Interacting with students

Last night I spoke with some students in an KVCC Urban Sociology class in Downtown Kalamazoo. We had a great conversation about all kinds of urban issues, challenges and successes. I was invited because of my viewpoint that ran in the Kalamazoo Gazette several weeks ago (and appears earlier in this blog).

Today was a day that makes you feel good about being a commissioner. I started out at 7 AM helping Washington Writer's Academy elementary students walk safely to school - an annual tradition of the SAFE KIDS Coalition. We ask kids about safety and talk about hazards they might encounter on their way to and from school.

Wrapping up the day was a chance to speak for a couple minutes at the regular meeting of the Western Student Association on WMU's campus. Visiting a WSA meeting always brings back great memories of my days when I was active in student government. It's an honor to speak with college students there now and let them know that their servant leadership is what will make the world a better place. (Photo by Chris Praedel, WSA President)

WMU and KPS

This morning started out with a talk by new Western Michigan University President Dunn. He spoke with a number of alumni about his priorities for WMU and his substantial concern about how the Governor and some in the legislature are considering changing the funding formula for higher education institutions to WMU's detriment.

The day wrapped up with a beautiful salute to Dr. Janice Brown, outgoing Superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, by the Kalamazoo Junior Girls Organization. As most people know, 'it's all about The Promise,' and Dr. Brown has left a fantastic legacy for our community.