DU Review Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018 · VOLUME 11 · NO. 3

Stories about Davenport’s impact on students, alumni and career success

Table of Contents Summer 2018, Volume 11, No. 3

SECTIONS

DU Review is published by Davenport University.

FEATURES

05

6191 Kraft Avenue Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 A driving force in Detroit Alumna navigates a career in the automotive industry

A career takes flight Student focused on landing a career as a business aviation pilot

University News

10

15

Students

11 Giving

12

From camo to college Graduate transforms her Air Force medic experience into a career in nursing

Athletics

16

20 From government assistance to transforming the lives of others Alumna improves the college process for students

Bringing STEM to urban classrooms Davenport University receives its first National Science Foundation grant

A step ahead Alumnus builds a tech career in St. Louis, Michigan

Wake up to the world Summer study abroad takes students to South America

DUAlumni

DavenportU

Executive Director of Leadership Gifts & Donor Services Louise Kidd Executive Director of Alumni & Development Jason Madden, ’08 MBA

The first year journey for a new student The DU path for first-year student success

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations & Events Erik Dane, ’07 MBA Director of Prospect Research & Stewardship Alysa Hunton Assistant Director of Annual Giving Megan Sjolander Assistant Director of Alumni Communications & Development Laura Macka Executive Administrative Assistant Mary Nelsen

22

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

2

Executive Director of Grant Development Michele Davis

Director of Major Gifts Nick Glaser

Changing the face of beauty Scholarship recipient challenges perception of beauty standards

18

Alumni & Development Executive Vice President for Alumni & Development Peg Luy

26

24

©2018 Davenport University

davenportuniversity

28

30

Marketing & Communications Executive Vice President for Marketing & Communications Debra Cooper Director of Communications Rachel Esterline Perkins

on the cover Brian Walker and Robin Roberts

davenport.edu/DUReview

DU Review 3

From the President

University News

A transformational experience

A

s I embark on my 10th year as president of Davenport University, I reflect on what we have accomplished together as a transformative institution. Through our Vision 2020 strategic plan, we are committed to preparing our students to achieve their career dreams, exceed employers’ expectations and transform communities.

Davenport’s Employment Guarantee is now available to more than 1,200 students in the Accounting, Nursing and Network Management and Security programs. We have a new, state-ofthe-art Donald W. Maine College of Business Building. Our College of Urban Education is transforming the way teachers teach and students learn in the urban setting. The list goes on and on.

The list includes the stories of ABC Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and her experiences as a journalist and cancer survivor. Roberts was the guest speaker at our 21st annual Excellence in Business Gala. The list includes the career story of Brian Walker, CEO and president of Herman Miller, who received the Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award at the Gala.

To that end, we have annually improved upon our persistence and retention rates, which have led to a 132 percent increase in our graduation rate. Our student and graduate satisfaction rates are at an all-time high. Since 2010 we have added nearly 20 degree programs based on the needs of the marketplace.

Helping our students prepare to be productive members of an organization and their communities is the focus of our transformational education at DU.

These stories we share today tell us that we have so much to anticipate in our future. A transformative DU education truly helps students “Get Where the World is Going.” Thank you for your continuing interest and support!

4

In this issue of the DU Review, you will read articles and stories that demonstrate just how that focus is demonstrated every day. You will read about Gwen Moore and her story of helping to transform communities. You will hear the inspiring story of Trudy Schiller, one of our newest alumni, who received her degree in April among our 1,900 graduates. You will learn about how Lonnie Decker is transforming technology education. That list of remarkable DU stories goes on and on, too.

Congratulations, Graduates!

N

early 1,900 graduates earned their degrees this past spring and more than 900 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas during the annual Commencement Ceremony at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. President

132%

20

1,200

Increase in graduation rate

New degree programs added since 2010

Students eligible to participate in Davenport’s Employment Guarantee

Franco Bianchi, president and CEO of Haworth, Inc. and a former member of Davenport’s Board of Trustees, was the keynote speaker and recipient of an honorary doctorate.

This year’s student speaker was Kuana School, a graduate of the Lansing Campus’ second class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing students.

a b o v e Student speaker Kuana School, ’18 r i g h t Franco Bianchi, president and CEO of Haworth, Inc.

above right Khlorese Walton, ’16, ’18, celebrating #DavenportDay because she graduated with her master’s degree in Human Resource Management.

# DAV E N PO R T DAY In honor of the Class of 2018, President Richard Pappas declared the Friday before graduation as Davenport Day. The inaugural Davenport Day was an online celebration in which people shared their passion for Davenport University and posted pictures and stories about the impact the university has had on their lives.

DU Review 5

The Right Place, Inc., West Michigan’s regional economic development organization, and as a board director for Briggs & Stratton Corporation, The Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research, and Universal Forest Products, Inc. “Peter Cook was a special man who was very committed to this region, and Brian is very committed to this region as well,” said Birgit Klohs, president and CEO of The Right Place.

In his acceptance speech, Walker expressed his appreciation for key people in his life, including his wife and children, parents and the team at Herman Miller.

According to Bruce Los, president of softArchitecture and chair of the Davenport Foundation Board, Walker is a worthy honoree.

Herman Miller’s Brian Walker honored with 2018 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award 21st Annual Excellence in Business event featured GMA’s Robin Roberts Approximately 500 friends and supporters of Davenport University attended the 21st Annual Excellence in Business Dinner Gala in May, helping raise nearly $300,000 in support of student scholarships.

As DU’s largest annual fundraiser for scholarships, the generosity of attendees and sponsors is critical to students who rely upon scholarship support in their pursuit of degrees in business, technology, health or urban education.

6

The event featured special guest Robin Roberts, co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America. It also served as an opportunity to showcase excellence in the region’s business sector, as exemplified by the 2018 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award honoree Brian Walker, who retired as president and CEO of Herman Miller, Inc. in August.

Brian Walker honored with Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award The Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award, named for a prominent Davenport alumnus who was a business and community leader in West Michigan during his life, recognizes leaders who show the entrepreneurial spirit, success and generosity to community that are hallmarks of the Davenport University mission, vision and values.

