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Some of the things WE LOVE about Kalamazoo!
Kalamazoo Word Cloud
Some of the things WE LOVE about Kalamazoo!
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Kalamazoo is a welcoming Midwest town that boasts a big-city feel halfway between Chicago and Detroit. Here are a few fun facts about the city we love:

The city is located precisely at 42.2917° N, 85.5872° W, with a population of 76,545. It was founded in 1831 by Titus Bronson.

Kalamazoo is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise and the community is a major international pharmaceutical and life sciences center, and the original home of the Upjohn Co., Stryker Corp, Gibson Guitars, and Checker Motors.

You're just a 40-minute drive away from Lake Michigan and there are ample opportunities for outdoor fun, not to mention a bustling craft beer scene and exciting nightlife.

For more information, check out our Living in Kalamazoo page. 

Why We Love Kalamazoo

Take a look at all of the reasons why our faculty, staff, and residents (current and alumni), are happy to call Kalamazoo home.

  • Dr. Muhamid Asif, Class of 2022
    Dr. Muhamid Asif
    Dr. Muhamid Asif

    Hiking, biking, nature
    Low cost of living
    No traffic! But everything you would have in a big city.

  • Dr. Joshua Knudson, Class of 2021
    Dr. Joshua Knudson
    Dr. Joshua Knudson

     

    "Everyone does things outdoors regardless of the weather. Kayak trips, lake trips, snowboarding, etc. There’s always something to do."

  • Dr. Brandon Manderle, Class of 2022
    Dr. Brandon Manderle
    Dr. Brandon Manderle

    "Kalamazoo is the perfect size city for me and my family. It has all the basic amenities and more; while still being a smaller city with great surrounding suburbs and a short commute to work. Plus, it's close to several big cities including Chicago, Grand Rapids; and close to the lake so it's a quick trip to the beach!"

  • Dr. Michael Mattia, Class of 2022
    Dr. Michael Mattia
    Dr. Michael Mattia

     

    "Kalamazoo is big enough to have everything I need here in town, and small enough to still have a local identity and feel.

  • Dr. Lauren Piper, Assistant Professor
    Dr. Lauren Piper
    Dr. Lauren Piper

    "I have lived in Michigan my whole life and love the four seasons. Kalamazoo is a great college town with a variety of restaurants and bars, craft breweries, and theaters, and it is easy to travel to Detroit, Chicago, and Ann Arbor."

  • Dr. Steven Pollens, Assistant Professor
    Dr. Steven Pollens
    Dr. Steven Pollens

    "Kalamazoo is small enough to connect easily with people but big enough to have lots of interesting cultural events. There is good access to nature and great public schools."

  • Megan Rhodes, Administrative Assistant

    ”I love being less than an hour away from one of the largest fresh water lakes and some amazing beaches!”

  • Dr. Kristi VanDerKolk, Assistant Professor
    Dr. Kristi VanDerKolk
    Dr. Kristi VanDerKolk

    "I love Michigan! Kalamazoo offers easy access to water and nature and having two colleges in town means cultural events like concerts and theater performances are always happening!"