DU Review Spring 2018

SPRING 2018 · VOLUME 11 · NO. 2

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

Chancellor Emeritus Donald W. Maine

THE

PASSION ISSUE

Stories about people transforming businesses, careers and communities

Table of Contents

SECTIONS

FEATURES

08 University News News from around the university

Cooking Up a Passion for Business Davenport alumni in the food industry

The Ripple Effect Alumnus empowers emerging leaders

10 Faculty See who is changing the world, one student at a time

24

11 Students Check out what our incredible students are doing

12 Athletics Athlete stories, NCAA Division II news and more

14 Giving Get to know our donors and why they choose to give to DU

34 Alumni Read about fellow classmates and catch up on alumni events

18

Mapping a Career Journey Alumni Mentor Network guides students to success

A Healing Touch Alumna finds her passion in nursing

28

30

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

2

DUAlumni

DavenportU

davenportuniversity

Spring 2018, Volume 11, No. 2

DU Review is published by Davenport University.

6191 Kraft Avenue Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 Hacking the Gender Gap DU prepares women for careers in technology

©2018 Davenport University Alumni & Development Executive Vice President for Alumni & Development Peg Luy Executive Director of Grant Development Michele Davis Executive Director of Leadership Gifts & Donor Services Louise Kidd

26 Technology and Simulations Fuel Learning for Nursing Students A passion for teaching brought to life through human simulation

Executive Director of Alumni & Development Jason Madden, ’08 MBA Director of Major Gifts Nick Glaser Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Events Erik Dane, ’07 MBA Assistant Director of Alumni Communications & Development Sara Mooney, ’09 Director of Prospect Research and Stewardship Alysa Hunton Assistant Director of Annual Giving Megan Sjolander Manager of Data Systems & Gift Processing Laura Macka

32

Executive Administrative Assistant Mary Nelsen

Communications Executive Vice President for Marketing & Communications Debra Cooper Executive Director of Communications Robin Luymes, APR, ’15 MM Director of Communications Rachel Esterline Perkins

on the cover A portrait of Donald Maine

davenport.edu/DUReview

DU Review 3

From the President

Remembering a man with a passion for transforming Davenport University

I

n this issue, we remember the life of Chancellor Emeritus Donald W. Maine who died on Feb. 7 at the age of 75.

There are few who have had as strong a passion for this institution or its students as he did. The tributes from faculty, alumni and friends have been tremendous.

Under Don’s leadership from 1977 to 2000, Davenport evolved from a small Grand Rapids college offering associate degrees into a statewide university with multiple

“Davenport University has lost a passionate supporter, champion and friend with the passing of Don Maine. He was an outstanding leader and generous contributor to the university for many years, affecting the lives of thousands of students. Words cannot adequately express our depth of gratitude for his countless contributions. He will be greatly missed.”

D R . R I C H A R D J . PA P PA S , P R E S I D E N T O F D AV E N P O R T U N I V E R S I T Y

THE

PASSION ISSUE

4

campuses and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He also led the development of online degrees, making Davenport the first college in Michigan and one of the first in the nation to do so.

As I have often shared, I am in awe of the great leaders preceding me here at Davenport. Our achievements today build upon the amazing work of those who came before. I am glad I had the opportunity to know Don and to benefit from his friendship, wisdom and passion.

Upon his retirement from Davenport, Don said that he sat and looked at the portraits of former presidents M.E. Davenport and Robert W. Sneden, wondering if he had met their expectations. He can rest assured that he certainly surpassed their expectations and inspired our own.

As you read the stories in this issue about the passion demonstrated by our students, faculty and alumni, know that our efforts today would not be possible without the transformation Don led from 1977 to 2000. You will read inspiring stories about successful entrepreneurs in business, women leaders in technology and cutting edge innovations in nursing.

As we continue to transform higher education today, we do not have to look far for our inspiration and foundation. Don was an innovator and leader who helped DU continually improve to meet the new challenges it faced. We are deeply saddened by Don’s passing but forever grateful for his legacy.

Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. President

In Memoriam

The legacy of Donald W. Maine 1942 – 2018 Chancellor Donald W. Maine believed he learned everything he knew from the successful people who surrounded him.

In turn, Maine taught and led countless others to success.

O

n Feb. 7, Maine passed away at 75. He served as Davenport’s President and Chancellor from 1977 to 2000, leading many of the initiatives that have made Davenport one of the leading private, nonprofit universities in Michigan.

At the time Maine took the seat as president of Davenport University, he was the youngest college president in the state. In his 23 years as president, Maine’s impact changed Davenport’s image forever.

By Maine’s second year in office, he increased the number of governing board trustees from 14 to 22. This included adding the first African American board member, as well as nearly doubling the number of women who served on the board.

DU Review 5

1 Maine pictured with his family 2 A portrait of Maine at the Excellence in Business Gala in 2006

He converted Davenport into a four-year institution, expanded into bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and led DU to becoming the first college in Michigan and among the first in the nation to offer online degrees.

In Maine’s 23 years as president, his success and impact was indelible. The college grew from one campus with about 2,000 students to 16 campuses and over 15,000 students.

3 Maine and Wilbur Lettinga, ’55

Maine not only left a lasting impact on Davenport as a leader, he also was a mentor, friend and support system to students, faculty and administrators.

3

Last year, the Investing in the Vision Campaign — co-chaired by Maine — finished nearly a year early, exceeding its goal by more than 10 percent and raising more than $27.6 million for the new Donald W. Maine College of Business Building, the College of Urban Education and student scholarships.

Maine was on hand for the dedication of the new facility bearing his name in April 2017.

Don was a greatly admired and respected president all the years that I served as a faculty member at Davenport. We all valued his continued friendship with retired faculty.

He will be missed.

— Shirley Zeitter, retired employee

2

He was a people person who cared about doing things right — as opposed to being right. He valued and appreciated people, and his actions reflected this mindset. Rest in peace, Don Maine. You lived a life that had a significant positive impact upon more people than you could ever know.

1

— Dr. Jack Cichy, Management professor 6

4

‘Make a living, make a life, make a contribution’ and he did them all. In fact, all the contributions he made to DU likely can’t be counted and will be evident for many years to come.

— Jim Hines, ’80, ’82

6

Walking into orientation in the fall of 1980, I met this wonderful, friendly man to find out he was the president of the college. Later, as I worked for the college, I got to know him even better and he always treated you as a friend as he did that very first day. Thank you, Don. — Mary Jo DeNolf, ‘82

5

When I was in undergrad, Chancellor Maine helped sponsor me in going on Semester at Sea. Due to this experience, I have now traveled to 27 countries and lived in three others. I had sent him thank you cards and spoke with him on the phone expressing my gratitude.

His initial support of my travel and education had led to a life of learning and exploring.

— Dawn Carowitz, ’97, ’01

7

4 Maine pictured with a group of international students 5 Maine with an alumna in the 1980s

6 Maine pictured at the groundbreaking of the building named in his honor 7 Maine alongside Peter Zondervan, co-founder of Zondervan Corporation, in 1982 DU Review 7

University News

l e f t ASPIRE students in 2017

G E T I N V O LV E D W I T H A S P I R E

Serve as a resource and help encourage women of color through their journeys at DU. Email Justine.Shelton@davenport.edu to learn more about how you can get involved.

