review SPRING 2011 . VOLUME 4. No 1
Alumni Star in TV Ads Â
DU campaign airs across Michigan
CONTACT US Office of Advancement Dennis Washington Executive Vice President for Advancement dennis.washington@davenport.edu Dr. Barbara Mieras Executive Vice President for Major Gifts barbara.mieras@davenport.edu
review S P R I N G 2011 . VO LU M E 4. No 1
Lu Cavenaugh Director of Grant Development lu.cavenaugh@davenport.edu Kaylen Williams Director of Annual Giving kaylen.williams@davenport.edu Catherine Rogg Director of Alumni Relations Catherine.Rogg@davenport.edu
A Message from the President When you see Davenport’s new brand campaign, which includes images like those on the cover of this issue of DU Review and in the related article, you see a University in action, constantly moving forward. You see alumni who are thriving in their careers, in no small part a result of the preparation they received here at Davenport University.
Jason Madden Alumni Relations Manager jason.madden@davenport.edu Carol Distel Alumni Relations Coordinator carol.distel@davenport.edu Julie Vugteveen Executive Administrative Assistant julie.vugteveen@davenport.edu
I’m proud to see DU alumni featured in television advertising that launched this past winter because our graduates are the truest test of our success. If our alumni succeed in the marketplace, then we’ve succeeded in our mission.
University Relations and Communications Kim Bruyn Executive Vice President for University Relations and Communications kim.bruyn@davenport.edu Robin Luymes, APR Executive Director of Communications robin.luymes@davenport.edu Steve Landrum Executive Director of Marketing steve.landrum@davenport.edu Suzy Starkey Director of Marketing sstarkey1@davenport.edu Richard Crispo Creative Director richard.crispo@davenport.edu Rick Jensen Communications Manager rick.jensen@davenport.edu Sasha Vander Lugt Communications Coordinator sasha.vanderlugt@davenport.edu Davenport University Review Office of Advancement 6191 Kraft Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Online
davenport.edu/DUReview
facebook.com/DUAlumni twitter.com/DavenportU
Everywhere you look across the Davenport landscape, you will see forward motion. We will begin to offer MBA programs in our new Downtown Center in Grand Rapids this fall. We are expanding our nursing labs in Saginaw and Midland this summer and launching new academic programs at nearly every one of our campuses. In addition, we announced plans to renovate or construct a new campus in Lansing. Our athletic teams carried Davenport’s colors to the national scene. The men’s basketball team qualified for the NAIA Division 2 “Elite Eight,” our women’s team finished the season with 37 wins against just one loss as the NAIA Division 2 national runner up, and our ACHA Division 1 men’s hockey team ended the season as national champions – their fourth straight championship season. Davenport students are excelling in academic competitions as well. At the statewide Business Professionals of America (BPA) competition, students from Davenport’s Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo campuses took home 87 of 178 places in more than 50 competitive events, earning the right to move on to BPA’s national competition challenging students in the areas of financial services and information technology. Against stiff competition from Northwood University, Michigan Technological University, Central Michigan, Ferris State and other Michigan schools, DU students demonstrated once again that Davenport is helping them “Get Where the World is Going” in business, technology and health professions. I’m proud of the success of our students on the fields of athletic and academic competition and I’m proud of DU alumni who are succeeding in their careers. As we make progress toward achieving Vision 2015, we can expect to see many more achievements documented in the pages of DU Review! Sincerely, Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. President
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DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY REVIEW is published quarterly by Davenport University, 6191 Kraft Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
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Davenport alumni in Southeast Michigan gather on top of a building for their debut in television ads.
DU alumni star in new University ads When Davenport University rolled out its advertising campaign in the fall of 2010, it turned to its own alumni to help tell the story. “Who better than DU alumni to tell prospective students how Davenport can help them ‘Get Where the World is Going,’” said Kim Bruyn, Executive Vice President for University Relations and Communications. “A common theme among our alumni is how much they appreciate their DU education and how it helped prepare them for their own successful careers.”
Get where the world
is going.
We are preparing students for jobs in the growth sectors of business, technology and health professions
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DU alum Aristotle Ford, ’07, Project Coordinator at IBM Global Services, says,“Davenport is on the cutting edge of what is happening now, and what is going to be happening - something I have not found at any other university. Davenport is putting curricula together that matters and basing them on what business leaders want from their employees and what the market demands are.” “I am a proud Davenport alumna,” said Laura Ayotte, ’06, of her participation in the ad shoot. “It was a great opportunity to share my excitement and passion for Davenport University. I would not be in my position if it was not for Davenport.The classroom experience, networking opportunities, and our career services department has helped me to ‘get where the world is going.’”
“We wanted to use alumni because they add authenticity to the message.” The first TV ad launched in November of 2010 and featured an innovative stopmotion technique that grabbed the attention of viewers. The follow-up ads largely featured DU alumni who, in the second ad, thanked DU for preparing them for their careers and, in the third, relived the strong emotions they felt the moment they were offered a job. This spring, ads created to promote DU’s MBA programs at the new Downtown Center in Grand Rapids also featured alumni. “We are preparing students for jobs in the growth sectors of business, technology and health professions,” said Steve Landrum, Executive Director of Marketing. “We wanted to use alumni because they add authenticity to the message. We know we can say we are successful at helping prepare students for their careers because that’s what our alumni tell us.” Visit Davenport’s YouTube page to see these ads featuring DU alumni. http://www.youtube.com/davenportweb
DU alum Laura Ayotte, ’06, Admissions Representative at Davenport University, shows excitement by throwing her fist in the air as she just got the job!
