REVIEW DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY
SPRING 07
ONE DU The vision becomes reality
REVIEW SPRING 2007
We remember one of our own
President Gerald R. Ford
Message from the President
Features We remember one of our own
President Gerald R. Ford’s ties to DU | 03 One DU: The vision becomes reality Our main campus continues to develop as our cornerstone.| 04
Departments Donor Profile | 06 University News|07 Advancement News| 08
Head Football Coach and Law Instructor, 1941
Today’s Davenport University
ON THE COVER
We have truly become one Davenport University! Our new main campus – the W.A Lettinga Campus – continues to grow, including a resident population of over 200 students. The quality of our University flows from the main campus through a robust network of locations across Michigan and Northern Indiana. We are motivated by a strategy to invest in locations to serve students in their local communities beyond the Grand Rapids main campus. Quality of education, access, and affordability are tenets that guide our vision.
Tigg’s Cafe in the main campus academic building is a favorite gathering spot for students.
Our cover story captures the excitement of the programs and activities our students enjoy at a vibrant main campus. Creating one Davenport University has been a guiding beacon for the University’s vision and a fulfilling journey. Seeing the vision become a reality and how this huge achievement benefits our students is a tremendous source of pride and satisfaction. Of course, making any dream a reality is only possible with teamwork and the help of others – your support. In this premiere issue of Davenport University Review are several articles that focus on your gifts and the value of your efforts. From donors to volunteers, we appreciate each of you who plays a role in helping our students achieve their academic and career goals. With your support – time and talent – we are making progress every day in the quality of our students, academics, faculty, staff, and facilities. The stature of your University is on the rise; building upon a rich history, we want DU to continue to be a University you are proud to support. Today’s Davenport is your Davenport. On a final sad note, we honor in this issue the passing of President Gerald R. Ford. In 1941 he was a law instructor and head football coach here before leaving for the Navy and a life of service to our nation. We are proud that he was part of our history and will always honor his legacy. Thank You.
Editor’s note: At Davenport University our mission is serving our students and the community with the very best that’s available, from faculty and programs to technology to facilities and beyond. In that spirit, we bring you Davenport University Review: the newly named, newly designed quarterly publication aimed at keeping you up-todate on the best of what’s happening at your DU. Davenport University Review 6191 Kraft Avenue Grand Rapids MI 49512
Editor
Kathleen VanderVelde Communications Manager kathleen.vandervelde@davenport.edu Design
Shannon Reincke Doubledog Design
Alumni Profile| 09
Gerald R. Ford was head football coach and a law instructor in 1941 at the University of Grand Rapids (today’s Davenport University) before leaving for the Navy and a life of service to our country. Davenport University will always honor and cherish his legacy of teamwork, love of hometown, and friendship.
President Ford receiving his honorary varsity jacket from Davenport President Randolph Flechsig at a reunion with teammates at Davenport University in 2001
“Thanks to my football experience, I know the value of team play. It is, I believe, one of the most important lessons to be learned and practiced in our lives.” – President Gerald R. Ford
Cover photo
Alumni News| 11
John Gilroy Photography
Class Notes | 14
Contributing photographers
Jeff Dykehouse, Dykehouse Photography John Gilroy Photography
Football coach Gerald Ford with his team in 1941
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www.davenport.edu
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Nearly two years after its opening, the W.A. Lettinga campus continues to develop as the cornerstone of the vision of One Davenport University.
When our new main campus opened its doors on August 29, 2005, it was a major milestone in the realization of the vision: that of One Davenport University. And with the ongoing support and generosity of our donors, we’ll continue to build One DU, having unified our curriculum, aligned the academic calendar, and continued with other building improvements and construction projects. We have introduced admission standards and we are looking at the preparedness of students to start, stay and succeed to graduation. It’s all in support of our mission to serve students with a main campus supported by a robust network of locations that provide access to a high-quality Davenport education. Main campus is our physical center Today, more than 2,000 students are enrolled at the W.A. Lettinga campus. With two residence halls and another slated for construction, the main campus is home to nearly 200. Apartment-style living is a big attraction for today’s students, and DU halls feature not just apartment-style rooms with full kitchens,
The vision becomes reality
A rich campus life experience encourages students to stay in school. Student Life-sponsored activities, apartment-style living, and all-over wireless internet access help students feel at home on campus We continue to introduce degrees that are in high demand in today’s work place, such as our recently introduced bachelor’s degrees in biometric security, computer gaming and simulation, and health information management. New for fall 2007 are several bachelor’s and master’s degrees. (See box.) Finally, it takes a team of people to help students succeed. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to making a difference in their students’ lives. They are the real success story at DU.
