WINTER 2019 · VOLUME 12 · NO. 1
DU in
M AG A Z I N E
PAG E 6
Stories about how DU offers flexibility and accessibility to enable students’ success both during and after their academic careers.
Table of Contents
SECTIONS
F E AT U R E S
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Davenport invests in Detroit Introducing a new Detroit campus
From the President
05 University News
06 Cover Story
10 Students
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11 Giving
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A modern day Nightingale Francine Neve Sherman leaves legacy in support of nursing
Alumni
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Class Notes
Honoring outstanding alumni Six alumni recognized for accomplishments and service
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Winter 2019, Volume 12, No. 1
DU Review is published by Davenport University. 6191 Kraft Avenue SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 Creating new partnerships Grand Rapids Fire Department takes advantage of leadership learning
Š2019 Davenport University Alumni & Development Executive Vice President for Alumni & Development Peg Luy
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Executive Director of Grant Development Michele Davis Executive Director of Leadership Gifts & Donor Services Louise Kidd Director of Major Gifts Jon Hankins Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Events Erik Dane, ’07 MBA
Taking on the world Brad Bultman lands a career that takes him worldwide
Director of Prospect Research & Stewardship Alysa Hunton Assistant Director of Annual Giving Megan Sjolander Assistant Director of Alumni Communications & Development Laura Macka Manager of Data Systems & Gift Processing Steven Saturley Executive Administrative Assistant Mary Nelsen
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Marketing & Communications Executive Vice President for Marketing & Communications Debra Cooper Executive Director of Communications Amy Miller
on the cover A view of the Detroit skyline.
davenport.edu/DUReview
DU Review
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From the President
Leading through flexibility
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aving served for three decades as a college president, I have witnessed many changes in the way that institutions prepare their students. Through our Vision 2020, Davenport University is uniquely positioned to address those changes: transforming students’ lives by helping them to achieve their highest potential in their future-focused careers. For example, we were among the first colleges and universities in the country to offer online classes in the late ’90s. We offer evening classes, seven-week accelerated courses, and multiple locations throughout Michigan to serve our students. We change the pace of our curriculum to meet the market. Unlike many universities, Davenport accepts more transfer credits toward a degree.
Our continual market research allows us to know what new careers are on the horizon. Our faculty develop curriculum and our Board of Trustees can approve it to meet that need in 60–90 days. It is that flexibility and agility that makes us distinctive. We are carrying that flexibility into downtown Detroit. With the announcement on October 16, 2018, of our new location at New Center One, Davenport University is once again serving the needs of our students and responding to the needs of employers. After decades of serving the Detroit metropolitan area with campuses in Warren (which remains) and Livonia, we are excited to be a vital part of the resurgence of downtown Detroit.
We are phasing in an array of programs designed to meet the needs of students and employers. Classes began in January 2019. We look forward to welcoming you to an upcoming open house to see our new facility and meet our faculty and staff. We are committed to the flexibility and agility that Davenport offers in our delivery of a quality education to our students and in the preparation of those students to exceed employer expectations and transform communities. Thank you for your continuing interest and support. I look forward to what we can continue to achieve together.
“For years, Davenport University has served Detroit residents and having a campus right here in the city, close to major bus routes, will make a quality college education that much more accessible. Davenport will be a great partner in our efforts to prepare Detroiters for opportunities in fields such as healthcare and technology.” MIKE DUGGAN M AY O R O F D E T R O I T 4
Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. President
University News MOVE-IN
PA N T H E R P R OW L
Welcome home Panthers! Each year students are welcomed to Davenport and made to feel at home.
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tudent-athlete volunteers and others help students move into their residence halls. After the move-in, they participated in Panther Prowl—a three-day experience that introduces them to fellow students and possible lifelong friends. Pantherpalooza and Convocation round out the freshman’s first days on campus.
C O N V O C AT I O N
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FEATURE
Exterior rendering of Davenport University’s entrance at the New Center One building in Detroit.
DU in Davenport University invests in Detroit with new campus
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n October, Davenport University held a press conference to announce the location for its new Detroit campus. The campus, centrally located at the New Center One Building at 3031 W. Grand Boulevard in Detroit, is designed to meet the needs of students and the talent gap for employers in the metroDetroit community.
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The new campus joins Davenport’s state-wide education network of five campuses with the goal of educating students on the skills employers need. This campus will offer academic programs that will prepare students for successful careers that will shape the future world economy, including business, healthcare, technology and urban education.