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Above: A group of Davenport alumni at Spectrum Health gather to say ‘thank you’ for their valuable DU degrees. Right: DU alum Paul Richards, ’95,Vice President/Senior Portfolio Manager at Fifth Third Bank, makes a point during the television shoot. “I couldn’t wait to be part of it!” exclaimed MarjorieYost, ’94.“I’ve been so impressed with Davenport University and how they’ve grown and evolved over the years.The skills I learned at Davenport not only helped me get where the world is going, they helped me get exactly where I wanted to go, and get there faster.”
Be Part
of the
Vision.
Alumna Mandy Fall, ’08, Marketing and Sales Consultant at Diocesan Publications, gets excited about landing the big job!
“I wanted to be part of this simply because I support the message DU was sending out to prospective students and because I’m a product of a great Davenport education,” said Clarence Stamps II, ’08, who was shown in an ad leaping in the air after getting a job offer. “You never know how much work goes into something you see for 20-30 seconds on TV until you are actually involved!” davenport.edu
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UNIVERSITY
NEWS
Peter C. Cook remembered With the passing of Peter C. Cook at the age of 96 on Nov. 28, 2010, Davenport University lost a dear and devoted alumnus, supporter and champion. A 1936 graduate of the Davenport-McLachlan Institute (now Davenport University), Cook was a generous contributor to the University for many years, affecting the lives of thousands of students. In 1998, the Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award was created, with Cook its first recipient. Since then, more than $1.7 million in student scholarships has been raised through annual galas recognizing subsequent Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award winners. A former member of Davenport’s Board of Trustees, Cook was presented the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981, and granted an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree in 1987. His generosity led to the naming of the Peter C. Cook Administration Building at the former Fulton Street Campus and, more recently, the first residence hall at the W.A. Lettinga Campus. Cook will be greatly missed by his Davenport family.
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New Downtown Center to open in fall of 2011 Davenport will soon open a new downtown center in Grand Rapids, designed to support the graduate program and corporate training needs of area businesses and organizations. The new 18,000-square-foot center at 45 Ottawa Ave. NW will initially house MBA programs with concentrations in health care management and accounting. Eventually, other MBA programs also will be offered at the center. Courses will be offered in 12-, 16- and 20-month rotations in a cohort format, meaning students enter, take classes and graduate as a group. “Davenport University has a rich heritage of serving the Grand Rapids business community, and it has long been our intent to offer graduate programs downtown,” said Davenport President Dr. Richard J. Pappas. “This new center brings us closer to the businesses and health organizations we serve and we are excited about the opportunity to bring our innovative MBA and professional development programs to our partners.” Also making the move downtown is Davenport’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx), which helps employers statewide provide training for emerging leaders within their ranks. IPEx has supported the needs of many companies and organizations, including Amway Corporation, Steelcase, Inc., and the Detroit Police Department. Site renovations will be completed this summer and classes will begin in the fall.
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New Provost begins Following an extensive national search, Davenport University named Dr. Linda Rinker, Ed.D., to the position of Executive Vice President for Academics and Provost. Dr. Rinker joined Davenport in February and is leading faculty and staff along with academic programming to advance the University’s mission to “prepare individuals and organizations to excel in the knowledge-driven environment of the 21st century.” “The decision to hire Dr. Rinker was made based on her extensive experience as well as her passion for achieving our vision,” said University President Dr.Richard J. Pappas. Prior to joining Davenport, Rinker served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Connecticut State University and at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. In these positions, she was responsible for the overall administration of the institutions’ academic progress, the strategic planning process and the comprehensive enrollment management process. Rinker holds her Doctorate of Administration and Education from Columbia University, her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Villanova University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University.
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hired An important new position supporting Davenport University’s Vision 2015 has been filled with the hiring of Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker as Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Booker has extensive experience leading diversity initiatives in higher education, having worked at Calvin College for more than 20 years in a variety of roles. For the past 15 years, she served as Calvin’s Director of Pre-College Programs, developing policies, practices and institutional and community partnerships to achieve college access goals. She also served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Multicultural Affairs, leading the creation and implementation of systems, policies and programs to achieve the college’s diversity goals. Booker holds her Doctorate of Philosophy in Evaluation, Measurement and Research Design from Western Michigan University, where she also earned her Master of Arts in Evaluation, Measurement and Research Design and her Master of Social Work with Policy, Planning and Administration Cognate. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Calvin College. davenport.edu
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Associate Dean brings life-long learning to the classroom As Associate Dean of Davenport’s School of Technology, Dave Trombka is committed to sharing with Davenport students the wealth of knowledge he has obtained over a professional career spanning more than 35 years. Trombka is charged with developing and delivering programs that meet the needs of businesses, focusing on the areas of computer information systems and technology management. Following graduation from Wayne State University in 1974, Trombka served with Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) before starting his corporate career. In 2000, Trombka earned his Executive MBA from Baker College. In industry, Trombka’s professional focus was on customer service, spanning major business sectors including telecom, automotive and education. A key achievement was his work to help a European automotive manufacturer achieve an 80-percent customer satisfaction level – a level never before reached in the industry. Trombka’s leadership recently earned certification from the National Security Agency for the University’s newly launched Master of Science in Information Assurance (MSIA) program. Under his direction, the certification and accreditation process that typically spans a year was completed in just 90 days. “My goal is to enable students to be fully prepared for the real world after graduation,” said Trombka. “We do that by providing students with opportunities that stimulate, energize and motivate them in ways that propel them into lifelong learning,” he says.
