This Campus Color Classic will feature all three local colleges — Kalamazoo College, WMU, and KVCC — with mascots, select sports teams, and plenty of fanfare for an unforgettable night.
Date: Thursday, July 30th Gates Open: 5:35 PM First Pitch: 6:35 PM Ticket Area: 1st base Grandstand, Section Reserved for K Ticket Options: $20 Reserved Box Seat with event-specific K-College Hat OR $18 Reserved Box Seat
While you’re planning summer activities, don’t forget to give your retirement plan some attention too. A mid-year review can help you make adjustments while there’s still plenty of time to act before the end of the year.
This month’s planning sessions can help answer questions like:
Am I maximizing my retirement contributions before the year is over?
If I’m 50 or older, am I taking advantage of catch-up contributions?
How can I plan ahead for any major expenses coming later this year?
Every employee has the opportunity to go through comprehensive financial planning sessions and receive a customized financial plan illustrating your goals. If you have a spouse or significant other, they are encouraged and welcome to attend as well.
Advisors from HUB Investment Partners are available to meet virtually to:
Answer questions about your retirement plan.
Provide financial advice to help achieve short-term and retirement goals.
Mark your calendars for a week of community, fun, and JOY!
Black Joy Week Fundraiser
This year’s celebration will also include a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible work and recent successes of Cradle Kalamazoo, whose mission is to “reduce infant death and promote respect for families, women, and their children.”
We are inviting members of our community to make a donation to this worthy cause to support this important and meaningful work. Every contribution, big or small, helps sustain efforts to reduce Black infant mortality in our county and ensure that all babies, especially Black babies, can thrive in our community. Make your gift by June 19 and receive a Black Joy Week tshirt!
Team up and take on a campus‑wide scavenger hunt filled with clues, challenges, and surprises. Whether you’re in it to win or just to explore, this is all about connection, laughter, and discovery.
Hot tip: there may be some great prizes in store for scavenger hunt winners!
THANK YOU for making Black Joy Week happen!
Black Joy Week could not be accomplished without the hard work, love, and care from our community.
This survey is an opportunity to share your perspective on faculty and staff activities—what’s working, what’s not, and where we can make engagement more meaningful, accessible, and cost‑effective. Your feedback directly helps inform future decisions that shape our campus experience.
A few things to know:
The survey takes about 5–7 minutes to complete
Participation is voluntary and all questions are optional
Responses are anonymous, unless you choose to share identifying information
Ideas of all sizes are welcome and valued
The survey closes May 1, 2026. You are encouraged to add your voice and help guide future engagement efforts.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and for everything that you contribute to our community.
We’re happy to share that the 2026–27 Kalamazoo College Holiday Schedule is now available on the Human Resources website.
The holiday schedule outlines all College‑observed paid holidays and holiday break days for the upcoming fiscal year. Employees are encouraged to review the schedule when planning time off, coverage, and personal calendars for 2026–27.
Paid holidays apply to benefit‑eligible employees who are scheduled to work on the day the holiday is observed.
Holiday eligibility and pay follow the College’s Holiday Policy and Procedures.
Holidays that occur during approved vacation time do not count against vacation balances.
As always, the Human Resources team is here to help. If you have questions about holiday eligibility, scheduling, or paid time off, please contact HR at human.resources@kzoo.edu.
On behalf of his family, Kalamazoo College shares details of the Life Celebration for Professor Emeritus of German Language and Literature Hardy Fuchs, who passed away on February 3, 2026. Dr. Fuchs served the College for more than three decades as a faculty member, department chair and soccer coach, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.
A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT in Stetson Chapel at Kalamazoo College. A reception will follow in the Olmsted Room in Mandelle Hall.
Learn more about Dr. Fuchs’ rich life by reading his obituary.
Returning to work after an extended break—whether for winter holidays, term transitions, or planned time away—can feel both refreshing and disorienting. While time off supports rest and recovery, re-entry often brings emotional, cognitive, and social adjustments. Focusing intentionally on re-connection after the break helps employees regain a sense of belonging, re-establish routines, and transition back into work with greater ease and wellbeing.
Develop A Sense of Belonging
A sense of belonging is a foundational component of workplace wellness. Research shows that employees who feel connected and valued are more engaged, resilient, and productive. According to the American Psychological Association, social connection and psychological safety are key contributors to our mental health, particularly during periods of transition. After time away, even familiar environments can feel momentarily unfamiliar, making deliberate efforts toward inclusion and re-connection especially important.
Use Intentional Check-ins
One simple but powerful strategy is the use of intentional check-ins. Brief team or one-on-one check-ins provide space for you to share how you are doing, clarify priorities, and re-anchor in shared goals. These conversations need not be lengthy or overly personal; even a few minutes of genuine acknowledgment can help individuals feel seen and supported. Regular check-ins have been linked to improved morale and trust, especially when leaders model openness and empathy (Gallup, 2023).