“With the new Detroit campus, Davenport is bringing the full force of the university to the city of Detroit.” D R . R I C H A R D PA P PA S , D AV E N P O R T U N I V E R S I T Y PRESIDENT
Lisa Howze, Vice President of DU Detroit Region, Paula Cunningham, DU Board of Trustee, DU President Dr. Pappas, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
Earlier this year, Davenport University announced new partnerships with the City of Detroit and Wayne County. These partnerships provide scholarships toward professional development and higher education bachelor’s and master’s degrees for city and county employees, their spouses and their dependents. Davenport University’s new Detroit campus will be located on the first floor of the New Center One building. Located near several public transportation options including Detroit bus stops and the Qline, the space, at 12,000-square-feet in size, will offer six classrooms, a computer lab and a variety of work and study areas for students to utilize throughout the day. Students may attend classes at the new Detroit campus, the Warren campus, or at University Centers in the Wayne County Community College District, at Schoolcraft College and at Macomb Community College. Dr. Pappas says, “I am confident that with Davenport University’s investment in the new Detroit campus, we’ll be able to advance the careers, skills and opportunities for students and, as a result, produce a competitive advantage for the employers of Detroit.”
Dr. Pappas with Mayor Mike Duggan
News of Davenport University’s announcement reached media across the state with breaking news featured on FOX2, WXYZ, Crain’s Detroit Business and DBusiness in Detroit and WZZM, the Grand Rapids Business Journal and MiBiz covering the story in Grand Rapids.
Enrollment is available now for the Detroit campus for classes starting January 2019.
The new Detroit campus, which is built to serve more than 2,000 students per semester, continues Davenport’s longstanding commitment to Detroit. Davenport University has been engaged in the education of the greater Detroit community for more than 60 years.
Reception rendering of Davenport University at the New Center One Building in Detroit. DU Review
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University News
Davenport DEI: a winner again In some organizations, winning an award means basking in success and resting on your laurels. However, for Davenport Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Rhae-Ann Booker, Ph.D., an award always represents an opportunity to raise the bar of performance even higher.
“Awards are a way to gain input from external organizations about our efforts, benchmark against what other leaders are doing, and discover potential areas for improvement.” RHAE-ANN BOOKER
Booker enjoyed another opportunity for that kind of assessment and networking on Sept. 14 when she represented Davenport in Detroit as a winner of a Corp! Magazine Salute to Diversity Award. Each year for more than a decade, the magazine has celebrated Michigan organizations, businesses and leaders that make diversity and multiculturalism a strategy cornerstone. As a 2018 recipient, Davenport was recognized as a nonprofit that “creates and promotes special programming, education or other initiatives that focus on diversity.”
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Paul Beasley, Director of Campus Operations and Strategic Partnership, Paul Jones, DU Career Coach, Dr. Rhae-Ann Booker, ED-Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Colleen Coughlin, College of Arts and Sciences Faculty
From more than 400 nominations, Davenport was one of 78 winners and one of only three college/university award recipients. The list of DEI awards has grown steadily since Booker joined DU in 2011. The most significant key to the progress and successes of the program, she says, has been vision alignment. “Our DEI efforts are integral to who we are at Davenport and to achieving our vision as a university. That vision informs the goals we set and the actions we take.” For example, applying the DEI .“Commitment, Competency, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” framework helps employees and students see the critical role they play in achieving the vision and provides guidelines for addressing barriers. It’s been so successful that it’s been copyrighted and shared with other organizations. And the two-level DEI training program for employees has proven to be a catalyst for in-depth
conversations and new understandings of what diversity, equity and inclusion really mean, and how each can be leveraged to improve organizational performance. “Real success isn’t measured by awards,” Booker emphasizes. “Instead, it’s always about outcomes and results.” Her next big challenge? To drill deeper into some of DU’s high-level indicators of success as an organization—retention rates, for example. “I want to stratify the data. While we feel good about the overall progress being made, there may be some groups that aren’t doing as well as others. I want to see if there are gaps and then work with different offices and departments to dedicate time and resources to help close them. Based on our DEI commitment and the potential we have as a university, it’s worth the effort.”
University News
Grand Rapids Fire Department partners with IPEx for customized leadership learning They put on heavy protective overalls, helmets, boots and gloves whenever the fire bells ring, but being a firefighter today is also a “white-collar job” in some important ways. For those who want to move up the ranks, skills such as budgeting and data analytics, motivating diverse personnel, policymaking, effective communication and transparency are as important as knowing how to put out fires. That’s why training and development is among four key strategies that Grand Rapids Fire Chief John Lehman has prioritized for the department over the next three years. It’s also why he partnered with Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) to create a customized learning program to advance the leadership skills of 25 firefighters from Grand Rapids’ 11 fire stations. The program started in January 2018 and was completed in June. Preliminary planning sessions with Davenport’s IPEx team ensured a program that was specifically targeted to firefighters’ needs and grounded in the understanding that their work environment is unique. For example, they eat, sleep and live together for 24-hour stretches.
What’s more, the duties and responsibilities of leaders go beyond the emergency response training often associated with top-notch public servants in the community. Discipline, teamwork and decisionmaking in the field and in the firehouse are critical to a high-functioning organization. Firefighters are also ambassadors for a host of community outreach efforts, and the training they need to work with each other and the community has expanded from what many traditionally associate with the words “to serve and protect.” In every detail, the IPEx curriculum was targeted to those realities. All class sessions were held at the fire department’s downtown training facility versus Davenport’s campus. To make the content as specific and relevant as possible, a session on budgeting and business acumen was conducted by the IPEx Facilitator and Corporate Trainer Kevin Matthews, who conducted all other sessions and even spent a day embedded with a firehouse squad to help him prepare for the program. In addition to seeing firsthand the administrative and so-called “soft” people skills that firefighters in leadership roles need, the experience helped him lead class discussions that were authentic to the personality dynamics of firefighters and the special challenges they face.