Leadership program empowers DU’s women of color

D

avenport University’s new ASPIRE program — Achieving Success through Positive Interaction, Reflection and Empowerment — helps women of color achieve academic success, develop as leaders, and foster strong interpersonal skills and relationships.

Justine Shelton, assistant director of Student Life, recognized a need to support minority women in her first month at DU.

“I met with many of the students to gain their perspective on what additional opportunities could be given to ensure students felt supported during their time here at DU,” said Shelton, who serves as lead mentor and advisor of ASPIRE. “All of the minority women I was able to speak with initiated a conversation of sisterhood, mentorship and support for opportunities to assist with their career choices.”

ASPIRE provides mentorship and opportunities to women of color throughout their journey at DU.

8

“ASPIRE is very new and we are working on building the ASPIRE community further,” said Disha Roddy, president of ASPIRE. “We have women — both living on campus and commuters — who come from all different backgrounds, looking for support.”

ASPIRE hosts two meetings per month during the school year.

“During one of the meetings each month, we usually have a speaker who gives words of encouragement, teaches leadership skills or gives career advice,” Roddy said. “Already, I’ve seen a sense of self-esteem develop in the women involved.”

University News

DETROIT Fortune 25 executive leads conversations on civility and respect at DU Davenport University welcomed its third Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow to campus in March. DeDe Thompson Bartlett — a Fortune 25 executive who served in roles at ExxonMobil, Mobil Corporation, Mobil Foundation, Philip Morris and Altria Group — spoke at several campuses and led sessions for students, faculty and staff around the topics of civility and respect.

The Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program — offered through the Council of Independent Colleges — brings prominent artists, diplomats, journalists, business leaders and other nonacademic professionals to campuses across the U.S. for substantive dialog with students and faculty members. The visit was funded by a grant from the M.E. Davenport Legacy Endowment.

a b o v e Mary Sneden Sullivan of the M.E. Davenport Foundation and DeDe Bartlett

Lisa Howze leading efforts in Detroit and Warren

L

isa Howze began her role as vice president for Detroit campuses and strategic partnerships at Davenport University in March. She is leading the launch and growth of a new campus in the Detroit area and oversees the Warren Campus.

“We have a long history of supporting higher education needs in the region, but our impending move to a new campus requires new leadership with a strong knowledge of the Detroit marketplace and the ability to develop partnerships that produce results,” President Richard Pappas said. “That is what we have seen in Lisa and what we expect she will deliver for Davenport University.”

Howze, who was born and raised in Detroit, was attracted to the role at DU because of the university’s vision.

“To sustain the level of investment and development that is taking place in Detroit’s resurgence, the city will need a strong partner in higher education whose goals are aligned to produce the caliber of talent needed to lead in the fields of business, technology and healthcare,” she said. “We are committed to continuing to have a lasting impact in the city for generations to come.”

Howze previously worked as the chief government affairs officer for City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and served in the Michigan House of Representatives. Early career roles tapping into her financial and business acumen were with DTE Energy Company and Arthur Andersen LLP, as well as founding Speaking Life Principles Inc. to provide personal and professional development programs to organizations.

DU Review 9

FACULTY

M.E. Davenport Legacy Endowment Fund supports passion and innovation in teaching Funded initiatives will help reduce food insecurity, help children explore math and forensics, and investigate antibiotic resistance

T

he M.E. Davenport Legacy Endowment Fund was created to advance the educational, professional and civic mission at Davenport University.

The fund — established in 2015 with a $5.5 million commitment from the M.E. Davenport Foundation — supports academic and learning-related initiatives, which are a part of the DU’s Vision 2020.

“This extraordinary gift from the M.E. Davenport Foundation is having a lasting impact on the university’s ability to develop innovative new programs,” said President Richard Pappas. “Some moments are truly transformational in the life of a university. This gift from the family foundation of our namesake, M.E. Davenport, was one of those moments.”

Projects funded by the endowment advance academic excellence, promote innovation and enrich the communities Davenport serves. Faculty and staff from all campuses may apply to this intrauniversity fund.

10

The following initiatives received funding approval for 2018: Dr. Theresa Leto, associate professor of Occupational Therapy in the College of Health Professions, received funding for her proposal “Living Better with What You Have.” In collaboration with the Grand Rapids Urban League, DU’s Occupational Therapy department will offer programs to reduce food insecurity.

Food insecurity refers to the struggle to access, obtain and manage food resources, leading to safety risks.

Dr. Tim Pennings, department chair for Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, will partner with his colleagues to offer the DU Summer Mathematics Camp. The camp for high school students will focus on Group Theory. The students will study finding patterns and relationships.

Dr. Roque Neto, department chair in the College of Urban Education, received funding for The Curiosity Project. He will look at curiosity through the lens of teacher education, opening a new line of research with the potential to positively impact the field of education.

Laura Harris, Lansing Campus faculty member and science laboratory coordinator, will continue her work with her students in the study of antibiotic resistance in streptococcus.

Antibiotic resistant streptococcus is a growing public health threat. Her research has the potential to develop into a novel diagnostic procedure.

Dr. Susan Gunn, dean of the College of Urban Education, will offer CSI Davenport: Forensic Summer Science Camp Program. The camp will expose high school students in Grand Rapids and metropolitan Detroit to various biological disciplines using forensic science laboratory curriculum.

The M.E. Davenport Legacy Endowment Fund also funded the Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow in March.

S E E A R T I C L E O N P. 9

STUDENTS

Impassioned plans for impact Davenport University students share their passions

“I have always had a passion for African American history and want to become an history professor. Davenport has helped my passion deepen through attending meetings with the Black Student Union Organization.”

Ashley Matthis, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, Michigan, studying Legal Studies

“My passion is creating businesses and ideas that will impact the world in a big way. I want to leave a legacy by helping as many people as possible through business. Davenport professors have pushed me to be the best in what I do because they have their own passions and principles, which they show by fostering relationships with students.

They care about students on an individual level and on a community level.”

Jackson Gilmore, a senior from Grand Rapids, Michigan, studying Marketing

“My passion is sports, especially hockey. I have been a hockey player since I was about two years old.

Davenport brought out my passion by allowing me to play for their team.

In 2011, DU hockey played in the National Championship, which was an amazing experience.”

Adron Conn, a senior from Kentwood, Michigan, studying Sport Management

“My biggest passion is to help people.

It’s a large reason why I chose nursing.

Beyond my experience in nursing, Davenport has given me so many ways to be involved in the community through volunteer projects such as being a Pack Leader for Panther Prowl and being a part of other organizations on campus.”

Breanna Miller, a senior from Grand Haven, Michigan, studying Nursing and Medical Case Management

“My greatest passion is making a difference to those I come in contact with in the healthcare field. It’s important to me that I make a lasting impression through my dedication, hard work, leadership and perseverance. Davenport has given me the opportunity to grow through courses, instructors, clinical experience and classmates.”

Aaron Scott, a senior from Saginaw, Michigan, studying Nursing Pre-Licensure

“My passion is video production.

Davenport has helped me formulate a business strategy from my creativity and use concepts I’ve learned as a business student to start a freelancing business where I develop digital marketing videos for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

It also landed me an internship with Lake Michigan Credit Union as a video marketer.”

Paul Chittenden, a senior from Grand Rapids, Michigan, studying Marketing DU Review 11

ATHLETICS

Go Panthers!