The fitness center is outfitted with bikes and elliptical trainers, Cybex machines, free weights and more.
but also keyless entry, onsite laundry facilities, and wireless highspeed internet access. Getting the right start on success Our ultimate goal for students is graduation. But they need a good start to get there. That’s one reason we recently introduced admission standards. To be admitted, students must have a GPA and standardized test scores that show they’re ready for a university curriculum and have the potential to succeed.
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www.davenport.edu
www.davenport.edu
Those who “play” will stay A rich campus life experience helps students feel at home and encourages them to stay in school. Our focus on Student Life provides volunteer opportunities, activities, and events at the main campus that bring students together as a community. Sports offer another plus to student life, and our athletic program is growing. Fall 2007 will see the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse, track, and cross-country teams to our lineup continued
New degrees for 2007 • MS Information Assurance • BBA Accounting Fraud Investigation • BBA Marketing Sport Management • BBA Sport Management • BBA/MBA Strategic HR Management DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY REVIEW
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NEWS UNIVERSITY
January saw the opening of the new Rollin M. Gerstacker Library Information Commons in Midland. We recently announced the fall 2008 opening of a new Southeast Michigan location, and as part of this plan, we will continue to invest in our Warren location. Just as we improve and add academic programs to stay ahead of the demand in today’s marketplace, with the continued and generous support of our donors we’ll continue to improve, renovate and add facilities as we enhance One DU for the benefit of all our students, today and tomorrow. The DU Foundation is also awarding more scholarships, thanks to the generosity of our donors. of championship basketball and hockey teams, plus soccer, golf, and volleyball. Soon we’ll break ground on a student center at the main campus, which includes a fieldhouse. Growing strong, today and tomorrow … thanks to you The W.A. Lettinga campus is indeed the focal point of One DU. The Davenport University Office of Advancement worked closely with donors and within the community to raise the funds needed for the new campus and other building projects around the DU network.
DU wins big at State BPA The 35th Annual Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Conference was held on February 10 in Midland, Mich.Thirty-seven members from the Davenport University-Grand Rapids chapter attended the conference, bringing home 21 first-place, and 21 second-place spots in the competition. Congratulations to all!
CARRY ON THE TRADITION Commitment to excellence in education is at the core of DU. Make sure it continues. Make an annual gift to the Davenport Foundation Scholarship Fund to support the students and the programs of your alma mater.
That’s DU our Please send your gift to
Office of Advancement 415 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids MI 49503 Ph: 866-248-0012 Or make your gift online at www.davenport.giving.edu
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www.davenport.edu
Teams boast Gerstacker championship LInC opens berths in Midland Davenport’s men’s hockey and women’s basketball teams both qualified for national championship tournament play for the 2006-07 season!
Men’s Hockey After securing the GMHL regular season and tournament championships, the men’s hockey team qualified for the ACHA Division II National Championships. A 54 loss in overtime to Michigan State in the finals gave the Spartans the national title and ranked the Panthers #2 in the nation, our highest ranking ever, in any sport. Women’s Basketball The 18th-ranked Lady Panthers headed to Sioux City, Iowa for their third straight NAIA Division II National Champions tournament where they fell to 12th-ranked Morningside (Iowa) 79-69. The Panthers were the WHAC Conference regular season champions and earned tremendous honors when the postseason awards were announced, including Coach Marc Youngs as WHAC Coach of the Year. www.davenport.edu
The new Rollin M. Gerstacker Library Information Commons was dedicated on January 30 at the Midland location. The LInC is named in honor of the Gerstacker Foundation’s generous support of Davenport University. The facility features state-of-the-art reference material. Databases accessed through the LInC website provide full-text periodicals plus information on a broad array of subjects. The website also provides access to the LInC catalog, a list These foundations and of professionally selected websites, and organizations also made interlibrary loan access. grants to the project The library information commons Chemical Bank serves 750 students enrolled at Midland. Citizens Bank Charitable Trust Community residents also will be encouraged to use the facility. Consumers Energy Foundation “We are committed to providing the Alden & Vada Dow Foundation best facilities possible for our students,” Herbert H. & Grace A Dow said President Randolph Flechsig. “The Foundation success of this university-community Midland Area Community Foundation partnership is very gratifying, and the faMidland Cogeneration cility is truly a community asset. We are Venture-challenge grant very grateful for the generosity and confidence of the Gerstacker Foundation Strosacker Foundaation and the other generous donors.”
