DU Review - Vol. 21, Spring 2022

Review

Davenport University

Spring

2022

Charting a new path Helping first-generation students reach their academic and personal goals

PG. 10 Students provide free tax help

PG. 16 Honorary degree recipient

PG. 19 International student athletes

In This Issue

Review

Spring 2022 | Volume 21

The DU Review is designed and published

by Davenport University

University News

02 |

A message from the president

10 |

Tax season is a win-win Students provide free tax help to West Michigan low-income individuals and families

19 |

Charting a new path Davenport programming supports first-generation students

Executive Director of Development Ana Doonan

Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement Whitney Enge Marketing & Communications

A team united Men’s soccer team frequented by international students

Executive Vice President Deb Cooper Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations Amy Miller

Giving & Alumni

13 |

Scholarship program opens doors

16 |

A foundation for life

23 |

Executive Vice President Rachel Render

Executive Director of Advancement Operations Laura Macka

Features

05 |

Advancement

First-generation alumnus profile

Director of Content Marketing and Communications Kristen Tobert Sr. Art Director Ben Huff

An honorary alumna story

Project Manager Danielle Wolf

Why I give

Have something to add? Share your thoughts and images on one of our social media platforms.

DavenportU

DavenportU

Davenport University

davenportuniversity

davenport.edu/DUreview

A message from the president Spring marks a time of renewal. It’s a time when we all get a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of energy. This spring, Davenport received news that has also reenergized our team: a request to be one of seven organizations nationwide to receive a site visit from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

This is an incredible honor, as it is recognition that the diligence with which we tackle our work, track performance, and make marked improvement as an organization positions us among the highest-performing universities in the country. To earn a site visit in your first year of application is very rare, and it validates the herculean work of this organization to drive operational effectiveness and improve student outcomes.

While we weren’t among those selected for the final honor, I am proud of this university and its work to improve graduation rates, graduate satisfaction and ensure students earn the career of their dreams.

Davenport’s graduation rates have improved by nearly 153% over the past decade, positioning our performance alongside most state universities. Further proof of our marked improvement over the years is that this year, 94% of Davenport students reported high satisfaction with their education and nearly 90% reported they landed a job in their chosen profession.

Through our Vision 2025, we have created key initiatives to drive equitable learning opportunities for individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.

In this issue, we highlight one of these initiatives, which is instrumental in helping students achieve academic and professional success: our First-Generation Student Success Initiative.

Davenport University has a wealth of incredible stories to share about the perseverance of our students and the dedicated staff, faculty, alumni and donors who are committed to helping them achieve success. The honor of being considered among this year’s national Malcolm Baldrige finalists is yet another example of the incredible work this organization is achieving to help change the trajectory of students’ lives and support the future economy of Michigan.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. President

DU Review

First-generation students make up nearly 40% of our student population. This means that neither of the student’s parents have earned a bachelor’s degree. Being a first-generation student comes with its challenges — acclimating to college life, understanding the rigors of studying, and managing finances. It also means they are more likely to drop out of college after the first year. With our new program, we are ensuring that they not only make it to year two, but also make it to graduation.

Davenport | 2

I want to thank Davenport’s talented faculty and staff for their hard work and diligence that made this honor a reality.

In this issue, we introduce our First-Generation Student Success Initiative director and one of our amazing students who is taking advantage of its resources.

We also share a story that highlights a free tax filing assistance program we offer as a service to our community, which also provides invaluable work experience for our students. You’ll also have a chance to meet one of our most senior alums, Mildred Laham, who was recently awarded an honorary degree at the age of 102.

“I want to thank Davenport’s talented faculty and staff for their hard work and diligence that made this honor a reality.”

Being an alum has its advantages Exclusive benefits from your Davenport Alumni Association • Access Davenport’s top talent • Mentor a student • Network at in-person events • Attend Davenport Dialogues — free webinar series featuring speakers from the Davenport community who are experts in their field talking about relevant topics in today’s world.

