WHY I GIVE Casa Latina

As Davenport plans to launch the first bilingual degrees under Casa Latina in fall 2024, initial funding came from donors who understood the innovation of the program and the urgency to hire an executive director to get the program up and running.

STEVE (MBA ’ 21) AND TANA WESSELL

My dad, Tyrus R. Wessell, spent his entire career at Davenport before retiring as the head of finance. When we learned of Casa Latina, I knew immediately that this was something he would have been very supportive of, something he would want Davenport University to move on, and quickly.

– Steve Wessell

JACQUELINE TAYLOR, PH.D.

Chair, M.E. Davenport Legacy Endowment Committee

In 2015, M.E. Davenport’s family, via the M.E. Davenport Foundation, created an endowed fund at Davenport University. It annually funds new and innovative ideas and grant requests brought forward by Davenport’s faculty and staff that aren’t currently in the university’s budget. When the idea of launching bilingual degree programs and surrounding services was put forward, M.E. Davenport Committee members recognized immediately this was highly innovative for DU, an incredibly important step for higher education, and a major area of support that would create an outstanding pathway for students as well as the community. We unanimously voted ‘yes’ to directing funding to help support the launch of what is now known as Casa Latina. All members of the committee are extremely excited to watch this program grow and serve the university and the community.