Commencement dates set April 29, Sunday – 2 p.m. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids May 1, Tuesday – 7 p.m. Trinity Church, Lansing May 2, Wednesday – 7 p.m. Michigan City High School Auditorium, Michigan City May 5, Saturday – 4 p.m. Cobo Arena, Detroit May 8, Tuesday – 7 p.m. Dow Event Center, Saginaw
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NEWS ADVANCEMENT
Alumni Profile Donor Profile
Alpha Iota Sorority sisters
4 quick questions for donors Jim & Joy DeBoer
finding many ways to give back
One member of Alpha Iota Sorority puts it this way: “We’re busy. But there are lots of things we can do to give back.” And give back they do. The Grand Rapids Chapter of the Alpha Iota International Honorary Business Sorority was founded in 1939 by students Carol Greene (’35), Nellie Graham (’39), and Margaret Davis (attended but graduated elsewhere). Today the chapter counts 31 women as members, with 23 DU alumnae (including distinguished alums Betty LaCroix and Judith Perrin) and two honorary members. The group meets monthly from September though June at the Fulton St. location.
James N. DeBoer, Jr. is a partner with the law firm Varnum Riddering Schmitt & Howlett and a longtime member of Davenport’s Board of Trustees. He and his wife, Joy, live in Grand Rapids. Q. How did you get involved with DU?
Q. Why do you support DU?
A. In the mid ’50s, our family lived across the street from Bob and Margaret Sneden. Bob was Davenport’s president then, and he engaged my services as Davenport’s legal counsel on a couple of projects. After that – in the early ’60s – he asked me to serve on the Board of Trustees, and I’ve been in continuous service ever since. A few years ago I received an honorary doctor of law degree from the University, which was very meaningful to me then and still is today.
A. That’s simple – it’s because of DU’s mission, which is unique: to prepare students who want a career in business. It’s important to have that kind of opportunity available locally, both for young people who are beginning students and for people with jobs who want additional education or to earn a degree. It is also important to the local community for Davenport to develop a pool of talented people to serve them in their particular business. That’s a pretty important and powerful mission.
Q. You were the first to set up a charitable gift annuity with Davenport. Why would you recommend this type of planned gift? A. It’s really a win-win situation. Davenport may use the proceeds of the gift in whatever way it chooses. Joy, who is the beneficiary of the annuity, receives a distribution in a fixed amount every year for the rest of her life. We also realize tax benefits. To make the gift, we transferred to Davenport securities with a market value in excess of our cost. There was no tax on the gain, and we also realized a significant tax deduction in the year of the gift. Also, our tax on the distributions each year is primarily a long-term capital gains tax, which is taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income.
Q. What role does charitable giving play in your life? A. Giving was bred into me as part of my responsibility in life. My parents always gave a meaningful part of their modest income. Each year my wife and I have an informal annual budget for philanthropy. Our church receives the largest amount. We make a number of smaller gifts primarily to local organizations which have programs for people who need help. We also support the arts in the community. We consider our gift program to be a commitment and we both get a good deal of satisfaction in meeting our commitments each year.