• Receive up to $8,000 annually toward your graduate degree

Visit davenport.edu/alumni/resources to learn more.

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS GALA 2022 An evening to support student scholarships

Join us for an exclusive conversation with the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush

& President George W. Bush

in honor of Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award winner, J.C. Huizenga

DeVos Place | Thursday, May 26, 2022 DeVos Place | Friday, October 22, 2021 Sponsorships and tickets available at davenport.edu/eib

Features Davenport | 5

Charting a new path

DU Review

Helping firstgeneration students reach their academic and personal goals

Features

For Aniesha Loupe, choosing to attend college was intimidating. It took courage.

As a first-generation student — a term for undergraduate students whose parents haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree — she didn’t have a lot of knowledge about what to expect from college.

“My biggest fear was how hard it would be to get acclimated to college life,” said Loupe, a senior from Lansing, Michigan, studying medical case management.

And as she plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health psychology before eventually opening her own private practice for therapy, it’s evident Loupe will only continue to find success throughout her journey.

Davenport | 6

Throughout her time at Davenport, where she served as a pack leader for Panther Prowl and president of ASPIRE, a student organization for women of color, that initial feeling of intimidation has turned into one of fulfillment, as she’s about to be the first in her family to earn a college degree — an achievement that’s also made her parents extremely proud.

Giving first-gen students the support they need Student success is at the core of Davenport’s mission to prepare students to achieve the highest levels of academic performance so that they can go on to excel and advance in their chosen career.

DU Review

Director of Student Transitions and Academic Readiness, Dr. Jodi Hicks, offers advice to students on academic success.

One of the greatest opportunities Davenport has to impact student success is to provide first-generation students, like Loupe, with tailored support and resources. Research shows more than half of firstgeneration students don’t graduate, in part because these individuals often face heightened barriers to academic success, including their background and socioeconomic status.

Features

In 2018, the Davenport University Office of Institutional Research fielded a study that uncovered Davenport students were experiencing similar challenges. The research revealed firstgeneration students were consistently retaining (the return rate of a student from one year to another) at a lower rate than the overall student body — a statistic that’s especially concerning as Davenport’s first-generation population makes up 37% of the total student body, which is higher than the national average of 33%.

Davenport | 7

As a result, a team of Davenport faculty and staff created an initiative to ensure first-generation students have the resources and support they need to overcome the challenges specific to them, like lacking a sense of belonging and high levels of anxiety.

The team, which is led by the director of student transitions and academic readiness, Dr. Jodi Hicks, aims to help first-generation students graduate

My biggest fear was how hard it would be to get acclimated to college life.

DU Review

— Aniesha Loupe, First-Generation Student

at the same rate as the rest of the student body. The university has set a goal to ensure at least 81% of its student population reaches graduation.

The only way the university is going to see those high retention rates is if it can successfully support firstgeneration students.

To accomplish this goal, the team established several interventions, the first of which, the First-Generation Peer Mentor Program, was piloted in late 2019. Through the program, each student is paired with a peer mentor to help navigate their education.

They’re also provided with additional resources to address the financial or emotional challenges unique to first-generation students. This pilot was funded by the M.E. Davenport Legacy Fund at Davenport University.

An intra-grant fund created by a gift from the M.E. Davenport Foundation to encourage and support the most innovative and anticipatory ideas in learning, leadership and achievement.

Hicks launched the pilot program with 24 students, and the results were extremely promising: 91% of those 24 students returned the next academic year, compared to the 69% retention rate of first-generation students who chose not to participate in the program.

“The blessed success of that initial peer mentoring program ultimately led to the birth of the First-Generation Student Success Initiative,” Hicks said.

Through the initiative, Davenport provides support services to firstgeneration students, offers continuous training to staff and faculty so they understand and address students' unique needs, offers additional scholarship support, and established a communication system for firstgeneration students and parents so that they understand the initiative’s services and opportunities.