“He models the behavior that’s really made a difference and I know Peter (Cook) would be really proud of Brian receiving this award,” Los said.

Under Walker’s leadership, Herman Miller implemented a transformative business strategy called “SHIFT,” moving the company toward global positioning as a premium lifestyle brand. He also has contributed to his community, serving as chair of the Board of Directors for

“Herman Miller has really been a gift. It changed me more than I changed it,” he said. “Through our designers, I learned to see. By traveling the world, I became a citizen of the world. My work enabled me to learn from some of the greatest leaders in the world. In summary, it’s been an education beyond anything I could have dreamed.”

Robin Roberts lights up the stage Another highlight of the evening was an interview of ABC’s Robin Roberts

by President Richard Pappas. Roberts shared the important influence her parents had in her life.

“My mother and father were very much about teaching their children about the three Ds: discipline, determination and da Lord,” Roberts said. “That was really a great foundation for me.”

Roberts shared how she overcame breast cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of leukemia, and discussed memorable moments throughout her career. She also had advice for students, encouraging them to discover and pursue their passions.

“Don’t let fear stand in the way of your destiny, whatever it is that you want to accomplish,” she said. “Being here at Davenport, I’m so taken aback. You are so ahead of your time. I feel you’ve laid a very solid foundation and there’s no reason why anyone in this great country that we live in, and especially having this opportunity, shouldn’t just go for it, absolutely go for it, and make your dream come true.”

2018 Event Sponsors GOLD

Richard & Helen DeVos Foundation Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation Fifth Third Bank SILVER

Townsquare Media David & Carol Van Andel Family Foundation Varnum, Attorneys at Law Wolverine Worldwide WZZM 13

DU Review 7

University News

University News

DU students lead the way at BPA National Leadership Conference Thirty-three Davenport University students competed at Business Professionals of America’s 52nd National Leadership Conference in Grapevine, Texas, in May. They brought home multiple national championships alongside many other top awards. Over the last 10 years, Davenport students have earned more than 120 national titles.

The Master of Science in Nursing Concurrent Enrollment program is a special program designed for dedicated 8

Four Davenport University students put their minds together earlier this year to create a mobile application for the Kent District Library in Grand Rapids. The app, which will be available on Google Play soon, promotes early literacy.

The students, who were majors in the Computer Information Systems program, were enrolled in an independent study with DU faculty member Brian Kowalczk. The app they created features “boredom busters,” coloring pages, books and event information.

Delta College and Davenport University announce Nursing degree partnership Delta College and Davenport University formed a new partnership earlier this year that enables students accepted into Delta’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing program to enroll in DU’s Master of Science in Nursing Concurrent Enrollment Program. This allows students to transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program and continue on to a Master of Science in Nursing at DU.

Computer Information Systems students create app for local library

The project brought classroom learning to life. The students planned development cycles, tested new additions and wrote programs. They also learned how to effectively work and communicate with clients.

students who want to earn their nursing degrees in the shortest amount of time, with some able to complete their associate and bachelor’s degree programs in as little as three years. The

program not only helps students get ahead quicker, it helps address the growing demand for nurses anticipated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“These students really took advantage of this opportunity,” Kowalczk said. “They simulated real-life experiences by treating this like an IT project where they met with the stakeholders, gained feedback and invited KDL staff to beta test their app.”

Building a pipeline for the future of cybersecurity Lonnie Decker, department chair for Networking and Information Assurance/ Cybersecurity, is among the first 17 people in the U.S. with the designation as a CCNA Cyber Ops Instructor Trainer through the Cisco Learning Network.

This credential means Decker will help deliver this curriculum to other Networking Academy instructors for use in their schools, which will help develop the pipeline of students necessary to meet the demands of the cybersecurity workforce.

“There are currently projected to be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021. This is an effort to help attract more students to these high-demand fields in cybersecurity.”

LONNIE DECKER

Decker received his first training 20 years ago and was already an instructor trainer for the CCNA Routing and Switching and CCNA Security courses.

Lonnie Decker

“From a direct standpoint, this credential means that I will spend a lot of time in the next couple of years training other instructors,” he said. “This not only provides the benefit of extending the curriculum to a variety of different institutions across Michigan, but it also provides a community of instructors for me to work with for cybersecurity education across the state. The sharing of ideas and best practices that takes place in these training opportunities is definitely a two-way street.”

In July, Decker hosted a CCNA Cyber Operations training at the W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids, which was attended by instructors from high schools, tech centers and community colleges.

Davenport University is a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education as designated by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

DU Review 9

STUDENTS

GIVING

Equipping students with the competencies sought by employers Davenport University certifying skills and using data to revise curriculum

E

mployers across the nation often lament about college graduates and the competencies they lack — such as critical thinking and problem solving, leadership and teamwork, and creativity and communication.

For the past five years, Davenport University’s Excellence System has proactively ensured each student graduates with both the soft and hard skills needed for career success.

The Excellence System — a datadriven method that integrates nine competency areas throughout the curriculum of each major — defines and assesses the skills demanded by employers.

“The Excellence System was formed in partnership with business and industry experts,” said Wayne Sneath, director of Experiential Learning. “Fundamentally, this is about making student learning better. It’s data driven and helps us be consistent in the student experience Davenport provides.”

Certifying the hard and soft skills employers seek Davenport is moving its Excellence System to a higher level by offering

10

students the opportunity to gain certifications in each of the nine areas.

Last fall, marketing students could begin to opt in for Excellence System certification.

Vice Provost Irene Bembenista said DU will offer certification as an option for additional programs in the future.

To date, more than 20 marketing students have opted in to certification.

“The Excellence System does not impact their grades for the course,” Sneath said.

“There is a scale they need to meet, but there is no penalty if they don’t meet it. To earn a certification, an assignment is assessed by a four-member team.

There has to be consensus on scoring between at least two of the faculty for the certification to be awarded.”