“My goal is to enable students to hit the ground running in the real world after graduation.” – Dave Trombka
DU alum promoted to Associate Dean
“In every class, we give students something they can apply the very next day, either in their jobs or their other classes.” – Aphrodite Jones
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Not only does Aphrodite Jones help prepare students to “Get Where the World is Going” through Davenport’s School of Technology, she’s a product of the school. Aphrodite – more commonly known to friends and co-workers as Apple – first came to Davenport as a computer lab assistant in 1996. Since she’s been here, she obtained her Associate of Applied Science in 1997, Bachelors of Business Administration in 1998 and her MBA in 2004. Today, after holding various job titles at the University, Apple is the Associate Dean of the School of Technology. In addition to her administrative and leadership duties, Jones remains busy teaching classes, presenting on topics related to technology, participating in numerous committees, developing curriculum and more. As faculty advisor in 2009 and 2010, Jones helped DU’s Odyssey of the Mind team achieve back-to-back first place world championship trophies. She also worked to launch three IT certification testing centers in Grand Rapids. The testing centers provide the ability for all DU students and the public to obtain certification with technology vendors. Jones takes pride in the fact that School of Technology students learn new technologies and skills that are in demand by the businesses of today and the future. Recently a student told her that she landed a job with a Fortune 500 company because of skills she had learned in Jones’ class. “In every class I teach, I want to give students something they can apply the next day, either in their jobs or their other classes,” she says.
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The men’s D1 hockey team celebrates on the ice after their fourth consecutive national title!
A season to remember The 2010-2011 winter sports season will go down in history for DU athletics, with a national championship, a national runner-up and a national “Elite Eight” qualifier leading the way. After posting a 33-10 record in their first season at the ACHA’s top level, the men’s D1 hockey team claimed its fourth national title in a row -- the previous three coming at the Division 2 level. DU defeated #1 Lindenwood University 3-2 in overtime to complete their historic season. The women’s basketball team, led by Head Coach Mark Youngs, maintained a number-one ranking in NAIA Division 2 for the majority of the season. DU rode its undefeated record into a first-ever appearance at the NAIA national championship game, losing to Northwestern College (Ia.), who they had defeated 89-80 earlier in the season. The Lady Panthers finished with a best-ever 37-1 record, and seniors Kallie Benike (Cambellsport, Wis.) and Kristi Boehm (Kent City, Mich.) each earned First Team All-American honors. Also, Benike was one of only two NAIA Division II players to be named to the 2011 National Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NAIA) State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team. Benike and Boehm were joined by seniors Barb Clayborn (Michigan Center, Mich.), and Jeannie Closson (Parchment, Mich.) and juniors Carrie Grubius (Kalamazoo, Mich.), Karlee Despres (Belmont,
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Mich.), Julie Janish (Whittemore, Mich.), Abby Neff (LaGrange, Ind.) and Kayla Gross (New Lothrup, Mich.) as 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes – the largest contingent from any NAIA school. To qualify for this honor, student-athletes must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and achieve junior status. Led by DU’s first first-team All-American, senior Nathan Cox (Flushing, Mich.), the men’s basketball squad achieved a best-ever 29-6 record as it qualified for the NAIA Division 2 “Elite Eight,” losing to the defending national champion Saint Francis (Ind.), which lost to Davenport WHAC rival Cornerstone in the national championship game. Cox ends his DU career as the school’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, field goals made and free throws made. Senior Kakhaber Urigashvilli (Moscow, Russia) and junior Ben Herrema (Caledonia, Mich.) received 2011 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete honors. In addition, the men’s D3 hockey team claimed their first-ever MCHC Tournament crown after defeating Saginaw Valley State in the title game and the women’s bowling team repeated as American Heartland champions. Amy VanEns (Lowell, Mich.), meanwhile, became DU’s first-ever student-athlete to earn All-American honors in track and field after posting a fourth-place finish in the high jump at the 2011 NAIA Indoor National Championships.
