Four successful alumni
share insights with the Class of 2020 We asked four recent Davenport grads to share how they got where they are today and what advice they’d give to the Class of 2020.
from a paper process to a website. Although I wasn’t involved with the launch of that project, I have spent the last three years maintaining and enhancing the application. The more effective the application, the better inspections can be performed and tracked, and the safer the kids that ride Michigan buses are!
Vincent Conrad Douglas Jr.-Austin Bachelor of Science in Biometric Security ’16 IT Business Analyst, Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
What innovative projects have you tackled? Michigan was the first state to move the school bus inspection
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What advice would you give 2020 graduates? Get in touch with the career services team to help you. Of course, you could look for a great career on your own but the career services coaches are paid to help you succeed. Not to toot her horn but Cindy Whittum at the Lansing campus is amazing! She has helped me find jobs at the last two companies I’ve worked for and set me on a path to success. Thanks, Cindy!
Arnaldo Melendez Master of Education ’17 Instructional Administrator, Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Adjunct Instructor, College of Urban Education, Davenport University
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your career? As an instructional administrator, it’s fulfilling to create and build a strong vision and mission in the school, allowing all students to become successful learners. My position as an adjunct instructor at Davenport has two benefits — supporting and guiding teachers to become highly effective in their field and then later being able to work together as professional educators.
What piece of advice would you give 2020 graduates? My advice to fellow educators would be to remain focused on your professional goals, create a system of support for yourself, and continue improving your teaching practices through professional development opportunities.
Summer 2020
