DU Review - Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017 · VOLUME 10 · NO. 3

The

DISCOVERYY Stories about inventions, breakthroughs and adventures at Davenport University

Table of Contents

FEATURES

Grad Says “Ni Hao” to Shanghai Business Meet Eric Rupert ’06

Excellence in Business Dinner Gala 2017 Dan DeVos Honored

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Day of Research Brings Focus and Attention to Student & Faculty Projects

The Power of the Gift Meet Alumnus Brad Nyhoff ’10

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DUAlumni

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Summer 2017, Volume 10, No. 3

SECTIONS

05 University News News from around the University

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

12 Students Check out what our incredible students are doing

14 Athletics Senior athletes, national champs and more

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

20 Alumni Catch up with classmates and save the date for alumni events

DU Review is published by Davenport University.

6191 Kraft Avenue Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512 ©2017 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 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 Assistant Director of Annual Giving Courtney Sorrell Manager of Data Systems & Gift Processing Laura Macka Executive Administrative Assistant Mary Nelsen

Marketing & Communications Executive Vice President for Marketing & Communications Debra Cooper Executive Director of Communications Robin Luymes, APR, ’15 MM Executive Director of Marketing Steve Landrum, ’13 MBA Creative Director Richard Crispo Marketing Project Manager Laura Ayotte, ’17 MBA Graphic Designer John Teichman

on the cover (l to r) Dan DeVos, Joe Montana and Rick Pappas DU Review davenport.edu/DUReview

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From the President

DISCOVERING DAVENPORT The

DISCOVERYY

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s this issue of DU Review focuses on the theme of discovery, I invite you to discover ways you can become involved with our growing University.

Davenport faculty and students are involved in exciting research and are proud to share their results and act upon them to make a difference in the lives of others in their communities.

We have researched the marketplace and the needs of businesses and organizations, and one result is our new Data Analytics degree program, which is unlike any you will find in the nation.

New graduates, such as LaTarsha Holmes, who served as our student speaker at the 2017 Commencement ceremony, are discovering talents and proficiencies they never knew they possessed and entering the world ready to make a difference. Alumni are discovering the value of their DU degrees as they launch new businesses here in Michigan and in far-off places, like Shanghai, China.

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When we see the many ways an education from Davenport can make a positive impact in this world, we have to ask ourselves how we can make a positive impact on Davenport University! There are many ways for you to become involved, including several outlined in this magazine.

You can attend a networking event and catch up with other alumni. You can attend one of our fundraisers and help support scholarships. You can mentor a student and help them succeed in their studies. You can offer an internship and hire a graduate, putting the DU difference to work in your business!

I invite you to truly discover Davenport University again to learn the ways we can help you and, of course, to see how you can help others! As M.E. Davenport espoused in the now famous Davenport motto­—Make A Living, Make A Life, Make a Contribution.

Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. President

University News

Congratulations, Graduates!

CLASS OF 2017

a b o v e ( l t o r ) Dr. Rick Pappas, Daniel DeVos, DU Board Chair Frank Merlotti and Dr. Linda Rinker.

Photo by T.J. Hamilton

While the morning of April 30 dawned dark and rainy, nothing dampened the spirits of the hundreds of students, friends and family who gathered at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. to celebrate Davenport’s newest alumni.

Nearly 1,800 graduates earned their degrees this past spring and more than 800 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas during the annual Commencement Ceremony.

The keynote speaker and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate was Daniel DeVos, Chairman & CEO of DP Fox Ventures, LLC.

a b o v e Student Speaker LaTarsha Holmes

This year’s student speaker was LaTarsha Holmes from the Lansing Campus. Holmes was the first student in Lansing to pursue the new Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management with a concentration in Computer Information Systems.

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MAKING HISTORY Nearly 1,800 students earned their degrees this spring.

Photo by T.J. Hamilton

Congrats to the first cohort from the Master of Urban Education program—all Grand Rapids Public School teachers—who earned their degrees!

Daniel DeVos gave a moving speech encouraging the recent grads.

Photo by T.J. Hamilton.

Photo by T.J. Hamilton.

GRADS ON INSTAGRAM

a b o v e “Tell it all, and tell it fast” – Dr. Michael Carey.

He’s been such an influential educator. (Also going to miss his weekly chocolate treats.)

Photo and caption courtesy of @Wufantong14 6

a b o v e I’m #DONE with college! Yesss!!!

a b o v e Proud to call my bro a fellow DU alum.

Photo and caption courtesy of @lizzbh32

Photo and caption courtesy of @joshvolk31

The Davenport Team shares their winnings at the BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando.

BPA Students Excel at National Conference

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usiness Professionals of America (BPA) held its 51st National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., during May 9–14, 2017.

Students from Davenport’s W.A. Lettinga

NEW DATA

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and Lansing campuses represented the University and earned 12 national championships, eight runner-up finishes, and eight third-place finishes. Overall, the University placed 69 finalists in the Top Ten. Over the last nine years, Davenport students have earned 112 national titles!

Grace McCullick and Thomas DeVries were both double national champions!

McCullick claimed the top spot in both Interview Skills and Small Business Management Team. DeVries captured the national championship in both C++ Programming and C# Programming.

The Presentation Management Team (Rebecca Bosch, Rachael Bylsma,

University News Brittany Cassidy, and Melanie Ryles) rebounded from a second place finish at the State Leadership Conference to claim the championship. The University dominated both C++ Programming and C# Programming, capturing the top three places in both events. In addition to their outstanding work, the students earned ten industry certifications during the conference.

DID YOU KNOW? Over the last nine years, DU students have earned 112 national titles!

College of Urban Education Posts Strong Results in First Cohort

ata from the first cohort of Davenport’s Master of Urban Education (MUE) program showed significant increases for the DU students (all Grand Rapids Public Schools teachers) enrolled, as well as the GRPS students in their classrooms. The first cohort began in May 2015.

Positive trends for each of the MUE Cohort 1 candidates and their GRPS students were identified through:

• In-class observations of Cohort 1 master’s candidates and their students.

• Conditional Growth Index (CGI) scores of students taught by Cohort 1 based on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP/MWEA) assessment.

The CGI data shows that students taught

by MUE cohort candidates during the 2015–16 academic year had a greater level of fall-to-spring growth than the students they taught the prior two (preMUE program) academic years. The changes in teacher practice resulting from the MUE program are making a positive impact on the students of the cohort candidates.

“A key differentiator with our program is the weekly in-class observations for each candidate,” said Dr. Susan Gunn, Dean for the College of Urban Education. “Recent studies show that including coaching as part of classroom observation process is a very effective method to hone teaching practice.

It also helps us to continually measure our progress and make the necessary adjustments to achieve results.”

Additional MUE cohorts have already launched, with plans underway to launch a new graduate degree to prepare administrators for leadership roles in urban school districts. Long-term plans also call for the development of a bachelor degree program and expansion of the College of Urban Education to other markets served by Davenport University, including Detroit.

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University News Re-discovering Connections and Camaraderie

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ore than 30 retirees and friends gathered for the second annual Retirees’ Luncheon on Thursday, May 18, at the W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids. Past employees had a great time reconnecting with friends, sharing memories and hearing updates about Davenport.

