12 minute read
People of Davenport University
Davenport is made up of a diverse mix of students, alumni, faculty and staff . We asked a few alumni how their time at Davenport shaped their future. Check out what they had to say.
Quiana Scott Bachelor of Science, Nursing ‘11
Advertisement
Nurse Practitioner, Spectrum Health Hospitals
“It’s because of my experience at Davenport University, and the eff ort my nursing instructors put into building personal relationships with me and our entire class, that I work so hard to provide the same type of connection with my patients today.”
I found my passion
Viet Luu Bachelor of Science, Network Security ‘14
Principal Security Consultant, Secureworks
“Participating in the Collegiate Cyber Defense
Competition (CCDC) while attending Davenport opened up so many doors for me. It was through these competitions that I found my passion in network security, and it’s where I met my future employer.”
I’m making connections
Nam Nguyen Master of Business Administration ‘13
Pricing Analyst, Oliver Healthcare Packaging Mentor, Alumni Mentor Network
“When I found out Davenport off ered a program that connects alumni and students, I couldn’t wait to get involved. The trainings and one-on-one meetings off ered through the Alumni Mentor Network create tremendous opportunities for students. Alumni benefi t through leadership training and professional development, too. I’m forever grateful for the connections I’ve made through Davenport.”
I felt at home
Paul Acosta Bachelor of Business Administration, Management ’07
Senior Materials Manager, Cascade Engineering Inc.
“Going to Davenport was an easy decision for me. Once I started classes, I felt at home as a nontraditional student. In online and in-seat classes, I noticed many other students were working adults and parents just like me. Many of my instructors also worked in their respective fi elds, which made our lessons focused, engaging and relatable to real-world situations.”
I still draw on my experience
Talent Development Leader, Kelly Services
“Davenport’s 24-day study abroad trip through Eastern Europe was a fantastic opportunity and one of my fondest memories — we immersed ourselves in other cultures and learned how businesses operate on a global scale. As a talent development leader, I still draw on my experience to help me understand and communicate with people of diverse cultures.”
ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS Have you used your bookstore discount?
Use code DUREVIEW20 for 20% off today
Apparel • Drinkware • Jewelry • Gifts Shop online at DUspirit.com
ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS Each fall, we honor alumni who exemplify the vision and values of Davenport University through their professional and community service. During our homecoming celebration, alumni gather to cheer on the Panthers, connect with old friends and professors, make great memories and celebrate the achievements of fellow alumni.
Mike Dokter BBA, Marketing ‘10 Executive MBA ‘13
Stephanie Blanco BAS, Accounting ‘99
Valarie Handy BBA, Marketing ‘08
Distinguished Alumni Award
Recognizes a graduate who has made notable achievements in his or her fi eld; exemplifi es the mission and ideals of Davenport; and is a distinguished person in public life, business or service
An entrepreneur and educator at heart, Mike’s outreach to the communities he serves is an extension of himself. Mike is the former business manager for Motown Property Group. He now works with his wife, Shea, at her company, Designing Detroit, where they are part of an eff ort to improve neighborhoods and redevelop Detroit’s communities.
As an adjunct professor at Davenport, Mike’s students get to learn from his real-life experiences. As an alumni, he recognizes the importance of giving with gratitude. Through his company, Na Zdrowie Ltd., Mike created the Grand Rapids International Entrepreneurship Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to students studying abroad with a preference for business students focusing on entrepreneurship.
Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award
Recognizes a graduate for his or her exceptional professional and personal accomplishments
At the age of 14, Stephanie was living with her cousin and about to have a baby. Determined to provide more for her daughter, Stephanie graduated from high school, reconciled with her mother and enrolled in classes at Davenport. Her instructors felt she was capable of more than the administrative assistant degree she was pursuing and encouraged her to enroll in accounting classes. A two-year degree turned into a bachelor’s and CPA certifi cation. Stephanie has worked for John Kasperek Co., Inc. for over 20 years and was promoted to partner in 2018. She also serves as the chair of the Government Report Review Committee in the Illinois CPA Society.