Best in the field

D

avenport University junior Brogan Shrimpton kicked off the year with recognition for skills on and off the soccer field.

Shrimpton — a student from Benoni, South Africa — was named the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year while leading the Panthers to the GLIAC Tournament championship in their first season in the league. He also was named Midwest Region Player of the Year by the Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association.

12

He scored 19 goals in his junior year.

Davenport is in its second year in the NCAA Division II transition process, so the Panthers do not officially qualify for NCAA statistical rankings.

Shrimpton, a Business Management major, also was named Second Team Academic All-American by CoSIDA with a 3.88-grade point average and was selected as D2CCA First Team All-American.

ATHLETICS

l e f t Brogan Shrimpton

Academic excellence

T

he Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference recognized 83 student-athletes at Davenport University with GLIAC Fall Academic Honors. More than 30 student-athletes had earned a 3.0 to 3.49 GPA with 52 sporting a 3.5 to 4.0 GPA.

“It is our top priority to make sure our student-athletes achieve their degree,” said Paul Lowden, director of Athletics.

“Based on the number of student-athletes this past fall that made the GLIAC Academic honor roll, our mission remains strong. I’m so proud that our studentathletes value education and hard work both on and off the playing field. Having this many student-athletes on the list is a testament to the academic support we receive in athletics.”

Rugby revolution

T

he Panthers ran the table during the regular season and the postseason to earn their first-ever USA Rugby Division I 15’s National Championship last season. Davenport went a perfect 10–0 last fall and outscored their opponents 835–107.

The Panthers defeated Michigan State University, 115–7, during the play-in round in November, then defeated the University of Minnesota, 49–5, in the quarterfinals. They followed that with a win over the Air Force Academy, 15–5, in the semifinals and finally beat the University of Notre Dame, 89–24, in the championship match. l e f t Women’s rugby team

DU Review 13

GIVING

THE

PASSION

Gratitude in writing

ISSUE

1 Postman and a friend at the annual Excellence in Business Gala

Scholarship recipient

2 Postman serving as a Panther Prowl Pack Leader

promises to pay it forward

“Thank you for investing in me.

I wouldn’t have graduated in the spring without you!

JUSTICE POSTMAN, ’18

2

I loved to tell incoming students what their experience at DU would be like.”

1

J

ustice Postman, ’18, felt he belonged at Davenport University after being homeschooled his entire education.

“The day I stepped foot on campus, I felt extremely welcomed from the Student Life staff,” he said.

One of Postman’s favorite memories at DU was his time as a Panther Prowl leader, 14

helping other students feel welcome.

“My mentors helped me realize I had the power to help others feel welcomed at DU as well,” Postman said.

“As I was leading Panther Prowl and other campus event programming, it became a passion of mine to help new students feel like they belonged.

Postman decided to stay at DU for a bachelor’s degree in Marketing after receiving the E. Scott Derr Memorial Scholarship.

“The scholarship gave me what I needed to continue my education,” he said. “I am thankful for the investment that donors have made in me and it will not be wasted.”

In April, Postman walked across the stage with more than a degree.

He completed his time at DU with a desire to impact the lives of others.

“Davenport is full of people and donors who are passionate about making a difference, which fuels my passion to continue to pay it forward,” he said. “I am passionate about living life with authenticity and plan to integrate these values wherever my marketing degree takes me.”

During his senior year, Postman also received the Lumbermen’s Incorporated Endowed Scholarship and the John H. Myaard Endowed Scholarship.

GIVING

Q&A with Justice Postman Why did you choose to pursue Marketing at DU? “Out of all of the degrees Davenport has to offer, I chose Marketing because it challenges me. This field allows me to be creative, innovative and develop strategies. Plus, it will allow me to connect with people and help companies build relationships with their target audiences.”

What clubs and activities were you involved with at DU? “I have had the privilege to work and be involved with so many great organizations on campus. Being a member of the ice hockey team allowed me to be a leader on and off the rink. I also was a leader with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship group on campus, and I worked with the Student Life office as an event coordinator and a Panther Prowl coordinator. All of these opportunities at DU have helped me grow both personally and professionally.”

What was your reaction when you learned you were receiving a scholarship?

“I remember calling my mom and excitedly letting her know that I was going to be able to get my bachelor’s degree. I was overwhelmed with thankfulness.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I would like to get a job where I can pay it forward. I love working hard and helping others. If I can find a job to combine the two, it would be incredible.”

Meet our donors DU alumni and friends invest in the future of students “I support Davenport University because I believe in a quality education that prepares students for the world. Davenport provides each student with the tools that are necessary to ‘get where the world is going.’

Their goal is success for every student, every time.”

Paula Cunningham, AARP Michigan State Director Davenport University Board of Trustees

“For us, it is a moral commitment to become donors and provide the same opportunities for others. We hope that our gifts cultivate imagination, intelligence and self-actualization carried by force of will to create lifelong sustainable opportunities not only for students but others as well.”

Tim, ’13, MS ’16, Ford Motor Co. IT Systems Design Analyst, and Diane Kalota

DU Review 15

GIVING

Helping people help themselves Recent graduate’s passion for empowering others leads to a new scholarship

THE

PASSION ISSUE

H

elping people help themselves.

That’s the credo of James Wright, ’14, MBA ’17. He credits his support system and mentors at Davenport University for his success.

And they’re the reason he is giving back to help future students.

“I am so thankful for the support that I received,” Wright said. “I want to help the next generation of students at Davenport.

I’m really passionate about empowering people and equipping them with the resources they need like my mentors did for me.”

In 2017, Wright and his family established the Wright Family Endowed Scholarship.

He says the scholarship is an investment in future generations and hopes it creates a pathway to success for those who receive it.

“I was motivated to give back to Davenport for countless reasons,” Wright said. “Though my parents never directly talked about giving back, they led by example. Our family always supported local community charities and church, whether it was through a donation or volunteering. It was part of our family culture.”

The place to be Wright has been connected with Davenport for nearly his entire life through his lifelong friendship with Josh Volk, son of DU Chief Financial Officer Mike Volk.

16

GIVING

Mike Volk has been a strong mentor to Wright, helping him with important life and career decisions and sparking his passion for DU at an early age.

“When it was time for me to go to college, Davenport was the first and only place I wanted to go,” Wright said. “As a kid, I remember visiting Davenport with Mr. Volk. My career aspirations mirrored his, so I went to him for advice. Everyone at Davenport was friendly and caring. I knew Davenport was the place where I wanted to be.”

Wright found success in the Finance program and completed two internships while completing his degree. At Priority Health, he worked in the financial planning and analyst department where he gained hands-on experience reviewing insurance payments. At State Street Bank in Kansas City, Missouri, he assisted in servicing hedge funds.

From DU to Kellogg’s Wright’s education and internship experiences, coupled with summer jobs in manufacturing, made him a perfect candidate for the newly created finance team at Kellogg’s offices in Grand Rapids. He earned a spot on the team as a finance associate in 2016, where he supports the manufacturing plants in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Belleville, Ontario.

“I am on the Morning Foods business unit, which means the breakfast team,” Wright said. “We do cost analysis for products, such as Frosted Flakes and Pop Tarts, to ensure we control costs for our business unit. I help with posting month-end journal entries, analyzing cost savings projects, developing innovation-costing templates and performing cost analysis on products.

Every day I learn something new.”

The scholarship is not Wright’s first time giving back to the university that helped pave the path for his successful career at a global company with products in more than 180 countries. Wright also stepped up as one of the many donors who gave to support the Donald W. Maine College of Business Building.

“Investing in infrastructures like the Donald W. Maine Business Building and scholarships are two ways to equip students with resources they need for success,” he said. “My journey is a great example of others investing in the foundation needed to help get me where I am today.”

“I find a lot of joy in knowing that I helped someone accomplish their dreams.”

JAMES WRIGHT

Join James Wright in giving back to the university that helps shape careers and future success. Your gift helps students at DU reach their potential.

D A V E N P O R T. E D U / G I V E

DU Review 17

FEATURE

ROVe Estate

HERMAN’s

AN Grill & Bar

S A NH

O

Boy

SI E T SM A ORCH ARDS

VillAGE INN PizzA

P

S

&

Sports Grille

UcceLLo’s RISTORANTE

RaiLToWN. Bre Wi N G Co

russo’s

I NT ERN AT I O N A L M A R KE T

LINDo MeXiCO

EXPRESS *Illustration does not showcase actual restaurant locations

LiVoniA

BAKERY

&CA FÉ

RESTAURANTE mexicano

BOSNA

18

ISSUE

VINEYARD & WINERY

MAY MEX A iC

GraDiWnI CH

THE

PASSION

Cooking up

FEATURE

a passion for business

From sandwich shops to breweries to international markets, Davenport alumni around the country are finding their entrepreneurial passion in the food industry

A restaurant love story Alex Wilkening, ’12 Grain Sandwich Shop Grand Rapids, Michigan

F

or Alex and Sylene Wilkening, starting a sandwich shop in Grand Rapids is a dream come true.

“Not only did we have strong business plans and a great location, we had a love for good food and a passion for creating community,” Wilkening said. “For us it isn’t just a restaurant, it is our life.”

The Grain Sandwich Shop sources its products from local vendors and smokes its meats in-house.

“We are passionate about supporting and shopping local because that is important for the economic development of our community,” Wilkening said.

“I remember telling my parents at the age of nine that I wanted to be a chef,” Wilkening said.

After starting this business, Wilkening noted how extremely grateful he was for his Davenport education.

After nearly 10 years of dreaming and planning, the couple — who met at a restaurant during college — opened The Grain Sandwich Shop in 2017 to provide delicious, locally-sourced sandwiches to their customers.

“I believe my education and the W.A. Lettinga Charter Scholarship helped make my dream of starting a restaurant a reality,” Wilkening said. “Davenport set the foundation for the accounting, marketing and business concepts that I needed to be an entrepreneur and restaurant owner.

The scholarship gave me the financial freedom to live my dream.”

“It is the typical restaurant love story: the line cook meets a waitress, and they fall in love and dream of starting a restaurant together,” Wilkening said.

“For us, it actually happened. After college, we had great jobs, married, traveled, saved money and dreamed of starting this place.”

Wilkening knew they needed to be intentional to ensure business success.

Creative freedom Dino Duratovic, ’15 Bosna Express Grand Rapids, Michigan Dino Duratovic, ’15, has a passion for being an entrepreneur that stems from his parents and their ambition to own a business.

“My parents were immigrants from the former Yugoslavia.

Unfortunately, a civil war broke the country apart, causing my parents to flee,” Duratovic said.

Dino Duratovic, ’15 Alex Wilkening, ’12

Visit the Grain Sandwich Shop 812 Butterworth St. SW, Suite A Grand Rapids, MI 49504

DU Review 19

FEATURE “My parents were extremely grateful for what the United States provided them, which was an opportunity to start a new life and for them to be safe.”

Duratovic’s father, Damir, was a factory worker when they arrived in 1995, but did not enjoy it. He dreamed of starting a restaurant — one that served a unique flare of European-style foods. And after nearly 18 years of learning from his father, Dino and his brother, Denis, took over Bosna Express in 2015.

“My passion for this industry really stems from the creative freedom it provides — from menu designs to floor plans, room ambiance to the food plating itself,” Duratovic said. “But, there is definitely more to the restaurant industry than food. The industry is all about numbers and budgeting them out correctly to be successful, which can make or break you. Having the right balance between business and creative freedom makes me love what I do.”

As a former member of DU’s men’s soccer team, Duratovic likes competition. It makes him a natural fit for entrepreneurship and the restaurant industry.

“I learned so many wonderful leadership skills during my time at DU,” Duratovic said. “I had a great role model, Chris Hughes, who is the men’s soccer coach, who really sets a path to follow and prepares his athletes for the real world. It also helped me to evolve as a person and learn how to communicate with different personalities. I am always evolving and learning.”

Visit Bosna Express 128 28th St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49548

20

The ingredients for success Justin Buiter, ’05 Railtown Brewing Company Caledonia, Michigan Justin Buiter, ’05, started Railtown Brewing Company after 10 years in web development.

“Fifteen years ago, if you were to tell me I would be a brewer and a brewery owner in Dutton, I would have never believed you,” Buiter said.

Growing up, Buiter never drank beer.

“My colleagues introduced me to beer,” Buiter said. “I don’t think I had my first beer until I was 23. After work, we went to happy hour at HopCat. I started with coffee beers, then transitioned to dark beers then to IPAs.” His colleagues also sparked his transition from drinking beer to making beer.

“I was the only one with a gas stove at home,” Buiter said. “Over Christmas break, a bunch of the guys came over to make beer. I was hooked.”

Jokingly, Buiter and his co-worker, Gim Lee, often talked about starting their own brewery.

“I was having a bad day at work,” Buiter said. “I instant-messaged Gim and asked if he was still interested in starting the brewery. And two months later we approached the township with our business plan. We are now co-owners of Railtown.”

Initially, the intent was to continue working their day jobs and work at the brewery at night and on the weekends.

“We opened and sold out of our beer in two weeks,” Buiter said. “We needed to commit to this. We quit our day jobs and took major pay cuts to make beer.”

Justin’s ingredient for success lies in his passion.

“If I were in this business to make money or for reasons other than just loving what I do, I would have given up a long time ago,” Buiter said. “But it is more than just the beer. Being an entrepreneur is all about the impact you make in the community.”

Railtown is expanding its operations and opening a full-service taproom.

Visit Railtown Brewing Company 3555 68th St. SE Caledonia, MI 49316

A family of entrepreneurs Michael Havemeier, ’10 Herman’s Boy Rockford, Michigan Michael Havemeier, ’10, began working at Herman’s Boy, Inc. in Rockford, Michigan, at the age of six.

“My earliest memories are working the cash register under my dad’s supervision,” Havemeier said. “He would let me press the buttons and talk to customers. I remember ‘helping’ out my father and grandfather, learning from them even when I didn’t know I was, and listening and seeing the passion they had for the business. Their passion and work ethic grew the business to what it is today.”

Herman’s Boy is a family business that started as a small cheese and meat shop in 1979 by Michael’s grandfather, father and uncle.

FEATURE In nearly four decades of business, Herman’s Boy has grown yearly. Today it is five businesses rolled into one, including The Coffee Ranch, O’Fudge Candy Shoppe, The Cookery Nook and The Outdoor Cook.