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DECA students Florida bound The Davenport DECA team brought home an impressive 30 awards in 16 events at the State Collegiate DECA Conference in Battle Creek, applying classroom skills to real-world business simulations. For the first time ever, all 26 DU students qualified for the International Collegiate DECA Conference in Orlando, Fla. DECA is an international association of students and teachers of marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service. Congratulations to the following award-winning students: First Place Erik Anderson - Criminal Justice Mike Dokter - Hospitality Management/Marketing Mike Helmus & Cameron Klenk - Web Design Admir Lugonjic - Marketing Management DeShaun Mateen - Financial Services Kyle Studebaker - Executive Job Interview Second Place Jake Armstrong & Nick Wyma - Business to Business Marketing Management Josh Arnson - Web Design Hannah Barry & Robin Barrett - Business Ethics Suzanne Behrens & Angie VandenBout - Business Law Shalisha Cunningham - Restaurant/Food Service Management Marketing Mike Dokter - Sales Representative Mariel Harmon & DeShaun Mateen - Financial Statement Analysis Ron Komdeur - Criminal Justice Alyssa Mediate - Travel & Tourism Chris Sanders & Kyle Studebaker - Sports & Entertainment Management Marketing
Third Place Erik Anderson & Ron Komdeur - Business Law Larissa Karimwabo - Executive Job Interview Alyssa Mediate & Brett Pnazek - Sports & Entertainment Management Marketing Brett Pnazek - Restaurant/Food Service Management Marketing Kyle Studebaker - Travel & Tourism Nick Wyma - Retail Management Marketing Fourth Place Shalisha Cunningham & Nichole Kremer - Advertising Campaign Taryn Herrick & Dylan Hop - Business Ethics Top 6 Finalists Robin Barrett - Financial Services Suzanne Behrens - Travel & Tourism Mike Helmus - Retail Management Marketing Larissa Karimwabo & Myles Swartz - Sports & Entertainment Marketing Management Nichole Kremer - Fashion Merchandising Nick Schaut - Sales Representative
Helping low-income families prepare tax forms DU accounting students volunteered countless hours during the 2011 tax season, preparing taxes for free for many low- and middle-income tax-filers. Student volunteers provided their assistance in conjunction with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a cooperative effort of the Internal Revenue Service and organizations that train volunteers to prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.
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“This volunteer effort gives students a chance to obtain some real-world work experience with actual clients while also benefiting those who need assistance completing their tax returns,� said Deb Kiss, Department Coordinator for Accounting and Finance at Davenport University.
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Students outshine business competition At the statewide Business Professionals of America (BPA) competition in February, students from Davenport’s Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo campuses took home 87 of 178 places in more than 50 competitive events, earning the right to move on to BPA’s national competition. BPA competitions challenge students in the areas of financial services and information technology.
“Our students have consistently bested all competition in the Michigan BPA for years,” said Ron Draayer, Faculty Advisor for the DU BPA chapter. “The fact that our students win more awards than any other university in Michigan is a testament to the quality education they get at Davenport.”
“Our students have consistently bested all competition in the Michigan BPA for years.” Against schools like Michigan Technological University, Northwood University, Central Michigan and Ferris State, DU students demonstrated once again they are well-prepared to succeed in the ultra-competitive marketplace.
BPA students from the Grand Rapids, Holland and Kalamazoo campuses gather after competing in February.
Outstanding employees receive Tyrus R. Wessell Award
Dr. Pappas addresses faculty and staff prior to the Tyrus R. Wessell Award being presented.
In 1999, the Tyrus R. Wessell Award was established as Davenport’s highest honor to recognize a faculty or staff member. The annual award honors a remarkable individual who exemplified the mission and vision of DU. For many years, Wessell served students, faculty and staff through Davenport’s cultural values. The two 2010 recipients embody the qualities that made Wessell a successful DU employee and person. Faculty members Mark Griffin and Linda Haberaecker were presented the distinguished Tyrus R. Wessell Award. Griffin, faculty member on the W.A. Lettinga Campus, is involved with a number of different programs including the London Study Abroad program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. He has been with Davenport for 31 years. Haberaecker, faculty member on the Livonia Campus and an employee for 28 years, inspired her students to create a website promoting the first public library built in Rwanda. That project led her to become a faculty advisor for a student learning organization at the Livonia campus.
Faculty member Linda Haberaecker celebrates her award with Dr. Pappas, friends and coworkers.
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Faculty member Mark Griffin receives his award with Dr. Pappas, friends, family and coworkers.
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DONOR
IMPACT
The Davenport University Archive Last year, Davenport University initiated an archive for the collection, preservation and organization of historical documents related to the University. Until recently, Davenport had not officially catalogued its collection or gathered artifacts in an archive. With the generous support of the M.E. Davenport Foundation, the Davenport University Archive became a reality and Jennifer Morrison was hired as part-time Archivist. Morrison worked in the local history community for more than a decade before joining DU, serving on the boards of the Grand Rapids Historical Society and Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council, operating a personal history business, and working in the Grand Rapids Public Library’s local history department. Organizing archival material is labor-intensive, as evidenced by volunteer Lee Sneden, brother of former Davenport President Robert W. Sneden. Sneden currently is working with a collection of photos taken for the 1963 and 1964 yearbooks, taking great care to preserve the documents by removing rusty paper clips and protecting items from light and fingerprints.
Davenport Institute in 1948 on the corner of Fulton and Division in downtown Grand Rapids. Â The curved northwest corner accommodated the salesmanship room and an amphitheater-style lecture hall.