In doing so, the First-Generation Student Success Initiative will help

Features

Davenport freshman, Kapelieli Moala, is a participant in the First-Generation Peer Mentor Program.

eliminate the equity gap that exists for first-generation students.

“Davenport is uniquely gifted, with over 60% of our faculty and staff being first-gen themselves, to help meet the vast needs of our first-gen students,” Hicks said. “Ultimately, this initiative will help our first-generation students retain and graduate at the same rate as our other students.”

The First-Generation Student Success Initiative’s current efforts include growing the peer mentoring program, which has expanded to all campuses and currently involves more than 70 students.

One of those peer mentors is Loupe, who started mentoring in 2020.

Moving forward, Hicks said the initiative has a number of goals it hopes to achieve, such as designating First-Gen Champions in all academic departments, developing student workshops geared toward things like study skills and financial aid, and recognizing first-generation graduates.

As the initiative grows and firstgeneration students continue to see increased support, Davenport’s efforts will have far-reaching effects.

“The beauty of this program is that we are not only supporting and celebrating first-generation students currently enrolled with us, but we also recognize the life-changing impact their success may ultimately have on their family and friends,” Hicks said.

As a faculty member, Hicks teaches achieving career and education success and sport psychology courses.

She also leads a student success presentation at all new student orientations. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting students to reach their educational and personal goals.

Hicks holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University and a doctorate in human services/counseling studies from Capella University. Her doctoral research focused on mentoring college students.

DU Review

“My favorite part is seeing them become less stressed out because they have extra support to gain university resources, as well as hearing about their growth as a student,” Loupe said. “I want first-generation students to know that they can use all of the resources that are available to them,

that they don’t have to go through college alone and that building a community will be one of the most important factors of their experience.”

Dr. Jodi Hicks has served Davenport University in many capacities over the years, including as assistant director of academic services; director of first-year experience; and, currently, director of student transitions and academic readiness. She also helps lead the university’s recently launched First-Generation Student Success Initiative. Hicks is chair of the athletic advisory board at Davenport and lead adviser for the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

Davenport | 8

Meet Dr. Jodi Hicks

The Davenport community would like to take this opportunity to thank the M.E. Davenport Foundation Board and the M.E. Davenport Legacy Fund Committee for encouraging and supporting faculty and staff in their innovative and inspiring ideas encompassing learning, leadership and achievement in higher education through the M.E. Davenport Foundation Innovation Endowed Fund.

Cheers to the following individuals for their continued support: M.E. Davenport Foundation Board

M.E. Davenport Legacy Fund Committee

Marcia Sneden, President Mary Sneden Sullivan, Secretary Caitlin Feeley, Trustee Robert Sullivan, Trustee William Sullivan, Trustee

Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, Chair Dr. Barbara Mieras Margaret (Peggy) Moceri Mary Sneden Sullivan Steve Wessell, MBA ’21

WIN-WIN

University News

TAX SEASON IS A

You wouldn’t normally describe tax season as a time of joy, but for Davenport and its accounting students, it is a season not only about accountability but also about community service.

Each year, Davenport University, the West Michigan VITA Collegiate Partnership and the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program partner with community groups to help families, seniors and people with disabilities file their tax returns, returning tax refunds and credits to those who need them most.

Davenport | 10 DU Review

University News

Last year, the VITA program helped more than 6,500 people receive nearly $8 million in tax returns and credits.

“This program is a win-win,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “It’s an opportunity for our students to provide community service while also learning valuable skills that align with their career goals.”

Davenport | 11

Scott Gumieny, professor at Davenport University and the Davenport VITA program site coordinator, is extremely proud of the students and faculty who run this program each year.

“Through this program, we can help individuals and families navigate what can be a very stressful event in their lives,” said Gumieny. “And there is nothing more powerful for students than to see that the knowledge and skills they are learning in the classroom have practical implications in the real world.”

Davenport University opened 10 tax assistance centers in February in Kent and Ottawa counties, with students and faculty providing low-income families and individuals assistance with their 2021 tax returns. This service is open to individuals and families earning $60,000 or less.

Gumieny anticipated needing to support more individuals this year, as many will have to file tax returns even if they haven’t had to in the past.

DU Review

He added, “Those with low income are required to file to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the tax credit

MEET SCOTT GUMIENY

from the 2021 stimulus payments or reconcile advance payments of the child tax credit.”

Gumieny and his students often provide advice through this program, and this year poses some unique challenges.

“We are hearing consistent questions from folks as they file their taxes this year,” said Gumieny. “Unemployment and taxes around the child tax credits are among the top concerns.”

Darryle Peiffer, a sophomore in the Davenport University and GRCC 3 plus 1 accounting transfer program, is one of the volunteers assisting families.

He credits the program for giving him practical experience that he can use to enhance his resume and take to his next role.

“I’ve learned through my classes and working with tutors that making sure to get real work experience is an important way to build your resume and prepare for the workforce,” Peiffer shared. “It’s also a great way to provide community service.”

Lien Nguyen, a sophomore accounting student at Davenport, shared that she loves to participate in the program because she finds the changing tax laws and rules interesting.

“Taxes are never boring,” she said. “I learn something new in this program each year I participate.”

For John*, this program has been a blessing. He has worked for local Grand Rapids automotive companies and construction for most of his life.

Scott Gumieny is a professor at Davenport University and a fifth-year Davenport VITA program site coordinator.

He has been with the university for nearly 10 years and has served as an

accounting instructor for several key courses, including accounting foundations, accounting for government and not-for-profits, and computerized auditing. His professional experience spans nearly seven years, where he worked as a financial manager for Davenport University as well as an accountant for H&S Companies.

University News

A few years ago he sustained an injury that required him to go on disability, and he has been taking advantage of this free program ever since. He found the service by calling 211, which directs those who need tax assistance to this free program.

“Having to file my taxes is always so daunting each year,” said John. “I appreciate having this resource available to get my questions answered and to get my information filed on time.

These students are smart and really know their stuff.”

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is funded by the Internal Revenue Service. *Names of participants have been altered to protect their identity.

CURRENT TAX ASSISTANCE SITES

•

Love Inc.

GRAND HAVEN •

Four Pointes Center

GRAND RAPIDS

— SCOTT GUMIENY

Davenport University

•

Kent County Community Action Center

St. Alphonsus Parish

•

The Source

•

Trinity Reformed Church

HOLLAND •

Community Action House

•

Davenport University

WYOMING •

Wyoming Public Library

DU Review

Through this program, we can help individuals and families navigate what can be a very stressful event in their lives.

•

•

Davenport | 12

ALLENDALE

Features

Scholarship program opens doors

Davenport | 13

Macomb County executive touts continuing education as a way to propel career

Macomb County chief deputy executive and Davenport University graduate Mark Deldin did not take a traditional path to secure a college degree. Rather, his route took him down various roads and through numerous twists and turns, eventually landing him at Davenport University.

“It’s important to follow your passion,” said Deldin. “It’s easy to say it’ll take too long or I’m too old. Time is going to pass anyway. What really is eight years out of 20?”

Deldin grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, one of six kids. His parents married at a young age and didn’t have the opportunity to attend college.

Deldin explains, “It wasn’t a focus back then like it is today.”

DU Review

Upon graduating from high school, Deldin found a job with Lake Shore Public Schools as a school custodian.

The position provided great health and retirement benefits, but after 12 years he'd already hit his salary threshold.

He started looking around and saw opportunities in K-12 education.

Interestingly, he found you did not need a college education to become a mid-level school administrator. You simply needed the right qualities and experience and a proven ability to deliver.

