News

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the news of the passing of Karen Carbonelli, a beloved friend, dedicated colleague, and steadfast leader of Montcalm Community College. Karen passed away on Saturday, June 21, in Florida at the age of 85.

A member of MCC’s Board of Trustees since 1981, Karen devoted more than four decades to guiding and supporting the college with unwavering commitment.

“We’ve lost not only a trusted voice and advocate for MCC, but a true community icon,” said MCC President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick. “Karen’s impact will be felt for generations.”

Karen served Montcalm Community College with extraordinary dedication for 44 years as a member of the Board of Trustees, including 28 years as chairperson. During her long and impactful tenure, she also served as treasurer, contributed to the presidential evaluation and search committees, and represented MCC as a trustee or alternate trustee director on the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors.

“Throughout her distinguished career, Karen exemplified the true spirit of service — not for recognition, but for the lasting and meaningful difference she made in the lives of others,” Dr. Barrick said. “Whether through thoughtful leadership, advocacy, or acts of quiet generosity, Karen showed us that real leadership is about lifting others up.”

As a trustee, Karen was a driving force behind many key initiatives at MCC, championing student success, strategic planning, continuous quality improvement, accreditation, and the development of a five-year master plan. She also played a pivotal role in expanding the MCC Foundation Board of Directors, helping strengthen the college’s capacity to serve students and the broader community.

“At MCC, we were proud to call Karen a trusted partner and friend,” Dr. Barrick said. “She believed deeply in the transformative power of education, and her steadfast support opened doors for countless students. Her legacy lives on in every learner who dares to dream a little bigger because of the opportunities she helped create.”

Beyond her work with the college, Karen led a nearly 50-year career in real estate and was a committed public servant. She served with distinction on the Corewell Health Board of Trustees (formerly Spectrum Health) and chaired the Hospital Foundation Board, helping to guide and shape vital healthcare services in the region.

Her service extended well beyond formal roles. Karen’s generous spirit touched many local organizations, including the Danish Festival Band and the Per Gradus Club. Her enthusiasm, insight, and ability to bring people together left an indelible mark on our community.

Karen was also a tireless advocate for MCC at the state and national levels. She played an instrumental role in legislative outreach and fundraising efforts that raised millions of dollars to support campus growth in Sidney and Greenville.

Her contributions were widely recognized. She received MCC’s Distinguished Service Award in 2021 and the Fred and Lena Meijer Spirit of Caring Award in 2019 — fitting tributes to a life dedicated to service. But for Karen, recognition was never the goal. She gave of her time, energy, and talents simply because she cared — about students, about her community, and about making a difference.

“As we reflect on all that Karen gave to Montcalm Community College and to the many lives she touched, we are reminded of the power of one person’s commitment to leave the world better than they found it,” Dr. Barrick said. “Karen will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to shape MCC for years to come — in our mission, in our values, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.”