Updated History Book in the making Authors are among the Archive’s most frequent users, to date. A new edition of the University’s history book is currently in development, since “The History of an Institution” about Davenport was published in 1990. As work on the new book began, the University recognized the need to sort through its considerable archive materials, given that its history now spans 145 years. Peggy Moceri, President of the M.E. Daveport Foundation and daughter of Robert W. Sneden, with Dr. Tom Brown, past University Provost, have been instrumental in researching and developing content for the updated edition of the history book and will be co-authoring it.
Above: Portrait of a young M.E. Davenport.
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Did you know?
Your help is needed!
• Henry Ford once took an accounting class at Detroit Business Institute, now Davenport University.
Davenport alumni are encouraged to donate their keepsakes and historical documents from their days at Davenport and related institutions to the Davenport University Archive. Doing so will allow these cherished items to be properly preserved and shared with the broader DU alumni community, current Davenport students and others researching Davenport’s past. If you’re looking for a home for that scrapbook from your senior year or you can’t remember the name of your shorthand instructor, call Jennifer Morrison at 616-554-5664 or email her at jennifer.morrison@davenport.edu.
• W.K. Kellogg took a class from Parsons Business School, now Davenport’s Kalamazoo Campus. • Davenport’s first home – when established as Grand Rapids Business College – was on the corner of Monroe and Ottawa in downtown Grand Rapids, just one block from the new Downtown Center.
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The student body gathers for a group photo in 1928 at the 215 Sheldon SE location. Double desks allowed instructors to work alongside students.
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Please Take a Seat in the Wilbur and Sharon Lettinga Auditorium Special thanks to everyone who participated in the “Please Take a Seat” campaign to sponsor seats in the Wilbur and Sharon Lettinga Auditorium. Support for this campaign benefits the Davenport Fund for student scholarships! There’s still time to purchase a seat at all levels. Your sponsorship includes a brass nameplate on the arm of a seat in the Auditorium, with your choice of inscription (up to three lines, maximum 18 characters per line). So take your seat today! For more information, visit www.takeaseat. davenport.edu or contact Kaylen Williams in the Office of Advancement at 616-233-3417 or by email at Kaylen.Williams@davenport.edu.
Thank you to those who have already taken a seat! Kathy Aboufadel Robert S. Arnold Debra S. Bales Paul Ballard Jim Becsey Jaye Lynn Bergers Joel S. Blanchard Thomas H. Brown, Ph.D. Kimberly A. Bruyn Joseph T. Buzzitta Lu Cavenaugh Barry Chapman Robert L. Clarkson Colleen Coughlin Barbara A. Craft Daryl DeLabbio Carol Distel Dawn England Scott Epstein, Ed.D. Mominka T. Filev Kenneth Fortier Gary T. Franchy Donna Freddolino Brook R. Gensel Joy G. Gianakura Deann Giles Tracy Graham Mark W. Griffin Doyle A. Hayes
Jessica Herrick Robert L. Hetzler Denis Huffman Jonathan G. Jakubowski Rick Jensen Robin L. Kauffman Daryl L. Kingrey Keith A. Klingenberg Michael Kolacz Bonnie S. Kopp David A. LaBeau William B. Lettinga Shelley Lowe Jason P. Madden Donald W. Maine Theresa L. McDermott James B. Meyer Barbara A. Mieras, Ph.D. Donna K. Milham Brian J. Miller Wilma R. Mitchell Margaret E. Moceri Michael J. Nicholas Frank Novakowski Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. Ignacio E. Perez William A. Perysian Todd D. Pitts Larry Polselli, Ed.D.
Dale A. Prondzinski Lauren Riddle Linda Rinker, Ed.D. Rockford Companies Catherine Rogg Leanna K. Rollins Marshall Rumsey Jennifer L. Salloum Robert M. Shubitowski Wayne Sneath, Ph.D. Linda Sorensen Regina Switalski-Schinker, Ph.D. David Tyler Jane C. Ungrey David A. Veneklase James M. Veneziano Kevin G. Vink Michael Volk, C.P.A. Karin A. Vorenkamp Julie Vugteveen Kelly Wandel Dennis C. Washington George Watt Holly M. Welch Shelly Westbrook Kaylen R. Williams Thomas M. Woods LaCrissa A. Zuraw
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Q & A with donor Sue Tiggleman Scores of Davenport students, faculty, and staff – including almost anyone reading this – have enjoyed meals courtesy of Fred and Sue Tiggleman. That’s because the Tigglemans operated Applause Catering, as well as the local franchise of Canteen Services, which for many years provided food service operations for Davenport. After a long battle with cancer, Fred Tiggleman passed away in January 2010. Sue Tiggleman knew she wanted to leave a lasting legacy of her husband’s long association with DU and his guidance of the Foundation as its President. How did you get involved with DU? Through business associates, Fred had become acquainted with former DU President Donald Maine. Don invited Fred to bid for DU’s food service account. Fred got the account and, ultimately, was asked to join the DU Foundation Board. He served as Board President for several years. Fred loved to reach out to people – he knew the names of all the maintenance guys at Canteen, and he brought that gentle, people-centered style of leadership to the board as well. Why do you support DU? Davenport is a wonderful asset to the community. One thing I learned after watching Fred that last year – you have to go on.You have to believe in the future. I knew I could leave a lasting legacy of Fred’s leadership by donating to Davenport. It resonated with me
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to support the executive office suite on the W.A. Lettinga Campus. After all, that’s where the Foundation Board meets. It’s a beautiful room, made even more significant to our family because of the plaque at the entrance: In memory of Fred Tiggleman. Why do you feel the need to give back to DU? Through Fred’s board involvement, we became familiar with Davenport and its educational philosophy, and we were excited to watch it grow throughout the years. Both of us believe in its mission to graduate students with degrees that address real needs in the business community. Through his leadership on the Foundation Board, Fred was a wonderful supporter of Davenport. I know he wanted me to do this. What are your hopes for the future of Davenport University? Continued growth and excellence depend on good leadership – which Fred exemplified on the Foundation Board. Today, our son, Craig, is serving his first term on the board, so I know in my heart that Fred’s legacy really is alive and well at Davenport.
