Commencement

Melvina Calvin-Edwards, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor and Coordinator
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Programs
Business, Technology & Human Services Division

Dr. Melvina Calvin-Edwards’ journey with KCC began in 1996 as a law enforcement student and bookstore employee. She returned in 2012 as an adjunct instructor and has since earned her doctorate degree, a milestone that helped lead to her current role. In addition to her full-time teaching responsibilities, Calvin-Edwards continues to serve the community as a sergeant with the Kankakee Police Department.

Calvin-Edwards brings a hands-on, real-world approach to the classroom, using simulations, mock crime scenes, student presentations, and the MILO (Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives) Simulation Lab to help students develop confidence, leadership and investigative skills. She also invites local law enforcement professionals to share their perspectives and her students participate in events like the Health Careers Inter-Professional Simulation.

Calvin-Edwards has been recognized by Lifestyles of Kankakee County Women in Business and is a two-time recipient of the Paragon Award, which recognizes lifelong commitment to learning, community engagement, and integrity in law enforcement.

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Each year, KCC gives the Outstanding Faculty Award to one full-time and one part-time faculty member. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, knowledge of their discipline, innovative teaching techniques as well as skills in motivation and encouragement. They are selected after being nominated by KCC students and staff.

The recipients receive an award medallion and framed certificate, as well as a spot on the KCC Wall of Honor. Previous Outstanding Faculty Award recipients wear a commemorative medallion at commencement ceremonies. The medallions are solid brass, and are embossed with “Kankakee Community College Est. 1966 – Outstanding Faculty Member.” The lamp of knowledge represents the quest for information or learning.

KCC faculty recipients are also nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty Member Awards, which recognize the high achievements of Illinois' full- and part-time community college instructors.

Sherry Kinzler

Adjunct Professor
American Sign Language
Liberal Arts and Sciences Division

Sherry Kinzler has served KCC for over 21 years as the staff American Sign Language interpreter and senior coordinator for the Office of Disability Services. Sherry is a champion for both American Sign Language and the culture of the Deaf community. Her work has had a lasting impact on students and the college community.

Sherry is most proud of returning to college at age 50 to earn her master’s degree, fulfilling her dream of bringing ASL to KCC. Students say her classes are not only educational but also energizing and welcoming spaces where growth is celebrated.

“When I become the perfect instructor, I will expect the perfect student” she tells her students. This philosophy gives them permission to make mistakes, to try again, and to demonstrate grace and humility with themselves and others, Sherry said. Her approach reflects KCC’s core values of respect, excellence, learning, integrity and collaboration.

Outstanding Faculty Award recipients

Each year, KCC gives the Outstanding Faculty Award to one full-time and one part-time faculty member. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, knowledge of their discipline, innovative teaching techniques as well as skills in motivation and encouragement. They are selected after being nominated by KCC students and staff.

The recipients receive an award medallion and framed certificate, as well as a spot on the KCC Wall of Honor. Previous Outstanding Faculty Award recipients wear a commemorative medallion at commencement ceremonies. The medallions are solid brass, and are embossed with “Kankakee Community College Est. 1966 – Outstanding Faculty Member.” The lamp of knowledge represents the quest for information or learning.

KCC faculty recipients are also nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Faculty Member Awards, which recognize the high achievements of Illinois' full- and part-time community college instructors.

Yamei Rohlfs

Yamei Rohlfs' journey is one of perseverance, lifelong learning, and giving back to her community. Originally from China, she moved to Watseka 11 years ago to be with her husband. Facing language barriers and a desire to join the workforce, she enrolled at Kankakee Community College's Watseka extension center, where she earned her GED in 2020.

Determined to continue her education, Rohlfs completed an associate degree at KCC while raising her young daughter and working at Riverside Medical Center. This experience sparked her passion for healthcare, leading her to pursue a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration at Western Governors University, which she completed online. She later earned a master's degree from the same institution.

Rohlfs began her career at Banyan Treatment Center, an inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, where she now serves as an intake case management supervisor. In this role, she oversees intake departments across multiple locations, helping individuals navigate critical life transitions.

Throughout her educational and professional journey, Rohlfs credits KCC's supportive faculty and resources—such as the writing lab and the Century Scholarship—for helping her succeed. She remains connected to KCC through community initiatives, including the Watseka farmer's market, which KCC sponsors.

Beyond her career, Rohlfs is dedicated to fostering cultural exchange as a host for international students and works to place other students with host families. She also serves as an alderwoman in her community, advocating for local initiatives.

Rohlfs encourages others to take the first step in their education, no matter how daunting it may seem. “One class led me to an associate's degree, which led to a bachelor's, and then a master's,” she said. “You never know where it will take you.”

John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award

Established in 2009, the John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award is named for long-time KCC Alumni Association member John Fulton of Herscher. Fulton is a 1981 graduate of KCC, and earned two associate degrees, in business and general studies.

As a decorated Vietnam War hero, a tireless advocate for veterans affairs, and for people with disabilities, a farmer, and friend, Fulton is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us at KCC.

Following Fulton's receipt of the KCC Foundation's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, the KCC Foundation Board voted unanimously to rename the recognition "The John M. Fulton Distinguished Alumni Award."

Recipients of the award must meet the following criteria:

• Outstanding success and distinction in chosen field
• Humanitarian service that has proven greatly beneficial to society
• Continued interest in/support of education and community colleges
• Overcoming life's obstacles
• Completion of a recognized program of instruction at Kankakee Community College