In addition to receiving a certificate, it also becomes a part of the students’ permanent academic record. In the future, it will become a part of their academic transcript.

Retired Davenport leader and coach honored in May

“We asked employers about the types of soft skills they sought to determine the needed competency areas,” Bembenista said.

Roger VanderLaan Arena dedicated in May

N

Cross-disciplinary faculty teams then built rubrics and created curriculum maps to help faculty effectively and reliably measure the skills.

early 90 family and friends gathered at the W.A. Lettinga Campus Student Center in May for the dedication of the Roger VanderLaan Arena. Led by Trustee Wilbur Lettinga, the generosity of VanderLaan’s many friends created an endowment to support the arena in perpetuity. The naming of the arena recognizes VanderLaan’s 38 years of dedicated service to Davenport University.

The Excellence System is currently measured in 119 courses.

The Excellence System’s nine learning competencies include: • Global & Intercultural Competence • Civic & Social Responsibility • Ethical Reasoning & Action • Critical & Creative Thinking

a b o v e ( l t o r ) President Richard Pappas, Trustee Wilbur Lettinga, ’55, and Roger VanderLaan

• Analysis & Problem Solving

Brick by brick: Building a system for student success

• Leadership & Teamwork

The system is based upon a concept developed by faculty member Jack Cichy in the early ’90s and defined by emeritus faculty member Terri Tomaszek. The university began constructing the system in 2003 by seeking input from those directly impacted by DU graduates.

• Written Communication

A graduate of Ferris State College, VanderLaan was a basketball standout.

Arriving at Davenport in 1963, he began his career at the university teaching accounting courses. Following a time in athletics as a coach for men’s basketball and golf, as well as tenure as athletic director, he moved into the administrative ranks.

VanderLaan received the first Tyrus R. Wessell Award in 1998 for distinguished employee service. He retired in 2001 as the executive vice president of operations.

“Davenport is deeply grateful to Roger for his nearly four decades of service, and to the many donors whose gifts pay tribute to his professional accomplishments and his personal friendships,” President Richard Pappas said.

b e l o w Roger VanderLaan addressing the crowd.

• Information & Technology Proficiency

• Professional Communication

right (l to r) Randy Goodyke, ’85, and Brenda Goodyke, ’84, Sue VanderLaan Nutter, ’83, Christie VanderLaan, ’86, ’89, C.G. and Roger VanderLaan

11

DU Review 11

ATHLETICS

“Every student should participate in the HEROES Mentor Program. Not only does it help the student, but it helps you connect and become that role model for someone who needs guidance.”

LEVI SIX

Becoming a hero to a child Student-athletes volunteer in local schools

B

etween balancing practice, classes, homework and jobs, Davenport University studentathletes are dedicating time to mentor children in Caledonia schools.

The HEROES Mentoring Program, led by the DU Volunteer Center at the W.A. Lettinga Campus, focuses on helping middle school students develop competence and character.

“The DU volunteers get a lot out of being there for someone else and knowing they have the ability to change someone’s life,” said Maddie Poindexter, AmeriCorps VISTA and volunteer coordinator at DU.

Poindexter, who oversees the program, said the volunteers aid students with homework, play sports with them and help address serious topics such as bullying.

“I think the DU students learn a lot about themselves,” she said. “Some of them are a little fearful or concerned at the beginning with those questions of whether the students will like them and how they will get to know them. Then they find out the middle school students just wants to spend time with them.”

Levi Six

Jenna Asper

Paige Gould

Fruitport, Michigan

Caledonia, Michigan

Clare, Michigan

Levi Six, a freshman from Fruitport, Michigan, joined the program because he recalls at a young age looking up to athletes and hoped he could give that to a child someday. Six is studying Sport Management and is a member of the wrestling team.

Jenna Asper, a volleyball player from Caledonia, Michigan, became involved because she remembers her mother mentoring children in the same school.

Paige Gould, a junior from Clare, Michigan, keeps in touch with students she has connected to in the past. Gould is studying Accounting and is on DU’s Track & Field team.

“All you have to do is show up,” Asper, who is studying Medical Case Management, said. “A lot of the students come from brokenness. You have to build that relationship for them to trust you.”

“I have always had a passion for helping others in any way possible,” Gould said. “The HEROES program was a place where I could listen to these students who needed someone consistent.”

The children enjoy the one-on-one attention that they might not be getting elsewhere.

“A lot of the mentees do not have a strong family life when they go home after school, so sometimes this 45 minutes is the only time someone is asking them how they are doing,” she said.

12

DU Review 13

GIVING

FEATURE

Meet our donors DU alumni and friends transform the future of students

“I started an endowed scholarship at Davenport University for women in technology because I want to support more women in technology and security. I have twin daughters and I want them to know about the possibilities in the technology field. I had a great experience at Davenport and this is my way of helping and giving back.”

“I donated to Davenport softball to be able to give back to the next generation of athletes.

When I think of Davenport softball, I have nothing but good thoughts and memories.

It gave me new friends, new experiences and a couple hardto-learn life lessons. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great program. I hope that any athlete who has the opportunity to play for DU like I did gets to enjoy it and make unforgettable memories.”

A career takes flight

T

ori Gann started flying in high school. She’s now focused on landing a career as a business aviation pilot.

Gann is enrolled in Davenport University’s Bachelor of Business Administration program with a specialty in Aviation Management. This program is offered as part of an exclusive partnership with Northwestern Michigan College.

“I take a blend of courses at DU and NMC,” Gann said. “The NMC classes are generally aviation-focused or more general. My DU classes are businessfocused, like international business and project management. It is a cool blend because it lowers the bill, but I am still getting a high-quality education.”

The program is offered through the University Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

Anas Alkatib, ’12, ’14

Kristin Melvin, ’10

Kristina (Krum) Stacey, ’11

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration reports that only 6 percent of active commercial pilots are women, according to Alex Bloye, director and academic chair of Northwestern Michigan College’s Aviation Division.