Young Alumni Award
Recognizes a young graduate who has earned signifi cant achievements early in their career, has demonstrated innovative and responsible leadership, and has successfully engaged in community service
Valarie Handy is an innovation center analyst for USDA Rural Development in Washington, D.C. She has held a number of diff erent positions throughout her 15-year tenure with the agency. She is now working with the Innovation Center’s data analytics team to measure the value of existing partnerships and network-building in rural communities. Valarie recently launched Handy Enterprises, a property management company dedicated to providing aff ordable housing in northern Michigan. She has been a speaker for the Council of Development Finance Agencies, the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan and the Michigan Economic Developer’s Association. Valarie is chair of the Garfi eld Township Parks and Recreation Commission and chair of the FUSE Young Professionals program.
Kenyatta Legette AAS, Nursing ‘08 BSN ‘14
Drew Cranmer BS, Computer Science ‘15
Doug Saunders BS, Management ‘04 MBA, Strategic Management ‘12
College of Health Alumni Award
Recognizes a College of Health Professions graduate who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments and leadership while remaining engaged in the advancement of the university and committed to public service
Kenyatta’s life is focused on serving others — as a caregiver, an educator, a board member and a volunteer. After many years of working as a registered nurse (RN), Kenyatta moved into nurse education. She creates training materials and leads training sessions for in-patient nurses. Her department had a fundamental role in Beaumont Health Grosse Pointe’s Magnet designation — a recognition of it’s commitment to providing the best nursing care.
Kenyatta serves on a mental health taskforce for Beaumont’s Healthy Community Coalition. She was an integral part of forming the Detroit National Alliance of Mental Illness board, where she serves as secretary. Kenyatta and her husband also work with various organizations to provide aff ordable housing to low-income and homeless individuals .
College of Technology Alumni Award
Recognizes a College of Technology graduate who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments and leadership while remaining engaged in the advancement of the university and committed to public service
Many of the details about Drew’s job at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC Atlantic) are classifi ed, but his general role is computer scientist. He works on projects relating to cryptographic research, machine learning, natural language processing, graph database implementation and Mission Operation Center modeling . Drew credits Davenport’s Denny Bobeldyk’s mentorship in machine learning and biometrics for setting him apart and helping lead to his acceptance in the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program.
Drew currently volunteers as a mentor at NIWC Atlantic, and last October , Drew moved to Stuttgart, Germany, to lead an electronic systems security project for the organization.
Donald W. Maine College of Business Alumni Award
Recognizes a Donald W. Maine College of Business graduate who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments and leadership while remaining engaged in the advancement of the university and committed to public service
Doug’s longtime career in the manufacturing business began 31 years ago when he started in an entry-level position at Flexco Grand Rapids. Mentors throughout his career have opened doors for Doug, and through his time at Flexco, he has obtained multiple degrees, many job advancement opportunities and has traveled to 19 countries on 6 continents. Doug credits family support, hard work, collaboration and a great team for his success.
Doug and his wife cofounded Cosplay Crusaders and are part of League of Enchantment, Costumers with a Cause and Heroes Helping Heroes, where Doug serves on the board. Through these organizations, their charity work benefi ts veterans, burn victims and children’s hospitals.
Michigan Business Talk
with Mike Dokter
This past year has been a big one for Mike Dokter. He entered into a partnership with his wife, Shea, and their interior design fi rm Designing Detroit, added the role of IPEX instructor to his teaching repertoire, continued to expand his consulting and speaking career, launched a podcast and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Davenport University.
We don’t know how he found the time, but Dokter sat down with us to answer a few questions about his new podcast, Michigan Business Talk.
Q: What’s the premise behind Michigan Business Talk?
A: I really wanted Michigan business leaders to have a place to share what they’ve learned along their personal and professional journeys. They have so much to off er in terms of advice and knowledge when it comes to coaching, life lessons, business topics and entrepreneurship. They share their wisdom in what we call the “Interview Series.” The show is also full of vignettes with tips and tricks about lessons I’ve learned in the business world or topics of the day.