Best Wishes on Your Retirement!

Nancy Burns Joined DU in 2007 as a Teaching and Learning Coordinator. Retired from that position but plans to continue as Adjunct Faculty.

Ron Draayer Began working at DU in 1977.

Retired from his Faculty role in the College of Technology, but will continue to support the Business Professionals of America (BPA) program.

Sharon Flinn, Ph.D., OTR/L, CHT Joined Davenport’s Occupational Therapy program as Faculty in its beginning stages in 2015.

Barb Huston Retired in March, ending a 32-year career at Davenport. Started as an Administrative Assistant for Student Services and served in a number of roles over the years, most recently as Director of Academic Services Online and Traverse City Campus.

above (l to r) Cynthia (Cy) Claus, Shirley Zeitter and Pat Allen

Frank Novakowski, Ph.D. Has worked for the University’s College of Business since 2001 and served as Faculty, Department Coordinator and Associate Dean.

Chancellor Emeritus Donald W. Maine served as the emcee for the luncheon.

He asked guests to introduce themselves and to share a memory of their experience at Davenport. The guests’ comments showed a strong bond to the institution and pride in the good work that contributed to its success.

they co-authored. Several people found themselves in the archival pictures or recalled anecdotes included in the book.

Emeritus Provost Tom Brown and Peggy Moceri, daughter of President Robert Sneden and granddaughter of M.E. Davenport, were present to sign copies of the 150th Anniversary History Book

President Rick Pappas gave an update on the University and progress towards Vision 2020. He shared exciting information regarding Davenport’s plans for growth, the success of increased

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Regina Pierce, Ph.D. Ended a 14-year career with the University. Served in a number of roles, most recently as Campus Associate Department Chair for Allied Health at the Warren Campus. Will remain as Adjunct Faculty.

Terri Tomaszek, Ph.D. DU’s longest serving employee has been with the University since 1968 in a variety of roles, most recently as Faculty.

Louis Trapp Has worked for DU since 1984 in various roles in IT: Lab Assistant/ Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Asst. Data Processing Manager, Computer Information Systems Manager, Asst. Manager MIS, Asst.

Director EAT, Sr. AS/400 Programmer Analyst and most recently as Senior Programmer/Analyst.

Sabrina Zoppa Joined DU in 1984 and has served in a variety of roles including Learning Center Tutor, Academic Coordinator, Department Coordinator, Associate Department Chair and most recently as Faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences.

graduation rates and positive results from student satisfaction and job placement rates. He also shared news of the opening of the new Donald W. Maine College of Business Building and invited guests to tour the facility.

University News

PROGRAM SUCCESS

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Data Analytics Delivers Driven Results

aunched in 2013 as a graduate certificate, the Data Analytics program has grown tremendously and, in 2014, became a full-fledged Master of Science degree. The first cohort completed the program in the fall 2016 semester and participated in DU’s annual Commencement Ceremony last April. Moreover, almost every student from the cohort has secured a position as a data analyst.

“Based on what we found, we tailored our program to a technical audience,” explained Nyambane. “We found a lot of people were working with data but didn’t have the training and wanted it. So, we purposefully designed the program for those with an analytical mind and critical thinking abilities.

Students do not need to have a background in data analytics. We teach the basics from start to finish.”

According to the McKinsey Global Institute, a business and economics research organization, the convergence of several technology trends is accelerating progress in data and analytics. “The volume of data continues to double every three years as information pours in from digital platforms, wireless sensors and billions of mobile phones. Data storage capacity has increased, while its cost has plummeted. Data scientists now have unprecedented computing power at their disposal, and they are devising ever more sophisticated algorithms.”

The program focuses on three key areas: data mining, data visualization and predictive analysis.

It also introduces students to data warehousing and cloud computing among other in-demand skills. The 15-week online format offers flexibility to working adults while also providing sufficient time for in-depth, hands-on practice, which is necessary for them to be successful.

With the industry experiencing unprecedented growth, data analytics jobs remain unfilled because not enough people are trained in handling data or analytics. With Davenport since 2004, Gerald Nyambane, Ph.D., became Program Director for the Data Analytics program in 2015 and immediately began researching what data analytics programs were available for students and what skills employers really needed.

“The most important part of analytics is to be able to tell a story using data,” said Nyambane. “A lot of the people who make [organizational] decisions are not necessarily the data analysts. But, they need to be able to look at the data and see the story. That’s what we’re training our students to do.”

Created from scratch, Davenport’s program stands out from others, not only because it is specifically designed to accomplish its learning objectives in only 30 credits, but also because its focus intentionally targets students and employees in the business, technology and health fields.

The program is aligned with Quality Matters best practices of instruction to ensure it is among the nation’s best.

FACULTY WITH REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE Adjunct Faculty Michael Pomatto, Director of Healthcare Data and Architecture at Aetna International, is currently based in South Korea for a three-year project implementing a modernized data warehouse for a multinational corporation based in Seoul.

At the same time, he is teaching DU students the material and cultural experiences he is gaining while in country!

Thanks to adjuncts like Pomatto, DU students are learning real-life, up-to-date knowledge they’ll need to be successful in their careers.

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FACULTY

CONGRATS TO THE 2017 DISTINGUISHED ADJUNCT FACULTY J Each year the Distinguished

Adjunct Faculty Committee conducts a thorough review

of adjunct faculty members to award those individuals making notable contributions and accomplishments to their field of study, to students and to the University. The committee is proud to announce Joseph Brown and Donald Luy as the 2017 Distinguished Adjunct Faculty!

Joseph Brown Adjunct Faculty, College of Health Professions

Donald Luy Adjunct Faculty, Donald W. Maine College of Business

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oseph Brown is a five-year member of the Allied Health adjunct faculty team in the College of Health Professions. He has several years of experience implementing quality improvement programs in the healthcare industry.

He serves on Davenport’s Health Services Advisory Board and Upsilon Phi Delta, the University’s Health Services Administration undergraduate honor society.

“Joe is an incredible asset to Allied Health,” stated Marybeth Pieri-Smith, Associate Department Chair for Allied Health. “Whatever is needed, big or small, Joe is always there to help!”

Donald Luy is a three-year member of the Sport Management adjunct faculty team in the Donald W. Maine College of Business. He is a member of the North American Society for Sport Management and is involved in the DU Sport Management Advisory Committee.

“Don is an innovative and studentcentered instructor,” stated Steve Prawdzik, Associate Department Chair for Sport Management. “He allows all learners the opportunity to excel.”

“We are the first to think through an entire program and develop it from scratch based on extant needs of employers as well as the constantlychanging technological advancement landscape.”

G E R A L D N YA M B A N E , PH.D.

FACULTY

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DEDICATED ECONOMICS, DATA ANALYTICS & FINANCE INSTRUCTOR GERALD NYAMBANE, PH.D. With a background in agricultural economics, some may find it surprising that faculty member Gerald Nyambane, Ph.D., is the program director for the Master of Science in Data Analytics program. But, he does not.