“Our family takes pride in creating most of our products by hand,” Havemeier said. “If it isn’t me creating it, it is my dad or uncle. My passion comes from the feeling of knowing what I can do to make this business grow and provide for my family and many others.”

“My husband, Creighton, and I had the opportunity to purchase a part of his family farm,” Gallagher said. “We are fifth generation cherry farmers and we wanted to create a business in agriculture where we could control the end product. Between our experience in farming and passion for wine, starting a winery seemed like a natural fit for us.”

Justin Buiter, ’05

Havemeier’s Business degree and the W.A. Lettinga Charter Scholarship have played a big role in his family business.

“There are so many things I use every day that Davenport taught me, and that I need to be successful and efficient,” Havemeier said. “It has been everything from how to conduct sales meetings, produce product information, and promote events, products and myself, as well as computer and managerial skills.”

McKenzie Gallagher, MBA ’12

Visit Herman’s Boy 220 Northland Dr. NE Rockford, MI 49341

From cherry farmers to wine makers McKenzie Gallagher, MBA ’12 Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery Traverse City, Michigan With experience in farming and a passion for wine, McKenzie Gallagher, ’12, used the MBA capstone class at Davenport University to design a business plan for a winery in northern Michigan.

At that time, Gallagher was working in the healthcare industry and earning her MBA in Strategic Management through Davenport.

“When we bought our farm, our dream started to come together. But we needed a plan to make it actually happen,” Gallagher said. “That is when I decided to write my capstone on our business plan to open a winery. It really helped me do our due diligence and do the proper research to get our dream on paper.”

Michael Havemeier, ’10

In 2016, Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery opened its doors. Although there is no road map for entrepreneurship, finding passion in their business is what drives McKenzie and Creighton.

DU Review 21

FEATURE “We opened our doors more than two years go,” Gallagher said. “Before that point, we had six long years of work into our business that no one besides ourselves could see. We keep our passion alive for our business by incorporating our family and longstanding farming heritage into our winery.

We want to share the experience of vine to glass with both our guests and children. This is more than a business to us, it is our lifestyle.”

Visit Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery 7007 E. Traverse Hwy Traverse City, MI 49684

Recipe for success Tina Pietrangelo, ’07 Village Inn Pizza & Sports Grille Holland and Grand Rapids, Michigan Tina Pietrangelo, ’07, says the recipe for success in business is investing in people.

By day, Pietrangelo, ’07, leads a staff of more than 300 people as the plant manager of the Haworth LPP plant. By night, she co-owns and operates Village Inn Pizza in Holland and Grand Rapids.

“I grew up going to Village Inn Pizza,” Pietrangelo said. “It is just around the

corner from my high school. So, when my family and I got the opportunity to purchase the business, it just felt right.”

Pietrangelo, a Business Management graduate, is proud to continue to be a local pillar in the community to continue her work in the city where she grew up.

“My roots are in the restaurant business,” Pietrangelo said.

Pietrangelo’s first job was at Burger King, where she was able to take advantage of its tuition assistance program to launch her educational journey at Davenport.

“My time at Burger King not only matched every dollar I earned with scholarship assistance,” Pietrangelo said. “It also gave me the professional skills that I needed for the workforce. I worked every shift I could to get the most out of my experience.”

Today, Pietrangelo finds great fulfillment in volunteering as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club in Holland. She stresses the importance of education to the children.

“We plan to have nights where the kids come and work to learn customer service skills, money handling and work ethic,” she said. “We are going to teach them the skills they need to be successful on their own. I hope the restaurant acts as a springboard for the youth to realize their dreams, just like I did.”

Visit Village Inn Pizza & Sports Grille 2215 44th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 or 934 Washington Ave. Holland, MI 49423

Labor of love Franco Petrucci, ’91 Livonia Bakery and Café Livonia, Michigan Owning Livonia Bakery & Café has been a labor of love for Franco Petrucci, ’91.

“It is a seven-day-a-week business,” Petrucci said. “Originally, we started as a bakery and deli store. We have grown our services to include catering, gift baskets and even kids’ birthday parties.”

Petrucci and his brother opened Livonia Bakery and Café nearly 27 years ago.

“My first job in high school was working in a bakery and deli shop,” Petrucci said.

“I know what it takes to be successful in this industry. The best advice I have for a business owner is to never give up.”

Today, Petrucci is the sole owner of the business.

Franco Petrucci, ’91

22

Tina Pietrangelo, ’07

FEATURE

Elevating the community

Growing up in a family of immigrants, his parents had limited education. But they had wells of work ethic.

“My parents immigrated from Italy and my dad started a construction business,” Petrucci said. “I took my dad’s work ethic and my experience working in a store and coupled it with my hands-on business education at Detroit College of Business to start my own business.”

Visit Livonia Bakery and Café 33615 W. Seven Mile Rd. Livonia, MI 48152

Jason Collett, MBA ’01 Rock Hill Brewing Co. Rock Hill, South Carolina On a trip to Greece to celebrate his early retirement in 2017, Jason Collett, MBA ’01, and his wife were enjoying local wine on the beaches of Santorini Island while dreaming of the next big adventure.

A few other alumni in the food business

Collett said his business supports local businesses, educational systems and the community.

“The brewery, in the heart of the city, will create a place to ignite possibilities,” he said. “When the community does well, we do well.”

“I want to create a space to connect, celebrate and support the local community,” Collett said.

With an idea of community in mind and a partnership with a restaurant owner, plans to develop Rock Hill Brewing Company were born.

Jason Collett, MBA, ’01

“Creating a center for penetrating across conventional social circles and having dynamic conversations is much bigger than just a place to drink. It creates the opportunity and potential for what’s next.”

ROCk g n i w Bre

. o C

HiLL

“Rock Hill Brewing Company will deliver great beer, no doubt,” Collett said. “But small business development, local entrepreneurism and community growth is far more important.”

Kevin Begin, MBA ’13 Tucker Hill Inn Pub and Restaurant Waitsfield, Vermont Betty LaCroix,’60 The Onion Crock Worldwide Gricelda Mata, ’01 Lindo Mexico Restaurant Wyoming, Michigan

He hopes the brewery inspires other people who are interested in entrepreneurship.

“One of the things that I am most excited about is hosting entrepreneurial and local community leader ‘story nights’,” Collett said. “We hope to create accessibility for local start-ups. This could be an avenue to help generate seed money for local business start-ups or expansions. Likewise, local leaders can share personal stories of success and failure to help guide others down their personal path.”

Visit Rock Hill Brewing Company 121 Caldwell Street, Ste 101 Rock Hill, SC 29730

Elizabeth Reyes-Rosario, ’01, ’05 MAYA Mexican Grill and Bar Wyoming, Michigan Phil Russo, ’68 Russo’s International Market Grand Rapids, Michigan Andy Sietsema, ’05 Sietsema Cider Ada, Michigan

Lidia Uccello, ’02 Uccello's Ristorante Multiple West Michigan locations Jane Vanderheide, ’53 Janie’s Cookies Worldwide Phil Wingo, MBA ’16 Sandhill Coffee Worldwide DU Review 23

FEATURE

THE RIPPLE EFFECT Alumnus identifies need in the

Latino community to empower emerging leaders

24

FEATURE

C

arlos Sanchez, ’01, identified a need for emerging Latino leaders in the community when he began as director of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2013.

