current news with others; attending campus events; supporting the college; and joining in campus alumni activities.
Kellogg Community College has a robust and ever-expanding group of proud Bruin alumni and friends who help to make academic success a reality for generations of new students.
So stay in touch by completing the online alumni questionnaire! Consider coming back to take a lifelong learning class, tour the campus, help out in the KCC Community Garden or make it possible for other students to achieve their educational goals.
You are always a Bruin!
KCC Alumni Awards
Congratulations to the 2022 Recipients of the KCC Alumni Awards.
Joseph Blythe
Mr. Blythe received an Associate degree from KCC in 1969. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master of Arts degree from Western Michigan University. A lifelong educator and military veteran, Joe spent 43 years in education and served as a counselor at KCC. Some of his achievements include being named a 2004 Distinguished Professional from the Calhoun Area School Board Members Association, serving as Chair of the Michigan Education Association Minority Affairs Committee, and being inducted to the Battle Creek Central High School Hall of Fame. Joe has served on the boards of the Volunteer Bureau, Battle Creek Urban League Guild, NAACP, and Cereal City Lions Club. Whenever he is called to assist in any way, by any member in the community, he does so, as long as it is beneficial to the community. Mr. Blythe continues to support KCC by always talking to groups, parents and students about the education he received and encouraging individuals to financially support the Foundation’s scholarship program.
Ross Dingwall
Mr. Dingwall received an Associate degree from KCC in 1961 where he served as class president, a member of the basketball team and was privileged to be a part of the move from KCC’s original home on College Street to the dream campus on North Avenue. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and did graduate studies at Western Michigan University and Cal Berkeley. Ross taught 35 years for Lakeview Schools. His professional achievements include being a two-time recipient of an Outstanding Teacher Award in Battle Creek, a nationally recognized Quest Teacher, Lakeview Teacher of the Year, and a Finalist as a Teacher of the Year in the State of Michigan. He was instrumental in creating the Christmas Bike Program through the Battle Creek Police Department and the Holiday Basket Program at Lakeview Schools where he ran it for 34 years. Ross volunteered 20+ years with Habitat for Humanity, served on the Board of Directors for Potters Grove Association, been a Food Pantry Volunteer and has worked many years with the Breakfast and Holiday Basket programs at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. In his award submission, Mr. Dingwall states, “KCC gave me the opportunity to start my college education in a small environment close to home, to mature, and be part of an excellent program that prepared me to move on to a university. Being a Bruin gave me a chance, to become a Wolverine. They both influenced my return to Battle Creek to do what I found I loved most – to teach and coach.”
Nicole Finkbeiner
Ms. Finkbeiner received an Associate degree from KCC in 2002. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Advertising from Michigan State University. Currently a National Accounts Brand Manager for ExxonMobil, Nicole also served as Director of Public Information and Marketing at KCC for 5 years achieving several accomplishments which benefitted KCC. She then went on to work at Rice University’s OpenStax a nonprofit organization that provides free, peer-reviewed college textbooks to reduce the cost of higher education to students in the U.S. and student drop-out rates. The program, which Ms. Finkbeiner grew to 200+ college and university members, resulted in $41.6 million dollars in student textbook savings in less than six years. Nicole’s long and successful career in marketing, sales and advertising has led to many regional and national awards for her and the institutions and companies she worked for. She has published three book chapters, is a 4th degree black belt in Uechi-Ryu karate, has been a conference presenter and believes in the positive power of mentorships. Ms. Finkbeiner’s incredible passion for education and business led her to establish the Finkbeiner Scholarship Endowed Fund at the KCC Foundation which has already provided scholarships for over 10 years to students pursuing a career in business.
Dr. Kay Keck
Dr. Keck received an Associate Degree from KCC in 1977. She continued on with her studies and earned a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University, master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and doctoral degree in higher education leadership from Western Michigan University. Dr. Keck has served KCC in numerous roles spanning four decades and currently serves as the Vice President of Student and Community Services; in her role, she continually works to foster a learning environment within the college and create access for everyone to pursue-secondary education. Kay was instrumental in the creation of the KCC Equity and Inclusion Committee, and serves as a mentor, role model and advocate in helping women to identify and navigate successful career paths. She launched KCC’s first chapter of the MI-ACE Women’s Network and recruited its first institutional representatives. Dr. Keck has served as the President of the Michigan Community College Student Services Association. She received the Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award from the Michigan chapter of the American Council on Education and currently serves on the Executive Board for the United Way of South-Central Michigan where she has served in several capacities with the United Way over 25 years.
Tell Us Your KCC Story
We would love to hear your KCC story! Tell us about a memorable or rewarding experience, program or person at KCC, or a favorite aspect of KCC, or how KCC helped you to succeed. Tell us your story via the form at www.kellogg.edu/kccstories.
Continuing Education
- Interested in taking more classes at KCC? View our latest Class Schedules.
- Interested in personal growth or recreational classes? KCC’s Lifelong Learning Program offers a number of enrichment classes at convenient times.
- Are you over age 55? Connect with KCC’s Institute for Learning in Retirement.