“They knew it wasn’t just another ‘checkthe-box’ class”—i.e., something generic that could be offered to anyone in any profession. Chief Lehman intends to repeat the program for another group of officers in the near future. “I was extremely happy, not just as a customer but also as someone who participated in the class, with the quality of the product that we received from Davenport,” he says. “It’s going to be very beneficial to us to have a common baseline of learning, and it’s also going to provide for good succession planning.” Lt. Edward Braman, who completed the program after nine years of on-the-job experience, agrees that firefighters today need a broadened range of skills to be successful leaders.
“We’ve become very reliant on statistics, data and analysis to authenticate what we’re doing and provide a better program. It’s not just going to fires anymore.” L T. E D W A R D B R A M A N
“A common theme I heard from participants was that the program was beneficial because it was tailored to them,” reports Chief Lehman, who sat in on all 10 four-hour sessions. DU Review
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STUDENTS
Real-time virtual courses provide convenience and interaction
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moment after describing Davenport University’s Real Time Virtual (RTV) learning as “different from traditional online courses,” Kriss Ferluga stops and smiles about what she’s just said. “I guess it’s still a little weird to use the term ‘traditional online,’” she admits.
Yet, for Ferluga, co-director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and faculty developer for delivery systems for the global campus, that term demonstrates how much progress has been made in technology-enabled learning in a relatively short time. RTV courses are the newest option available to DU students and faculty. First offered in the fall semester of 2016, they’ve been gaining momentum ever since. RTV is a hybrid of in-seat and online learning. Unlike traditional online classes that are available to students on demand anytime, RTV classes occur on scheduled days at scheduled times, just as if they were being held in a bricksand-mortar classroom. However, RTV students and the professor connect to all class sessions virtually via computers, tablets or even their smartphones. This means they can attend from home, their workplace, anywhere on any DU campus, in airports or hotels when traveling—essentially from any place that has a broadband Internet connection. There’s even at least one instance when someone participated in an RTV class while hospitalized. 10
Hosted in the Blackboard Learn Web conferencing system, RTV class sessions can include lectures, whiteboard explanations, PowerPoint presentations, file sharing, discussions, group projects and tests—in short, all the components of a robust learning environment. If students miss a class or want to review a session, they can easily access a recorded version. Professor Tammy Stachowicz, who with Ferluga co-directs The Center for Teaching Excellence, is among DU’s most passionate RTV advocates. For her, it’s both personal and professional. She pursued her undergraduate degree while helping balance her husband’s career and business while also being a parent. Having to drive an hour each way to attend classes made her realize how valuable distance learning could be for students facing challenges that may stand in the way of their getting the education they want.
“I realized how few resources there were for non-traditional students 25 years ago,” she says. “I got my Master’s degree in Family Studies and Anthropology and I realized I loved teaching. I came across a lot of students that were a lot like I was as a student: first-generation college students with families.” At the same time, RTV also appeals to the growing number of “digital natives”— people who are immersed in technology as a way of life so they prefer and expect to leverage it as an educational tool as well. Many colleges and universities now offer online classes, but far fewer offer real-time programs like RTV. Providing this opportunity further distinguishes Davenport as a progressive institution that’s attuned to the fast-emerging needs of today’s students and faculty. Typically, 260 to 280 DU students now take RTV classes each semester in about 70 sections that comprise almost 10 percent of the curriculum. “I don’t think we’re even close to the saturation point,” says Ferluga. “As we get more and more faculty to go through the training, I think we’re going to see more and more classes being offered in this way.”
GIVING b e l o w Student athletes volunteer for the event
32nd Annual Davenport Scholarship Golf Classic
left Dr. Pappas and Peggy Luy below (l to r) Wayman Britt, Von Washington, Jr., Charlie Banyai, Ron Foor
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oaring drives and straight putts helped raise more than $115,000 toward scholarships at this year’s Davenport Scholarship Golf Classic, held at Egypt Valley Country Club.
Davenport is grateful for the continued support of its Title Sponsor, Integrated Architecture, and all the sponsors that provided generous contributions to make the Scholarship Golf Classic a success. Ryan Hop and Aaron Brummitt
Support Davenport students D A V E N P O R T. E D U / G I V E
r i g h t Larry Johnson and Jeffery Wanner
a b o v e Jeff Lumpp, Will Snyder, Greg Foster, Nick Glaser
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GIVING
A modern-day Nightingale Leaving a legacy in support of nursing
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loria Neve, sister of Francine Neve Sherman, says Francine was a true Nightingale “Lady with the Lamp.” She was dedicated to the alleviation of suffering and the restoration of health. She also took great comfort in her religious beliefs.
