Students urged to help define Cool City Kalamazoo
March 16, 2004
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's student government, the Western Student Association, has teamed with Cool Cities Kalamazoo to create more of a student presence in downtown Kalamazoo, and more of a downtown Kalamazoo presence in students' lives.
An open discussion between students and city leaders Thursday, March 18, is the first in a series of activities planned to advance the effort. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the Bronco Mall Center Stage in the Bernhard Center. Following a 90-minute panel discussion on developing a strong "college town" environment, members of the panel will remain for one-on-one discussions with students. Free food and beverages will be served.
Among the panel discussion leaders will be Deb Droppers, public events planner; Kalamazoo City Commissioner Bobby Hopewell; Bob Miller, WMU vice president for community outreach; Greg Milliken, co-chair of Cool Cities Kalamazoo; Ken Nacci, president of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc.; and Pat Norris, director of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
There are great opportunities in Kalamazoo for "us as students and young professionals," says Tim Meek, one of the event organizer, who urges students to become part of the discussion and help shape the campus relationship with downtown Kalamazoo. A senior food markeing major, Meek is chair of WSA's Campus Concerns Committee and co-chair of Kalamazoo's Cool Cities Committee.
Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu