Notable Alumni of Davenport University: Leaders and Innovators

Davenport University, a private institution boasting campuses across Michigan and a robust online presence, has a rich history dating back to 1866. Founded as the Grand Rapids Business College by Union Army Veteran Conrad G. Swensburg, the university has evolved significantly, shaping itself into a hub for business, technology, and health education. Over the years, Davenport has produced a diverse array of successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. This article highlights some of the university's notable graduates, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have had.

A Foundation of Business and Beyond

Davenport University's focus on practical, career-oriented education is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni. The university specializes in business majors, with the Business Administration and Management program being the most popular. This emphasis has led to many graduates excelling in the business world, while others have leveraged their Davenport education to make a difference in healthcare, education, and community service.

Alumni Achievement Awards: A Celebration of Success

Each year, Davenport University recognizes outstanding alumni through its Alumni Achievement Awards. The 2023 awardees, honored at the annual homecoming celebration, exemplify the diverse paths to success that a Davenport education can pave. These individuals, celebrated by alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family, shared their stories of triumph at the Donald W. Maine Business Building.

Notable Alumni Profiles

Business and Leadership

Cliff Meeuwsen: As the CEO of Zeeland Farm Services (ZFS), a family-owned agribusiness founded in 1950, Meeuwsen has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the agricultural sector. Under his guidance, ZFS has prioritized waste reduction and the resourceful marketing of all products and by-products. Meeuwsen's contributions were recognized in 2015 when he received the Leaders & Legends award from the Michigan Agri-Business Association.
Franco Petrucci: A 1991 Davenport graduate, Petrucci has poured his passion into Owning Livonia Bakery & Café.

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Healthcare

Dr. Hamed: Since 2011, Dr. Hamed has served as the medical director of Emergency and Hospital Medicine at McKenzie Health System in Sandusky, MI. His extensive involvement in the medical community includes serving as president of the Michigan Academy of Family Medicine (2020-2021), acting as a delegate to the National American Academy of Family Physicians Congress of Delegates, and serving as medical director for eight rural Michigan county health departments since 2018. He also holds positions as associate EMS medical director of Sanilac EMS (since 2014), a member of the Federation of State Medical Boards and the Michigan Board of Medicine (since 2021), and a board member of the Michigan Trauma Coalition (since 2022).

Education

Yamaka: Holding a Master of Urban Education from Davenport University (2016), Yamaka is dedicated to helping urban students reach their full potential. As a school leader committed to the students on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, she exemplifies the values of the College of Urban Education. In 2016, she was recognized by the Michigan Lottery with the Excellence in Education award.
Dr. Daley: Honored for her outstanding leadership in education and notable contributions to Davenport University, Dr. Daley has revolutionized teaching methods by creating simulation labs that engage students and prepare them for real-life scenarios. She also initiated a veteran-focused BSN (VBSN) program that allows military veterans to receive educational credits for their experience.
Lisa Howze: Recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Education Leadership, Howze's unique background as an accountant and former government official brings a fresh perspective to education. She actively connects with policymakers to discuss financial support for Davenport University through the Michigan Tuition Grant and works to increase educational options for high school students and adults in Detroit.

Community Service and Advocacy

Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez: As the executive director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Esparza-Gonzalez (Master of Accountancy, 2021) is committed to providing the Latinx community with a place where they are treated with respect, equity, and dignity. Her leadership has brought financial stability to the organization by restructuring and stabilizing the Accounting, HR, Fund Development, and Language Services departments.
Vonnie Woodrick: After the loss of her husband, Rob, in 2003, Woodrick founded i Understand in 2014 to change attitudes and conversations about suicide and mental illness. Her first initiative was to create a petition to change the definition of suicide, updating the stigmatizing definition to one about suicide’s role as a terminal side effect of mental illness.

Read also: Applying to Davenport University

Athletics

Jeremy: A longtime supporter of Davenport, Jeremy was the captain of the D1 hockey team during his time as a student. In recent years, he has taken on the head coaching position, giving back to the community through his involvement with the team.

Davenport University: A Hub of Opportunity

Davenport University's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident in its facilities and programs. The W.A. Lettinga Main Campus in Grand Rapids features the Richard M. DeVos and Jay Van Andel Academic Center, a 140,000 sq ft (13,000 m2) building completed in 2005. This state-of-the-art facility includes classrooms, technology spaces, academic advising, career services, and university offices. The campus also offers various residence halls, including Cook Hall, Meijer Residence Hall, and South Residence Hall, fostering a vibrant campus life.

The university's athletic program has also grown significantly in recent years. As a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and NCAA Division II, Davenport competes in 21 intercollegiate varsity sports, offering students opportunities to excel both academically and athletically. The Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex, dedicated in March 2013, features home fields for baseball and softball, as well as tennis courts. In 2016, the university added a new football stadium, soccer field, and track and field complex.

Read also: Join the Davenport Team

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