Francine Neve Sherman
Francine died on May 22, 2018 after a short battle with cancer. She graduated from Howard City High School and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ferris State University. She was a 1961 graduate of the Butterworth School of Nursing and provided over 25 years of caring and skillful work as a pediatric and “charge” nurse at Butterworth. After retiring from Butterworth she was an adjunct professor at Davenport University, where she helped create numerous course documents for EMT/Paramedic classes. She also taught Basic Life Support.
Both Francine’s mother and grandmother shared in the love of nursing. Although neither was given the chance to get an advanced degree, Francine’s grandmother was a midwife. Francine grew up in Pierson, Mich., a small farming community where hard-work and simple pleasures defined family life. To honor her memory and her good work at Davenport, Gloria provided a generous gift to Davenport that establishes the Francine Neve Sherman Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which will assist a deserving female student who is pursuing a RN-BSN degree at the W.A. Lettinga campus in Grand Rapids.
You, too, can support this fund. Gifts can be sent to:
1961 graduate of Butterworth School of Nursing
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Davenport University Office of Alumni and Development 6185 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Checks should be made payable to Davenport University with a designation to support the Francine Neve Sherman Memorial Scholarship.
GIVING
A legacy continues…
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ileen DeVries leaves a legacy that is inspiring! A nationally recognized leader in her profession as former Senior Vice President-Investments at Merrill Lynch, she built a prosperous career in Grand Rapids that spanned 40 years while also raising five children. She passed away on May 16, 2017 due to complications from cancer. Eileen began at Merrill Lynch in 1976, taking an interview intended for her husband, who had already secured a new position, because at the time, women were only getting interviews as support staff, not as brokers. As a broker, she was one of the most successful females in the industry.
Her volunteer commitment to Grand Rapids included serving over 20 civic and charitable organizations, including the Board of Trustees at Davenport and 13 years on the Davenport University Foundation Board. Her daughter, Rachel Mraz, has followed in her mother’s footsteps both professionally, as a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch, and civically, also serving as a Davenport Foundation Board member, among her many other community commitments. In 1997 Eileen established a scholarship to benefit deserving finance majors with a 3.0 GPA and 40 earned credit hours at Davenport. In her mother’s memory and serving as President of the Eileen
DeVries Family Foundation, Rachel has expanded the opportunities available to her mother’s scholarship recipients to include the option for international study in the summer. “Among my mother’s passions was a love for education and for international travel,” said Rachel. “So I know that she would be excited to know that through Davenport and her scholarship, we are offering the additional option for her scholarship students to benefit from an international study experience.” Available in the summers following the sophomore or junior years, the summer international study opportunity provides students with a valuable global experience. “Even when my mother was undergoing cancer treatment, she visited six countries,” Rachel continued. “She never stopped learning or seeking experiences that enhanced her own perspective. One of her great legacies to education is her scholarship at Davenport and its option for students to gain the same global understanding that she valued so much.”
Eileen with her daughter, Rachel Mraz, a Davenport Foundation Trustee
“One of her great legacies to education is her scholarship at Davenport and its option for students to gain the same global understanding that she valued so much.” RACHEL MRAZ
To learn more about Davenport University scholarships contact: LOUISE KIDD (616) 233-3413 L O U I S E . K I D D @ D AV E N P O R T. E D U
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FEATURE
A difficult path to career success Alum uses Davenport’s flexible programs to earn professional notoriety in accounting
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rom teenage mom to partner in an accounting firm, Stephanie Blanco, ‘99, has a triumphant story to inspire everyone.
A rough start A father severely injured and unable to provide for the family, a mother dealing with her own demons, and pregnant at the age of 14, Blanco faced significant challenges in her life. When she was a teenager, her mother was struggling with addiction and left her to live unsupervised with her young cousin. Blanco remembers the difficult time well, saying, “It was difficult to get my teachers to work with me because my situation was frowned upon. I didn’t return to high school because it was difficult without any support. Taking care of my daughter full-time was what I needed to do.” Blanco dropped out of school, moved in with her boyfriend, and started working in order to take care of her child. She remembers when it hit her that she wanted to do something different. Blanco shares, “After some ups and downs, something clicked. I wanted to do better for my daughter, so I went back to school.”
Stephanie Blanco with her newborn grand baby
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Blanco returned to high school fulltime while also working to provide for her family. She put in extra hours after school and during the summer months, making up all of her missed credits— putting in the hard work so that she could graduate on time with her class.
Davenport days A year after high school, Blanco began to think about the future. Her mother found sobriety, welcomed Blanco back home and encouraged her to continue her education. That is when she found her second home at Davenport University. Blanco originally wanted to be an administrative assistant until her Davenport advisor and professor saw potential in her as an accounting major. At the time Blanco was studying accounting it was only offered as an associates program. “The bachelor’s degree was established when my class was finishing so I decided to go for it.” With that mentality and the flexibility that Davenport offered, Blanco continued to thrive. “I made strong connections with my advisor and professors, so I had opportunities for internships and tutoring to gain more experience. It was like a mutual agreement. I was helping them and they were helping me because I was always able to bring my daughter to campus with me.”