Re-establish A Routine
Easing back into routines is another critical aspect of post-break wellness. Productivity often dips temporarily after time off, which is both normal and expected. Rather than pushing for immediate peak performance, wellness-centered workplaces encourage gradual re-engagement. Re-establishing daily rhythms—such as consistent start times, prioritized task lists, and scheduled breaks—supports cognitive focus and reduces stress. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes that predictable routines and manageable workloads play an important role in reducing burnout and supporting sustained performance.
Restore Social Ties
Re-connection also includes restoring social ties. Informal interactions—such as greeting colleagues, sharing brief updates, or participating in team gatherings or staff meetings—help rebuild relational continuity after time away. These moments reinforce the idea that we are not just workers, but members of a community. Even small gestures, like welcoming messages or team acknowledgments, can meaningfully signal belonging and appreciation.
Ultimately, re-connection after a break is not about rushing forward, but about grounding ourselves again—individually and collectively. By prioritizing belonging, engaging in meaningful check-ins, and allowing space to ease back into routines, we can support both well-being and effectiveness. A thoughtful re-entry sets the tone for the months ahead and fosters a workplace culture that values humanity as much as productivity.
Reflection: What’s one small thing you could do today to help your future self feel more connected to our community?
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Workplace well-being: What it is and how to build it. https://www.apa.org
June is Professional Wellness Month, a time for all of us to take a step back and focus on our overall well-being. Whether you’re working on campus, remotely, or in a hybrid setting, this month is about more than just your job performance—it’s about your health and happiness at work.
What Is Professional Wellness?
Professional wellness means feeling balanced, supported, and fulfilled in your job—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It’s about building strong relationships with coworkers, practicing healthy habits, and creating boundaries that support your well-being. According to the NWF Health Network, celebrating this month includes making positive changes like choosing healthier snacks, standing more during the day, and engaging in workplace connections that bring joy and support.
Mental and Emotional Health: Your Foundation
Mental and emotional wellness are at the heart of how we show up at work each day. If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected, it’s okay—and important—to acknowledge it. You can take small steps like:
Practicing mindfulness during breaks (even 5 minutes helps!)
Journaling or checking in with yourself emotionally
Remember, healthy communication and asking for support isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. When you take care of your mind first, everything else becomes more manageable.
Social Wellness: Relationships Matter
A big part of wellness is the people around you. Positive work relationships can improve your job satisfaction and reduce stress. This month, challenge yourself to:
Reach out to a colleague you don’t usually talk to
Join a committee or group at work, like a wellness or engagement team
Say “thank you” more often—gratitude creates connection
Eat lunch with someone instead of alone at your desk (when possible)
The NWF Health Network points out that social connections can actually improve your physical and mental health, so building community at work is worth the effort (NWF Health Network, 2024).
Your Physical Health Deserves Attention Too
Let’s be honest—work can be sedentary. But movement, nutrition, and hydration are essential, even during a busy day. Try these quick wellness wins:
Use a standing desk or stretch once an hour
Bring healthier snacks or plan balanced meals
Set a water reminder to stay hydrated
Walk during meetings or breaks
Even small changes can have a big impact on your energy levels and focus. Your body will thank you!
Taking Ownership of Your Wellness
This month is a great time to reflect: What’s working for you, and what’s draining you? Think about what boundaries or habits you might need to protect your wellness. That could mean saying “no” to non-essential tasks, taking a real lunch break, or building time into your calendar for self-care.
Wellness Is a Team Effort
While the College plays a role in offering benefits and resources, you are your best advocate. Use this month to explore what resources are available—like wellness challenges, employee assistance programs (EAPs), or staff social events—and actually make use of them.
If your team doesn’t have a strong wellness culture yet, consider being the spark. You might be surprised at how many of your colleagues are craving the same support and balance.
Final Thought
Professional Wellness Month is about one thing: you. Your health, your happiness, your peace of mind. Take the time to check in with yourself, build better habits, and connect more meaningfully with those around you. Because when you feel good, you do good—in life, at work and everywhere else.
References NWF Health Network. (2024). Professional Wellness Month. Retrieved from https://nwfhealth.org/professional-wellness-month/ NWF Health Network. (2024). June is Professional Wellness Month. Retrieved from https://nwfhealth.org/june-is-profession-wellness-month/
Spring term has started, snow is gone, and trees are waking from their slumber. It must be time to announce 2025 Summer Hours!
Regular business hours between June 16, 2025 through August 29, 2025 will be: Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m + 3 paid hours
There is no reduction in the amount of paid time, however the workweek is reduced by 3 hours during summer hours. Visit the link below for more details.
