K College volleyball coach and author first in spring speaker series

Contact: Mark Schwerin
Photo of cover of book "Sportuality: Finding Joy in the Games."

Hess is the author of the new book "Sportuality: Finding Joy in the Games."

KALAMAZOO—Kalamazoo College head volleyball coach and newly published author Jeanne Hess will present 2013's first installment in the Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series at Western Michigan University.

Hess will speak at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in 2150 Schneider Hall, home of the Haworth College of Business. Her presentation is titled "Sportuality and our Community."

Jeanne Hess

Hess's book, "Sportuality: Finding Joy in the Games," is an examination of sports at all levels, focusing on how sporting life reflects our cultural beliefs. Whether an athlete or a fan, Hess says people can bring the joy of athletics to everyday pursuits.

The event, which is free and open to the public, begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Kayla Hunt at (269) 387-6059 or kayla.j.hunt@wmich.edu. Free parking is available in the Fetzer Center parking lot.

The 2012 volleyball season at Kalamazoo College marked the 29th year with Hess as head coach. She has led the team to five Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships and five National Collegiate Athletic Association appearances. Reaching 500 wins in 2011, Hess now ranks among the top 30 NCAA Division III coaches for career victories.

Hess earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1980 and her master's degree in physical education from WMU in 1985. In April 2010, she was inducted into WMU's Alumni Honor Academy for Human Performance and Health Education.

In addition to coaching volleyball, Hess serves as professor and chair of the Department of Physical Education at Kalamazoo College. She is also the director of the Kalamazoo College Athletic Fund and has served as an assistant in both the women's basketball and softball programs as well as serving as associate chaplain.

Other upcoming Keystone presentations

  • Feb. 22: Dr. Hal Jenson, M.D., founding dean of the WMU School of Medicine
  • March 22: Lisa Garcia, director, WMU Business Connection
  • April 26: Dan Gaydou, president, MLive Media Group
  • May 31: Bill Rose, president and chief executive officer, Kalamazoo Nature Center
  • June 28: Dr. Sharon Carlson, WMU director of archives and regional history

The Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current topics of interest to the community.