Davenport University honored 1,400 graduates at its 160th commencement ceremony on May 3 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. The graduates, who ranged in age from 18 to 81, hailed from 33 different states and eight different countries.

Gilda Gely, Davenport’s provost and executive vice president of academics, opened the ceremony saying that commencement is a wonderful celebration of the graduates’ dedication, hard work and achievements. “It is a proud day for our graduates, but we would also like to acknowledge their families, friends and loved ones who have supported them along the way,” said Gely.

For President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., the ceremony was bittersweet as it was his seventeenth and final commencement at Davenport. Pappas, who retires in June, said the true success of Davenport is measured by the success of its talented graduates. “We are so proud of their achievements, and we know this is just the beginning of what they will contribute to our communities, companies, health care organizations and their families,” he said.

Pappas went on to say that Davenport’s mission is to prepare students to excel in their chosen professions, to contribute to society and lead fulfilling lives. “While this chapter in your academic journey may be ending, it’s just the beginning. I urge you to pursue excellence in all you do and remember that Davenport will always be here for you,” he said.

Paula Cunningham, State director of AARP and chair of the Davenport University Board of Trustees, received an honorary doctorate during the ceremony and delivered the keynote address.

Cunningham opened her speech by telling the story of John Stephen Akhwari, a Tanzanian marathon runner who experienced a devastating fall during the 1968 Olympics, which left him with a dislocated knee and a badly injured shoulder. In an instant, any hope of winning or even medaling was gone. Bandaging his knee as best he could and holding his shoulder for support, he continued to run long after the winner had been crowned. “When he crossed the finish line, the only person there to greet him was a reporter who inquired as to why he continued with no hope of winning,” Cunningham said. 

“My village did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race,” said Akhwari. “They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”

Cunningham urged the graduates to finish their race. “The degree you are receiving comes with tremendous responsibility. From this day forward, the world is counting on you to make a difference, to be a light that shines so bright that it gives others the courage to keep going.  And never forget those in your village who helped you cross the finish line,” she said.  

Davenport graduates are uniquely prepared to lead, she said. “Graduating from Davenport does more than add letters behind your name. It elevates your leadership potential. You stayed the course and met the expectations, despite hardships and unforeseen circumstances. It’s been said that heaven’s gift to each of us is potential, but our gift to this earth is what we do with it. What you do with your degree is now up to you,” she said.

Cunningham also thanked President Pappas for his nearly 50 years in education, 17 as Davenport’s president. “President Pappas served out of commitment, passion and an undeniable love for Davenport,” she said. “His leadership at Davenport has transformed the way education is delivered. His life and his work have elevated the lives of others.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class of 2026 was Amy Bloch, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Laboratory Science. She also earned a spot on the President’s List for six semesters, led the women’s tennis team as captain and served the Davenport community as a dispatcher with the Department of Public Safety.

In her address, Bloch reflected on arriving in Grand Rapids four years ago from South Africa to begin her academic and tennis journey at Davenport. She recalled how everything was unfamiliar to her, including the culture, food, expectations and the responsibilities of starting a new life far from home. “I didn’t know anyone, and at first, it felt like I was starting from zero,” she said. “I soon realized that the experiences that shaped me back home, combined with the connections I was building at Davenport, helped me step outside my comfort zone and learn from those around me.”

Bloch said that as a biological laboratory science student, she was challenged in ways she never imagined. “I gained technical and critical-thinking skills and learned that science requires creativity, persistence and the recognition that failure is often a detour to unexpected breakthroughs and growth. I also learned that the pathway to success is not always direct, but comes with effort, dedication, teamwork and trusting the process,” she said.

On the tennis court, Bloch learned that success feels greater when it is shared. “Competing for something larger than myself, a team that became my family, made every match more meaningful,” she said. But more importantly, with every win and loss we stood by each other and I learned that leadership is not about being the best player, it’s about creating an environment of trust, unity and care where everyone believes greatness can be achieved together,” she said.

In closing, Bloch urged the graduates to continue asking questions and learning. “The class of 2026 celebrates more than just a degree,” she said. “The roots we planted here will help carry us into the future. May we continue learning, leading, collaborating and striving together to make a difference in this world.”

Click here to watch a recording of the Commencement ceremony.