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find everything about data analytics exciting. It is an area that provides opportunities and challenges, and both are interesting to take advantage of,” proclaimed Dr. Gerald Nyambane.

“At present, there is a lot of confusion about what academic programs in data analytics entail. Fortunately, Davenport’s program is way ahead of the pack. We are the first to think through an entire program and develop it from scratch based on extant needs of employers as well as the constantly-changing technological advancement landscape.”

Originally from Kenya, Dr. Nyambane came to the United States to attend Michigan State University (MSU), where he earned Master of Science and Doctorate degrees in Agricultural Economics. While a student at MSU, he also served as a graduate research assistant and a teaching assistant in finance.

“My first job was in data analytics as a research assistant at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi,” explained Dr. Nyambane. “We focused on building surveys and analyzing the results in order to train farmers and other agricultural workers on various improved production technologies. Also, when I went to MSU, I became involved in MSU’s Food Security Project with key roles in research and data analysis.”

He started teaching at DU’s Lansing Campus in 2004 as an adjunct faculty.

A position came open in 2005 for a full-time economics faculty member at the W.A. Lettinga Campus, and upon acceptance, Nyambane made the move to Grand Rapids. In 2011, he was promoted to associate department chair and in 2015 took over the data analytics program. Additionally, Nyambane is the faculty advisor for the Black Student

Union, which helps students understand the issues affecting black students and provides a forum for open, nonjudgmental conversations about these issues.

Dr. Nyambane is passionate about his work and he enjoys working at DU. “I used to do data analytics for a living and now I get to teach it,” he said. “I work in a place that I really enjoy and am doing things I really enjoy. I love it here.”

He went on to explain that “you have to be alert to what is changing right now and then bring it to the classroom, which is what Davenport is good at. If you are not relevant, students will soon find out that you are teaching things of yesterday and yet, the world is no longer at that point. Being current and relevant is the hallmark of the Data Analytics Program at DU.”

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STUDENTS

HONORING HARD WORK AND DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY

b e l o w Registered Student Organization of the Year Finalists Photo by Justice Postman

On Wednesday, April 12, students, staff and faculty from across the state joined together at the W.A. Lettinga Campus for the Student Recognition Awards that celebrate the contributions of students and student organizations during the 2016–2017 academic year.

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ongratulations to all who were nominated for this year’s Student Recognition Awards! The following faculty and staff members served as judges and carefully reviewed nominations – Laura Ayotte, Jessica Cheriez, Deann Giles, John Jaksa, Sara Mooney and Dr. Gabriela Ziegler. Award categories focused on education, service, diversity and volunteerism.

We congratulate and recognize these students for their hard work and dedication to the student body, campuses and communities.

Student Leader of the Year

Educational Program of the Year

Crystal Crawford, Livonia Marissa Beadle, Grand Rapids McKenzie Jackson, Grand Rapids Rian Porter, Midland Sean Cox, Grand Rapids Vanessa Bessa, Lansing

Chinese New Year, Grand Rapids Multicultural Business Etiquette, Lansing

Student Employee of the Year Anthony Martinez, Grand Rapids Brandee Mulac, Grand Rapids Dania Rocha, Holland Kevin Hicks, Grand Rapids Sean Cox, Grand Rapids Trisha Madura, Grand Rapids Volunteer of the Year Courtenay Tafel, Grand Rapids LaTarsha Holmes, Lansing Tyler Maddox, Grand Rapids Sharon Ekume, Online Diversity Program of the Year

On the right is a list of the finalists. Winners for each category are in bold.

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Diversity Puzzle, Grand Rapids International Education Week, Grand Rapids

Service Program of the Year Alternative Spring Break, Grand Rapids Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Lansing NAMIWalks – Grand Rapids 2016, Grand Rapids Social Program of the Year Harry Potter Week, Grand Rapids Life Size Pac Man, Grand Rapids Panther Late Night, Grand Rapids Variety Show, Grand Rapids Unsung Hero of the Year Alexandra Corbett, Lansing Amelia Van Buren, Grand Rapids Brian Rich, Grand Rapids Corey Westenbroek, Grand Rapids Outstanding RSO Officer of the Year Aidan Fairman, Grand Rapids Stefana Rusu, Grand Rapids Vanessa Bessa, Lansing

Registered Student Organization Advisor of the Year Amy Krevda – Student Veterans of America, Grand Rapids Linda LeSage – Women in Technology / DU Gamers, Grand Rapids Dr. Sharon Flinn – Active Minds, Grand Rapids Registered Student Organization of the Year Alternative Spring Break (established), Grand Rapids Campus Activities Board (new), Grand Rapids Global Student Organization, Grand Rapids InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Grand Rapids Lansing Student Government, Lansing Lansing Student Nurses Association, Lansing Student Occupational Therapy Association, Grand Rapids

r i g h t Eric Riley

STUDENTS

Photo provided

by Eric Riley

ERIC RILEY RECEIVES 2017 GERALD R. FORD SCHOLARSHIP

left Rick Pappas presents the Ford Scholarship Award to Eric Riley at the 2017 Excellence in Business Dinner Gala Photo by Brian Kelly Productions

Eric Riley of Wyoming, Mich., is the 2017 recipient of the University’s most prestigious scholarship, the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship. The four-year scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition, room and board, fees, books and study abroad, was awarded to Riley on April 28 at the annual Excellence in Business Dinner Gala.

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ric Riley graduated from Grandville High School with a 4.15 GPA. A member of the National Honor Society and the varsity soccer team, Riley was involved in planning the Grandville Harvest Fest, multiple school blood drives and other community service projects. He has served as an altar server and usher at St. Pius X Church. Fluent in Spanish, with a goal to learn eight languages in his lifetime, Riley plans to pursue a degree in international business and plans to own his own business one day.

The scholarship honors the late President Ford. While playing football as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, he helped the Wolverines earn national titles in 1932 and 1933.

He also served as an instructor and assistant football coach at the college that would later become Davenport University.

The scholarship is presented annually to a highly distinguished student pursuing a four-year degree at the W.A. Lettinga Campus. The criteria used to select the winner comprise the highest academic qualifications of any DU scholarship, including a high school GPA of 3.75 and ACT score of 31. Applicants are required to write an essay conveying how they will uphold the values and character of President Ford.

NAMI WALK FOR MENTAL HEALTH – W.A. LETTINGA CAMPUS Come out to the 2nd annual NAMI Walk Grand Rapids to raise awareness and show support for people with mental health challenges. The event will include games, live music and refreshments.

NAMI Walk for Mental Health W.A. Lettinga Campus 6191 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Saturday, October 7, 2017 Registration 8:00 a.m.

Walk starts at 10:00 a.m.

Register a team or make a donation at namiwalks.org/grandrapids Sponsored by Active Minds and Student Life.

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ATHLETICS

END OF AN ERA Davenport University announced last summer the move to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

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his prestigious opportunity brings new excitement to Panther Athletics and the University overall.