Deldin continued to climb the professional ladder, serving as a maintenance director at the Oak Park School District. He also served as director of facilities management at Chippewa Valley Schools in Clinton Township and was involved with the construction of several new schools in their rapidly growing district.

While he excelled professionally during this time, he found what propelled him forward was his ability to build relationships and deal positively with people. But he soon realized that a college degree could open up more doors.

Deldin found that through Davenport University’s Detroit College of Business he was eligible for a Pell Grant to pursue his bachelor’s degree, traditionally a fouryear program. To supplement the grant he applied for a loan.

"We can't afford not to take this loan," he told his wife.

From 1987 to 1998 Deldin took classes part-time each semester without any breaks while raising his young family. He developed a plan to achieve his goal, and he hit his stride around year seven of taking classes.

Each Sunday afternoon he would do his homework for the upcoming week.

This allowed him to have free time to spend with his family.

“At 42, my kids and I were doing homework together,” said Deldin.

“They saw that dad was doing it the hard way. Four years of education can make a difference — it's a lot easier to start your education from day one.”

In 1998 he achieved his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Davenport.

“It’s never too late to earn a degree.”

“When going through a pool of applicants, a BA is preferred.

I had a ton of experience, but I didn't have a degree," Deldin shared. He kept seeing commercials for Davenport’s Detroit College of Business and called to learn more.

Above: Deldin, serving as school custodian at Lake Shore Public Schools, 1985.

Features

It’s opportunities like these that open the door to employees at any level.

— MARK DELDIN

“I’m thrilled with the partnership,” said Deldin. “It’s opportunities like these that open the door to employees at any level. Because of my personal experience, I’m passionate about professional development.”

In 2001, Deldin achieved his master’s degree from Central Michigan University in human resources administration and moved on to assistant superintendent then superintendent of Chippewa Valley Schools. Nine years later he received a call from the office of Mark Hackel, Macomb County sheriff and recently elected county executive.

Macomb County is the third-largest county in the state. It has 18 department heads and administrators behind the scenes supporting operations.

“Hearing my children talk about where they were planning to attend college, not if they were attending, was one of my proudest moments,” said Deldin.

The partnership Macomb County has with Davenport to offer scholarships is helping to make this moment a reality for other families.

As chief deputy county executive, Deldin is responsible for the daily management, coordination, direction and control of county departments, facilities, operations and services. He also advises the county executive on current projects, initiatives and the findings of completed projects. He is responsible for oversight of a $1 billion budget and 15 departments

serving approximately 880,000 county residents.

“I do feel things have come full circle,” said Deldin. “A college degree doesn’t only build your knowledge; it helps you focus on your soft skills, too. It helps you build relationships and deal with people. I look forward to helping others achieve what I did, regardless of where they started in their career.”

Above: Deldin, Lake Shore Public Schools' commencement speaker, 2019.

DU Review

“I couldn’t have told you what county government did at that time. I wasn’t looking for change, but I knew Mark

Hackel and I respected what he stood for.”

Davenport | 14

And now, things have come full circle for Deldin as Macomb County is partnering with Davenport University to offer scholarships to those seeking to pursue higher education.

A Family Advantage Give your spouse or child the Davenport advantage

A scholarship for spouses and dependents of Davenport alumni valued at $6,500 per year

with the new Alumni Family Scholarship. The scholarship, valued at $6,500 per year for up to four years, can help your family get a career-focused degree in one of the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health or urban education.

Help your family earn the Davenport University degree advantage.

Learn more at davenport.edu/ alumni/familyscholarship

A foundation for life Reflecting on lessons learned in Davenport's classroom 80 years ago Dr. Amy Mansfield presents Mildred (Mitchell) Laham with an honorary associate's of business administration in accounting degree.