With her success-driven mindset and the supportive people surrounding her, she had everything she needed to make her dreams come true. Career successes In 1998 Blanco started part-time with John Kasperek Co. Inc. and transferred to full-time in 1999. This is her 20th year working with the company. Before gaining the title of partner, she worked in management for many years. With their company growing, they decided it was time she accepted the official position. In addition to being named a partner in the company, Blanco has also been re-elected as chair of the government report review committee in the Illinois CPA Society. It is rare for a woman to be elected as chair and she is proud to serve.
Stephanie Blanco with family (Justin, Arturo, Stephanie, Angela)
Advice to others Blanco believes, “Why sit around and do nothing when you can either spend time with family, do something you love, create memories, or make money.” Her advice to current accounting students regarding taking the CPA exam is “do not wait.” Blanco thrives on being able to inspire others with her story and showing her children that although you may face troubles in your life, you can triumph over any of life’s obstacles.
“Rather than wait, use the knowledge you have right out of school to pass the exam. Once you start your accounting career, you will focus on one aspect of accounting and lose knowledge on the other topics. So, do it now.” STEPHANIE BLANCO
If you’d like to connect with Blanco, send her an email: S B L A N C O @ K A S P E R E K C PA . C O M
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FEATURE
Recognizing outstanding alumni
Distinguished Alumni Award
Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award
Young Alumni Award
Class of 1987
Derrick King
Class of 2011
State Representative Roger Victory was first elected to serve the 88th District in Michigan House of Representatives in November 2012 and was re-elected to a third term in November 2016. Roger graduated from Davenport University in 1987 with a degree in business management and from Michigan State University’s Great Lakes Leadership Academy.
Class of 2009
With experience in farming and a passion for wine, McKenzie used the MBA capstone class at Davenport University to design a business plan for a winery in northern Michigan.
Roger Victory
Roger owns Victory Farms, LLC, a year-round specialty crop producer, as well as Victory Sales, LLC, a national produce distributor. He is currently an executive board member of the Michigan Vegetable Council, vice president of the Vriesland Growers Cooperative and on the National Council of Agricultural Employees.
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At the age of 19 Derrick challenged himself to earn a college degree and reach higher for his family. After starting his collegiate career at Northwood University as a walk-on basketball player, Derrick transferred to Davenport University and started as a point guard for the Panthers—all while maintaining a scholarship, working full-time and raising his two children with his wife. Derrick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management and works at Creative Force as a regional event director, where he manages regional event marketing teams supporting basketball events across the country. Additionally, Derrick is an assistant men’s basketball coach at Grand Rapids Community College.
McKenzie Gallagher
McKenzie and her husband, Creighton, are fifth generation cherry farmers and wanted to create a business in agriculture where they could control the end product. Between their experience in farming and passion for wine, starting a winery seemed like a natural fit. In 2016, Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery opened its doors. Although there is no road map for entrepreneurship, finding passion in their business is what drives McKenzie and Creighton. When McKenzie isn’t at the winery, she spends her time with her family of six, and dedicates much of her time building community and volunteering for Traverse City area non-profits.
Alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends gathered to honor the accomplishments and service of six esteemed alumni during the 2018 Alumni Awards Ceremony on September 28th. Nominate a graduate for an alumni award D A V E N P O R T. E D U / A L U M N I - D E V E L O P M E N T / A L U M N I - A W A R D S
College of Health Alumni Award
College of Technology Alumni Award
Donald W. Maine College of Business Alumni Award
Michelle High
Aaron House
Jason Collett
Class of 2016
Class of 2016
Class of 2001
Michelle found her purpose in nursing thanks to Davenport University. She graduated in the top of her class with honors in the spring of 2016, and earned a spot in the Beaumont Graduate Nursing Program as a gastrointestinal nurse. She now works as a nurse in the emergency department where she earned her trauma nursing core certification.
Aaron does not take the generosity of others for granted. In 2017, he created a scholarship to help underserved populations attend Davenport University. The Aaron House Future Black Technologist Scholarship will be offered to an African American student from the Southeast Michigan area with a major in technology.
Jason, an international keynote speaker and business executive, has balanced diverse roles as an entrepreneur, professional speaker, board member, global Fortune 500 human resource leader, and head brewmaster.
In 2017, Michelle was awarded the Beaumont Hospital DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition for outstanding nurses. She received this award because of her ability to lead and build trust with her patients in order to provide the best care.
For Aaron, investing in a scholarship means more than helping students pay for their education—it opens up doors. Aaron, who grew up in Detroit and attended Detroit Public Schools, found joy in working on computers at an early age. In high school, he attended Golightly Career and Technical Center in the heart of Detroit. He spent half of his day focused on typical high school coursework and the other half, exploring applications of the Golightly computer repair program.
