
Microbiology, the subject she now teaches at Johnson County Community College, didn’t come easily either. Biddle failed the course the first time she took it. The second time, she dropped it before she could fail again.

Project Management major Maria Garmen walking around campus with her bubble gun, informing people about the Pumpkin carving being held by HSA at the Com Atrium on October 21st, 2026. Maria Garmen interacts with the JCCC faculty outside by the fountain square. Liberal Arts major Cait Zollars meticulously hollows out a pumpkin, participating in the

Students may find MOCSA flyers and resources scattered around campus and notice tabling at events such as Soberfest, which helps fill gaps in knowledge about the organization’s free counseling and advocacy services for survivors after incidents of violence.

Happy week 9, cavs. We’re basically like two thirds of the way through the semester, so heck yeah. We’re deep into October, and it’s definitely starting to feel like it. The air conditioning in my car has been broken since August, and once I finally get it fixed, it’s cold outside. Everything’s fine, we’re all

To counter domestic violence and work toward prevention, JCCC hosts and provides resources to support and assist students subject to this type of violence, while also outlining next steps for victims.

“My motivation was never solely about money; it was about helping people. That was what got me up every morning. Transportation might be one of the most important things to people to get to school, to get to work, to take care of their families. So to me, fixing their car was a way that…

Once you get an emotional support bottle you have to take it everywhere to survive life.

Kids play with toy swords during the Japan festival on October 3rd, 2026. Sumo wrestlers pose for a picture with a family outside at the JCCC courtyard during the Japan festival on October 3rd, 2026 Couples sharing food at the JCCC cafeteria during the Japan festival on October 3rd, 2026 -Manahil Fatima Ethen Cook, a

Getting out of the JCCC routine doesn’t have to mean spending a lot, driving across the metro or planning an entire weekend. It can be as simple as trying a pumpkin matcha, stumbling onto a book you didn’t know existed or taking a walk while the leaves turn. It might be a ride on a…

Photo Designed By: Athena Gonzalez Celebrating alcohol-free fun, Soberfest invites all to participate on Wednesday, Oct. 14. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Student Lounge (GEB 151 and 154) will be decorated in neon fashion with free finger food, mocktails and freebies while supplies last, in addition to fun interactive activities and resources from

The first traditional convention drew more than 100 people and included nine vendors, including local comic shops, artists, booksellers, and a couple of clothing people who did custom jackets and shirts. More recent speaker events have attracted between 50 and 60 attendees. The writing workshops, which are capped at 24 participants, have also filled to…

Happy Monday, cavs. We are officially over halfway through the semester, which I’m thankful for, since I am not vibing and thriving with math (guys, send good vibes). Last week, I was so hyped for fall, and even started rewatching Gilmore Girls, but Kansas decided to be Kansas and it’s yet again hot outside, so

He played with confidence because he wanted a roster spot.

Accounting professor David Krug gives directions on where to write names on the name cards during the Intercultural retreat on September 26th, 2026 Anthropology professor Erin Gould introduces herself to liberal arts major Marisol Rivera during the intercultural retreat on September 26th, 2026 Accounting professor David Krug shares a fun fact about himself, surprising Communication

“He retained the information I wrote and made an effort to give me a compliment,” Shay wrote in an email. “He took extra steps he did not necessarily have to, to make me feel valued.”

Mike Kemper, a reporter for The Messenger, talks to individuals at Discovery Day 2026.

After the Industry Professionals’ panel, the next step will be a round-table conversation in which each panelist will move around to the individual tables where students are seated. This will give students an opportunity to interact with the panelists, ask questions, and learn more about them and how they navigated their career paths.

Photo By: Miranda Malinda Man, has time gone by or what? As we enter October, here’s a look at many of the upcoming events to mark on your calendars, Cavs! Academic Calendar: Thursday, Oct. 15 marks the application deadline for fall graduation. Don’t forget to fill out the form if you are cleared to

In addition to the Launch on the Lawn, the Student Senate will host an event on Nov. 18 called the JCCC Gives market. That event will feature homemade goods made by local businesses.

“We don’t want your first experience with an international company or international opportunity to be when you don’t have any support,” Wilkes said. “Let us do the heavy lifting so that you can focus on learning.”

We have a fun week here on campus, so make sure to check out Get Involved for some upcoming events (or you could just watch this week’s Samsplaining).

Ekene begins his involvement in the JCCC Creative Writing Club for the day by creating short stories based on a list of prompts – one such example being “Wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Photo By: Nathan Schweiger During a recent Creative Writing Club meeting, students split into small groups for a game of “writer’s telephone.” One

“She is really great at engaging students in activities that make what they are doing a part of themselves which is really important.” said Valerie Mann, the department chair of College Success.

McDonald said some students attend because they are already writers or want to write more, while others may be looking for friends with similar interests. McDonald added that several students who joined this semester have kept coming back.

There are two ways that students can get a discount on tickets. Students can purchase tickets to their favorite show and get $5 off to secure their preferred seat. Also, starting the Monday of the week of the show, students can purchase up to two tickets for just $5 each.

“I never really knew much about art museums except for visiting them and everything, but here I’ve really learned more about how they create community and how they help bring people together,” said Caballero.

Eight a.m. classes will truly make or break your college experience. Make sure you make the right decision for you so you can be successful.