“I was constantly being asked by young Latino professionals about courses, books, workshops, TED talks and anything that would help them in their professional development,” Sanchez said. “I felt there was an immediate need to provide a service or program for these people.”

Sanchez, along with a partner, created the Latino Talent Initiative — a leadership development program. The initiative received a $50,000 grant to help launch the program in conjunction with Ferris State University. He is now director of the Latino Business and Economic Development Center at Ferris.

He says his role is a perfect combination of two of his passions – Latino talent development and business.

Sparking passion An experienced businessman, Sanchez has long been attracted to education since uncovering the need to help aspiring Latino leaders. The Latino Talent Initiative has trained and graduated more than 60 young professionals since launching in 2013.

One of the program components that he is most proud of is the civic engagement aspect of the program.

“We encourage the leaders of the program to find areas of growth and opportunity within their community and come up with an idea to make it better,” Sanchez said.

25

a b o v e Carlos Sanchez

“Many of our graduates run for public office, volunteer on community boards and create projects that impact their communities.”

Sanchez’s ability to spark passion among fellow Latinos in the greater Grand Rapids community is a ripple effect that can be felt throughout the state.

Inspired by the program, one graduate ran for East Grand Rapids City Council, one was appointed to Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Board and one serves on the City of Grand Rapids Planning Committee.

The program also educates participants on how to address cultural biases in their workplaces as well as micro aggressions.

He traveled the world as an operations travel agent — moving to the Bahamas, Florida, Dominican Republic, North Africa and Europe every few months.

Sanchez’s last Club Med assignment was in Cancún, where he ventured out of travel agency work into time-share sales.

“My wife, Lynne, was working at the same place,” Sanchez said. “We worked there for another three years before we moved back to Grand Rapids, her hometown.”

After moving to Grand Rapids, Sanchez completed his degree in International Business at DU. In 2016, he received the Donald W. Maine College of Business Alumni Award.

Starting his journey Sanchez, who was born and raised in Mexico City, knows the importance of creating a culture of openness and developing multicultural workplaces.

During his second year at Universidad Iberoamericana, Sanchez earned a hospitality management internship with Club Med. He signed up for a six-month assignment in Ixpata, Mexico, which turned into an opportunity of a lifetime.

THE

PASSION ISSUE

DU Review 25

FEATURE

Hacking the gender gap DU prepares women for

l e f t Ashley Risinger, Linda LeSage Associate Department Chair for the College of Technology and Stefana Rusu

“I have a lot of opportunities,” Rusu said.

“I just have to decide which way to go.”

Breaking stereotypes THE

PASSION ISSUE

careers in technology

W

omen are breaking stereotypes at Davenport University. Within the College of Technology, nearly 20 percent of the students in technology-related majors such as Cyber Defense, Digital Forensics and Technology Project Management are women.

“The gender gap in technology jobs persists and studies show that the percentage of women in technologyrelated jobs has fallen,” Dean Pamela Imperato said. “At DU, we are not only preparing women to go into jobs in computer science and other technologyrelated fields, we also are bringing in children and teens to inspire the next generation of women in tech.”

Cracking the code for success Ashley Risinger, a senior from Flushing, Michigan, chose DU because of its Digital Forensics program. And while Risinger knows many technology fields are dominated by men, she has noticed more women entering her program at DU. “I’ve had classes where I was the only woman in the class. But I am seeing more and more women in the field, especially in digital forensics,” she said.

26

In addition to learning how to examine forensics in Windows, Apple, Linux, mobile devices and networks, Davenport’s class sizes have given her an edge in the workplace.

“With smaller class sizes, it is easier to network with faculty,” she said. “That is how I’ve gotten my three internships. I’ve been invited to events with them and from there, I have made connections with people who work in the industry.”

She has completed internships at Perrigo, Spectrum Health and Gordon Food Service within the cyber security field.

Stefana Rusu, an international student from Romania, chose DU for the biometrics specialty within the Computer Science program.

“I decided to go into biometrics because I was really interested in biology, but not enough to become a doctor or a nurse,” she said. “I really like computers, so I wanted to find something that relates to both of those. Biometrics really captivated me.”

From facial recognition to fingerprints, biometrics is all about the human body.

It can give a person access through security features or help law enforcement capture a criminal in a crowd.

“The biggest challenge in bringing women into technology-related programs is raising awareness to the opportunities,” Risinger said.

That’s where DU’s Women in Technology — a registered student organization — is making an impact.

Risinger, who serves as vice president of the organization, works closely with Rusu, WIT’s president. WIT hosted a Computer Science Week last year to teach other students the basics of programming and game design. The members also work with Linda LeSage, associate chair of DU’s College of Technology, to plan Girls Rock IT — a camp for Girl Scouts and children from local schools.

“During middle school, girls start thinking they can’t do math, science and technology. Before that, they are pretty equal or even a little ahead in math and science. It’s our culture to steer women away from it,” LeSage said. “It’s a stereotype we’re trying to break. We do all kinds of different programs to get young females more interested in the fun part of this job.”

Many DU women in WIT help teach at the camp, sharing a contagious passion for technology.

“We bring them in and rotate them through computer-related activities,” LeSage said. “We do graphic arts, audio, programming simulator, Javascript and Python. They love it and have such a good time.”

FEATURE

Seeking mentors and champions Alumna Meghan Redder says early exposure to opportunities in technology would help more women enter the field.

She graduated in 2009 with a degree in Computer Networking.

“Looking back, I surprised myself by choosing a degree program I had no knowledge of and little exposure to,” she said.

Redder started her career as an intern at National Heritage Academies. She had pursued the position because a faculty member at DU had mentioned it to her.

“I hadn’t been actively looking for an internship, but I had heard in my classes that one of the best ways to get started was to get your foot in the door somewhere and do internships,” she said.

“From the technical side, I started out knowing nothing. I learned all of my basic networking knowledge at Davenport.”

Her tip for women seeking career success in technology: seek out mentors and ask for help and guidance.

“Looking back, I know that there were key individuals who were champions for me along the way,” she said. “I would suggest finding those champions proactively.”

In less than a decade, she worked her way up to senior network administrator, where she oversaw phone and wireless systems for 84 schools.

Opening your mind and asking questions Beatris Zamora, ’13, ‘14, studied Computer Information Systems with a focus in programming.

“I was absolutely fascinated with computers since the first day I got to see one in my fifth grade computer class,” she said.

With the help of Career Services, Zamora’s resume made it into the hands of an IT recruitment company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A contract role led to a full-time junior developer position. She has continued to grow and advance in her field.

Her advice for women in the field: have an open mind and the confidence to ask questions.

“The tech industry is a very special one where in order to succeed you have to consistently learn, learn and learn to keep up with everything that is changing,” she said. “You have to be able to reach out to your supervisor or colleagues when you run into an issue or want feedback on an idea.”

a b o v e Beatris Zamora, ’13, ’14

DU Review 27

FEATURE

T

here is one patient that Michelle High, ’16 BSN, will never forget.

“I walked out to the waiting room to greet the family of a patient who just transferred to my floor,” High said. “I was greeted with somber, crying faces.”

The family received unfortunate news.

Their mother was given three months to live.