Currently, he is the president of ADAPTIVITY Development, LLC, a boutique business strategy and investment consultancy firm— focused on growing start-ups, established, family-owned, and franchise businesses. Jason is also the chairperson of ARCpoint Labs of Charlotte and Rock Hill, and owner/head brewmaster of Rock Hill Brewing Company in Rock Hill, SC. Jason serves the community as a board member and past chair of the Rock Hill Area Council for the York County Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the York County Economic Development Committee Board. DU Review
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FEATURE
Taking on the world Alum takes his career around the world
I lived for three months in Cambodia, volunteering at a nonprofit school for children. I taught English, played sports with them and gave them moral support. They’re living in the poorest country in Asia. It was the best experience: the Cambodian people seemed to be the happiest people I’ve met. I attended the 2010 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There is nothing more fun than the atmosphere at the Olympics. The camaraderie and passion from all over the world is incredible. The Brazilian community was so welcoming and Rio was beautiful. I’ve only taken one cruise as I like to guide myself. The cruise was between the countries of Russia, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. The cruise ship was Russian owned, and the majority of workers and passengers only spoke Russian. The Russian people, despite the language barrier, were so kind.
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rad Bultman ’07 received Davenport’s Young Alumni Award in 2013. Since that time, the last five years have been filled with many adventures. He’s played with elephants in a Thailand jungle, ridden a camel around the Pyramids in Egypt, hiked the Great Wall of China, toured the Taj Mahal in India, and sky dived in New Zealand, just to name a few.
Travel is the passion in your life. Tell us about some trips that stood out among all others.
Bultman and his wife Roisin in Fiji
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I’ve been to 81 countries, all seven continents, and visited the seven wonders of the world. I live now in Sydney, Australia, but I’ve also lived in Japan, New Zealand, Greece, Cambodia and the USA. When I moved away from my native USA, I felt it was risky. Today, I’m happier than ever and have made achievements beyond my wildest dreams.
Japan is my favorite country. The Japanese are the kindest people. The country is so unique, clean and safe. They are known for innovative, efficient processes. Their food is my favorite! I am proud to say that I’ve lived in Japan. Tell us what has happened in your life since receiving Davenport’s Young Alumni Award five years ago. Since receiving the Young Alumni Award, I’ve visited 58 more countries and saw all seven continents in 2016 alone. I’ve worked for a few large, global manufacturing companies as well as with international governments analyzing foreign exchange rates. Tell us why you chose DU. How did DU influence your decision on the path you’ve chosen? I chose Davenport University when I graduated from Sparta High School (2003) because Davenport teaches business with excellence.
I loved the flexibility of being able to take courses both in-person as well as online. The professors are experienced and approachable. The Business Professionals of America organization, advised by faculty Ron Draayer and Deb Kiss, gave me my first glimpse into the business world. I competed through BPA in the category of Entrepreneurship, taking first place in Michigan and competing at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California in 2004. Davenport gave me opportunities and experiences that grew my résumé, catapulting me into working for some tremendous companies. What are some of the jobs you’ve held? I’ve worked in financial management for Hershey’s Chocolates, M&M/ Mars, Kellogg’s, and other food and pharmaceutical companies around the world, holding the job titles of supply chain finance director, factory manager, plant controller, cost accounting manager and foreign currency analyst.
Talk about your family values. Despite living the furthest time zone away from my family, I still manage to talk to my family and friends in the US quite often via phone call, text message or social media. I just married a woman along a beach in Australia. She’s a dual citizen of Australia and Ireland. We would like to continue traveling with our children someday, to teach them about inequality and how to make the world a better place. We’re taking two honeymoons—one in Thailand/Vietnam, then a couple months later, we’re traveling through Uganda/ Rwanda/Zimbabwe/Zambia/South Africa. How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as someone who was obsessed with achieving dreams and successfully taking risks. I’ve made sacrifices in my life. I am hopeful that I will inspire others through my journey.
What is your dream job? It would be a dream to be president of the United Nations. I would love to be in a better position to stop war, preach global peace and love, and be able to help those in need across the world. There’s a major imbalance of wealth and living conditions worldwide. Some humans are born in amazing places with a support system around them, while others are born in extremely poor, wartorn places with no support to help them reach their potential.
If you’d like to connect with Bultman, send him an email: B B U LT M A N @ G M A I L . C O M
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FEATURE
Advisor turned author Flexibility: George Watt flexed his education to shape a or the past four years, George Watt diverse career makes an annual visit to Midland to
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take in a Great Lakes Loons game with family and reunite with his fellow students, alums and coworkers. Watt has many ties to Davenport University, as a student, an employee and an alum. He received his associate’s degree at Great Lakes College, and then his bachelor’s degree and postgraduate certificate from Davenport. Watt recalls, “Looking back now at my chances of earning a degree, I knew I had everything working against me. I was a first generation student with a low high school GPA and ACT score, I wasn’t eligible for scholarships and I was working while attending school.” Watt overcame the obstacles and was so impressed with his time as a student that he then came to work for Davenport. Watt was an academic advisor at both the Grand Rapids and Midland campuses for ten years.