Planned giving ensures your legacy Planned giving through deferred and estate-plan gifts is an increasingly popular way to purposefully leave a legacy. You have several options for planning your gift to Davenport University. Bequests Remember DU in your estate with a gift through your will or trust. 70 1/2,
you may want to consider giving tax-free charitable gifts directly from your IRA. Give from your IRA If you are over The Pension Protection Act of 2006 now makes this possible. Gifts through life insurance Many donors already have named DU as the beneficiary of an insurance policy. Charitable annuity This can be in the form of a charitable remainder annuity trust, charitable lead trust, charitable gift annuity, or charitable remainder unitrust. For information on giving to Davenport University, contact Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, vice president for development, 616-2333418. For assistance in planning your charitable giving with tax implications, seek the services of the appropriate advisor. DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY REVIEW
www.davenport.edu
Making their contribution One of the sorority’s notable contributions is the Alpha Iota of Grand Rapids Endowed Scholarship. For the ’06-’07 academic year, AI provided $2,000 scholarships to each of two women students at DU. continued
Above: Kelly Latimer (’97) and Caroline Day (’00) helped out last year at the annual “DU at D-Zoo” Alumni outing. Right: AI sisters Joyce Mannor (’59), Jana Black and Judi Perrin (’64) were part of the volunteer force on Davenport Alumni Day last October.
“There are lots of things we can do to give back.” www.davenport.edu
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NEWS ALUMNI
Alpha Iota International Honorary Business Sorority
Sandy Knoll Zimmer (’89) and Kelly Latimer (’97) volunteered at the October 29 Davenport Alumni Day in Grand Rapids.
Most of AI’s efforts are in volunteering and making donations to local organizations. An organization dear to their hearts is the Women’s Resource Center, which assists disadvantaged women re-entering the work place. AI members make regular donations of gently used clothing to WRC’s Professional Clothes Closet. Membership in the sorority is open to women with an interest in the Alpha Iota mission and who display qualifications of leadership and character. For more information, or if you’d like to attend a meeting, contact alphaiota@alumni.davenport.edu.
With chapters throughout the United States and Canada, Alpha Iota’s purpose is to nurture business women, helping them develop selfconfidence, leadership skills, and an awareness of responsibility to self and to community. In the past, the sorority adopted Heartspring, a nonprofit residential school in Wichita, Kansas, that serves children with disabilities, as their International Service Project. The Grand Rapids chapter of AI continues to support the school with an annual donation.
2007
A L U M N I AWA R D S B A N Q U E T • A P R I L 2 7
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Pantlind Ballroom
Join the Davenport University Alumni Association in honoring the 2007 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award, and in celebrating the accomplishments of all previous recipients.
Grand Rapids, MI Reception - 6:45 p.m. Dinner & Program - 7:30 p.m.
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Distinguished Alumni Award
Fred G. Braun, class of 1955, business administration Fred Braun retired from Braun Machinery Company, Inc. where he was partner and executive vice president for 33 years. The company was founded in 1944 and is now under its third generation of family management. Fred is a trustee on the Davenport University Foundation Board for which he has served since 1990. He is also a member of the Davenport Scholarship Golf Classic committee. Fred is a consistent supporter of Davenport, both in time and in gifts. Fred volunteered for two of the past three Foundation fundraising campaigns: Invest in a Dream and Invest in Success. He attends nearly all alumni and foundation events, and he established the Rosemary Braun Scholarship in 1990 in memory of his late wife. Fred and current wife, Bev, were featured on the cover of the Winter 2007 DU Magazine with students who receive this scholarship. In 2000, Fred was awarded the Davenport University Dedicated Alumni Award for his ongoing support of University endeavors. Fred is a member of the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce and sits on the board of the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougar Golf Tournament. He is a member of the local Cancer Society golf outing committee and past president of Cascade Hills Country Club. Fred is extremely active in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church men’s organizations and the Killgoar Foundation. He has distinguished himself through ongoing personal and professional success. Fred and Bev reside in Grand Rapids and have been blessed with nine children and 26 grandchildren.
For more information, contact alumni@davenport.edu or call (866) 248-0012.
www.davenport.edu
www.davenport.edu
Awards and Accolades
2007 Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award Michael L. Door class of 1977, Certified Public Accountant, Lettinga & Associates Michael L. Door is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice in Michigan. He works for Lettinga & Associates, LLC in Grand Rapids. A member of the national and state associations for CPAs, Mike joined the firm in 1983. Mike’s ties to Davenport run deep. He is the second of three generations in his family to graduate from DU. His father, Eugene Door, graduated in 1956, and his daughter Kristen graduated in 2004. He was recruited at each of the three jobs he has held throughout his career by associates he met through Davenport. Mike is currently a trustee and treasurer of the Davenport University Foundation Board. He regularly volunteers his time and expertise by mentoring and providing career guidance to Davenport students. Mike has given much in service to his community. He is a member of the Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church Council and a past member of the Grandville Christian School Board, having served as treasurer and finance committee chairman for both organizations. Mike is a past Worldwide Christian Schools Board member and served on the Grandville Christian School Foundation Board. Mike has distinguished himself through outstanding professional achievements in his field and for his tireless willingness to serve the Davenport and broader communities.