Davenport will be a provisional member of the NCAA Division II for a three-year period before gaining full membership

SPRING SEASON SEES PANTHERS SHINE The final season on the academic calendar proved the best across the board for Davenport as several teams made it to the national tournament in their respective sports.

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NAIA and WHAC trophies earned by DU athletes over the years

as early as 2019-20. The Division II Membership Committee annually determines if an institution should be moved forward into the next year of the membership process.

The move to NCAA brings to an end a very successful tenure in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) since DU’s inclusion as a full member in 2005-06. The athletic department grew quickly and added sports that immediately became a force in the nation and conference. Overall, Davenport teams captured 87 WHAC Championships, including 47 regular season and 40 tournament titles, the most by any conference school during this time

BASEBALL The Baseball team finished with an overall record of 43–17. They finished second in the WolverineHoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) regular season and tournament, which gave them a berth in the NAIA Opening Round.

period. The Women’s Basketball team won 20 of those titles, including a current streak of 11 straight regular season crowns. The Softball team came in second with 12 titles, including six in the regular season and tournament. DU won six straight WHAC All-Sports trophies from 2011-16. The student-athletes excelled in the classroom over the years, as 475 have been named WHAC All-Academic. One hundred seventy athletes were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes, which means a student carries a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and is a junior or above. The Panthers have won 24 team and individual national championships across all sports and produced 136 All-Americans and 326 All-Conference performers.

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD Outdoor Track and Field represented the University well in the NAIA Outdoor Nationals when 12 studentathletes competed in seven different events. Sixteen student-athletes were named NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE Women’s Lacrosse captured a share of the WHAC regular season crown for the fourth straight season and finished 13–1 in conference play. Three players were honored as NAIA First Team All-Americans and two were selected as NAIA Second Team All-Americans.

The Softball team celebrates their National Opening Round win.

ATHLETICS

SOFTBALL REACHES NEW HEIGHTS ADVANCING TO NAIA WORLD SERIES The softball program rose to the occasion when the odds were against them this past season.

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erseverance paid off when the team made history by advancing to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series in Florida in May. The Panthers made it to the finals back in 2011 with 32 teams competing, but this is the first time they made it to the 10-team World Series since the NAIA changed the format in 2012.

COMPETITIVE CHEER The Cheer Squad captured another College STUNT Association Division II National Championship and continued winning at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Collegiate Nationals with their fifth straight national title in AllGirl Division III.

Having endured a tough regular season, the team managed to capture a share of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) Season Championship against University of Michigan-Dearborn. In the WHAC Tournament, Davenport needed two wins in the championship round against Madonna to win the tournament. The game went into extra innings and Senior Haley Obetts played the hero as she singled home Freshman Briana Allen with the winning run in a 3–2 win for the program’s sixth WHAC Tournament title.

The NAIA World Series opening game was against 12th-ranked Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSU Alexandria)

DANCE

WOMEN’S RUGBY

The Dance team won titles in the Hip Hop Division III and NAIA Small Team Performance at the National Dance Association (NDA) Collegiate Nationals.

Women’s Rugby posted a record of 27–6–1 during 15s and 7s for 2016–17. The team continued their dominance in the American Collegiate Rugby Association (ACRA) 7s Nationals and won the title by shutting out their opponents in the semifinal and final. The team won the USA Rugby Division II 15s National Championship and stepped up into Division I for the USA Rugby College 7s Nationals.

and the team could not muster enough offense in a 4–0 defeat. Facing elimination, the team won their next two games against Indiana Wesleyan and Ottawa (Kan.). They held on for a 3–2 win over Indiana Wesleyan after building a 3–0 lead through five innings. The Wildcats scored twice in the sixth inning but left the bases loaded as Senior Emily Maves struck out their final batter. Mallory Teunissen picked up her 25th win pitching against Ottawa, allowing four hits with one walk and 10 strikeouts. LSU Alexandria and Davenport squared off again as two of six teams left in the World Series, and the Generals once again shut out the Panthers 2–0 to conclude their season at a school-record of 49 wins and just 10 losses.

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GIVING l e f t In Grand Rapids, guests gathered at the 2017 Grand Rapids Scholarship Reception. top row (l to r) Marvin Vander Wall, Virginia Vander Wall, Felicia Caruso, Barb Mieras, Daronte Powers, Tyler Triemstra, Samantha Miedema, Joanne Riedl. bottom row (l to r) Ruth Ann Lomas, Betty LaCroix. b e l o w In Livonia, Foundation Board Member Joe Buzzitta shares remarks about his parents’ scholarship with reception attendees.

DONORS FIND JOY IN MEETING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

We are grateful for the donors who support named scholarships all year long, and once a year we get to say thank you in-person along with the students their scholarships impact.

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his year, Celebration of Scholarships occurred on both sides of the state with events hosted in Grand Rapids and Livonia.

2017 marks the third year the Grand Rapids scholarship reception was hosted on the W.A. Lettinga Campus, and it gave many donors the chance to tour the new Donald W. Maine College of Business Building.

In Livonia, students and friends gathered at the local Bravo restaurant to share stories and introduce family members who were also impacted by donor generosity.

A total of 52 scholarship donors, student recipients and their families attended the two events held in April.

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GIVING

CATHERINE EHRENBERGER JOINS DU FOUNDATION BOARD Catherine Ehrenberger, Vice President of Global Research & Development at Amway, joined the Davenport University Foundation Board of Directors.

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atherine Ehrenberger leads Amway’s global R&D efforts and the work of more than 900 scientists, engineers and technicians in 75 R&D and quality assurance labs worldwide.

Ehrenberger received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Elmhurst College in Illinois. She received education certificates from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, New York University Stern School of Business and Columbia University Executive Marketing Program.

“When I was earning my degree at Elmhurst, my mother was also earning hers as a non-traditional student,” said Catherine. “Therefore, the way in which Davenport serves both the traditional and the non-traditional student resonates strongly with me.”

NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR ALUMNI Alumni & Development is launching a new alumni mentor program this fall.

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he Alumni Mentor Network was pioneered by the Alumni Board of Directors, which is composed of 14 involved alumni who graduated from DU between 1971–2007. As passionate advocates for students, the board consistently seeks ways they can give back to future alumni.

Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic and professional situations. The DU Alumni Mentor Network will provide leadership, mentorship and networking opportunities for students.

Thanks to generous gifts from the Alumni Board, title sponsor Consumers Credit Union and many other alumni supporters, the Alumni Mentor Network will launch in September.

We truly appreciate your generous support of the program. Stay tuned for an update on the program in a future issue of the DU Review!

If you would like to get involved with the DU Alumni Mentor Network, please email alumni@davenport.edu or call 616-233-3419.

DU Review 17

GIVING

A MILESTONE OCCASION On April 29, more than 200 donors and friends celebrated the formal dedication of the new Donald W. Maine College of Business Building on the

Chris Vinton, Owner, NVINT

W.A. Lettinga Campus.

Named in honor of our Chancellor Emeritus, the 60,000-square-foot, state-ofthe-art facility reflects the high-tech corporate world that Davenport graduates enter after they receive their business degrees.

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resident Rick Pappas led the remarks with reflections and comments for the celebration.