George Watt with two of his published books
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“Having so many life experiences has made me a better advisor to my students. I had a rough time starting college. I’ve worked in banks, retail and the hotel industry. I know what it’s like to go back to school and put yourself through college.” Since his time as a student, Watt has made many transformations, remaining agile and flexible in his choices. He moved to Alabama in 2014 to be an academic advisor for the University of Alabama—Huntsville. Watt received a master’s in military history and organizational management and a post graduate certificate in human resources. He’s also undergone a body transformation by losing over 165 pounds, taken up hiking for recreation, and written and published four books. “Along with history, writing is a passion of mine. I’ve recently combined them both with a children’s historical fiction book. I’m also working on submitting my next book to a publisher,” Watt explains.
“Another passion of mine is living a healthy life. I’ve worked five years toward my weight loss and it’s been through healthy choices and an active lifestyle that I’ve kept the weight off. Now I am able to hike trails to some breathtaking historical sites here in Alabama.” Wherever life takes Watt there’s a theme throughout his journey: to be a lifelong learner, whether it’s through his schooling, writing, faith, guitar lessons or work. “There’s a saying that Davenport instilled in me, ‘Make a living, make a life, make a contribution’. I’ve always tried to live my life that way.” Watt explains, “My bachelor’s degree has been the turning point in my career. It opened doors which led to new jobs and new opportunities. I never thought a kid like me with a high school GPA of 2.0 could be a college graduate, let alone have two master’s degrees as well as writing and publishing my own books.”
“There’s a saying that Davenport instilled in me, ‘Make a living, make a life, make a contribution’. I’ve always tried to live my life that way.” G E O R G E W AT T
After: George on a hike at a Civil War site
Before: George before his weight loss transformation DU DUReview Review 21
ALUMNI
10/6 Detroit Tailgate
Alumni events & activities The Alumni Association offers many opportunities to explore new cities and activities with fellow Panthers. We invite you to uncover the countless ways to stay connected to DU through alumni events and activities. 7/16 West Michigan Alumni Golf Outing
7/20 Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Outing
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9/22 Traverse City Summer Wine Down
9/29 Homecoming Tailgate 10/14 Robinettes Event
Attend or organize an event in your area D A V E N P O R T. E D U / ALUMNI/EVENTS
7/26 Young Alumni Council White Caps Outing
8/4 Great Lakes Loons Baseball Outing
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DU Class Notes
PROFESSIONAL
Brittany Edwards, ’18 MM, works at State of Michigan in Lansing, MI.
George T. Bailey, ’18 BBA, works at Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids, MI.
Elaine Fedewa, ’04 AAS, ’06 BBA, is an office manager at Born Clinic in Kentwood, MI.
Daniel Baker, ’17 MBA, is a mortgage loan manager at 4Front Credit Union in Traverse City, MI and named Traverse City Business News 40 Under 40.
Dean Frowen, ’08 AAS, is an owner and partner at D and D Custom Painting LLC in Detroit, MI.
Brian Behler, ’03 BAS, is a first general manager at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Grand Rapids, MI. Evelyne Belizaire-Leal, ’03 AS, is a director of human resources at Teach Enterprises/Century Foam in Elkhart, MI. Stephanie Blanco, ’97 AS, ’99 BAS, is a partner at John Kasperek Co., Inc. in Calumet City, IL. Melissa Bracey, ’91, is an office manager at Midland Engine, Inc. in Midland, Michigan.
Stacey Gardner, ’11 BBA, is a research compliance specialist at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. Quinton Adkins, ’16 MBA, is a project manager at Custer Inc. in Kalamazoo, MI. Renee Courier-Aumock, ’16 is a senior program officer at the Great Lakes Bay College & Career Resource Center at the Bay Area Community Foundation (correction from the Summer 2018 DU Review article).
Melissa Browne, ’16 BBA, works at State of Michigan in Lansing, MI.
Sara Czachorski, ’16 BBA, is a concierge agent at Aspire Marketing in Texas.
Valerie Byrnes, ’06 BAS, is a business retention and development manager at Cereal City Development Corporation in Battle Creek, MI.
Elena Davidova, ’16 BS, is an information technology project coordinator at State of Michigan in Lansing, MI.
Dr. Alysen Carter, ’10 MBA, is a doctor at Mountain Region Family Practice in Gate City, VA.
Angela Ditmar, ’02 BAS, ’06 MBA, is president of Spectrum Health Pennock in Grand Rapids, MI.
Daniel Castaneda, ’05 AAS, is a supervisor at Aptar Midland in Midland, MI.
Cynthia Dodd, ’18 BS, is a paralegal and office manager at Reed & Glovick, PLC in Greenville, MI.
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Becky Gschwind, ’18 Graduate Certificate, is a human resource analyst at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI. Drew Happie, ’10 ABA, 10 BBA, is an auto claims supervisor at Farmers Insurance in Caledonia, MI.
