DU Review - Fall 2006

For Alumni and Friends of Davenport University

Fall 2006

Davenport Make a living. Make a life. Make a contribution.SM

New Beginning Start of academic year filled with promise

U N I V E R S I T Y M a g a z ine

COVER STORY

Davenport U N I V E R S I T Y M a g a z ine Volume 7, Number 3

Message from the President

Contents 2 Message from

the President

3 Cover Story 7 Advancement News 10 Alumni News 15 Class Notes Davenport University Magazine 415 East Fulton Grand Rapids MI 49503 If you receive more than one copy of this magazine, please pass it along to a friend.

Editor Marc Longstreet Executive Director of University Communications Contributing Photographer Jeff Dykehouse Designer Paul Stoub Stoub Graphics, LLC

On the cover: DU students at the main campus go back to school.

Randolph K. Flechsig

New Beginning

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nticipation never has been higher at the start of any academic year. We begin not only a new school year but truly a new era for Davenport University. For the first time in our history we have admission standards that will help ensure we admit prepared students who have the potential to succeed in our classrooms and graduate to promising careers. Admission standards also assure our alumni that DU graduates will continue to be top-flight professionals ready to succeed and join them in a dynamic economy.

This fall we introduce a number of new degrees, including biometric security, computer gaming and simulation, health information management, and our honors accounting program – all designed to provide the most relevant and in-demand skills for our graduates to launch rewarding career paths.

This is the second year for our new main campus in Grand Rapids; it seems like yesterday that we opened this wonderful new learning environment. We are welcoming a class of bright and talented high school graduates along with new students looking to advance in their career by returning to college. This year’s freshman class at the Lettinga main campus includes more than 300 graduates from the high school class of 2006 — more than 100 of whom qualified for the prestigious Lettinga Campus Charter Scholarship.

We also are committed to raising standards for offering students a rich college experience — student life — outside the classroom. We believe the totality of academics and student life is integral for a well rounded higher education experience. We are opening our second residence hall on the main campus this fall, which raises our on-campus resident population to nearly 190.

New Beginning

Our numerous business clubs and the DU Panthers sport teams will prepare to defend their standings in national business competitions, conference athletic championships and our national rankings. We expect a growing list of students will again distinguish DU through the participation and leadership in business competition and to achieving academic all-American status.

This new academic year is a reflection of the dawn of a new day for a Davenport University that is designed to continue our growth in stature and quality. Our new programs and growing main campus coupled with an outreach strategy that offers program locations throughout Michigan and northern Indiana now make access to a high quality Davenport education better than ever. New and returning students are part of this exciting time.

We strive to continue offering them an outstanding value for their investment. An affordable private education offers smaller class size, a personal learning environment, and advising that focuses on getting students to graduation. Our students are investing in their future, with a return on investment of becoming prepared for prosperous careers.

Sincerely,

Start of academic year filled with promise

A second residence hall welcomed students to the main campus this fall.

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he start of another academic year is filled with promise. This year in particular demonstrates our commitment to serving students with quality and our goal of helping them start, stay and succeed.

The right start Success depends on the right start. This year Davenport University introduced admission standards for the first time in its

Davenport University Magazine

Fall 2006

history. We are admitting students whose prior academic performance demonstrates their potential to succeed in a university curriculum. Admission requirements include a standardized test score (ACT, SAT, or Compass) and GPA that indicates a student is prepared for higher education. Admission standards support our ultimate goal of graduation.

Fall 2006

(continued on page 4) Davenport University Magazine

Recipients of the Lettinga Campus Charter Scholarship are looking forward to a great freshman year at the main campus.

New Beginning (continued from p. 3) A positive learning environment More of these prepared students will be attending our new main campus in Grand Rapids. About 150 of them will be 2006 high school graduates who received our Lettinga Campus Charter Scholarships, which require either an ACT score of 23 or 3.4 GPA, and fund four years of tuition.

Our main campus also has grown physically with the addition of a second, fivestory residence hall that can house 110 students.

A rewarding experience We have strengthened our commitment to Student Life programs that encourage

Davenport University Magazine

students to stay in school by helping them feel at home in college and experience a rich campus life. Our new executive director of Student Life and her staff will offer students activities such as clubs, social events, volunteer activities, and intramural sports.

Winning in class and at play We also have expanded our athletics program with the addition of a girl’s volleyball team. More academically talented athletes are choosing DU, and they are looking forward to building on last year’s season, when two DU teams won conference championships.

Fall 2006

Meaningful majors To help students succeed, DU is continuing its tradition of introducing degrees that anticipate in-demand careers. This fall we introduced biometric security, one of the first of its kind in the nation. Biometric security relies on physical characteristics to authenticate a person’s identity — a strong deterrent to identity theft. Other hot degrees this fall are computer gaming and simulation, public safety and security, health information management, governance and leadership, and an honors accounting program.

Kristen Morin (right), new executive director of Student Life, speaks with students at the main campus. A renewed Student Life effort at the main campus will help students have a more rewarding college experience.

Women’s BASKETBALL

Lady Panthers lead nation in GPA

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he WBCA (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association) announced that our Lady Panthers basketball team’s 3.613 combined grade point average for the 2005/06 season was the highest among all National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics schools in the nation.

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Davenport University Magazine

ADVANCEMENT NEWS

“Fred believed strongly in making a difference in the lives of others. His warm, positive outlook on life and his belief in living it to the fullest will be greatly missed.”

—Barbara Mieras

In Tribute Jim Stephanak, publisher of Business Review and The Kalamazoo Gazette, presents the Innovation Award to Reid Gough.

Davenport University Magazine

Innovation Award recognizes academic quality

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U’s academic quality was on display when the University’s biometric security program received a Business Review Western Michigan Innovation Award. Reid Gough, dean of the School of Technology, accepted the business publication’s award on behalf of DU. More than 200 organizations applied, and Davenport was one of only eight Innovation Award winners.

Fall 2006

Fred E. Vandenberg 1932-2006

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red Vandenberg, a wonderful friend to Davenport University, passed away on June 29 at the age of 74.

He was a valued member of the University’s board of trustees and was chairman of the board for many years. He and his wife, Gretchen, endowed the Fred and Gretchen Vandenberg Scholarship and generously contributed to the University’s Foundation since its founding in 1982.

“Fred was a real asset to the community in giving of his time and talents,” said Wilbur A. Lettinga, a friend of more than 30 years who partnered in business ventures with Mr. Vandenberg and served with him on Davenport University’s and other boards. “He was so much more than a business associate. He and Gretchen and Sharon and I enjoyed many personal times traveling to various places and serving on local community events. His presence will be missed by all.”

“Fred had a passion for Davenport University that made a difference,” said University President Randolph Flechsig, “and we are blessed to have been in his heart. Fred’s being a part of Davenport was more than

about stewardship and governance. He loved the students and marveled at their potential. His passion has left an indelible legacy that has become a part of the fabric of the school. We will miss him, but he will always be with us.”

“Fred was an inspiration to me and many others,” said Rami Fawaz, a member of DU’s governing board of trustees. “His dedication to Davenport motivated me to get more involved. His wisdom encouraged me to look at things from different perspectives. His humor was to be envied. He could make me laugh during the most intense conversations. Fred, I’ll miss you. God bless you and your family.”

“Fred was a wonderful man and longtime supporter of Davenport University,” said Barbara Mieras, executive vice president for advancement. “Many of Fred’s family members and friends told me he loved Davenport. Fred believed strongly in making a difference in the lives of others. His warm, positive outlook on life and his belief in living it to the fullest will be greatly missed.”

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Davenport University Magazine

Save the date!

Sixth Annual Foundation Scholarship Dinner Tuesday, October 3, 2006 Mark your calendar for the sixth annual Foundation Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, October 3, 2006, at Egypt Valley Country Club. This event is a wonderful opportunity Jean Luoma, Bridget Blodgett, Beverly Sprygada, and Julie Behmlander

for scholarship donors to

Chad Diegel, Betsy Diegel, Di Leser, Dave MurphyBehmlander

meet student recipients. For

Students are real winners

more information or to make reservations, please contact

Saginaw golf classic supports scholarships

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Stephanie Hehl at 616-233-3414 or 866-248-0012.

avenport students are the real winners today,” said Craig Goslin at the trophy presentation for the fourth annual Tri-County Davenport Scholarship Golf Classic (DSGC) on July 17. “We are happy to support them through the DSGC,” added the owner-partner and vice president of the Saginaw Spirit. More than

$50,000 has been added to student scholarships since the outing started in 2003.

The mercury rose to the mid-90s and the breeze whipped up before the foursomes finished at the Sawmill Golf Club in Saginaw.

The women’s champion team was Julie Behmlander, Bridget Blodget, Jean Louma, and Beverly Sprygada. The open class champion foursome was Mike Crane, Ben

Denay, Mike Dicken, and Craig Goslin.

“Other than brisk winds knocking down our putting contest pavilion tent, the day was awesome,” said Alicia Shawl, who led a group of nine DU staff members who volunteered to coordinate the event. Watch for information about the date and location for next year’s outing.

Excellence in Business Dinner Gala Friday, October 13, 2006

Sponsors of our Scholarship Golf Classic 2006 in Grand Rapids

Scholarship Donor’s Corner

THANK YOU! Beverage Sponsor West Side Beer Driving Range Sponsor GunnLevine Architects Putting Green Sponsor Lumbermen’s Inc. Prize Sponsor Richard and Louise Zeeff Regal Limousine Servie/Kevin Olney Whispering Springs Water

Hole Sponsor McDonald Plumbing Hi-Tec Building Services WXMI Fox 17 Northwestern Mutual Maple Hill Golf Course McGraw-Hill Henry Bouma Jr. and Carolyn Bouma Foundation Kentland Corporation Metro Health McCarty Communications Lettinga & Associates LLC – CPA’s Pin Flag Sponsor Seif Chevrolet

Horizons Conference Center Saginaw, Michigan

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Fall 2006

Scholarship contributors are vital to the future success of our students. Scholarships are an incentive for many students to work harder because someone cared enough to make a gift toward their education. This vote of confidence also instills the importance of giving back, so they feel compelled to help the next generation of DU students.

Scholarship donors offer much more than financial assistance. They provide opportunities and build a mindset that shapes communities into strong systems of support.

Thank you to all scholarship contributors for the commitment you make to our students!

For more information on DU Foundation scholarships, please contact Stephanie Hehl at 616-233-3414 or toll-free at 866-248-0012.

Reception – 6:30 p.m.

Dinner – 7:00 p.m.

All proceeds benefit Davenport University Foundation scholarship funds

Honoring Spence Maidlow

CEO of the Covenant HealthCare System 2006 Recipient of the Wallace J. Bronner Excellence in Business Award

For more information, contact Kevin Schultz, 1.800.968.4860 or 989.835.5588

Guest Speaker Dick Vitale

ESPN college basketball analyst Fall 2006

Davenport University Magazine

ALUMNI NEWS 2006 – 2007 Alumni Calendar of Events

DU at D-ZOO

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he first annual “DU at D-Zoo” alumni outing was held on a picture-perfect Saturday, June 24, at the Detroit Zoo. Another Davenport Panther strobe button seemed to light up at every turn, making it easy to recognize another one of the nearly 200 Davenport alums, students, staff and friends who enjoyed the sold-out event.

Guests gathered for the live animal exhibits, a picnic lunch, ice cream and popcorn and activities including face-painting, tie-dyeing, a turn at the prize wheel – and great Davenport camaraderie. It was truly a day to be remembered.

We hope to see you at “D-Zoo” next year. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 23, 2007!

September 2006

March 2007

30 Alumni Tailgater Grand Rapids

Enjoy food and camaraderie at the outdoor tailgate party and cheer the 2005 WHAC Conference champion men’s as well as the women’s soccer teams as they take on Madonna University.

TBD Graduation Salutes Grand Rapids – W.A. Lettinga Campus, Dearborn, Midland and Warren locations

Congratulate the significant accomplishments of Davenport’s class of 2007 as they prepare for graduation.

It’s a great way to welcome our newest graduates into the alumni ranks while reliving your own memories.

October 2006

Mortgage Boot Camp with Rock Financial, a Quicken Loans Company

4 Dearborn Location 5 Grand Rapids – W.A. Lettinga Campus

Learn all the basics you need to know to purchase or refinance your #1 investment, your home!

10 Alumni Tailgater Dearborn

Support DU’s newest athletic program, the women’s volleyball team, as they travel near our SE Michigan locations to take on the University of Michigan Dearborn and enjoy the pre-game tailgate party.

27 Davenport Alumni Day Grand Rapids – Patterson Ice Center

Don’t miss the action at the indoor tailgate party and homecoming hockey game where the Davenport Panthers face-off against the Michigan State Spartans. All alumni, students, staff and friends are welcome to D.U.’s largest alumni event and one of our finest and most fun traditions!

April 2007 27 Alumni Awards Banquet Grand Rapids – Amway Grand Plaza & Hotel

Celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Davenport’s most distinguished and notable graduates at this yearly event.

May 2007 TBD Commencements June 2007 23 D.U. at D-Zoo Royal Oak – Detroit Zoological Institute

Alumni and students will be meeting at the Detroit Zoo for a day of family fun and camaraderie. Enjoy the live animal exhibits and meet in the DU tent for a picnic lunch and family activities such as face-painting, tie-dyeing and more!