When 102-year-old Mildred Laham was asked what her secret to living a long and happy life is, she didn’t hesitate to respond. “Living a good life and doing something good each day to help humanity,” she said. This sentiment was instilled upon Laham when she attended Davenport more than 80 years ago. The President at that time, M.E. Davenport, was known for encouraging students to "make a living, make a life — and make a contribution."

This past December, Dr. Amy Mansfield, Davenport’s dean of the Donald W. Maine College of Business and the College of Technology, presented Mildred (Mitchell) Laham with an honorary associate's of business administration in accounting degree. Laham’s son and daughter were in attendance to witness the recognition of their mother, who attended Davenport from 1939 to 1941.

Making a living

Laham, the youngest of four daughters, attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse. Her home was five miles outside of the small community of Tustin, Michigan. “We’d walk one mile each way to the schoolhouse and later had to share rides into Tustin to attend high school,” recalled Laham. She graduated in 1937 along with 25 classmates.

In 1939 Laham began her education at the DavenportMcLachlan Institute, known today as Davenport University.

She enrolled in a 48-week stenographic program, a presecretarial program designed to prepare graduates for stenographic or clerical work.

Laham finished her stenographic program and then enrolled in accounting. “This was the coursework I was really interested in. They taught us how to write checks and keep accounting books along with many other business practices,” stated Laham.

Mathematics has always been her true passion.

Laham began working at Rapid Standard Company early in its inception, around 1941, in order to help her sister’s family, with

DU Review

Laham has always considered education a priority.

During the war, women were not only earning degrees but were also making a major contribution to their family's household income by joining the workforce. Although

Laham wasn’t able to finish her degree at Davenport, to this day she credits the university as the driving force for helping her start her career.

Giving & Alumni

DAVENP ORT IN

1940

Davenport | 17

New campus established in 1939: The Lowe Estate, located at 1607 Robinson Rd., Grand Rapids

Edward Davenport President

400 DU Review

students enrolled

$135

tuition per semester

20

faculty and staff members

Campus life

Athletic teams

Included sororities, fraternities, clubs and extracurricular activities

Baseball, basketball (including a women’s team), football, tennis, golf and track

Giving & Alumni

Bottom: Mildred's high school graduation, 1937.

Little did she know that her job would lead her to meet her future husband.

George, who was the brother of one of Laham’s co-workers, was away serving as a soldier in WWII. That didn’t stop his sister from connecting him with Laham. The wartime sweethearts were married in 1948.

Making a life, making a contribution

Even though she was busy at home, Laham always made time to prioritize volunteering. In her own way, this was how she continued to utilize many of the skills she learned through her courses at Davenport. Throughout her life, Laham has regularly volunteered at her local church as well as at St. Mary’s Hospital. “The church was always asking me to help with the accounting and to count the money.

We’d host bingo weekly, and it was also my job to count the funds and prepare for the next round,” said Laham.

During her service with St. Mary’s, Laham was responsible for assisting with purchasing new baby clothes and coordinating their sale in the gift shop.

Looking back over the years, Laham reflects that the world today is a very different place than it was when she first took a course at Davenport over 80 years ago. One thing that hasn’t changed is that even after all these years, Davenport is still a memorable part of Laham’s story.

DU Review

Laham quickly turned her focus to starting a family and decided not to complete her degree. She and George spent 32 years happily married, until his passing in 1979. Together the

two raised their daughter, Sandra, and two sons, Salim and Stephen.

Today, Laham has two grandchildren, Nicholas and Zachary, that she gets to share her legacy with.

Davenport | 18

Top: Mildred and George on their honeymoon in Mexico, 1948.

whom she was living while attending school. The company was producing conveyor systems, which were heavily used in military production at the start of World War II. Laham was the only administrative employee at the company, and she was in charge of writing letters, bookkeeping, and other administrative tasks. “I did what the boss asked me to.

There was a lot of clerical work at the time, but we quickly grew as a company,” said Laham. And grow they did. By 1945, they had over 150 employees.