Heather Hess, ’17 MBA, is a director of human resources at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, MI.
CLASS NOTES
Tamika Miller, ’12 ABA, ’12 BBA, is a vice president and auditor at Citibank in Texas.
Kat Paye, ’14 BBA, is the executive director of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI and named Traverse City Business News 40 Under 40.
Chris Milliron, ’13 MBA, is chief lending officer at TBA Credit Union in Traverse City, MI and named Traverse City Business News 40 Under 40. Kristina Morgan, ’08 BBA, ’17 MBA, is a department manager at Wayne County. Paul Murphy, ’18 MBA, works at Farmers Insurance in Caledonia, MI. Larissa Karimwabo, ’11 BBA, ’17 MBA, was named Up-and-Coming Meeting Professional in the 2018 Michigan M+E Hall of Fame.
Martha Hutson, ’90 AAS, ’96 BBA, is a counter attendant at The Clothes Basket in Paw Paw, MI.
Leandra Nisbet, ’08 BBA, ’12 MBA, is owner of Stingray Advisory Group LLC in Grand Rapids, MI and named 40 under 40 in the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Dr. Bilal Mushtaq, ’12 MBA, is a Chief Medical Officer at Harmony Healthcare in Tampa, FL.
Jenny Knapp, ’17 AAS, is an OP coder at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.
Rosendo Rocha Jr., ’00 BBA, is a bilingual claims specialist at Social Security Administration in Holland, MI.
Julie Kreinbring, ’95 BBA, is EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at Zeal Credit Union in Livonia, MI.
Jamie Rusnell, ’13 BBA, is a new agent at Real Estate One-Randolph office in Traverse City, MI.
Jeff Lumpp, ’13 MBA, is President at Hylant Group Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI and named 40 under 40 in the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Eric Schichl, ’92 BBA, is a fresh cap one at Walmart Woodhaven in Detroit, MI. Megan Schrotenboer, ’18 BSN, is a registered nurse at Borgess Health in Kalamazoo, MI.
Daphne Mannino, ’18 BBA, is a nanny at Care.com DuAnne Masselink, ’92 AS, ’94 BBA, ’04 MBA, is a teaching and learning coordinator at Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI.
Roger Markham, ’06 BBA, is a field agent at Knights of Columbus in Gaylord, MI. DU Review
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DU Class Notes
NancyJean Schwall, ’02 BAS, is a substitute teacher at Traverse City Area Public Schools in Traverse City, MI. Joshua Scripko, ’18 BBA, is an accountant at RedViking in Plymouth, MI. David Slagh, ’18 BS, is an information technology help desk at Alliance Beverage Distributing in Grand Rapids, MI. Victoria Sund, ’88 AS, is a quality director at Baldwin Family Health Care in Baldwin, MI. Sybrant Walt, ’18 MACC, is a property accountant at Extra Space Storage in Salt Lake City, UT. Zack Watts, ’16 BBA, is an accountant at US LBM.
David Wolters, ’94 AS, ’98 BBA, is retired from H.J. Heinz. Jennifer Woodard, ’09 BBA, ’16 MBA, is an income tax administrator at City of Grand Rapids.
ENGAGEMENT AND MARRIAGES Carter Heminger ’17 BBA & Courtenay Tafel ’17 BBA, got engaged on September 15, 2018.
IN MEMORIAM Gerald Dekkinga, ’55, passed away on June 24. Romer Ferguson, ’95 BBA, passed away on September 11.
Karen Haney, ’90 Certificate, passed away on July 19. Steven Hanson, ’10 BBA, passed away on July 17. Teresa Keyton, ’97 AAS, passed away on August 25. Paul Krupp, ’76 AS, passed away on September 1. Betty LaCroix, ’60 AS, passed away on July 20. Mary Ponte, ’05 Diploma, passed away on June 30. Janice Roy, ’88 AS, passed away on August 18. Josh Spencer, ’96 BBA, passed away on July 11.
KEEP IN TOUCH! Share news with your fellow alumni by updating your alumni records. We know exciting things are happening to our graduates around the world, and we want to share! Email us at alumni@davenport.edu or visit davenport.edu/ classnotes DUAlumni
Corey Scaturro, ’18 BBA, is an inside sales associate at Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx in Minneapolis, MN (front row, third from the left). 26
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Exploring summer learning
STEM
Davenport University offers camps for children and teens NURSING
Starting in June, Davenport University’s campuses across the state host camps for junior and high school students around important academic and career opportunities including STEM, Computer Science, Forensics, Math and Nursing. Look for new opportunities to be available for registration in May.
STEM NURSING
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6191 Kraft Avenue SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
Save the Date EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS GALA Peter C. Cook Award Honoree Mike VanGessel Chief Executive Officer Rockford Construction
Featured Guest Speaker Coach John Beilein Head Basketball Coach University of Michigan
M AY
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Friday, May 17, 2019 DeVos Place Grand Rapids, Michigan davenport.edu/eib