Chairman of the Board, Frank H. Merlotti, Jr. followed along with Dr. Pamela Imperato, Dean of the Donald W. Maine College of Business and the College of

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Technology; Dr. Jack Cichy, Professor of Management; Dr. Margaret Mwenda, former Department Chair in Management; student Tyler Triemstra, Class of 2018; and Shane Napper, President of Construction, Rockford Construction.

GIVING

Dr. Pappas began with appreciation for all those who made the dream of a new facility a reality. “I want to recognize Integrated Architecture, Rockford Construction, Interphase Interiors/ Haworth, and the Davenport facilities and technology teams for their amazing work on this facility. We especially thank all the generous donors to this building: Today is a milestone occasion!”

“This building reflects Davenport’s commitment to the future. It represents a commitment to quality, to innovation, and to new ways of learning and growing,” said Chairman Merlotti. “It also represents a commitment to entrepreneurism and the growth of business in our community.”

Dean Imperato reflected how the building inspires collaboration: “From the moment you step inside, you see the importance of relationships in its design. This is a design that indeed fosters innovation, team-based collaboration and problem solving.”

In his remarks Dr. Cichy commented on the ways in which the building mirrors its namesake: “It is open and welcoming, just as Don is. There is a spacious vibrancy to this building, similar to Don’s attitude toward new ideas and innovation.

This building is synergistic, just as Don Maine was as our leader.”

Dr. Mwenda’s comments centered on the teaching and learning that occurs in the building: “The design ensures the spatial

relationship between instructors and students to encourage interaction, dialog and engagement. Most instructors come from the world of business and have great reservoirs from which to draw when working with students.”

Student Tyler Triemstra agreed: “From day one, this building became a hub for collaboration and study for Davenport students.”

Representing Rockford Construction, the general contractor for the project, Shane Napper said their team was inspired working with the faculty, staff and

students at Davenport. From the outset of planning for the building’s design and construction, it was clear they would be constructing a building with “soul.”

Napper continued, “As you all know, the College of Business was already named in Don’s honor. We felt it was important that there be a physical, brick-and-mortar honor to this man who—through his many contributions over the years— ensured the ongoing sustainability and success of this institution.”

Chancellor Emeritus Maine expressed his deep appreciation to all those assembled for the humbling honor of having this wonderful, new facility named for him.

He credited all those who made the institution successful: “If I could inscribe the name of each person who made Davenport what it is today on one of the bricks of this building, that would be my dream. We all worked together to make this university great! Thank you so much for this incredible honor!”

DU Review 19

ALUMNI

The

DISCOVERYY

RELATIONSHIP CREATES SYNERGY FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI I wanted to go to a place where people cared about the students.”

Davenport has become a path to recruit successful employees for all three Hungerford businesses spanning accounting, IT and financial services. Between the three divisions, nine alumni and students work for Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors, three graduates work for Hungerford Technology and one finance instructor works at Hungerford Financial.

( l t o r ) Spencer DeYoung ’14 MIA, Network Administrator; Cris Sanchez ’13 BS, Network Administrator; Seth Winchester ’11 BAS, Network Administrator; Jenny VanderBoon ’11 BBA, MBA, Manager; Jenn Rogell ’10 BBA, MBA, Manager; Diane Brownell ’88 BBA, Senior Accountant; Elizabeth Jacobsson, current student, Accountant; Jessica Giddings, current student, Accountant, Heather Halligan ’03 MBA, Marketing Specialist; Hillary Mullennix, current MBA student, Human Resource Specialist; not pictured: Sherrin Burnette, Administrative Professional; Matt Warner ’14 BS, Network Engineer; Tom Price, Finance Instructor since 2010

When Heather Halligan, ’03, pictured the perfect job, she envisioned one that put people first.

H

eather Halligan, who began working at Hungerford Nichols nearly five years ago as a Marketing Specialist, said that is why she loves her position.

“Hungerford believes in helping people.

We have a family-like culture where people enjoy going to work.”

Many of her colleagues, 13 to be exact, feel Davenport prepared them to be savvy-solution seekers to fit 20

in the highly collaborative culture at Hungerford.

“Hungerford Nichols has uncovered a fruitful pipeline of resources in Davenport University students and alumni,” claimed Human Resources Specialist and current MBA student Hillary Mullennix ’18. “Davenport’s business-focused instruction fits our culture.”

Mullennix applied to Davenport because of her experience working with professors and staff. “Both the professors and career services staff are extremely invested in the success of the student. They are passionate about helping students find jobs and building their networks.

“Hungerford has an innovative strategy to recruit Davenport students,” exclaimed Mullennix. “We build relationships with students before they graduate. We meet with them over coffee, in a comfortable environment, and share all of Hungerford’s opportunities, including interning, job shadowing or completing office visits. Then we give them information about the types of accounting options including tax, corporate and auditing.”

Additionally, Mullennix noted that Davenport makes it easy to hire students by offering flexible course options. She said this aligns with Hungerford’s mission of work-life balance. “We allow our employees to set a schedule that works best to meet our client’s needs, allowing our employees to take classes when it is most convenient.” She said the relationship they’ve built with DU is mutually beneficial—it provides meaningful work to great employees.

ALUMNI

The

DISCOVERYY

DISCOVERING OPPORTUNITY Porntida (Mai) Yansomboon ’14, brings a wealth of personal knowledge and experience to her job at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C.

“

I

grew up in a business savvy family,” says Mai Yansomboon, a Thai citizen who lived in Grand Rapids before attending Davenport. “My family imported tractors and equipment from Thailand. When I got the opportunity to work at the Royal Thai Embassy and help people discover business opportunities, just like my family, I jumped on it!”

Yansomboon moved to the United States as an exchange student when she was 18 years old. She decided to stay in Grand Rapids for college and chose Davenport because of its reputation and close proximity to her host family’s house.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business in 2014, Yansomboon worked at a material handling company in project management. She saw a position posted on the Royal Thai Embassy website in Washington D.C. and applied. She says, “Thanks to my unique experience, I got the job!”

Today, Yansomboon works as a project staff member at the Thai Business Information Center. She works with Thai businesses looking to invest and settle in the U.S. and provides them with the connections and information needed to be successful.

Conducting business outside of a company’s home country has many challenges, and Yansomboon is there to help. On a typical day, she might reach out to Thai business owners who have questions about regulations on doing business in the U.S., help hopeful

business owners discover opportunities or act as a business coach and liaison to governmental departments.

Yansomboon acknowledges her success is due to many people. “I credit my success to my families— both my family in Thailand and my host family. They are both so encouraging.”

Moving to the U.S. also gave her the opportunity to study and discover what she is capable of. Yansomboon looks forward to opening the doors for more Thai business owners and toward what her future holds. She hopes to return to school to earn a Master’s in Business Administration soon and continue to grow and expand her skills to serve others.

DU Review 21

FINDING THE BEAUTY IN BUSINESS

ALUMNI

As a teenager, Leslie Winkle ’11 ’16, had a strong interest in cosmetology. She graduated high school early to attend cosmetology school at the Douglas J. Aveda Institute, but her family always encouraged her to pursue more education.