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Meet the Development staff! Dennis Washington, ExecutiveVice President for Advancement
Dennis Washington joined Davenport in 2010 with a track record of building strategic constituent relationships and structured advancement programs to support university funding priorities. He also has extensive experience in re-engaging alumni, broadening the donor base and conducting major campaigns. Washington previously served as Vice President for University Advancement at Kettering University. He also has served as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Central Michigan University and is completing studies toward a doctorate in higher education administration.
Dr. Barbara Mieras, SeniorVice President for Major Gifts Dr. Barbara A. Mieras, Senior Vice President for Major Gifts, is recognized across the state for her achievements in higher education and within our communities as a leading ambassador for Davenport. She has been instrumental in building the reputation of Davenport University and raising funds for new facilities and scholarships. Her 27-year Davenport career has included serving as president of Davenport College.
Lu Cavenaugh, Director of Grant Development Lu Cavenaugh joined Davenport as its Director of Grant Development in 2010, bringing more than 20 years experience in all phases of grant and program development. For the past six years she was a private grants consultant with clients from educational institutions, local governments, Native American tribes, medical organizations and human service nonprofit agencies. Cavenaugh holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. She moved to Grand Rapids from Bend, Ore.
Kaylen Williams, Director of Annual Giving Kaylen Williams came to Davenport University in 2010 with previous experience in fund development for arts organizations. While obtaining her undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University, she co-founded the art gallery and studio space Two Thirty One.This led her to pursue a master’s degree in Museum Studies from Syracuse University, with a concentration on non-profit management and development. From 2007 through 2010, she served as the Membership Coordinator for the Grand Rapids Art Museum, where her efforts led to a 50-percent increase in membership. She also serves on the Taste of Downtown committee for Celebration on the Grand.
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ALUMNI
NETWORK
Eighth annual Homecoming Tailgate a huge success More than 770 alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends cheered for the DU Panthers as they faced off against the University of Michigan–Dearborn at this year’s Homecoming Tailgate. All that cheering seems to have worked as Davenport’s DI hockey team won 7-4. Before the game, kids enjoyed playing in the 25-foot inflatable bounce house and had their faces painted by the DU Cheer Team. Dinner was catered by Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille, with the first 500 guests receiving gifts from the Alumni Association.
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Meet your new Alumni Association Board of Directors
Keith Klingenberg ’71 Chief Executive Officer Hydrogen Leasing, Inc. Chair, Alumni Association
Steve Axdorff ’89 Senior Mortgage Loan Officer Founders Bank & Trust
Mike Door, C.P.A. ’77 Partner Lettinga & Associates, LLC
Ken Fortier ’01 President/ Chief Executive Officer Quantum Leap Communications, Inc.
Arthur Garner ’91 Principal Central High School
Paul Jendrasiak ’94 Chief Executive Officer SpamBully
Bonnie Kopp ’84 and ’94 Vice President, Trust Administration Northern Trust
Mark Peters ’93 Chief Executive Officer Butterball Farms, Inc.
Mandee Rick ’04 Vice President – Senior Commercial Banker Huntington National Bank
Carlos Sanchez ’07 Executive Director West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Ann Swanson ’96 Chief Operating Officer StudioCraft Corp.
Bruce Wynalda ’77 Consultant Redstone Group, Inc.
Casey Young ’95 Owner Stonehenge Consulting, PLC
Catherine G. Rogg, CFRE Director of Alumni Relations Davenport University
davenport.edu
Shelly Westbrook ’01 Senior Director of Development Metro Health Hospital Foundation
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DU alums grow with Meritage Hospitality Group Meritage Hospitality Group, a publicly traded owner/operator of Wendy’s franchises and the exciting new Twisted Rooster restaurant franchises, is the proud employer of seven DU alumni in management positions and above. “These DU graduates demonstrate hard work, tenacity and excellent communication skills,” said Gary Rose, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “Thanks to the skills they acquired as Davenport students, they’re all self-starters who will grow with the company.” Among DU alumni at Meritage are: • Rita Burns, ’05, Corporate Accountant, noted that the Meritage environment encourages feedback and provided a flexible schedule for her to complete her Bachelor of Science degree at DU.