As the company grew, so did Laham’s responsibilities. She soon added many responsibilities to her role.

University News

A TEAM UNITED

Davenport | 19

Men’s soccer program grabs the attention of international students

When Daire O’Riordan decided to attend Davenport, his friends and family were surprised to learn he had selected a university more than 3,400 miles away from home.

The majority of O'Riordan's schoolmates in Cork, Ireland, chose to remain in the country to attend college. Although he knew it would be hard to leave his family and friends, O’Riordan felt strongly that Davenport’s marketing program and the opportunity to play on the men’s soccer team made leaving home the best choice for his future — a decision he is grateful he made.

On the men’s soccer team, O’Riordan is in good company. He is one of 12 international students, several of whom are also from Ireland or its neighboring countries. This past season, international students represented 43% of the men’s soccer team and 9% of all student-athletes at Davenport.

O’Riordan isn’t the first Davenport student from Cork, and he likely won’t be the last. But what exactly is it about the men’s soccer program that brings these students to West Michigan from Australia, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom?

DU Review

The whole experience

Left: Name: Daire O’Riordan Hometown: Cork, Ireland Major: Marketing (BBA '21; MBA '23, expected) Position: Center midfield Notable memory on the team: Winning two GLIAC titles and being captain for three years Misses most from home: Family, friends and the food

Chris Hughes, head coach for the program since 2011, attributes the number of international students on the team to one thing — Davenport can give these students the whole experience.

“They can’t just be here to play soccer, or just to get a degree. If an international student-athlete wants to be successful, they need to be here for the whole experience. They see us as a very reputable team, but also an institution where they can get a great education,” said Hughes.

Front Row (L-R): Anselmo Sarabia, Ethan Deheus, Gustav Moeller, Micaiah Papa, Kenzie Hughes, Matt Whelan, Cian Quinn, Josh Cook, George Deveau. Middle Row (L-R): Cian Morley (Assistant Coach), Adam Knight (Assistant Coach), Michael Boger, Gustav Pletscher, Alexander Trouten, Woody Holmes, Markus Sundin, Shane Marinkovich, Jacob Lee, Klaris Kurti, Tyler Welch, Stuart Collins (Lead Assistant Coach), Chris Hughes (Head Coach). Back Row (L-R): Mads Skaaning, Ben Godden, Ben Cengic, Gerardo Montenez, Evan Marquess, Darren Collins, Gavin Bourdon, Eoin Broughan, Daire O'Riordan, Justice Sikkema

The combination of a quality education and a competitive athletic program, paired with the support programs Davenport offers to international students, is what has prepared O’Riordan for career success after graduation.

The men’s soccer team has a long history of recruiting international students. Many of them even choose to stay in the United States to work

after graduation. The team’s lead assistant coach, Stuart Collins, is an Ireland native who once played on the team. He loved his experience here so much that he just completed his eighth season as a part of the program’s coaching staff.

After graduating, these international alums often unknowingly assist in recruiting new students from their

DU Review

In order to help international students transition to college life in the states, Davenport’s admissions team works closely with students to complete pre-arrival requirements and to help them get acclimated to their new home once on campus — this is in addition to scholarships, job opportunities, and even biweekly support sessions that are also available to Davenport’s international students.

University News

HOME COUNTRIES of the men’s soccer team

IRELAND

Davenport | 21

5 Players 3,400+ miles away

UNITED KINGDOM

DENMARK

1 Player

4,000+ miles away

3,700+ miles away

home countries by sharing their positive experiences at Davenport with friends and family back home. Hughes estimates that he gets a couple of emails a day from international students who are interested in attending Davenport and being involved in the program.

DU Review

Making their mark After the pandemic brought the 2020 season to an early close, the team returned stronger than ever in 2021 — earning the title of 2021 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) regular season co-champions.

This is the first time in the program’s history they have secured this prestigious title. The team ended the season by securing a bid to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II National Tournament, also a first for the program.