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Thanks to all our DU volunteers
Davenport Alumni Day Homecoming, October 27, 2006 The Fourth annual Davenport Alumni Day held on Friday, October 27, 2006, was a huge success and so much fun! This growing tradition of gathering current and former students with staff and faculty keeps getting bigger and better year after year. The pre-game tailgate party hosted by the Alumni Association saw a record number of guests who came to enjoy the company of friends, great food, and live music. Prior to the Homecoming hockey game, several faculty members were recognized for their exceeding support of our hockey team and for their contributions to the incredible academic successes of all our student athletes. Thanks to all who participated in making this year’s Homecoming a great success!
In anticipation of National Volunteer Week, April 15 to April 21, 2007, the Davenport University Alumni Association would like to extend a sincere thank you to all volunteers who have given of their time this year. Thank you for your interest in the program and for the time you have shared in helping the association, our students, and with our events.
DU Alumnus Jeff Vanderson (’90) and family were on hand to cheer our Panthers on to victory.
The biggest winners of the day were our students. All proceeds from the chuck-a-puck contest will help fund student scholarships.
Our Panthers commanded a 5-1 victory over the Spartans, clinching their fourth straight Homecoming win!
Faculty members Suzanne Gut, Apple Jones and Todd Pitts were given the honor of performing the ceremonial puck drop and presented with autographed team hockey jerseys as a token of the University’s appreciation for all that they do. Also shown: Alumni Association Board President, Robin Cleveland and President Randolph Flechsig.
Laurie Low, ’99 Joyce Mannor, ’59 Aleksey Mastilenko, ’01 Thomas Maxwell, ’06 Catherine McAuliffe, ’96 Dawnita Moore, ’01 Juana Mooring, ’99 Jennifer Paseshnik, ’93 Maria Perkins, ’04 Judith Perrin, ’64 Donna Post, ’85 Patrick Purgiel, ’66 Kimberley Richardson, ’03 Joanne Riedl, ’65 Roderick Sager, ’85 Charles Saylor, ’03 Sherri Snider, ’83 Zameer Soomro, ’03 Shaquetta Starks, ’03 Glenn Steil, ’05 Brian Stewart, ’04 Ruby Swain, ’95 Jeffrey Turner, ’03 Jane Ungrey, ’73 Beverly Wall, ’77 Rachelle Warren, ’96 Barry Watson, ’83 Stephanie Williams, ’94 Victor Yuditsky, ’01 Richard Zeck, ’98 Sandy Knoll-Zimmer, ’89 Michael Zumbaugh, ’86
If you are interested in volunteering, the following are some great upcoming opportunities. Please contact Heidi at 866-248-0012 or alumni@davenport.edu for more information.
21st Annual
Davenport Scholarship Golf Classic August 27, 2007 Egypt Valley Country Club Shotgun start: 12:30 p.m. Dinner & Auction: 5 p.m.
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Kevin Bowling, ’95 Geraldine Breton , ’05 Amanda Chocko, ’96 Robin Cleveland, ’00 Cynthia Coleman, ’00 James Coolsen, ’71 Jennifer Cooper, ’03 Jackie Dahn, ’03 Timothy Davis, ’06 Sherry DeLisle, ’93 Mike Dewey, ’02 Mike Door, ’77 Dawn Drzewiecki, ’98 Nate Durtche, ’06 Bertram Emeka-Ekwue, ’99 Stephanie Feyen, ’06 Mark Gezon, ’88 Rob Glessner, ’94 Edward Gray, ’84 Lanetris Haines, ’05 Carolyn Harris, ’00 Evelyn Hazenberg, ’99 Marilyn Henry, ’04 Christina Houston, ’05 Janis Irwin, ’98 Brian Jankow, ’04 Charleen Krenz, ’70 Betty LaCroix, ’60 Kelly Latimer, ’97 Barbara Lillard, ’02 Christopher Lipka, ’02 John Long, ’81 Dana Lovelady, ’01
For more information contact Heidi Sarber at 866-248-0012
www.davenport.edu
Alumni Awards Banquet Location: Amway Grand Plaza – Grand Rapids, MI Date: Friday, April 27, 2007 Seven volunteers needed to help with registration and set-up at this prestigious banquet. DU move-in crew Location: W.A. Lettinga Campus Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 Lend a hand in welcoming Davenport’s newest students to their home at the residence halls. We need 100 volunteers to greet students and their families and to help move their belongings into their rooms. www.davenport.edu
Featured Benefit The benefits of membership Anyone who has earned a degree from Davenport University automatically receives free membership in the Davenport University Alumni Association. The Alumni Association not only helps you maintain the friendships, associations, and interests you developed as a student, but also offers you a variety of great services and benefits, all at no charge!
