Kalamazoo

With such a recognizable moniker you'd think Kalamazoo wouldn't need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city's refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown Kazoo the nation's first pedestrian mall in 1959 thrives today. Innovations in life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals combined with the expertise of Kalamazoo's universities - Western Michigan, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College - make the city a center of research, development and technology. It's all part of an eclectic, vibrant city with a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and scrappy local theater companies are a few of the offerings. Locals love their festivals, many at the Arcadia Festival grounds, and their outdoors, whether it's taking to the Kalamazoo River or biking the Kal-Haven trail or golfing at the nationally-acclaimed Milham Park course. The city's sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for scholarships at any public university or community college.

Feature Story On the Ground West Douglas/Fairmont Mountain Home Cemetery

The Grave Issues Squad cleans up headstones as it preserves history


Feature Story Legacy House
Feature Story Recycle
Feature Story Mental Wellness Teachers Mental Health

Wellness for educators: Take baby steps but take them forward


Feature Story Mental Wellness Teacher Mental Health

El Bienestar de los Educadores: Dando pasos de bebé, pero avanzando


Longform Dr. Michelle Johnson, Playgrown CEO, is seen here with a tomato and a pepper.
Longform Housing solutions Habitat