“Even more astonishing, in 2017 there were only 25 women in the U.S. under the age of 20 that held a commercial pilot certificate. Tori was 19 when she became a commercial pilot, and just 20 when she became a certified flight instructor,” Bloye said. “We are proud of the professional Tori has become. She is a gifted pilot and an inspiring teacher, and we can’t wait to see where her career takes her.”

In the summer, Gann completed an internship in Amway’s Aviation Department — spending time in the maintenance, finance and technician departments. She also will observe a pilot recurrent training class at FlightSafety in Georgia for a week.

“Seeing each department helps me see how companies operate. It helps me see the big picture,” she said.

Gann says flying keeps her humble.

“No two flights are ever the same,” she said. “The airplane doesn’t care how you feel. You have to go into every flight ready to learn. It makes you aware of the fact that you do make mistakes and it makes you work through the mistakes to become a better pilot.”

The center in Traverse City has been working with NMC pilots for more than 20 years, according to Campus Director Alyssa Irani.

“Tori is the first student to take advantage of the opportunity to be awarded credit for earning the Certified Flight Instructor rating,” she said. “Through this BBA, we’ve reduced both the time and cost of degree completion while promoting the opportunity to earn flight hours through the CFI. Students will be ready to start their aviation careers quickly with the advantage of flight instructor experience and a high-quality degree in business.”

“The reason I gave back to the softball program through the Panther Athletic Challenge was because it was a huge part of my life for almost eight years — two years as a player and six years on the coaching staff. I wanted to be able to give back in hopes that my donation may help other student-athletes reach their goals. I greatly enjoyed my time at Davenport as a studentathlete and employee. Davenport will always be home to me.

Being a DU graduate has helped me reach my career goals and build a foundation for my family.”

14

DU Review 15

FEATURE

FEATURE

Finding the support needed to succeed

From camo to college Graduate transforms her Air Force medic experience into a career in nursing

T

rudy Schiller, ’18, left for basic training only days after the Twin Towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001.

After serving in the Air Force for nearly five years as a medic, she wasn’t sure what was next.

For six years after leaving the military, she avoided going back to school. Then she learned of Davenport University’s Veterans to Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway. The pathway is designed for service members with military medical experience, helping to fast-track their academic pursuits by granting advanced standing for transcripted military training or credit by exam in DU’s BSN-Pre Licensure program.

“For most medics who come out of the military, you’re a little leery of nursing school,” she said. “You don’t want to waste a year of college starting from scratch and learning the basics alongside students right out of high school.”

16

Last May, Schiller walked across the stage to receive her diploma after completing the Veterans to Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway at DU’s Warren Campus.

“It is really helpful to have the dedicated VBSN team at the school. They are people who understand what we are going through because most of them are also veterans,” she said. “It was nice having people to let us know about the resources available because we tend not to ask for help.”

Training to think like a nurse

“After everything that I went through in my three years at Davenport, commencement was overwhelming,” she said. “It was satisfying at the same time, especially having my whole family there. It was the end of a journey that I am so glad I did.”

While Schiller had worked with patients for several years as a medic, she still found the human patient simulators in the classroom a valuable experience.

Getting her degree was no easy feat.

“The summer before my sophomore year, I was diagnosed with brain cancer.

I had to go through radiation and I didn’t know if I was going to make it through,” she said. “I couldn’t take a break. I did six weeks of radiation and the day after my last day I started my clinicals.”

“The scenarios they put forth are pretty accurate,” she said. “You can make your mistakes in the simulation lab and you will never forget them. When you get to clinicals, inevitably a similar situation will come up and you will know how to handle it because you did it in the lab.”

VBSN students also enroll in a transitions course. Schiller said her class’ faculty member, Rebecca Ventura, made an indelible impact on her experience as a student.

“You have to learn how to think like a nurse and not like a medic,” she said.

“Most people coming in just need to learn how to think like a nurse. We have to change the whole way we think. Without her, I don’t know if I would have made it all the way through nursing school.”

Schiller began her nursing career after graduation in Novi, Michigan, working in a clinical decision unit. She hopes to work in emergency medicine in the future.

Schiller says graduating is an accomplishment she couldn’t have done without her family — both at home and at Davenport.

Davenport was the first university in Michigan and one of nine initial institutions nationally to receive the VBSN HRSA grant — a fiveyear initiative funded at over $1.5 million.*

“My professors were always checking in on me, asking if I needed accommodations or if I needed help or just wanted to sit and talk. It was very nice to know if I needed something, I had support,” she said.

Outside of the classroom, Schiller had the support of her husband, Jason, and the entire VBSN team.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UF1HP26488 and title “Veterans to BSN Program” for $1,527,068, with 0% financed with nongovernmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

This grant is for programmatic funding and excludes student tuition and fees.

*

DU Review 17

FEATURE

FEATURE

Changing the face of beauty Scholarship recipient uses her YouTube channel to challenge today’s perception of beauty standards Photography by Simply Art Photography Laurie Kuligoski

W

ith more than 37,000 YouTube followers, Michaela Davert is redefining today’s perception of beauty standards.

After gaining the attention of television’s Inside Edition and the POPSUGAR Beauty website, Davert is creating a platform to share her passion for fashion, beauty and lifestyle, as well as raise awareness for her disability.

“You don’t see a lot of women in the beauty industry with disabilities,” Davert said. “The industry is so focused on the ideal image and I wanted to use my platform to change the standard by making these videos.”

A 19-year-old junior studying Digital Marketing through Davenport University’s Global Campus, Davert wants to use her growing platform to raise awareness for osteogenesis imperfecta type 3, a genetic disorder that causes her bones to be very fragile.

Her dream is to become a CoverGirl representative.

Blending learning with beauty vlogging

18

Davert uses the concepts she learns in her classes to help grow her YouTube channel, FunsizedStyle.

“When I create videos for my YouTube channel, I work with companies and talk about their products,” Davert said. “The beauty industry is always changing.”

In the spring of 2017, Michaela received the Van Dyken Mechanical Endowed Scholarship from Davenport University.

