Lake Michigan College Invites the Community to Celebrate Its 80th Anniversary and Meet New President Dr. Ken Flowers

BENTON HARBOR, MI — Lake Michigan College (LMC) invites members of the community to a special celebration marking the College's 80th anniversary and welcoming its new president, Dr. Ken Flowers.

The free event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Welch Center on LMC's Benton Harbor campus, 2774 E. Empire Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Brief remarks will be made at 6:15 p.m. Please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/LMC80th. 

Guests will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Flowers, connect with faculty, staff, and fellow community members, and celebrate eight decades of the College's service to Southwest Michigan.

Founded in 1946 as Benton Harbor Junior College, Lake Michigan College opened its doors to just 78 students taking evening classes at Benton Harbor High School. Eighty years later, LMC serves thousands of students each year across campuses in Benton Harbor, Niles, and South Haven, offering associate degrees, certificates, and job training programs that connect students to careers and opportunity throughout the region.

“For 80 years, this College has grown because this community believed in it, invested in it, and showed up for it,” said Dr. Flowers. “I've been proud to be part of that story for almost 40 of those years, and I've seen firsthand what LMC means to the people of Southwest Michigan. Stepping into this role feels like coming full circle, and I can think of no better way to begin than by celebrating with the community that has shaped this College, and me, for so long.”

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

About Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is a comprehensive community college serving Berrien County and surrounding communities from its main campus in Benton Harbor, Michigan. LMC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs designed to help students reach their academic and career goals. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.