2024 Alumni Award Recipients

As seen in the Fall 2024 DU Review magazine

College of Urban Education Alumni Award 

DERRICK MARTIN | Principal, Innovation Central High School, GRPS | CUE, MEd ‘22

Derrick Martin, the new principal of Innovation Central High School in Grand Rapids, brings a unique perspective to his role. A 2000 graduate of Central High School, Martin’s journey in education began as a long-term substitute teacher before teaching at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy. His path to leadership included roles as assistant principal and now principal at his alma mater. Martin’s dedication to urban education is evident in his pursuit of a teaching certification from Davenport University’s College of Urban Education, balancing studies with full-time work. Inspired by passionate professors and driven by a desire to give back to his community, Martin aims to motivate and engage students, understanding their backgrounds and needs. His full-circle journey exemplifies his commitment to shaping the future of urban education in Grand Rapids.

College of Health Professions Alumni Award

AMY PAINTER | Family Nurse Practitioner, Mission Urgent Care | BSN ‘11, MSN ‘15

Amy Painter is an accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner and dedicated educator. A graduate of the inaugural Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cohort at Davenport University, Amy has become an invaluable asset to her alma mater. She consistently precepts multiple MSN FNP students each semester, earning praise for her kindness, compassion and intelligence. Students cherish their experiences under her guidance, benefiting from her expertise and supportive approach. Despite juggling multiple professional commitments, Amy generously accommodates additional students when placement opportunities are scarce. Her unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of nurse practitioners, coupled with her exceptional skills as an FNP, makes her an indispensable member of the Davenport University community. Amy’s commitment to excellence in both patient care and education exemplifies the highest standards of the nursing profession.

Donald W. Maine College of Business Alumni Award

JOEL BLANCHARD | Director, Operations & Delivery, KPMG Managed Services | BAS, Management, ’05, MBA, Strategic Management, ‘09

Joel is a first-generation, two-time graduate of Davenport with strong ties to the university. Apart from earning two degrees from Davenport, Joel was the first hockey player at the university. He was an assistant hockey coach for two years, an admissions representative and adjunct faculty member. Joel is now employed at KPMG, serving as the delivery lead for Government Solutions. In this role, he enables various state, local and federal agencies by implementing best practices and streamlining operations. Joel also volunteers annually for KPMG’s Community Impact Day and recently held a cabinet position on the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan’s Connecting Communities capital campaign. The campaign played a crucial role in relocating the association’s headquarters to the new Special Olympics Michigan Unifi ed Sports & Inclusion Center in West Michigan.

College of Technology Alumni Award

JAMES JIM CZEREW | Owner & Founder, TechConnect, LLC | BAS, Computer Networking MCSE, Network Security, ‘07

Jim graduated from DU with dual bachelor degrees in Network Engineering and Network Security. He taught Network Defense & Wireless Security courses as a Davenport instructor for three years and currently serves on the DU Alumni Association Board. While a student, Jim participated on DU’s first Cybersecurity team and later helped organize and run the competitions. Jim is also an entrepreneur. After working in the enterprise healthcare industry for several years, he started, and continues to run, TechConnect, LLC, a technology security consulting company. Jim is a regular speaker on the topic of Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He has served on the boards of several technology and nonprofit organizations and is very active in the Grand Rapids community. He can be regularly found at local music and ballroom dance events.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

MACKENZIE MASCHKE | Digital Investigative Analyst, U.S Department of Justice | BS, Cyber Defense, Digital Forensics, Information Assurance Specialty, ‘20

Mackenzie Maschke is a cybersecurity expert and former college athlete. She earned dual degrees in Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics from Davenport University in 2020. At Davenport, she played lacrosse, led the Women in Technology RSO and received the SFS Cybercorp scholarship. Her college years showcased leadership in sports and academics. Since 2020, Mackenzie has worked at the Department of Justice as a Digital Forensic Analyst and Global Cyber Forensic Advisor. She specializes in using digital evidence for criminal investigations, developing new forensic techniques, and educating law enforcement, attorneys and judges worldwide on digital forensics. Mackenzie continues to support Davenport’s Scholarship for Service program by participating in alumni panels and mentoring future scholars interested in federal government careers.

Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award

JIM AYRES | Retired, Amway | MBA, Management, ‘00

Jim is a business executive and leadership consultant with extensive global experience. He retired from Amway in 2020 after 41 years, where he last led North American operations with an annual business volume exceeding $1 billion. Jim’s expertise spans strategic planning, talent development, project management and cultural diversity. Currently, Jim serves on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Center of West Michigan and supports various nonprofits. He earned his MBA from Davenport in 2000 and is an adjunct instructor at the university’s Institute for Professional Excellence. Throughout his career, Jim has held leadership positions in Global Research and Development, Quality Assurance, and Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. He and his wife, Nancy, have two children and three grandchildren and are dedicated to improving communities and nurturing future leaders.

Distinguished Alumni Award

ARTHUR (ART) GARNER | Principal, Hope Academy of West Michigan | BBA, Accounting, ’91, MBA, Strategic Management, ‘04

Art is a scholar and educator committed to advancing education and community development. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Davenport College (1991), an MBA from Davenport University (2004), and a Doctorate in Education from Walden University. With more than two decades of experience, Art has held leadership roles in various educational institutions, championing innovative teaching methods and curriculum development. His research focuses on educational equity, community engagement and technology integration in learning. Art has contributed significantly to educational practices and policies in urban schools through leadership roles and conference presentations. Beyond academia, he actively engages in community service, promoting educational opportunities and social justice initiatives. Art collaborates with policymakers and stakeholders to create inclusive learning environments. His journey from business to education demonstrates his commitment to making a broader impact on society through education.