This scholarship allowed her to continue her education and pursue her goal of making her mark on the beauty industry.

“Being awarded this scholarship has had a huge impact on my life, not only financially, but it also has given me the ability to continue my education without having to worry about how I’m going to pay for my next course,” Davert said.

Although she isn’t on campus, she is still able to be involved with campus activities like many traditional students.

She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and has the opportunity to meet other students through the program.

After graduating from DU, she hopes to continue to transform the beauty industry and head to Los Angeles to create her own makeup and fashion line.

"I hope to help change the face of beauty and encourage everyone to celebrate what makes them unique,” she said.

“We all have challenges.

Mine just happens to be more visible. People may not talk about their challenges, but we all have a story. Everyone’s life matters and we all have a purpose. I appreciate the donors who invest in my purpose.”

M I C H A E L A D AV E R T

“At DU, you are more than a number,” Davert said.

“They find ways for you to be successful and involved whether you are in seat or online.”

She also finds time to use her talents to help her local animal shelter with its digital marketing efforts.

“We are so busy and focused on what we need to do now that we don’t take the time to give back. Giving back is a passion of mine,” Davert said. “You don’t have to have a lot of money to be a good person.”

Help students like Michaela pursue their education — and their dreams.

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

DU Review 19

FEATURE

FEATURE

Beginning her journey as an African American female in a primarily white male organization, Moore hopes her journey paved the path for other women hoping to follow in her footsteps.

secretary, the Metro Detroit Youth Foundation as the 12 Together program national training director and within public relations at Volkswagen.

Moore was on the team that developed the launch strategy between Ford and Microsoft, of what is now known as SYNC® – the technology that connects cell phones to its vehicles.

Accelerating to the top “I remember people asking me, ‘How did you get this job?’” Moore said. “It comes down to two things: hard work and believing in people. I worked really hard and had a lot of people who believed in me.”

A driving force in Detroit Alumna shares how she navigated a career in the automotive industry

G

rowing up, Gwen Moore, ’08, knew that she wanted to help people. Now, nearly 40 years later, she is paving the way for others following in her path.

The fast lane for opportunities Moore’s journey is an example of how one’s personal drive can transform a career path.

20

“My career path was the result of opportunities being presented, and my preparedness to take advantage of the opportunity,” Moore said.

Driving a career in Detroit Moore, who attended Cass Tech High School in Detroit, was born with big dreams and an unstoppable drive.

Her parents served as strong role models and she realized at a young age she had to work harder to achieve her goals.

“In my home, work ethic and initiative were heavily instilled in us,” Moore said.

“I got my strong work ethic from my father. He worked at Lear, Inc. for over 40 years and retired when he was 86.”

Moore worked at Ford Motor Company for over 25 years, including 15 years providing strategy and communications support to executives, and retired as communications manager for the president of Ford Customer Service Division in 2017.

“Every day was different and that’s what was so exciting,” she said. “One day I was planning executive events for strategic partnerships and the next I was planning company-wide communications initiatives. I loved my job.”

After graduating from high school, Moore pursued typical jobs of the 1970s.

She worked as a switchboard operator and as a secretary at an accounting firm in downtown Detroit.

“My family always told me I was special,” Moore said. “Back then, if you had a good job, you stayed there until you died. But I was always looking for the next adventure.”

Moore spent nearly 18 years climbing the corporate ladder. She worked at Coopers & Lybrand — now PricewaterhouseCoopers — as a

Moore was laid off from Volkswagen during a downturn and ended up in a contract position at Ford Motor Company.

“Having the drive to learn new skills in a secretarial job was unheard of at the time,” Moore said. “My mentors encouraged me to think about my career path.”

Moore knew that if she wanted to move up at Ford, she needed to expand her skill set beyond her education.

Attending Detroit College of Business and then Davenport University helped her prepare for the future that awaited.

“There weren’t college classes in technology at the time, just a few superusers who were interested in computers who shared with the rest of us how to use them. I was the pioneer in creating a website for Ford’s truck division,” she said.

Her dedication and hard work paid off. Combining her management skills with technology experience, Moore was recruited to work as the IT special assistant for the Ford Board of Directors.

“That role was transformational in my career,” Moore said. “I worked with unbelievable leaders and had an opportunity to understand governance at a high level. We were being innovative before we knew what that word meant.

We were paving the path for something new and exciting.”

Her success helped her land executive roles as the chief of staff for the chief information officer and the manager of communications and external relations in the customer service division.

Shifting focus Although retired since September 2017, Moore isn’t downshifting yet.

She volunteers throughout the Detroit community, currently serving as board of directors president for Komen Greater Detroit and director of external affairs at National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. At NACME, she helps provide scholarships to minority graduates in STEM education and careers.

“So many under-represented minorities have the ability to do great things, if only given the opportunity and financial resources,” Moore said. “At NACME, I can help ensure they have those opportunities and resources.”

She also is on the leadership council for the United Negro College Fund and the board of directors of the Cass Tech Alumni Association, and she has started her own consulting firm.

“It is up to all of us to share the support and guidance that was provided to us with those coming behind us and help make the world a better place,” she said.

DU Review 21

FEATURE

FEATURE

R

enee Courier-Aumock, a firstgeneration high school and college graduate, is the first to admit that her path was statistically not in her favor.

From government assistance to transforming the lives of others

“My school counselor never suggested that I go to college,” she said.

Right out of high school, CourierAumock landed a job working in manufacturing, but was later laid off.

She looked for jobs for two years off and on. At the same time, she found herself raising her baby all on her own.

“I was an unemployed single mom living on government assistance,” she said. “I couldn’t bear raising my daughter that way.”

Discovering a path to college

Alumna improves the college process for students in the Great Lakes Bay Region

Courier-Aumock saw a commercial for Davenport University and enrolled at the former campus in Bay City, Michigan.

“As a first-generation college student, I had no idea what FAFSA was or how to look for financial support or scholarships,” Courier-Aumock said.

