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rojects funded by the endowment advance academic excellence, promote professional innovations and enrich the communities that Davenport serves. The fund supports academic and learningrelated initiatives that are a part of the University’s Vision 2020.
FEATURE “This is an extraordinary gift from the M.E. Davenport Foundation,” said Dr. Rick Pappas. “This investment by the Foundation will have a lasting impact on the University’s ability to develop innovative new programs. Some moments are truly transformational; this gift from the family foundation of our namesake, M.E. Davenport, is one of those moments.”
The M.E. Davenport Legacy Endowment Fund also funded the visits of two Woodrow Wilson Fellows this past academic year. Peggy Moceri, Chair of the Endowment Committee and a granddaughter of the foundation’s namesake, said, “The purpose of the endowment is to regenerate, in an enduring way, M.E.
Davenport’s founding motto: Make a Living, Make a Life, Make a Contribution.” Congratulations to these faculty members on their successful proposals that advance the legacy of excellent, innovative learning at Davenport University!
LATEST FUNDED INITIATIVES Connecting Across Borders: Cultivating Shared Learning
presented by Dr. Chris Hamstra, Associate Department Chair, English/Communications, College of Arts and Sciences
This project offers the opportunity for faculty to learn and contribute in the global environment by developing a model for short-term, two-to-three-week courses, for international teaching and learning opportunities.
Dr. Stephen Snyder, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Director of the Global Programs Office
DU Summer Math Camp
presented by Dr. Tim Pennings, Department Chair, Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences and colleagues
A basic camp will be offered at the Holland campus for students, grades 9–12, who need assistance in mastering basic algebra; an advanced camp will be offered at the W.A. Lettinga Campus for advanced students, grades 9–12, who quickly master mathematics and are seeking something more challenging.
Michigan Business Professionals of America (BPA) Middle Level State Leadership Conference
presented by Ronald Draayer, Associate Professor, College of Technology
With the national reputation of Davenport’s highly successful collegiate BPA, Draayer serves as the state advisor for BPA’s efforts to pilot new programs at the middle school level. The University hosted the state of Michigan’s State Leadership Conference in early March.
Advancing a Research Agenda on Teacher Education
presented by Dr. Roque Neto, Department Chair, College of Urban Education
The project has three parts all related to new perspectives on problem-solving, working in teams and innovation and creativity in teacher education for Master’s in Urban Education candidates. DU Review 23