Seminars October 4–5

December 2006 6 Alumni Tailgater South Bend, IN

Support DU’s men’s basketball team as they travel near our northern-Indiana locations to battle Indiana University South Bend. Come early for the pre-game tailgate party.

Guests partaking in the tie-dye station

11 Chicago Alumni and Friends Reception Chicago, IL – Downtown Sheraton Hotel

Chicago area alumni and friends are invited to reconnect with their former classmates and learn the latest about Davenport at this informal reception.

February 2007 3 Tri-Cities Area Alumni Outing at the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Game Saginaw – Dow Event Center

Help the Alumni team keep their claim on the coveted Challenge Cup by participating in all of the exciting alumni vs. students competitions during the game as well as the pre-game party.

Jacqueline Koernoelje, ‘98 and guest show off the results of the face-painting station

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Student Tiffany Doxie and family take in the sights.

Fall 2006

23 Florida Alumni and Friends Reception Bonita Springs, FL

Florida area alumni and friends are invited to reconnect at this wonderful gathering.

Presented by Davenport University and Home Loan Benefit Program.

• • • •

Learn about: The home financing process Improving your credit score Buying versus renting Refinancing a mortgage

Sign up today!

Call 800-226-6308 ext. 55629 email MarniRaitt@QuickenLoans.com Wed., Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m.

Davenport University-Dearborn Room 103 Thurs., Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Davenport University-Lettinga Meeting Hall A and B

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Volunteer for alumni events Reconnect and get involved!

Here are a couple of the most fun and rewarding ways.

Alumni Panel Discussions Marketing, management, accounting, network security, and computer information systems graduates are needed for Alumni Panel Discussions. Share with incoming freshmen your professional expertise and insight about how Davenport prepared you for your career. Volunteers can take pride in helping put a fledgling student on the right career path!

Davenport Alumni Day Friday, October 27, 2006 Patterson Ice Center, Grand Rapids Davenport Alumni Day is DU’s largest alumni event and is quickly becoming one of our finest and most fun traditions!

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the action by helping with the indoor tailgate party. We need volunteers to help greet and register attendees as well as to staff contests and activities during the pre-game party and throughout the entire homecoming hockey game.

Complete an online volunteer application by visiting www. davenport.edu/alumni and clicking the volunteering option.

For more information, call Susan Proctor at (616) 233-3408, (866) 248-0012 or e-mail her at susan.proctor@davenport.edu.

Honor a classmate In less than a minute you can change the life of a DU student.

Visit giving.davenport.edu Make a living. Make a life. Make a contribution.

University Advancement (866) 248-0012

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Do you know of a former classmate whose significant professional achievements and community service are deserving of great recognition? Then share their story of success by nominating them for a 2007 Davenport University alumni award.

The Alumni Association, at its annual Alumni Awards Banquet, recognizes alums who exemplify the Davenport University motto — “Make a living. Make a life. Make a contribution.” Presentation of the 2007 awards are scheduled for April 27 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Davenport graduate, and the Hy Berkowtiz Professional Excellence Award, honoring an individual who has overcome significant academic, career or personal challenges to excel in their profession and community, are currently being accepted.

Fill out an on-line application by visiting www.davenport. edu/alumni and clicking on the Awards tab, or request a paper form at 866.248.0012 or alumni@davenport.edu. All nominations must be received by October 6.

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CLASS NOTES ALUMNI VOICE

Robin A. Cleveland, President, Alumni Board of Directors

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hope everyone had a great summer!

As we do several times a year in the Midwest, it’s time to transition to a new season. It’s safe to say that transitions are a way of life and, similar to the way a business moves from start-up to operations, the Davenport University Alumni Board of Directors is experiencing a transition as well.

The University-wide Alumni Association and its Board of Directors was conceptualized in 2001 with a group of stakeholders called the Alumni Association Vision Team.

From there, the Alumni Board of Directors was selected, and the Alumni Association began to take shape.

Today, the Alumni Board of Directors consists of 23 board members, led by me as president, Mike Zumbaugh as vice president, and Juana Mooring as secretary. Our four standing committees and their four

Career Updates chairpersons do everything from advising the association on its fund-raising and developing ideas for events to finding the best ways to communicate with our alums.

When the board initially formed, we had the task of developing the optimum way to structure the Alumni Association to best serve the University. We are discussing what now must change as we grow the association and move it forward into the future. We are looking at a number of initiatives to help engage our fellow alumni and encourage recent DU graduates to become active in the Alumni Association.

We welcome your ideas and encourage you to call the alumni office at 1-866-2480012 toll free to let us know what we can do to enhance your experience as a member of the Davenport University Alumni Association!