The third part of the podcast we’re hoping will also appeal to kids, and I’m working on it with my son, Broton. He’s reading various success books right now, like “Chop Wood, Carry Water” and “Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn for Kids” by Maxwell. He’s going to join me on the podcast and give a book review along with his perspective on what he’s learned. I’m super excited about this part of the show because it’s a way for me communicate with him on his level about important subject matter and get important messages out to younger kids, while also allowing Broton to be the star of the show for a bit.
Q: Who are your guests?
A: My guests are people I view as mentors who have added some major value to my life, but also have a lot of widsom to impart to my audience. Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to Mike Dykstra, a fellow Davenport grad and the president & CEO of Zeeland Lumber Holdings, LLC. Mike took what we learned from our Executive MBA program and used it to take his local company regional and national. It’s a great story about expansion.
One of my fi rst podcasts was with Blaine Feyen, who’s not only a life and career coach but also an Aikido instructor. Blaine has experience getting people to the next level of their careers and has worked with thousands of students. We also interviewed Zachariah Booker for the podcast about his successes and failures as an entrepreneur, and specifi cally about his latest business venture geared toward easier and more accurate ADHD diagnoses. Just yesterday I had an awesome conversation with a former business partner and great friend, Rob Stam, where it seemed like every line that came out of his mouth was pure gold.
I also have a verbal commitment to interview Frank Novakowski, a Davenport University legend and former professor of mine. I’m really excited about that one, as well as my upcoming talk with Lisa Howze, the VP of Detroit campuses and strategic partnerships at Davenport University. She’s a great business and servant leader in Detroit, and I can’t wait to hear what she has to say.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your podcast?
A: Michigan Business Talk has given me an avenue to reconnect with people who have been really infl uential in my life. I see them in the news or on social media, and I know they’re doing great things. I’m excited to give them a platform to talk about their projects or their latest venture. Our discussions are spawning new ideas for collaboration and inspiration as well as teaching awesome lessons of leadership and entrepreneurship for any business manager.
Q: What inspired you to launch this podcast?
A: I previously hosted a podcast that was centered around Detroit’s real estate community, but I wanted to tell a bigger story of what was going on in Michigan. I was also listening to Gary Vee’s podcast where his advice to a listener was to “take action.” He told the guy to stop talking about starting his own podcast and just do it. I followed the listener and listened to his podcast. Immediately, I started thinking of ways I could improve the model, and that’s when it occurred to me I could start my own podcast. I ordered a mobile studio and audio equipment, made some phone calls to people I know who are great conversationalists and booked some interviews.
There are so many great stories of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Michigan who are reachable, who want to share their stories and who will go out of their way to help you. Whenever I talked with them in the past, I would always say, “I should have recorded that!” Now I’m making it a point to do so.
Q: Is there anyone you’d love to interview?
A: I’m a huge sports fan and a huge Detroit Pistons fan, so I think Ben Wallace would be a great interview. I’d love to discuss his connection to Michigan as a former Pistons champion and as the current co-owner of the Grand Rapids Drive. Tom Gores, the Detroit Pistons owner, would be an exciting interview, too. He’s got deep roots in the Detroit community, and I’d love for him to share his thoughts on rebuilding an organization that brings in top players, a new front offi ce and coaching staff to the Pistons. He also brought the team back to the city of Detroit, which was awesome for the revitalization of downtown.
The world of sports marketing and management is multifaceted and so interesting. In fact, it’s what I studied in my BBA at Davenport. People are fascinated by it, myself included, and I’m sure a lot of students studying sports management and student-athletes at Davenport dream of working in professional sports. It would be really cool to have someone on the podcast who is from that world. You can listen to Mike Dokter’s podcast, Michigan Business Talk, on Apple Podcast, GooglePlay, SoundCloud, Spotify and Amazon Alexa by saying, “Alexa! Play Michigan Business Talk on Apple Podcast!”
