As seen in the Fall issue of DU Review magazine. 

Like many aspects of campus life, Davenport University’s Student Government was put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, Student Government began rebuilding and reestablishing its presence on campus. Today, it is active and thriving and positioned to make a positive and lasting impact on the Davenport community.

The group is comprised of a dedicated team of Panthers committed to representing the student body and creating a meaningful avenue for students to be heard, involved and represented in conversations that affect their university experience. It also strives to build a campus culture that embraces diversity and supports academic achievement.

Margaret Paige, outreach coordinator for Student Life, is the group’s advisor. “I enjoy overseeing Student Government because its members are dedicated to serving their classmates and creating an environment where students feel included, supported and comfortable voicing their thoughts and opinions,” said Paige. “It gives students a platform to advocate for themselves and their peers, collaborate with university leadership and build something that can have a lasting impact on campus.”

One recent initiative being explored is expanding transportation services on and off campus. They hope to make transportation more accessible and convenient for students, including improving connections between campus and key locations near the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus. The group feels strongly that transportation can significantly affect students’ ability to attend classes, participate in campus activities and access employment opportunities.

Becoming involved in Student Government offers numerous benefits. It gives students the opportunity to turn their ideas and concerns into action while gaining valuable leadership, communication and collaboration experience. It also helps them develop skills in problem-solving, public speaking and teamwork while learning to navigate and appreciate different perspectives.

Becoming involved with Davenport’s Student Government was a natural fit for De’Carion (DC) Johnson. The third-year business administration major has served in a leadership capacity for the organization for three years and is currently its president.

“I have always enjoyed a sense of community and being part of something that has the ability to create meaningful change,” said Johnson. “I wanted the opportunity to represent Davenport students, share their voices and contribute to making a positive difference on campus.”

Johnson credits his involvement in Student Government with helping him grow as a leader and building meaningful connections with others on campus. “It has been a positive experience because it has helped me develop valuable communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.”

His involvement has also given him the opportunity to advocate for change and help create an environment where students feel supported, connected and represented. “I believe students have valuable ideas and perspectives, and Student Government provides an opportunity to help ensure those voices are heard,” he said.

Like Johnson, Student Government vice president Avyana Douglas was looking for ways to become involved in campus life at Davenport, and joining Student Government accomplished that goal. “When I came to Davenport, I knew that I didn’t want to just come to class, go home and graduate,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of the Davenport community and make an impact while I was here.”

Douglas said the college experience can be so much more than attending classes. “You can get your degree and leave, but by getting involved, you’re not just attending college; you’re becoming part of the Davenport community.”

The management major said she has met so many different people through her involvement with Student Government that she most likely wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. “I’ve been fortunate to meet and network with students, faculty, staff, alumni and other leaders, and every connection has taught me something different. Some of those connections have turned into friendships, professional relationships and networking opportunities. I’ve met people from different backgrounds, discovered new opportunities, and developed skills that I know I’ll use beyond college.”