A healing touch Detroit nursing alumna finds her passion in nursing

THE

PASSION ISSUE

28

Michelle High, ‘16

Yet, the 80-year-old patient was spunky and happy.

“The patient was asking about her hair and makeup,” High said. “I knew I had to help the family grieve in a way that made her feel supported and loved.”

High began giving orders. She told a family member to leave to buy the patient red nail polish from CVS. She asked others to fetch her wig and find her shoes.

“We are going to make your mom feel at home,” she told the family.

She thought she would be written up for her frankness.

Earning an international recognition After six months on the job, High received an email from the vice president and chief nursing officer of Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak.

“I had to start from the bottom and work my way up. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Davenport.”

FEATURE

MICHELLE HIGH, ’16

a b o v e A statue symbolizing the relationship between nurses, patients and families

“I have received dozens of letters about you,” the vice president said. “Remember that patient you recently treated? You know, the one where you told the family to go to CVS?” “Oh, no,” High thought.

High said the vice president explained that her actions showcased her ability to lead and build the trust she needed with the family to provide the best care for their mother. She also shared that High was to be honored with a 2017 DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses.

The DAISY Award is an international recognition for outstanding nurses.

“I was in shock,” High said. “I knew about the DAISY Award and saw the large display in the lobby, but I didn’t think that after only six months on the job that I could earn such a prestigious award.”

In the summer of 2017, High was honored with the award and received the “The Healer’s Touch” statue, symbolizing the relationship between nurses, patients and families.

“You can plan your life as much as you want,” High said. “But it is not until your heart directs you that you will find your

purpose. I found my purpose in nursing thanks to Davenport University.”

Discovering a passion for nursing Nursing wasn’t High’s first career choice. After she closed her restaurant in 2011, she was looking for her next step. When a friend encouraged her to take an online career test, the results followed a pattern: nurse, healthcare leader and director of nursing.

She knew enrolling in a nursing program would mean starting fresh at 38 with a busy, active family. But her decision was solidified after meeting a Davenport student at a restaurant.

“I was eating lunch at a Starbucks and the lady at the table next to me was vigorously studying her nursing books,” High said. “I asked her where she went to school and she said Davenport University. We talked for 30 minutes about how much she loved the program and she encouraged me to apply.”

High drove home and immediately applied to Davenport. She began her courses at the Warren Campus shortly thereafter.

“I absolutely loved my time at Davenport,” High said. “The hands-on, personal learning and teaching at Davenport prepared me for situations like the one I had with that family. Davenport goes beyond the classroom materials and teaches information you would encounter in real-life situations.”

High’s cohort included about 40 people, which she described as a big family.

The professors knew the names of their students’ children.

While going to school full-time and raising a family, she worked part-time as a housekeeper, nurse aide and nurse technician at Beaumont.

“It is so hard to get into the hospital,” High said. “I had to start from the bottom and work my way up. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Davenport.”

High graduated at the top of her class with honors in the spring of 2016 and earned a spot in the Beaumont Graduate Nursing Program as a gastrointestinal nurse. She now works as a nurse in the emergency department where she earned her trauma nursing core certification.

DU Review 29

FEATURE

1 Lunch-and-Learn at Consumers Credit Union 2 Disha Roddy, ’19 THE

Mapping a career journey PASSION

3 Students and mentors at the kick-off reception

ISSUE

Alumni Mentor Network helps guide students along the path to success

C

areers are filled with twists and turns and it often helps to have a mentor to help guide you along the way. In Fall 2017, the Alumni Mentor Network paired alumni volunteers with students to help them begin their career journeys.

The initiative is funded by Consumers Credit Union and DU’s Alumni Board of Directors.

Dawn Brekke, ’97, was one of 15 alumni volunteers who joined the Alumni Mentor Network in its inaugural year.

“I wanted to be a part of this program so that I could help someone else succeed and grow,” said Brekke, an accounting manager for Behler-Young Company.

In addition to the mentor relationship, students and alumni had an exclusive opportunity to network and learn firsthand from area employers through lunch-and-learn events. The program deepened students’ understanding of life after college through exposure to behind-the-scenes tours, leadership 30

opportunities and skill-development resources. The sessions act as springboards for conversation in the mentor relationship as students build their skills and gain experience as they begin to pursue their passions and professional careers.

Jon Krueger, ’17 MBA, says the biggest transformation he saw in the students was their level of confidence.

“They are learning to ask questions, brainstorm, develop resumés and gain knowledge — which prepares them to enter the job market,” said Krueger, business transformation manager at Gordon Food Service.

Krueger said he learned from the experience as well.

“Any professional in the business world in the West Michigan area should want to take advantage of this opportunity as well because we grow and we gain from these experiences just as much as the mentee does,” he said.

DU senior Miles Morrissey attended lunch-and-learn events and behind-thescene tours with fellow students through the program, as well as received help preparing for interviews.

“It is hard to apply online and stand out,” he said. “At our lunches, we met people face-to-face. It has helped a lot to be able to network with companies in the area. The program also helped steer my path and understanding of the type of industry that I really want to work in.”

The students and alumni visited top area employers, including Consumers Credit Union, KPMG, Amway, Gordon Food Service and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.

“The experience has been memorable and I know I will look back on this in years to come and be grateful that I took the opportunity to become involved with this program,” DU senior Austin Shepler said.

Plans are being mapped out to offer the Alumni Mentor Network to more students in the Fall 2018 semester.

“They have structured this program and given us the tools we need to help our mentees move forward,” Brekke said. “I think they have started a great foundation for a strong program moving forward.”

FEATURE

1

2

Marie Woodard, ’94, and Disha Roddy

Fashioning a future

3

Marie Woodard, ’94, is the kind of mentor students would want in their corner when navigating challenging educational and professional decisions. Disha Roddy appreciates Woodard’s first-hand guidance.

Roddy is a graduate student in Davenport University’s MBA program. Woodard — an entrepreneur, marketing professional and fashion consultant — was the perfect mentor match for Roddy, who aspires to start her own fashion and business consultancy after graduation.

Help students find their passions To learn how you can support the Alumni Mentor Network, contact Sara Mooney at Sara.Mooney@davenport.edu

“Mentoring has always been a passion of mine,” Woodard said. “As soon as I learned about this program, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I had so many amazing mentors in my life. I wanted to pay it forward.”

Roddy finds value in the mentoring program because of the in-depth knowledge and experiences her mentor can share with her.

“I thought that by this time in my life I would have everything figured out and be working in my desired career field,” Roddy said.

“Being a part of this mentor program has helped me with my future and has been incredibly life changing.”

DU Review 31

FEATURE

THE

PASSION ISSUE

Karen Daley with the "Sim Man"

Technology and simulations fuel learning for nursing students Dean of College of Health Professions brings passion for teaching to life through human patient simulators

A

small group of College of Health Professions students are at the bedside of a patient experiencing signs of a stroke. Together, they ask him questions, speak to the family, work toward a diagnosis and provide care.

It’s just another day in the lab with the human patient simulators.

32

“They have pulses and heartbeats,” said Karen Daley, Dean of DU’s College of Health Professions. “They blink, bleed and speak. They can die and you can revive them. The human patient simulators help students gain confidence and connect their practice to real-world situations.”

“At some colleges, students get only one day of simulation each week. We do it every day.”