“My advisors helped me through a lot.

But at the time I thought there had to be better resources for people in similar situations.”

Her experience as a student worker at the Bay Area Community Foundation was the catalyst that launched her career in college and career planning.

Her first role was assisting with scholarships. Thirteen years later she oversees and directs the scholarship program, the Bay Commitment Program and the Great Lakes Bay College and Career Resource Center.

22

a b o v e Renee Courier-Aumock at The Great Lakes Bay College Resources Center

“I went from being a first-generation high school graduate to thinking I was just only smart enough to earn a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding, to then an associate in Health Information Management,” she said.

“Then I switched my major to Business where I earned an associate in Business and a bachelor’s in Business and a master’s in Business with a focus in Strategic Management. If I can do it, you can do it too!”

Her mission sparked an idea within the Bay Area Community Foundation.

How do they build a sustainable community, helping better the quality of life for all of their communities’ citizens and improve area’s business economy?

More than 10 years later, she is proud that the center has provided resources, access and financial support to thousands of Bay County K-12 students and college students, as well as adults needing a skilled trade, certificate or GED. Courier-Aumock’s drive, determination and education at DU transformed her career. She hopes it also helps continue to transform the future of countless others as she continues her work with those seeking education.

The solution: The Great Lakes Bay Area College and Career Center.

“Looking back now, I would have been able to get full college assistance right after high school because I was a low income student,” she said. “I want to ensure all students in the Great Lakes Bay Region have the information and resources they need about life after high school.”

DU Review 23

FEATURE

FEATURE

“STEM is the wave of the future. Most jobs are going to require some form of science or technology.”

Bringing

SUSAN GUNN

to urban classrooms

Davenport University receives its first National Science Foundation grant

W

ith its first-ever National Science Foundation grant, Davenport University will help shape the future of STEM education — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in urban schools.

The Future Urban STEM Educator Preparation Program — known as FUSE — is designed to increase the pipeline of diverse students entering DU’s Computer Science and Biological Laboratory Science programs with an interest in secondary STEM teaching.

24

The project is led by College of Urban Education Dean Susan Gunn and supported by the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, a capacitybuilding grant sponsored by the NSF. “There is a shortage of STEM teachers in urban school districts,” Gunn said.

“It’s really important because STEM is the wave of the future. Most jobs are going to require some form of science or technology.”

The one-year grant of nearly $75,000 will support the development of new curriculum resources and materials to prepare Computer Science and Biological Laboratory Science undergraduates for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.

“There are only seven other Noyce grant recipients within the state of Michigan and only eight percent of those who apply for these grants nationally get them,” Gunn said.

In addition to helping high school students develop an interest in STEM education careers and establishing pathways for high school and community college students to enter STEM programs at DU, the project will create service learning opportunities for DU students. Service learning experiences can help undergraduates determine if the classroom is right for them, Gunn said.

“There are a lot of challenges in urban education,” Gunn said. “Service learning exposes students to the environment so they are not blindsided and allows them to see if this is something they want to pursue. Students that go on to pursue a certificate in Urban Education as new teachers will receive three years of coaching and support to ensure their success as effective STEM educators in urban environments.”

Increasing diversity in STEM teaching is another key goal for Gunn.

“Recruiting high school students of color to work with middle school students through FUSE will enhance the diversity of students seeking a pathway to science education,” Gunn said.

FUSE will partner with Eaton Regional Education Service Agency, Hope Academy of West Academy, Grand Rapids Community College, STEM Greenhouse and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Network.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1758370. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

DU Review 25

FEATURE

FEATURE l e f t Elijah Baltierra at Powell Fabrication in St. Louis, Michigan

“My employer helped me return to school to advance my education,” Baltierra said. “Powell’s owners stress the importance of continuing education and advancing our company. This was my opportunity.”

Serving as a role model

A STEP AHEAD Alumnus builds a tech career in St. Louis, Michigan

As a father of four, Baltierra worked on his homework alongside his children as he pursued his bachelor’s degree.

T

he buzz of machinery doesn’t drown Elijah Baltierra’s excitement when showcasing a component on the custom machinery used to make bleach at Powell Fabrication in St. Louis, Michigan. Bearing safety glasses and closed toed shoes, he spends his days in the machine shop deploying and configuring chemical skid machinery.

“Our business model is really innovative,” he said. “We are located in the middle of Michigan, but create nearly 75 percent of the machines worldwide used to make bleach. When a customer calls and says there is something wrong with their machine, we have to be able to fix it right away.”

Baltierra, a senior IT specialist and 2018 Davenport University alumnus, supports the company’s core technology by creating individualized virtual private networks — VPNs — for each chemical skid.

26

He, along with the engineers, use VPNs to log in, diagnose and fix problems with no travel needed, saving the company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The future of technology Working for a smaller company like Powell, Baltierra works on a wide range of technology projects from service to networking. Within a few months on the job, he wanted to expand his skills to meet the needs of the emerging industry.

“I have been lucky to have a diverse career in the computer field,” Baltierra said. “But, when it comes to the future of technology at my company, I saw the need to develop my skills in project management.”

He pursued his bachelor’s degree in Project Management with a concentration in Information Security at Davenport University.

“My family gave up so many weekends and nights so that I could do my class assignments,” he said. “But, in all honesty, I wanted to get my bachelor’s degree for them.”

He wanted to show his children the importance of working hard to achieve a goal that puts a person a step ahead.

“Sometimes there were not enough hours in the day to be a dad, an employee and a student,” he said. “But, it is paying off, especially because my 13-year-old son shared with me the other day that he wanted to be an electrical engineer.”

He hopes his children follow in his footsteps and advance their education after high school.

“It feels good knowing that my hard work not only helps me and my career but our whole family.”

DU Review 27

FEATURE

FEATURE

“I’ve been able to live out my need for adventure.”

wake up to the world Summer study abroad takes students to South America “Studying abroad allows students to test their boundaries and learn more about themselves. It is an extraordinary experience that lets you see DU’s mission in action.”