The

DISCOVERYY “

M

y dad, who is also a Davenport graduate, was not in favor of the idea of my not going to college, so he made me promise him that I would go to college after cosmetology school,” Leslie Winkle said. “It took me a few months after getting a job as a hairstylist, and then I realized my dad was right—I did need a degree.”

Winkle enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in Traverse City while working full-time styling hair. She continued her studies at Davenport University through an articulation agreement with NMC. “Once I finished my bachelor’s degree, I still felt a little unsure of what I wanted to do so I started master’s coursework,” she said. “I wanted to put the degree to use, yet I had built up a very successful business behind the chair, and it was difficult to walk away from that.”

As Winkle explored her options, she took roles outside of the beauty industry, 22

causing her to step off the salon floor for two years. “I worked for a few different businesses, doing accounting for an oil & gas company and then I was the director of marketing for a tech company,” Winkle explained. Though the roles seemed unrelated to working in a salon, she is thankful for the experiences.

“Looking back, I can see God’s plan at work. I learned so much and built many relationships that help me today,” she said.

Through these experiences, she realized her true passion was to own a salon.

Thanks to her MBA education, she mapped out a business plan and set out on a quest to discover the perfect location.

Fate and her network of relationships stepped in. “As I was making plans to open a salon, I met a former co-worker who had opened her own salon, Studio 415,” Winkle stated. “I respected her and didn’t want to open a salon in the same town as an unwelcomed competitor. We had an honest conversation about what I wanted to do, and she was open to selling her salon.” After a year of conversations and negotiations, the deal was finalized in the fall of 2014 and Winkle became the proud owner of Studio 415.

Since the Traverse City market was oversaturated, she knew she could differentiate herself with exceptional customer service. “We have a simple saying at Studio 415, ‘work hard and be nice’,” she said. “Our culture is the

number one priority: everyone is kind and inviting, and customers feel it.”

Winkle’s ‘be nice’ ethic means giving back to the community as well. Before school starts each year in August, the salon gives kids free haircuts and school supplies.

The event is a way to give back and the turnout has increased with each year. “The response from families in the community is what keeps us going,” Winkle exclaimed.

Customers did notice the wonderful experiences the salon created and nominated Studio 415 for the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award in 2015. They placed in the top 10 that year, and when nominated again the next year, they were named the 2016 Small Business of the Year.

Winkle is excited to be a judge for the 2017 pool of contenders. Since winning, the salon’s sales have grown, with 2017 first quarter estimates up by about 30 percent. Currently, Studio 415 is operating at full capacity in the current location and Winkle’s dreams are growing. She envisions expansion into new locations to offer more services.

Winkle also joined DU’s teaching staff as an adjunct instructor in accounting classes. She is able to draw on her real-world business experience while teaching others. She said, “I enjoy the challenge of putting classes together and working with students.”

APRIL

21

ALUMNI Midland Graduation Celebration

BEHIND THE SCENES OF ALUMNI EVENTS The Alumni Association and its clubs are hosting events across the country. These gatherings bring alumni together to socialize, learn and connect over a shared passion for Davenport.

Check out the full listing of events at davenport.edu/alumni

M AY

21

Alumni Scholars Happy Hour

M AY

14 Alumni Lunch at Farmers Insurance

JUNE

Alumni Summer Kick-Off at Founders Brewing Company 23

16 DU Review 23

FEATURE

Dan DeVos Honored with 2017 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award It is also a great opportunity to honor an outstanding businessperson.

M

ore than 600 people attended Davenport’s annual Excellence in Business Dinner Gala at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids last April to raise more than $340,000 in support of student scholarships.

As DU’s largest fundraiser benefiting student scholarships, the generosity of the attendees and donors is critical for those who rely on scholarship support to earn their degrees and secure careers.

24 24

Daniel G. DeVos, Chairman and & CEO of DP Fox Ventures, LLC, a diversified management company with interests in real estate, transportation and sports and entertainment, was honored with the Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award. The award, established in 1998, recognizes business and community leaders who exemplify entrepreneurial spirit, success and generosity to community that are hallmarks of the Davenport University mission, vision and values.

“It is a colossal blessing to have someone so grounded,” stated Diane Lobbestael, Vice President for Development, Grand Rapids Symphony.

“Dan’s demeanor and his attitude and the leaders he brings together are influencing our community and creating a culture that’s better for all of us.”

In addition to his role at DP Fox Ventures, LLC, DeVos serves on the Board of Trustees at Hope Network and the Board of Directors at Hope Network Foundation, West Michigan Sports Commission, Family Outreach Center and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

“Dan has earned his place in this group of [award] recipients,” said Jeff Bennett, Chairman of Otterbase. “He has spent his lifetime living the values that make an exceptional leader, contributor to community, father, husband and friend.”

FEATURE

Thank You to our 2017 Event Sponsors!

GOLD

The Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation Fifth Third Bank SILVER

The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation Townsquare Media Varnum, LLP Wolverine Worldwide

Joe Montana Talks Teamwork and Preparation at the Excellence in Business Gala Legendary NFL quarterback Joe Montana joined President Pappas on-stage in an interview focusing on his professional football career and the lessons learned along the way. Montana provided insight into how he performs under pressure and methods he’s used to stay calm and lead a team to victory.

“You can’t let the little things bother you,” stated Montana.

“Everyone makes mistakes, and you have to put it behind you in order to be successful. Make the mistake, then move on.”

DU Review 25

FEATURE

The

DISCOVERYY

Day of Research Brings Focus and Attention to Student & Faculty Projects The Fourth Annual Day of Research was held last April at the W.A. Lettinga Campus and online. More than 170 students, making up 50 teams, along with 25 staff and faculty participated in this prestigious event that provides an opportunity for students and faculty to showcase the research they are doing in their respective fields.

26

S

tudents competed to win one of three $500 Research Project Excellence Awards, while faculty members competed to win $1,000 Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Faculty Research Grants. Participants were required to submit a poster, paper or documentary about their research and present it to a panel of judges made up of staff, faculty and alumni.

“The event is hosted at Lettinga, but it is open to everyone,” said Kriss Ferluga, Day of Research Committee Chair and Faculty Course Developer

for Delivery Systems. “The staff and students are not required to present in person. We utilize Blackboard Collaborate to allow those not in Grand Rapids to still participate and compete. We’re hoping, for the future, that judges can also participate virtually if needed.”

In addition to the presentations, the day-long event included two keynote speakers. For the first time, a student provided a keynote presentation.

A member of the DU BioInformatic Lab mentored by faculty member Laura Harris, Jessica Marklevitz,

FEATURE

2017 Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Faculty Research Grant Award Winners Each year the CTE awards up to three $1,000 grants to full-time and adjunct faculty to support research endeavors. Faculty are required to submit a proposal to be considered for a grant. Proposals feature multiple faculty collaborations and align with the CTE mission.

a b o v e Laura Harris

a b o v e Amy Scheerhorn

“Being a researcher is about being relevant ... do not stop now. There is a whole world out there for you to continue to do research throughout your career.�

Dr. Sally A. White Senior Vice President; Leader of Higher Education Practice McAllister & Quinn

presented Hypothetical Proteins and MRSA (and You). Marklevitz shared how the team is working to characterize hypothetical proteins within the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) genome that are linked with antibiotic resistance in order to predict methods to overcome the resistance. The work the team has completed so far was made possible by the 2015 and 2016 CTE Faculty Research Grants, and the team has published three peer-reviewed journal articles with several more in progress.