Recently married?

New baby in the family?

Promotion at work?

Address _ _____________________________________________________________________________

Please keep your alumni records updated and share news with your fellow alumni.

Class Year ________________ Major _______________________________________________________

Send this form to: Alumni News Davenport University 415 East Fulton Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or e-mail: alumni@davenport.edu

Name ________________________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________State _____________ Zip _ ________________ Phone ______________________________________E-mail __________________________________

Campus you attended _ ___________________________________________________________________ News:_ _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Frank Bell, ’89 management, was recently promoted to general superintendent of OwenAmes-Kimball Company for Charlotte County, FL. Sandra Densham, ’92 general business, recently joined the Grand Rapids, MI law offices of Plunkett & Cooney, P.C. after passing the bar exam. Sandra previously worked for over 20 years in the U.S. Department of Justice. She earned her Law Degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Alicia Villarreal, ’97 international business, is executive director of Latino Family Services in Detroit, MI. Alicia was recently named to the Detroit nonprofit Community Legal Resources board of directors.

Lexi Welch, ’99 management, earned her MBA in leadership from Baker College Center for Graduate Studies on January 6, 2006, and will begin doctoral studies this fall.

Michelle D. Foreman, ’00 business studies, earned her Graduate Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix Online in January 2006. She is currently a kindergarten teacher in the Stafford Municipal School District.

Anne (Buxton) Meehan, ’92 accounting, recently accepted a position as account executive for Robert Half Management Resources in Grand Rapids, MI. She is responsible for the recruiting and placement of senior level accounting and finance professionals on a project or interim basis and works with consultants and organizations throughout Michigan. Anne recently was employed at Pinika LLC as Vice President of Finance.

Felicia Streeter, ’01 strategic management, is co-founder, managing partner and operations manager of The Streeter Group, a modular construction company, in Desoto, TX.

Laurie Ayers, ’95 general business, is proud to announce the opening of her mobile self-defense business, LA Self Defense, for which she is the lead self defense instructor.

She provides women’s self defense workshops throughout West Michigan. Laurie recently was employed by the Department of Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Officer.

Lori Haskell, ’03 business studies, earned a Juris Doctorate in Law from Wayne State University Law School on May 15, 2006. She will take the bar exam in July 2006, and is currently working for Haskell Law Firm, PLC, in Taylor, MI.

Victor Yuditsky, ’01 accounting CPA, is president and health insurance agent for Everest Investments, LLC in Bloomfield Hills, MI which provides health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses.

Christopher Loring, ’04 management, recently accepted a position as management analyst/security specialist in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy located in The Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Nathan Dean, ’05 applied business, recently began a new career in the non-profit sector by accepting the position of museum manager at Benzie Area Historical Museum located in Benzonia, MI. The museum houses exhibits featuring Pulitzer Prize winning author Bruce Catton and the lumber car ferry industries. Nathan was previously employed at The2Buds Inc as a shipping assistant.

Damita Ferguson, ’05 practical nursing, recently accepted a position as a charge nurse with Henry Ford Village in Dearborn, MI. She expects to earn her registered nursing degree from Davenport in December 2006.

Brenda Jenkins, ’05 management, is President/CEO and founder of ARIEL Connections in Royal Oak, MI, which provides “relationship solutions to organizations that value people” through consultation services, motivational speaking and workshop facilitation. Brenda was accepted as a professional member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) in July.

Births Thomas R. Maxwell, ’03 strategic management, and his wife Sara, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Samantha. Samantha was born on April 28, 2006.

The couple celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in August.

Christopher Loring, ’04 management, and Amy Loring are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Ava Rose. She was born on November 24, 2005 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Raina Brown, ’05 finance, is an account executive with State Farm Insurance Company in Charlotte, NC. In addition, she recently started her own company, Health O Licious, which provides healthy, nutritious and delicious snacks for State Farm’s custom vending machines.

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Davenport Alumni Day Friday, october 27, 2006

5:30 pm—Indoor Tailgate Party: Enjoy complimentary food, music, activities and chances to win great prizes!

7:00 pm—Homecoming Hockey Game: Cheer on the Davenport Panthers as they face off against the Michigan State Spartans.

Patterson Ice Center • 2550 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids, MI Tickets for the game are available at the arena box office $4 for adults, $2 for students and children Please RSVP by October 18, 2006, to www.davenport.edu/alumniday or call Heidi toll free at 866.248.0012

415 E Fulton Grand Rapids MI 49503 www.davenport.edu

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Grand Rapids MI, Permit No. 758