The Kalamazoo area economy realized a $32 million contribution from Kalamazoo College. Those are the findings of an analysis conducted by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Operations of the college -- its employment of 396 full and part-time workers -- was the primary boost to the economy. The school had an annual payroll of $19.6 million during the 2010-11 academic year.
The economic impact analysis projects that another 289 jobs and personal income of $6 million were indirectly generated by the presence of the college and the expenditures of students and visitors.
Kalamazoo College students students spent approximately $3.6 million in the local community, and out-of-area campus visitors spent approximately $2 million.
Campus construction projects in recent years are further evidence of the college’s positive impact on the area economy, by helping provide construction jobs. These projects include a $14 million renovation of the Hicks Student Center completed in 2008, and a $16 million renovation of the "K" athletic fields that is currently under way. It is due to be completed in fall 2012.
The College also plans to begin construction this summer on a building to house the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership estimated to cost about $4 million. A new fitness and wellness center estimated at $7 million and a new natatorium at $14 million are in early stages planning.
President Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran says: "Our strategic goals call for us to grow the College’s enrollment to 1,500 students. Reaching this goal will make our financial contribution to the community even greater."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Jeffrey R. Palmer, Kalamazoo College
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