FEATURE

KAREN DALEY

Fifteen years ago, Daley noticed that the lecture model wasn’t working in nursing courses. After running her first simulation, she knew leveraging technology to help students learn was the key.

“The very first time I ever threw a simulation I had a new human patient simulator on a stretcher and no equipment,” she said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. I pressed the button so the simulator flatlined and lost his heartbeat. They immediately went into an ER scenario with pretend defibrillators, going through all the motions. I finally hit the button so the patient’s pulse came back and they were hugging and crying. I thought, ‘This is it.

We can teach this way.’”

“The human patient simulators help me learn by forcing me to think like I was actually in a patient’s room,” Wilson said.

“You have to really do a full assessment while also having bedside manner to make the ‘patient’ comfortable.

The patient has real sounds, vital signs and responses that adds a real-life quality that you can’t get in a general skills lab.”

DU has about a dozen human patient simulators across its campuses, including a pregnant female patient that can give birth, as well as infant and childsized patients. The “Sim Mom” at the Midland Campus was supported by The Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations.

Daley has been on the forefront of using simulations in the classroom to prepare students in health professions careers.

DU has labs and computerized simulators at its campuses in Grand Rapids, Warren, Lansing and Midland.

They are used by students in nursing, medical assisting, health information management and medical case management.

“What we do at DU is really tremendous,” Daley said. “At some colleges, students get only one day of simulation each week.

We do it every day. We are harnessing the power of technology with health, anatomy, physiology and nursing, and bringing it all together.”

Grand Haven nursing student Taylor Wilson said the program is making her a better nurse and person.

The human patient simulators also allow students to learn from their mistakes.

“One of the most memorable simulations that I have experienced is when the scenario included putting an IV into a dummy arm,” Wilson said. “After a while the simulator patient stated his arm was getting numb and I realized I had left the tourniquet on. It was an easy mistake to make, but it made me very aware of what I did wrong and allowed me to learn this lesson on a simulator instead of a real patient.”

As an expert in conducting simulations, she served as co-editor of Simulation Scenarios for Nursing Educators — the third edition which was published this year.

“One of the things about being a dean is you don’t ever want to become a pure administrator,” Daley said. “You want to make sure you are firmly rooted in whatever your discipline is but also have the ability to see what is happening on the healthcare front.”

DU Review 33

DU Class Notes

PROFESSIONAL Laurie Ayers, ’93 AS, ’95 BBA, is the owner/deception analyst at Concealed Statements. She published a nonfiction book titled Drive-Thru Deception: Liars Don't Want You to Know These Bite-Size Clues to Deceit.

Elijah Baltierra, ’17 BS, is a senior information technology professional at Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing in St. Louis, Michigan.

Alissa Cabrera, ’18 BS, is a human resources representative at Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples, Florida.

Jamil Chowdhury, ’04 BBA, is a financial controller at Dryden Steel LLC in Madison Heights, Michigan.

Shannon Wilkinson, ’16 MBA, married Victor Wilkinson, ’16 MBA, on Oct. 7, 2017 and had their daughter, Victoria, on Jan. 18, 2018.

Alex Ketchum, ’13 BBA, is a deputy of corrections at Kent County Sheriff's Department in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Renee Peeples, ’18 BBA, is a customer service representative at Priority Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Antoinetta Freeman, ’02 BS, is a registered representative at Atled Financial in Schererville, Indiana.

Austin Licon, ’13 BBA, is a sales representative at Kinkelder Saws International, Inc. in Machesney Park, Illinois.

Steve Robbins, ’97 BBA, ’07 MBA, is a global director of customer quality at Lear Automotive in Muskegon, Michigan.

Dolores Harris, ’97 BBA, is the founder and chief financial officer of D&R Acres Hobby and Rescue Farm in West Branch, Michigan.

Marty Lewandowski, ’95 BBA, is a supervisor at RSM US LLP in Atlanta, Georgia.

Nishanth Rodrigues, ’02 BAS, is the new chief technology officer at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.

Virginia Lynn, ’17 BBA, is a first vice president-investment officer at Wells Fargo Advisors in Florida.

Tamara Sobolewski, ’96 AS, is a credit specialist at Comerica Bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Shannon Meines, ’05 BAS, is an administrative assistant at Artiflex Manufacturing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Richard Spring, ’17 BS, is an IT technical specialist at Summit Polymers, Inc. in Portage, Michigan.

Scott Ford, ’15 BS, is an IT engineer at Blue Medora in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Lakia Hurst, ’17 MBA, is a product development coordinator at The Auto Club Group in Dearborn, Michigan.

Jenny Knapp, ’17 AAS, is an OP coder at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

34

CLASS NOTES

Andrea Taylor, ’00 Diploma, is a credit coordinator at American Tire Distributors in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jacqueline Wellington, ’06 BBA, is an office manager at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service of Battle Creek, Michigan.

ENGAGEMENT AND MARRIAGES Kara Overway, ’16 BBA, is engaged to marry Derek Nichoson, ’15 BS, on Feb. 16.

Tiara Paisley, ’13 AS, ’14 BS, is engaged to marry DeArmond Davis in 2018.

Lewis Robinson, ’09 BBA, ’14 MBA, married Stephanie Farmer in Feb. 19 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

IN MEMORIAM Thomas M. Cook, ’92 BBA, passed away on Jan. 24, 2018.

Robert E. Delaney, ’91 AS, passed away on Dec. 27, 2017.

Dennis L. Gillett, ’76 AS, passed away on Nov. 11, 2017.

Marvin Haight, ’51 Diploma, passed away on Dec. 5, 2017.

Donald J. Koopman, ’59 Diploma, passed away on Jan. 4, 2018.

Gerald T. Rudolph, ’06 BS, passed away on Nov. 13, 2017.

Judy M. Schuchaskie, ’83 AS, passed away on Dec. 11, 2017.

Richard L. Shirey, ’80 AS, passed away on Dec. 26, 2017.

Michelle M. Slavicek, ’10 BS, passed away on Dec. 15, 2017.

Daniel Smithingell, ’77 AS, passed away on Nov. 20, 2017.

John VandenBerg, ’39 Diploma, passed away on Nov. 11, 2017.

Brenda Ward, ’98 AS, ’99 BBA, passed away on Nov. 18, 2017.

What Is Your Passion?

Kelly Zimmermann, ’08 BBA, ’11 MBA, is an equity compensation analyst at Chemical Financial Corporation in Midland and Troy. She earned her doctorate in Social Impact Management at Walden University. Her dissertation entitled Food Waste Reduction Strategies in Supermarkets: The Lived Experiences of Perishable Foods Managers in Michigan was published.

Consider supporting Davenport through your will or estate. Bequests are an impactful way to provide longterm support for DU students and programs long after your lifetime. Contact the Davenport University Foundation at (616) 233-3418.

DU Review 35

6191 Kraft Avenue Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512

Save the Dates AUGUST 2018 AUGUST

22

Davenport University Scholarship Golf Classic Monday, Aug. 22 Egypt Valley Country Club davenport.edu/golf

SEPTEMBER 2018 SEPTEMBER

28

SEPTEMBER

29

Alumni Awards Ceremony Friday, Sept. 28 Robert W. Sneden Center; W.A. Lettinga Campus Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game Saturday, Sept. 29 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex davenport.edu/homecoming