If you’re interested in registering to vote, start by going to the Secretary of State of Kansas or Missouri, depending on where you live and follow the steps provided on the website. For some students, voting has already become a habit.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, celebrate this year’s theme of Sumo traditions with demonstrations by the Shogeki Sumo Team, as well as various arts and crafts workshops, Japanese food, performances and shopping scattered around several buildings on campus.

Happy week six, cavs. We have a fun week ahead of us.

Have you ever tried using the vending machine at JCCC? Boy, I have stories to tell you about them. I would recommend going to one if you’re hungry for a snack, but go at your own risk…

LUNA is a community and a family. They want to host a big tent and welcome people of all nationalities to experience everything LUNA has to offer.

For the three students who graduated or transferred, that time has already come. They have taken the skills and relationships they developed through debate with them as they move on, while the current team continues building experiences of its own.

Make sure to stop into the Student Media Center (COM260) on Tuesday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for our weekly Coffee Tuesday event. During Coffee Tuesday, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to some of our student journalists about story ideas while enjoying free coffee, sodas and snacks.

Photo By: Cammi Unruh On a hot September morning, while many JCCC students are still sleeping, Layla Barnes is already working on her basketball game. Twice a week, the JCCC women’s basketball sophomore wakes up early and heads to the Fieldhouse for extra work. For Barnes, the extra work is what it takes to keep

The center currently serves somewhere between 700 and 750 veteran and military-connected students each semester, according to the director, and around 300 to 350 of those students use benefits the center helps support.

Billington Library is the primary source of information, relaxation, and resources for students and faculty. It is the heart of JCCC. Here’s how to use it.

Support JCCC Theatre by attending a showing of Romeo and Juliet this month.

Make sure to join us tomorrow in COM260 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for our first Coffee Tuesday.

Something that’s guaranteed to slap this week is Cav Kickoff, which I’m very hyped about.

For students who are new to college, new to JCCC or simply haven’t figured out how to make the most of their time on campus, here are some ways to turn going to college into actually “doing college.”

Happy second week of classes, Cavs, you made it through the hardest part of the semester.

Welcome back Cavs. Today is the first day of the fall semester, and a beautiful first day it is. The first week of classes can feel overwhelming, but make sure to take time for yourself and enjoy some of the exciting upcoming events that will be taking place across campus. We have some wonderful things

The time has come, my last day as editor-in-chief of The Messenger. I never thought, less than two years ago when I first got to JCCC, that this French international student would get to be the first ever (and so far, only) news editor of The Messenger, let alone lead the whole publication a few…

Hello, lovely readers of The Messenger. My name is Sammie Magee, and I am excited to introduce myself as the new editor-in-chief. I have been working for The Messenger as a staff reporter since October of last semester, and while I love writing articles, I cannot wait to step into this new leadership role.

Data shows Hispanic and Black student populations are underrepresented in state colleges compared to the general population. With this in mind, students realized they had to create their own celebration when they became more than just a statistic and overcame the odds.

Join The Messenger’s editor-in-chief Baptiste Raffin, as he discovers what Cav Craze 2026 has to offer.

Going to college and starting your adult life comes with new opportunities and experiences, and students can get that once-in-a-lifetime adventure through JCCC’s Study Away program.

According to JCCC’s website, “JCCC was recently ranked the #2 nursing school in Kansas by RegisteredNursing.org.” The Registered Nurse program offers interaction in the classroom and helps students prepare for a beneficial career as a registered nurse.

Hello Viewers! Welcome back to The Messenger Podcast! On this final episode of the Semester; join Zach, Emily, Jay, Prince, and more guests as they go around and explore Cav Craze 2026. Get to experience all of the crazy fun such as bull riding, basketball, awesome food, and so much more. After, join them all…

Myka Beck was in her public speaking class one day when her Professor Kaila Todd said they could leave early if their work was done. However, on her way out, Todd stopped Beck and said, “I need to talk to you.”

Our videographer Israel Montantes spent the semester following a group of JCCC volunteer students as they build a Type 65 replica.

Mary Redmond has lived an exciting life as a nontraditional student, filled with experience. She’s just finished her first semester at JCCC, and will be returning in the fall. But her first day here was anything but easy.

Imagine one of those classic movie plots: the main character has a passion of some sort and starts a club or movement, but in the beginning, things are moving slowly. But as the days move on and the passion keeps growing, they go from a small organization to having long-term and new members alike.

Following the 2026 JCCC Job Fair last month, The Messenger talked with the Career Development Center about the resources available to students in their job hunt.

Bill McFarland was a freshman at the University of Central Florida, sitting in classes that he did not find fun or very engaging. He was going to school for something he immediately realized was a mistake, and he drifted through his first year until he took a general anthropology class at the start of his…

If you’ve dreamt of working in flower shops, event studios, or even starting your own floral business, the JCCC Floral Design program is the place for you.

Get ready for some classic prom fun with a twist. On May 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. in RC 101, the African Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) is holding an Afro Prom.

At the annual JCCC Clubbies, student organizations and clubs are able to receive recognition for their service projects, members, advisors and more. On May 1, 2026, clubs and organizations like LUNA, BSU, HSA, PTK, JCSVA, ACSA and more were nominated. Here are the nominees and winners.

Precision has always been a part of Anthony Rima’s life. From the Air Force all the way to his work here at JCCC, Rima has worked as a confident, resilient leader, as well as a team player.