4 Players

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

1 Player

9,000+ miles away

8,300+ miles away

In addition to recent milestones, the program has gained national attention for other accomplishments over the past decade. Most notably, in 2014 they won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championship. Davenport remains the only men’s soccer program in the state of Michigan — including NCAA Division I, II and III — to have won an outright national championship.

Feels like home Davenport hosts students from more than 30 countries — and is committed to helping each of these students feel right at home.

To O’Riordan, Davenport has been the perfect fit. But it was finding a stateside family within his own team that sealed the deal.

1 Player

“The professionalism and training environment of the team has not only pushed me to be a better player, but also a better person. The people I have been surrounded by have made Grand Rapids feel like home,” he stated.

“There are so many benefits of having international students on the team,” said Hughes. “Each of our players sharpen the others. Bringing different cultures and experiences to the team helps these men grow both athletically and personally. I love coaching here.

We have wonderful support from our administration and feel strongly that we have built a strong program — one that appeals to students around the world.”

CONGRATULATIONS,

PANTHERS Top 10 nationwide for academic performance The NCAA has named Davenport University among the top 10 universities in the country for studentathlete academic performance. The Panthers were also the highest-rated in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and ranked sixth in the nation in the NCAA’s Division II Academic Success Rate Report for the 2020-21 season.

dupanthers.com

Giving & Alumni Davenport | 23

WHY I GIVE The Davenport University Foundation strives to provide scholarship support to every student in need. Last year, 39% of students received Foundation scholarships. Firstgeneration students represented 32% of those awarded.

We asked a few of our alumni who were the first in their families to graduate from college to explain the impact being a first-generation graduate has had on their family, lives and careers — and why supporting Davenport students through scholarships became an important part

DU Review

of their philanthropic endeavors.

siblings to have graduated college. The opportunities that Davenport offered me as I earned my two degrees gave me the career and the confidence to encourage my children to pursue their education. Both of my girls are

Giving & Alumni

I am not only a first-generation student but also the only one of my eight

graduates of the BSN program at Davenport. I know not all students receive the support they need, so by giving to support nursing students, I hope they get the chance to walk across the stage with their degrees and feel that their dreams have come true.

Deann Giles MBA ’14 The Giles Children Annual Nursing Scholarship

We are both very proud Davenport University alumni. We are both the first in our families to go to college and graduate with a four-year degree. Our families were so supportive of us and encouraged us to follow our dreams for a better future. We met during our time at Davenport University, fell in love and married over 20 years ago. Establishing a scholarship that supports first-gen back to the community and help future first-generation students accomplish their dreams in life as we did.

Kevin R. Tryon ’98, Erin R. Tryon CIA ’98 The Kevin and Erin Tryon First Generation Endowed Scholarship

Davenport | 24

students has been a dream of ours for a long time; we wanted to be able to give

Davenport changed my life for the better. During high school, college was not a serious consideration. I had no idea how to apply, obtain financial assistance or where I would even go. Both of my older sisters had taken the military path, and I thought that would probably be mine as well. A recruiter from Davenport visited my high school accounting class. They had us set goals, and that was amazing to me. I had never thought to sit down and dream about what I wanted to achieve in life. I set goals that day and I haven’t stopped since, 30 years later. I now can say that I have met the goal of obtaining my CPA license, owning my own company and achieving so many other things I never thought possible. Giving to Davenport is important to my family because we know from experience the importance of not only attending college but attending a college that promotes usable skills that you can apply in your career and life as a whole. I hope to help change someone

Ann Vidro CPA ’96 Vidro Family Entrepreneurship Endowed Scholarship

DU Review

else’s life by assisting them in attending Davenport.

6191 Kraft Avenue Ave. SE SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512

WE’VE GOT SOME

Big News Stay up to date on the latest news and stories from Davenport. post.davenport.edu