The next keynote speaker was Sally White, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Leader of Higher Education Practice at McAllister and Quinn in Washington D.C. White spoke about how she spent 21 years in higher education as a researcher.

Laura Harris, M.S., M.S., Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty/Science Laboratory Coordinator in the College of Arts & Sciences at the Lansing Campus, Computational Approaches to Uncover Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance Amy Scheerhorn, Ph.D. Candidate, Mathematics Faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences at the W.A. Lettinga Campus, Collaborative Learning in Mathematics

2017 Research Project Excellence Awards TEAM #1

Jessica Beyerle, Megan Britko, Shannon Forsythe, and Kayla Moore TEAM #2

Sonja Hinson and Matthew Hucul TEAM #3

Elizabeth Britten, Jennifer Deane, and Kyle Pearson

DU Review 27

FEATURE

2017 Research Project Excellence Awards The Day of Research highlights student and faculty accomplishments and honors their dedication in pursuit of outstanding research and scholarship.

1

STUDENT TEAM Jessica Beyerle Megan Britko Shannon Forsythe Kayla Moore CAMPUS Midland PROJECT The Importance of Mental Health Education for the Medical-Surgical Nurse

28

Midland nursing students Jessica Beyerle, Megan Britko, Shannon Forsythe and Kayla Moore’s research project brought awareness of the need for mental health education for medical surgical nurses to improve the care of their patients. “Mental health patients require complex nursing skills,” said the student researchers.

“The purpose of our project was to research how to evaluate how the perception of the medical-surgical nurse affect care provisions of mental health patients.”

FEATURE

2

STUDENT TEAM

this project would reduce ED misuse, resulting in improved care and safety for those in need of emergency assistance.

Sonja Hinson Matthew Hucul CAMPUS Midland PROJECT Emergency Department Misuse and Overutilization by Patient Population

3

Sonja Hinson and Matthew Hucul, students at the Midland Campus, studied the overutilization of Emergency Departments and potential solutions to the problem. The potential solutions the student researchers identified in

“This project has a significant impact on the nursing profession, said Hinson and Hucul. “Nurses regularly must divide their attention between acutely ill patients and those that could be adequately treated in a primary care facility.”

STUDENT TEAM Elizabeth Britten Jennifer Deane Kyle Pearson CAMPUS W.A. Lettinga PROJECT The Professional Panther Closet and Food Pantry

Stemming from a need discovered through Career Services and brought to Professor Steve Bayus’ experiential learning class, the student team of Elizabeth Britten, Jennifer Deane and Kyle Pearson took on the project of implementing a sustainable university clothing closet. Tasked with the role of consultants, the team conducted research on universities with similar offerings, organized a survey at the W.A. Lettinga Campus, and developed recommendations for staffing, generating student awareness, procuring inventory, and developing a budget.

Their needs assessment results highlighted not only the importance of providing a resource to address professional clothing needs of students, but also food insecurity. This led to expanding the clothing closet to include not just professional clothing, but also personal hygiene products and nonperishable food goods.

“We need to be proactive to help our students battle hunger and clothing needs on campus,” said Jennifer Deane. “This service helps meet the short-term needs of students until they reach long-term independence.”

DU Review 29

FEATURE

Generous donors contribute to scholarships at Davenport.

Students get excited when they hear that alumni give gifts to support scholarships. They know you understand them because you’ve been in their shoes. Give a gift today to the Davenport Fund at davenport.edu/give

START H E RE

Donors like Brad make their gift to student scholarships and support the next generation of DU students!

The Power of the Gift M E ET ALUM NUS BRAD NYHOFF ’10

Current DU students call alumni through the student phonathon to give updates and invite them to give back. l e f t Tori Dubac ’18, a student phonathon caller, had the opportunity to thank Brad for his gift.

30

DU graduates go on to get jobs in their field—Brad started working at Macatawa Bank the year he graduated and is currently working as a mortgage loan officer.

FEATURE Foundation r i g h t Brad (on right) and his new roommate on move-in day, freshman year.

Students like Brad receive a scholarship while attending DU.

scholarships helped support 737 students during the 2015–2016 academic year.

The

DISCOVERYY

“I give because I know how important scholarships are to a student’s success. I received scholarships while I was at DU and I am extremely appreciative of the donors who supported DU when I was there. I feel good being able to pay it forward.”

BRAD NYHOFF ’ 10

Scholarship support helps students receive a career-focused education and successfully complete their degrees—Brad received his B.S. in Accounting in 2011 and his MBA the following year!

D I D YO U K NOW ?

DU currently offers an employment guarantee in three programs with plans to expand to up to 25 percent of bachelor programs as part of Vision 2020. The Accounting BBA, Network Management & Security BS, and Nursing BSN Pre-Licensure programs currently carry this guarantee for qualifying students.

DU Review 31

FEATURE

Grad Says “Ni Hao” to Shanghai Business Hockey friends of Eric Rupert, ’06, speak of him in tones of awe usually reserved for local legends,

The

DISCOVERYY

and with good reason.

I

n a few short years after graduating, he became a specialist in ecobuilding materials, created a vast network of business contacts and cofounded a company that specializes in providing sustainable building products in Shanghai, China.

Eric Rupert was born and raised near Windsor, Ontario, with an innate love of the Canadian national pastime, hockey.

He came to DU initially with a group 32

of hockey players who were recruited to help build the fledgling team. The group became as close as family and bonded over a love for the sport. While on campus, Rupert earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resources Management and later took advantage of flexible learning opportunities to earn a Master of Business Administration degree, partially online.

Entrepreneurial from an early age, Rupert always knew he wanted to pilot and grow businesses and be accountable for his own agenda. After responding to an online ad looking for a business partner in 2011, he left a comfortable life in Vancouver and headed to China to start a business-to-business trade company.

The partners hoped to build a platform that would compete against the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. “Within four months we knew it was a spectacular fail, but it was exactly what helped propel the path I’m on now,” he says. “I was exposed to China and taken with how much was possible with focus and hard work.”

The next venture he created with his partners centered around one of the most commonly found plants in China—bamboo.

For a time, his home was the mountain town of Zhenghe, Fujian, surrounded by bamboo forests and tea plantations.

Today, he calls Zhenghe his cultural home and it is where he developed bamboo industry expertise while working with a factory to develop the manufacturing infrastructure for products.

The small mountain town provided him with his first language challenges because he had no prior knowledge of the Chinese language and the local people did not speak English. As Rupert learned the language, he found the people were warm and welcoming, and he formed lasting friendships he still holds sacred today. He says, “I was certainly the only foreigner for miles and that forced me to learn about the new environment I was in. During this period of time, I had great experiences in business and social education, and I met incredible individuals who were involved in high technology applications of bamboo.”