During the study abroad, the students also completed service learning projects and toured local businesses.

“Costa Rica has so much to offer and getting the chance to explore it is life changing.”

JORDYN BREUKER, a Nursing student from Holland, Michigan

F

or three weeks this summer, a group of Davenport University students studied abroad in Costa Rica — both San Jose, the capital city, and on the Pacific Coast near sandy beaches and the rainforest.

Throughout the experience, they took specialized Spanish language immersion courses with certified instructors and experienced the local culture by living with host families.

“Watching students ‘wake up to the world’ is one of the most rewarding experiences an educator can have,” said Suzanne Gut, DU faculty member and study abroad program director.

28

“Studying and serving abroad is an unbelievable experience. I’ve learned so much about myself and other people in such a short time,” said Zoey Hoffman, Management student from Elizabethville, Pennsylvania. “The biggest thing that has impacted me was our service learning at a daycare for underprivileged kids who have it very rough in life. I was able to form bonds with some of the kids in only a few days and leaving them was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a while.”

AUTUMN ACKELS, a Marketing student from Hastings, Michigan

“This trip has taught me that there are undiscovered friends and family all around the world. We may not speak the same language; however, it is the language of the heart that matters most.”

PATRICIA DYAL, a Medical Case Management student from Sunfield, Michigan

Davenport provides students with multiple opportunities to study abroad in countries such as China, Kenya, Ireland, England, France and Spain.

Gabriela Ziegler, department chair in Computer Information Systems, has led the Costa Rica study abroad since 2011.

“The most rewarding experience that I have had without fail is the personal and professional growth that students experience,” Ziegler said. “They come home to their routine and feel confident that they can always succeed when going out of their comfort zones because they already did it!”

Audrey Horrocks, a Nursing student from Lansing, Michigan, said studying abroad was enlightening.

“This trip has impacted me in many ways but mostly by living with someone from a different culture and neither of us speaking the same language,” Horrocks said. “We would have to use a lot of body language to understand what we were saying to each other, but communication gets easier.”

Support global experiences for students by giving to the Study Abroad Scholarship B I T. LY / D U S T U D Y A B R O A D

DU Review 29

FEATURE

FEATURE the three-credit course, students will design a personal education plan and know where to find the DU resources they need to succeed.

The first-year journey for a new student

Showing students how to shine

How Davenport helps map a path for firstyear student success

J

odi Hicks, director of First Year Experience, becomes a familiar face to most new Panthers at Davenport University. Her role is vital in coordinating a smooth transition into college for first-year students.

“I connect students with each other, campus resources, staff and faculty, and sometimes even employers,” she said. “My goal is to support and encourage them to be successful here at school and to eventually be successful in their careers.”

Hicks speaks at freshman orientation, teaches a first-year seminar class and oversees convocation – the official academic welcome to Davenport University.

Orientation is a large part of welcoming new students to the university. It’s an opportunity to address the fear and anxieties some students experience when leaving for college, Hicks said.

DU students participate in activities, break-out sessions and get information designed to create a positive start at DU. Hicks is known for sharing the five keys to being STARS in college: 1. Study 2. Time management 3. Admit you own it 4. Redefine who you are 5. Serving others Lastly, she encourages students to help each other succeed in college.

Acing a college career The first year seminar class — Achieving Career and Education Success — helps students build a solid foundation.

ACES, as it’s known by the students, is a unique offering by Davenport that helps students identify learning styles, discover potential career paths and develop critical thinking. By the end of

“Students need to build confidence and a good feeling about who they are and why they are here,” Hicks said. “The class helps students figure out how they learn best and then school becomes a lot easier for them.”

In previous years, students have read My Orange Duffel Bag, Grit to Great and The Other Wes Moore. This fall, they are reading Habitudes for the Journey: The Art of Navigating Transitions by Tim Elmore.

DU’s small class sizes, in both ACES and other courses, give students the opportunity to better connect with each other, faculty and staff. Hicks sees it as an advantage for her, too.

Hicks also has initiated Alpha Lambda Delta, a first-year honor society that honors students who have received a 3.5 GPA or above in their first year of study. There are more than 200 students that belong to ALD at DU.

“I wouldn’t have that opportunity at a big university,” she said. “I know all of my students’ names within the first week. In a classroom of 100, I would not be able to do that. I can really make a difference for a single student.”

In their first year, students are assigned a common read. Later on, a speaker — often the author — will present on campus about the topic covered in the book.

AΛΔ

ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA

ORIENTATION CONVOCATION

At the end of the journey for each class, Hicks is there for their final moments as a Davenport student. At commencement, she is able to wish them luck as they enter their careers.

Giving students the keys to success

The official welcome and kick off to the new academic year

THE

FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE

“A single star shines bright but stars together shine brighter in a constellation and if we are all stars, we’ll all shine brighter together,” she said.

“All first-year students read the same book and this offers opportunities for people to have conversations about it,” she said.

A first-year honor society for students with or above a 3.5 GPA in their first year YEAR

Identify learning styles, career paths and critical thinking skills

2

COMMON READ

Participate in activities, breakout sessions and create a positive start at DU 30

ACHIEVING CAREER AND EDUCATION SUCCESS Build connections and have conversation over mutual content

DU Review 31

3/29/18 Young Alumni Fowling Event

Transforming the lives of students 4/13/18 Great Lakes Area Bay Campus Graduation Celebration

DU Panthers share their perspectives about campus life, academics and athletics

Alumni Events & Activities The Alumni Association offers many opportunities to explore new cities and activities with fellow Panthers. We invite you to uncover the countless ways to stay connected to DU through alumni events and activities.

5/18/18 Alumni Summer Kick-off at Founders Brewing Co.

5/18/18 Traverse City Happy Hour at Hop Lot Brewing Co.