Featured benefit Did you know that Davenport has teamed up with Quicken Loans and Rock Financial to provide you with an exciting new benefit, the Home Loan Benefit Program? As an alumni, you are eligible for financial education and discounted home financing you can use to take advantage of your most valuable investment - your home. The Home Loan Benefit Program provides research tools, expert advice, priority loan processing, a dedicated website, and your own personal loan consultant to help you assess your situation and determine the best loan program for your needs. Plus you’ll receive at least $500 off your closing costs! Simply log onto: http://davenportuniversity. homeloanbenefitprogram.com or call 800-921-8766, to get started. For a complete listing of all benefits offered, visit www.davenport.edu/alumni and click on the “benefits” link, or call 866-248-0012 for more information.
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NOTES CLASS
Career updates
Richard Unger, ’63 accounting, served in the United States Army immediately following his college career. Unger spent 40 years with General Motors Corporation as a staff assistant accountant and also worked part time at HKGL & Co. CPAs as a professional income tax preparer. Unger is now retired and is looking forward to his future with his new bride. Tom McEvoy, ’64 accounting, finished 371st at the 37th Annual World Series of Poker tournament in August 2006. McEvoy won the tournament in 1983 and has a total of four World Series of Poker bracelets. He is also the official spokesperson for “PokerStars” Web site and has co-written 12 books. Ted Whitney, ’85 accounting and data processing, has accepted a position with Liberty University as an assistant financial aid director. Whitney, his wife, Jana, and their three children moved to Virginia in December 2006. Richard Currie, ’94 industrial management, is proud to announce the opening of his new business, Timebytes Photos. Timebytes is a freelance, mobile business specializing in portraitures, family/children photographs, and unique weddings.
Alumni Voice
DeNise L. Blake, ’96 general business, was recently appointed managing director of the Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) project of Greater Flint Health in Flint, Mich. The FHEO Project is a health sector workforce development project that provides free educational training to residents of Genesee County that have an interest in a career in healthcare.
Stephanie Hehl, ’97 business management, has recently accepted a position as director of development for the Van Andel Institute (VAI). Hehl also serves on the Women’s Resource Center board of directors and chairs its development committee.
Amanda Chocko, ’96 general business, has recently accepted a position with Lakeshore Advantage as their new marketing manager. Chocko brings with her 10 years of entrepreneurial and business management experience. Lakeshore Advantage is a non-profit organization serving the Holland-Zeeland-Saugatuck region in Mich.
Cedric Kennedy, ’98 computer information systems, is proud to announce the opening of his business, Dric-Kenn Recording, a first-class recording studio featuring digital recording.
Rose Montgomery, ’96 general business, went on to earn a CENA-nursing aid certification after completing her coursework at Davenport. She is currently working toward her CRT-respiratory therapy.
Calling all outstanding Davenport University alums interested in serving their alma mater
The Davenport University Alumni Association Board of Directors is seeking nominations from graduates, staff, and faculty of the Davenport community who know of alums who would be excellent candidates to serve on the board. Alumni board members are volunteers who serve three year terms and are responsible for acting as a catalyst to develop cohesive ties between all Davenport University graduates. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone, simply visit www.davenport.edu/alumni and click on the “Association Board” link on the left side, or call 866-248-0012 to obtain a nomination form.
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Glenn Steil, Jr., ’05 marketing, was recently reelected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 72nd district.