Upcoming Alumni Events May 6, 2011 Excellence in Business Dinner Gala DeVos Place – Grand Rapids, Mich. June 18, 2011
• Heather Halligan, ’00, Marketing Coordinator, started with Meritage Hospitality Group as a restaurant manager at O’Charleys while earning her MBA in Marketing.
DU at Binder Park Zoo Battle Creek, Mich.
• Kelly Rawson, ’10, earned her degree in paralegal studies while working at Meritage Hospitality Group for four years.
July 10, 2011
• Cindi Romanowski, ’84, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, began her career in the banking industry and later transferred her business and financial background to the creative environment at Meritage. • Tracey Smith, ’96, Controller, attributes her confidence in her skills and selfpresentation to the “focused education” she received as an MBA student at DU. • Nate Straathof, ’10, is the company’s Financial Analyst and its latest Davenport alumnus hire. While earning his MBA in Accounting, Nate worked at Meritage as an intern and then was hired full-time after graduation. Davenport is proud of these young men and women and Meritage Hospitality Group feels fortunate to have them as employees. For more information on the Meritage Hospitality Group, visit www.meritagehospitality.com.
Alumni Outing at the Great Lakes Loons Midland, Mich. July 21, 2011 Alumni Summer Celebration New DU Downtown Center – Grand Rapids, Mich. July 30, 2011 2nd Annual Hockey Alumni Golf Outing Thornapple Pointe – Grand Rapids, Mich. August 12, 2011 DCB Alumni & Friends Golf Outing Dearborn Hills – Dearborn, Mich. August 22, 2011 25th Annual Davenport Scholarship Golf Classic Egypt Valley Country Club – Ada, Mich. Register at davenport.edu/golf For more information or to register for these events, visit www.DUAlum.com or contact Jason Madden at jmadden@davenport.edu or 866-248-0012.
Left to Right, Back: Nate Straathof, Heather Halligan, Cindi Romanowski, Lianne Densham. Front: Rita Burns,Tracey Smith, Kelly Rawson.
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DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY REVIEW
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2nd annual Alumni Winter Reception Chicago alumni and friends reception a success On Jan. 27, nearly 60 DU alumni gathered at the Grand Rapids Art Museum for the second annual Winter Reception. Guests made new connections, mingled with members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and toured the popular Princess Diana exhibit. If you missed this event be sure to check www.DUAlum.com for upcoming events.
On Friday, Dec. 10, approximately 30 DU alums and friends gathered at Trump Tower in Chicago for the first reception in several years for Chicago-area Davenport alumni and friends. While most guests were from the Windy City and surrounding suburbs, one alumnus traveled from Hilton Head Island to hear President Dr. Richard J. Pappas speak about the University’s vision. Attendees also met Tracy Graham, Chairman of DU’s Board of Trustees, and reconnected with alumni and friends. Stay on top of upcoming Chicago alumni events by visiting www.DUAlum.com.
Detroit College of Business alums meet in Southeast Michigan As part of Davenport’s alumni outreach, a small group of Detroit College of Business alumni and former DCB employees gathered in December at Andiamo’s in Dearborn with former DCB President Dr. Jim Mendola. It was a fun time for old friends to reminisce and remain connected by a common bond – a love of their former college and/or employer. More DCB events are being planned and all DCB alumni will be invited! Are you a graduate of DCB, Great Lakes Business College, Davenport College or any of our predecessor colleges who’s interested in reacquainting with old friends, classmates and faculty? Email the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@davenport.edu.
Featured benefit Snap Fitness
DU alumni gather at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and mingle with members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
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Snap Fitness is offering Davenport alumni and students the opportunity to join now and get 100% off the enrollment fee and 10% off the monthly dues. Visit snapfitness.com/davenportu, enter your zip code and click “Go.” Then, select a club and click “Join Now” for details on your membership. Offer ends on 5/31/2011!
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Alumni ambassadors in your community By Catherine G. Rogg, Director of Alumni Relations Alumni Relations is now bringing services and programming to our campus communities throughout Michigan with an Alumni Ambassador now available on every DU campus. These Davenport employees are the local contact for alumni, ready to answer questions and promote local events and professional development opportunities. Visit our Alumni Ambassadors in your community, connect with fellow alums on the alumni website, and explore the benefits of being a DU alum. Alumni Association membership is a privilege all DU alumni earn as graduates of Davenport University or a predecessor college.