Roheema Bennett

Derek Gillman

Fartun Alemayehu

a junior from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica,

a junior from Grand Rapids, Michigan,

a sophomore from Kentwood, Michigan,

studying Business Management

studying Marketing

studying Medical Assisting

“Davenport gave me an opportunity to further my studies and play soccer at the same time. I also get to meet people from diverse cultures which helps me to appreciate every individual background.

The Davenport experience has made me more mature in how I think and view the world because it presents everyone with a platform to make impeccable marks.”

“I transferred out of Davenport my sophomore year only to quickly realize DU was the school for me.

When I transferred back, my advisors and professors made the transition extremely smooth for me. I am blessed to continue my basketball and academic career at a school that teaches and prepares students so well for the real world.”

“My Davenport experience has been rewarding and memorable. DU has everything you need to better yourself.

You have so many job experiences in terms of internships, practicums, job shadows and clinicals. When you graduate, you can start right away.”

Attend or organize an event in your area D A V E N P O R T. E D U / ALUMNI/EVENTS

32

DU Review 33

DU Class Notes

CLASS NOTES

Katherine Jordan, ’06 AAS, is a certified medical assistant at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jenison, Michigan.

PROFESSIONAL Nick Alimpich, ’18 MM, is a buyer at Dextech in Brighton, Michigan.

Kendra Bristol, ’16 MBA, is a claims generalist at Progressive Insurance in Plymouth, Michigan.

Joel Cabral, ’91 AS, ’96 BBA, is a vice president of global parts at Navistar in Mexico.

Rachael Cantrell, ’04 BBA,’18 MBA, is a financial services coordinator at Grand Rapids Public Schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

34

James L. Lacewell, ’84 BBA, passed away on May 21.

Jason Kraai, ’17 BS, is a systems administrator at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Nancy Archer, ’12 BBA, ’18 MBA, is an executive secretary at Kellogg Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Scott Brady, ’05 BAS, is a sales manager at Eaton Corporate in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Judith J, Kocsis, ’91 AS, passed away on March 27.

Diana Koehler, ’01 BBA, is a practice manager at Pediatric Health Center in New Baltimore, Michigan.

Leah Ann Sherer, ’10 BS, is a customer service representative at Aetna U.S. Health Care Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Nathaniel Birdsall, ’18 MBA, is a department manager at Gentex Corporation in Zeeland, Michigan.

Ellen C. Helms, ’68, passed away on May 3.

Christina Kendall, ’18 BBA, is a production coordinator at Perrigo Company in Allegan, Michigan.

Kevin Anderson, ’07 BBA, ’08 BAS, is a technical program manager at Amazon.com in Zeeland, Michigan.

Jamison Betz, ’16 BBA, is an energy advisor for Franklin Energy in Lansing, Michigan.

Cathryn A. Clark, ’86 BBA, passed away on May 2.

Miriam A. May, ’43 Diploma, passed away on March 2.

Barbara L. Olson, ’91 Diploma, ’92 AS, passed away on March 10.

Timothy Maciejewski, ’00 AS, ’09 BBA,’18 MM, is a manager at Mercy Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Natalie McHale, ’15 BBA, joined the Michigan Futbol Academy as the girls’ director of coaching in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Sharon Cooper-Jones, ’09 BBA, is an adjunct faculty member at Dorsey Schools in Detroit, Michigan.

Tyler Elenbaas, ’18 BS, is a project manager at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Marcella Fox, ’04 BBA, is a claims representative for the U.S. Government in Redford, Michigan.

Tyson Geib, ’18 BBA, is a manager of U.S. Trade Services at Tradewin in Shelby Township, Michigan.

Sonia Hughes, ’18 BSN, is a registered nurse at Holland Community Hospital in Holland, Michigan.

Sabrina McCaughna, ’18 BBA, is a business analyst at Auto-Owners Insurance Company in Lansing, Michigan.

Dennis A Papczynski, ’70 AS, passed away on May 21.

Kevin Rich, ’16 BBA, ’17 MBA, married Taylor Shomin on June 2 in Grand Rapids.

Donald Smith, ’93 BBA, passed away on March 15.

Chris Morris, ’18 BS, is a technical analyst at DCS Corp. in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.

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

Kara Overway, ’16 BBA, is human resource coordinator at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Michael Sharrak, ’17 MBA, is a chief executive officer at Cryptocurrencies Hawaii in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Christina Pardo, ’18 BBA, is a collections manager at Northern Michigan Family Dentistry, PLLC in Gaylord, Michigan.

Amber Shoemaker, ’18 ABA, is a finance assistant at Grand Valley Wood Products, Inc. in Zeeland, Michigan.

Dawnna Prock, ’08 BBA, ’10 MBA, ’11 Post Grad Cert., is a manual processor at Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. in Traverse City, Michigan.

Brett Radlicki, ’18 MBA, is a manager of multimedia learning solutions at Trinity Health in Ortonville, Michigan.

Rebecca Town, ’02 AS, is a marketing coordinator for Schaafsma Heating & Cooling in Greenville, Michigan.

Eugene Walters, ’10 BBA, is a federal tax senior staff accountant at Crowe Horwath LLP in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Caitlin Wassenaar, ’18 BSN, is a registered nurse at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kimberly Weaver, ’18 BBA, is a secretary at the State of Michigan in Dimondale, Michigan.

ENGAGEMENT AND MARRIAGES Danielle Maxson, ’17 MOT, will marry Robert Montgomery on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina.

IN MEMORIAM David Barrios, ’78 AS, passed away on March 21.

KEEP IN TOUCH! Share news with your fellow alumni by updating your alumni records. We know exciting things are happening to our graduates around the world, and we want to share! Email us at alumni@davenport.edu or visit davenport.edu/classnotes DUAlumni

davenport.edu/classnotes

DU Review 35

6191 Kraft Avenue Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512

Save the Dates HOMECOMING 2018 davenport.edu/homecoming SEPTEMBER

28

Alumni Awards Ceremony Friday, Sept. 28 Robert W. Sneden Center; W.A. Lettinga Campus

SEPTEMBER

29

Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game Saturday, Sept. 29 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex; W.A. Lettinga Campus