Bamboo is a member of the grass family whose species are among the fastest-

growing plants on earth. Performance grade bamboo is significantly stronger, more stable, and more uniform than any wood species and it is more readily available and renewable. Currently, 75 percent of the world’s bamboo products come from China, but Rupert notes most continents in the world have environments conducive to growing some species of bamboo.

FEATURE

One of the major reasons bamboo is eco-friendly and sustainable is how quickly it can be harvested. “I love wood; I’m a Canadian after all, but bamboo is just so unique—it regenerates for harvest in only 3–7 years depending on application and creates more usable fiber per acre,” Rupert said. “Compare that directly to 30-year timber forests for regeneration at the low end.”

After three years in rural China, Rupert started searching for a different opportunity within the bamboo industry.

A chance meeting on a plane ride and shared connection to the same part of China led to the formation of a new company in Shanghai, focused on performance bamboo products—AltPlus.

As owner and leader of AltPlus, Rupert sells architectural and structural grade bamboo products to international markets. He is working to develop a sales team and grow the line of products to be sold internationally. He’s proud of the relationships he’s built along the way in his career and knows these relationships are what paved his path and attracted like-minded, ambitious people.

The city of Shanghai is home to more than 24.5 million people and is a leader in sustainability innovations. It was a big move for Rupert, since the population of his entire home country of Canada is just 35 million, but he enjoys the energy and opportunity of the city. He’s even found a community of hockey players. As he looks forward to bringing new products to the sustainable building market, he also wants to give back.

“I really enjoyed my time at

DU and it’s tough sometimes

to be so far away. I welcome alumni who are traveling to

Shanghai to reach out

to me—let’s connect!”

Eric Rupert ’06

DU Review 33

DU Class Notes

Daniella Catzere, ’11 BBA, ’13 MBA, joined SF Cellular in Troy as a human resources manager.

Kyle Holstege, ’13 BSA, is an information systems site administrator at Vention Medical in Grand Rapids.

Andrea Cherwinski, ’16 BBA, is a staffing manager at Elwood Staffing in Grand Rapids.

Louanna Hovorka, ’16 Post Grad Cert., was promoted to business services manager at the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Tennille Dobbs, ’15 BSN, is a RN nurse manager at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Amber Dunham, ’16 BBA, joined BDO USA, LLP in Grand Rapids as a tax associate.

Sara Eschels, ’84 AS, ’97 BS, ’06 MBA joined the Hylant Group in Grand Rapids as a talent manager.

Quinton Adkins, ’16 MBA, was promoted to customer service territory manager at NuCraft in Comstock Park.

Sara Ayers, ’17 BBA, is an insurance agent at Farm Bureau Insurance in Grand Rapids.

Dannielle Backus, ’17 BBA, was promoted to senior customer accounts associate at Kellogg Company in Grand Rapids.

Nicholas Barilovich, ’16 MS, joined AAA Life Insurance Company in Livonia as an information security analyst.

Kerry Bestrom, ’17 BSN, is a registered nurse at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids.

Levi Dutcher, ’11 BBA, was promoted to senior field territory manager IA operations at Foremost/Farmers Insurance in Grand Rapids.

Mike Galarneau, ’17 MM, is an operational analyst at Pace Industries in Muskegon.

Garyl Guidry Jr., ’16 MM, is a financial analyst at Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health in Kalamazoo.

Stacy Gwatura, ’08 BBA, joined Sinai Hospital of Baltimore as a palliative nurse practitioner.

Jason Helmus, ’17 BS, joined Burke E. Porter Machinery in Grand Rapids as a software engineer.

Jim Hines, ’80 ASBA, ’82 BBA, was promoted to director of information technology at National Heritage Academies in Grand Rapids.

Anthony Howard, ’04 BBA, is the president and founder of Tax Geak, Inc. in Colorado Springs, CO. Monica Jackson, ’10 BBA, is a complaint research and resolution manager at Fifth Third Bancorp in Grand Rapids.

Angela Kirn, ’12 BSA, is a HIM specialist at St. Mary’s of Michigan in Saginaw.

Kendra Kissane, ’12 BBA, joined the Michigan Milk Producers Association as a sustainability director in Grand Rapids.

Sara LaLonde, ’16 BBA, joined Novastar Solutions in Livonia as an accountant.

Sue Lennon, ’17 MSN, is the director of employee health and wellness at MidMichigan Health in Bay City.

Trisha Madura, ’17 BBA, joined the Chicago White Sox as a member of the Pride Crew. She also started as a promotions coordinator for CBS Radio Chicago for AM 670 The Score & 780 WBBM. Esperance Mahirwe, ’17 BSN, joined Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw as a RN.

34

CLASS NOTES Joshua Marko, ’17 MBA, is a special projects manager at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids.

Robert Scott, ’97 BBA, is an institutional review specialist at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC.

Mary Lou McMan, ’17 BSN, is a graduate nurse at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City.

Lyndsey Tym, ’10 BBA, joined Nederveld in Grand Rapids as a senior human resources generalist.

Zachary Watts, ’17 BBA, is an accountant at Standard Lumber in Grand Rapids.

Jesse Medina, ’05 AAS, ’07 BBA, MBA, is the executive director at Pathology Education Partners in Washington, D.C.

Kenneth Visger, ’16 BS, joined Pump Solutions Group in Grand Rapids as a manager of pricing and sales support.

Michael Werling, ’16 BBA, was promoted to materials department manager at Gentex in Zeeland.

Eric Miller, ’03 BAS, is a systems engineer at Dewpoint in Lansing.

Michael Waite-Kress, ’17 BS, is a paralegal at Hackney Grover in Grandville.

Alex Nelson, ’16 MBA, is a procurement supervisor at MidMichigan Health in Midland.

Manuel Oviedo, ’08 BBA, is a receiving manager at Perrigo Company in Allegan.

Johna Perkins, ’16 BBA, is a general ledger accountant at Grand Home Automation in Hudsonville.

Jessica Quillen, ’15 BBA, was promoted to restaurant manager at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN. Jennifer Slater, ’16 BBA, is a departmental analyst at the State of Michigan in Lansing.

Jennifer Wilson, ’02 BAS and Alumni Board Member, was honored with the LAS Latinas Outstanding Woman of the Year Award.

Guy Weeks, ’09 BBA, is a chief deputy of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Indiana.

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 OCTOBER

13

HOMECOMING 2017 ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY Friday, October 13, 2017 Robert W. Sneden Center; W.A. Lettinga Campus

OCTOBER

14

HOMECOMING TAILGATE AND FOOTBALL GAME Saturday, October 14, 2017 Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex davenport.edu/homecoming

M AY

4

EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS GALA Peter C. Cook Award Honoree Brian C. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer, Herman Miller, Inc. Friday, May 4, 2018 DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich. davenport.edu/eib

Our next issue will be packed with adventure!

We are seeking exciting and bold alumni summer stories to feature in the next issue!

Email us at alumni@davenport.edu

by October 31 with your story!