“Being an Alumni Ambassador allows me to personally reach out to Davenport graduates who live and work within my community. It’s exciting to be a resource for alumni as they look for new opportunities for professional growth and networking.” – Kristy Nelson “I feel it is important to reach out to other alumni because of the valuable work experiences and knowledge they have to offer. As alumni we are responsible for paying it forward by helping other alumni succeed.” – Debra Bales
Davenport University Alumni Ambassadors include:
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Alma:
Kristy Nelson, ’97, Student Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-629-1805
Battle Creek:
Shari Ludwa, ’92 & ’02, Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-660-6928 John Hume, Academic Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-660-6926
Caro:
Liz Nishimiya, Student Services Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-231-1510
Flint:
Betty Deloach, ’89 & ’03, Senior Admissions Representative. . . . . . . . . . 810-396-3634 Wilma Mitchell, ’84 & ’86, Director of Admissions (Warren) . . . . . . . . . 586-620-4012
Gaylord:
Nadia Hoover, ’98, Student Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-705-3725
Grand Rapids:
Debra Bales, ’90 & ’04, Customer Service Specialist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-554-5340
Holland:
Linda Sievert, Director of Student Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-395-4603
Kalamazoo:
Lacey Harris, ’06 & ’10, Customer Service Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-552-3352
Lansing:
David Tyler, Senior Admissions Representative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517-367-8238
Livonia:
Jennifer Salloum, ’86 & ’94, Senior Admissions Representative . . . . . . . . 734-943-2808
Midland:
Kim Borchard, ’06, Admissions Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-794-1907
Saginaw:
Jennifer Acker, ’08 & ’11, Administrative Assistant Anderson Bearden, ’11, Assistant Director of Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . 989-393-2602
Traverse City:
Alyssa Irani, ’01, Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-995-1825
Warren:
Jessica Brown, ’00 & ’07, Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-620-4026
Chicago:
Ryan Lougheed, ’04, Alumnus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rtl24@yahoo.com
University-wide:
Catherine G. Rogg, Director of Alumni Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-233-3419 Jason Madden, ’08, Alumni Relations Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-233-2593 Carol Distel, Alumni Relations Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616-233-3416
DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY REVIEW
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Class Notes Professional
New online service connects alumni from coast to coast It’s not easy connecting more than 50,000 DU alumni from more than 20 different countries and every state. That’s why the Alumni Relations Office is launching an exclusive new alumni online community – www.DUAlum.com. The new alumni website offers: • Alumni news and events • Online discussion boards • Alumni directory • Networking opportunities Alumni using the site will need to register and log in with their chosen user name and password. Your privacy is protected and you control how much or how little information to display. For more information, please contact Jason Madden at jmadden@davenport.edu or call 866248-0012.
Long-time DU instructor passes away Dan Gillespie, husband of Mary Gillespie and long-time director and faculty for DU’s Paramedic Program, passed away on Nov. 6, 2010. Dan was well-known and respected in the EMS community for his years of service as an instructor at Davenport, as well as his service as a paramedic and a fire fighter.
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Stephanie Douglas, ’09 BS Health Information Management, received her RHIT credential in June 2009. She joined the staff at Paramount Rehabilitation Services in July 2010 as a billing and coding specialist. Jon Smith, ’10 BBA Marketing, started Gutterflo, a roof gutter installation and repair business. Melanie Frazier, ’82 DCB BS Management, became a shareholder in Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, based in Royal Oak. Frazier earned her law degrees from Michigan State University College of Law in 1986 and from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2008. Gladys Pearson, ’98 DCB BBA Administrative Technology, created a non-profit organization, Making It To The Finish Line, with the mission to embrace women (and, lately, men) of all ages and empower them through training, motivation, support and encouragement to reach their highest potential. She has recently opened an office in Hamtramck. Craig Hankinson, ’88 BBA Business Administration, was selected as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Macatawa Bank. He will have oversight for Macatawa’s credit administration and credit approval process, loan policies and procedures, and work to ensure the overall quality of the bank’s lending portfolio. Nick Venlet, ’10 BBA Finance, has joined Lake Michigan Investment Services as a financial advisor serving the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph markets. He is a licensed financial adviser who has variable products producer’s licenses.
Joel Blanchard, ’09 MBA Strategic Management, has accepted a new position at Business Strategy Inc. in Grand Rapids as an Automation Sales Advisor. Cindy Woolner, ’04 BA Accounting, was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Workout Specialist at Sturgis Bank & Trust Company. She has been in the banking industry for the past 12 years. Melanie Kauffman, ’10 MBA, has accepted a new position at Union Bank as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Bonnie Kopp, ’94 BBA Management, was promoted to Vice President, Trust Administration at Northern Trust.
Marriages & Engagements Valerie Norberry, ’78 Diploma Receptionist/Typing, and Paul Joseph Van Orden were married in July 2010. Garrett McGuire, ’09 BBA Marketing & Advertising, and Ashley Bleibtrey tied the knot on June 5, 2010. Julia Kwapis, ’05 BAS Management, and Lorin Randall exchanged vows on Oct. 9, 2010. Chelsey Lynn Volant, ’09 BBA Business Administration, and Ryan Nicolas will marry on Aug. 26, 2011.
Births Katherine Herrick, ’09 MBA Strategic Management, and Isaac Herrick, ’09 MBA Strategic Management, announce the birth of their daughter Lillian Rose on Feb. 23, 2011.
Marianne Brandle, ’08 BBA Management/Marketing, has earned associate in general insurance designation with Frankenmuth Insurance. DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY REVIEW
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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SAINT JOSEPH, MI PERMIT NO. 197
6191 Kraft Ave. Grand Rapids MI 49512
Friday, May 6 DeVos Place in Grand Rapids For reservations, call: 616-233-3412 Honoring Jim Hackett