Kellogg Community College names new wing after late donors in honor of historic gift
The late Sherman and Kimiko Petersen donated more than $5.2 million to the college, with an additional expected gift to come later in 2026.
Kellogg Community College held a ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 to unveil a new wing of the Battle Creek, Michigan campus, named after the late Sherman and Kimiko Petersen. The Sherman & Kimiko Petersen Art Wing was named in their honor as they donated more than $5.2 million to the college, with another gift expected to come later in 2026.
According to an article on Kellogg Community College’s website, Michelle Williamson, who serves as the KCC Foundation Executive Director, was quoted as saying of the Petersens, “Sherman and Kimiko Petersen’s extraordinary generosity will have a lasting impact on Kellogg Community College and the students we serve for generations to come. Their commitment to the arts and business reflects a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives, and this historic gift ensures that students will continue to have access to scholarships, innovative learning opportunities and the resources they need to succeed.”
The Petersens were both connected to the college beyond their philanthropy, with Kimiko having been a cosmetologist with her own salon, later becoming an art student who went on to have an illustrious career as an artist, and Sherman having been an accounting instructor at the college, who also served as an accountant at Kellogg Company. Sherman passed away in 2021 and Kimiko passed away in 2024.
The Sherman & Kimiko Petersen Art Wing houses the college’s drawing, painting, ceramics and photography courses, reflecting Kimiko’s passion for the arts. The college is exploring naming opportunities within the areas that house the college’s business courses to reflect Sherman’s area of expertise.
The unveiling event was attended by Williamson, KCC President Dr. Paul Watson, KCC Trustee Lisa Mueller, KCC Foundation Board Chair Drew Schweitzer, KCC Business and Information Technology Director Sheenita Davis, KCC Arts and Communication Chair Barbara Sudeikis, retired KCC Art professor Pete Williams, and KCC Art student Lauren Davis.
The Petersens gave more than $5.2 million to the college in their lifetime, reflecting the largest gift the college has received.
For more information about Kellogg Community College, visit the school’s website.