Rebecca (Pickett) Jackson, ’00 medical office management, is currently employed as an allied health instructor at Ross Medical Education Center in Flint, Mich. Jackson is responsible for training medical assistants in their administrative duties. She was married in 2003 and has two children. Angelica Vasquez, ’00 business studies, has recently joined the team at General Plastics, Inc. Vasquez previously worked as a bi-lingual consumer and outreach specialist for the state of Wisconsin as a customer service representative.
Stephanie Feyen, ’06 marketing, has accepted a position with Grabber as a marketing assistant, Feyen will be responsible for media relations, sponsorships, and other marketing related tasks. She was also elected to the Davenport University Alumni Board of Directors in the fall of 2006. Tom Maxwell, ’06 strategic management, was recently promoted from business analyst to key account representative for the Bates Division at Wolverine World Wide. Del Mulhern, ’06 human resources management, has been admitted into the Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) at Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Ore. Mulhern will be focusing in diversity and intercultural studies. Marriages and anniversaries Deborah Vinti, ’81 retail management, will be celebrating her 13th wedding anniversary in 2007.
Kenya Bryant, ’98 management, and Dennis Peterson were united in marriage at a private ceremony on March 13, 2006, in Toledo, Ohio. Dorothy Bryant, ’00 management, and Donald Vaxelaire were united in matrimony on October 14, 2006. Bryant is employed at Homes By Chirco. Joseph Shaffer, ’05 management, and Melissa Boyle were united in matrimony on August 12, 2006. Shaffer is employed as assistant manager at Lowes. Jacqueline DeNoyer, ’05 finance, and Paul Stallman were united in marriage on September 23, 2006. DeNoyer is employed as a credit analyst with Traverse City State Bank. Births Brandy (Davis) Rypma, ’95 accounting, and her husband Aaron are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jacob Charles. Jacob was born on September 17, 2006, and joins big sister Hannah. The family currently resides in New Carlisle, Ind. Michael Hensel, ’01 business studies, and his wife Colleen welcomed their first child, Lorali Nicole, into their family on December 12, 2005. Melissa Shepard, ’01 microcomputer & network management, and her husband Chad are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Kayla Lyn. Kayla was born on April 30, 2006. The family currently resides in Owosso, Mich.
Eboni Choate, ’03 administrative medical assistant, has graduated cum laude from Brown Mackie College with her LPN degree. William Lee, ’04 information & records management, completed his MBA in finance from Walden University in August 2006. Lee will be pursuing his PhD. of business administration.
Oldest alumna and University friend Marguerite Walsh Sullivan passed away on January 26, 2007, in Midland, Mich., at the age of 108. Davenport University’s oldest alumna of record, Marguerite graduated in 1916. She worked for various businesses for 10 years prior to marrying James B. Sullivan in 1926. In 1929, James opened Peoples State Savings Bank in Auburn, Mich. Following her husband’s death in 1946, Marguerite became the first woman director of the bank and served as its director and vice president for 25 years. She was honored by Davenport in 2003 with the Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award in recognition of her personal and professional accomplishments. Marguerite was a true advocate for Davenport, contributing to the Davenport University Foundation scholarship fund and attending numerous alumni functions. Marguerite made a tremendous impact on Davenport, but her greatest legacy is her family. Surviving her are daughters, Margaret Anne Sullivan and Ruth Mary Farrington, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Recently married or have a new baby? Promotion at work or a new job? Are you getting ready to relocate? Please keep your alumni records updated and share any news with your fellow alumni. Email us at alumni@davenport.edu (Be sure to include your full name, class year, major and campus you attended) or log on to:
Rod Call, ’05 marketing, is proud to announce the launch of his new clothing brand, Snoloha. The clothing is currently available online and he hopes to have it available at specialty retailers soon. www.davenport.edu
Marguerite Walsh Sullivan with donor Wally Bronner.
www.davenport.edu/alumclassnotes
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Announcing the 10th Annual
Friday, May 11 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Dinner DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan
DINNER GALA
John C. Canepa
Honoring John C. Canepa, 2007 recipient of the Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award, and featuring special guest Dick Vitale, college basketball analyst for ABC Sports and ESPN. All proceeds benefit Davenport University Foundation Scholarship funds. For more information or to make your reservation, contact the Advancement Offices at 866-248-0012.
Dick Vitale
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI
6191 Kraft Ave Grand Rapids MI 49512
PERMIT NO. 758