As seen in the Fall issue of DU Review magazine. 

 

This fall marked the 24th annual homecoming at Davenport University. As part of the celebration, the university honored a special group of alumni who have been awarded Davenport’s 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards. Alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family were in attendance to applaud this year’s awardees at the annual brunch celebration as they shared their stories of success at the Donald W. Maine College of Business followed by the homecoming festivities.

College of Urban Education

ASHLEY WALLACE, CERT. PARALEGAL, ‘12, GCUE, ‘24

Ashley completed Davenport’s Alternative Route Urban Education program in 2024, transitioning from legal records management at a major Michigan law firm. She now works as a high school diploma instructor at Gerald R. Ford Job Corps. Ashley believes that trauma-informed practices are essential when working with her students, many of whom have faced significant challenges, including abuse, time in juvenile detention and homelessness. Celebrating graduation milestones and witnessing her students’ growth in self-confidence are among her favorite moments as an alternative education instructor.

In October, Ashley will marry her fiancé, Andrew. She has two special needs rescue cats and a Westie. In her free time, she enjoys tea (always available in her classroom), reading and engaging in creative projects.

College of Health Professions

ANNE WENDLING, BSN, ‘16

Anne M. Wendling, MSN, RN, serves as the chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at Bronson LakeView and Bronson South Haven Hospitals. A graduate of Davenport University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, she achieved Highest Honors and was recognized on the Community Service Honor Roll. With over 30 years of healthcare experience and more than 25 years in leadership roles, Anne is dedicated to advancing patient care and nursing excellence in Southwest Michigan.

Having spent 31 years with Bronson Healthcare, she began her career as a phlebotomist and surgical technologist, eventually moving into executive nursing leadership. Renowned for nurturing future leaders and championing innovation, she is committed to enhancing healthcare delivery for patients and communities alike. Anne takes pride in her daughter Mara, who is also a Davenport University alumna.

College of Technology

CHRIS LAMMERS, BS, ’13 & MS, ‘16

Chris Lammers is a proud native of Grand Rapids, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in computer networking (2013) and Master of Science in information assurance (2016) from Davenport University. With 13 years of experience in the IT field, Chris currently works as a senior network engineer at RDV Corporation. He has also earned various professional certifications, including the CISSP.

While at Davenport, he competed for five years with the Business Professionals of America (BPA) team, achieving first place in multiple events at National Conferences. Since graduating, Chris continues to volunteer at BPA events hosted by Davenport.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachael, and their three cats. His hobbies include various geeky pursuits, such as PC gaming, 3D printing, and building with LEGO.

Donald W. Maine College of Business

BOBBI HINES, BS, ‘05

Bobbi Hines is a member of Miller Johnson’s Probate and Estate Planning practice group. She specializes in advising individuals and families on various matters, including estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, Medicaid eligibility, veterans benefits, probate and trust administration. With over 15 years of experience, Bobbi is known for providing practical and client-focused guidance on complex legal and financial issues.

A recognized leader in trusts and estates law, she has received honors from The Best Lawyers in America and was named an “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Bobbi’s personal journey as a teen mother who worked full-time, graduated in the top 10 of her high school class, and later earned her law degree, reflects the determination and resilience she brings to her work with clients.

Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Alumni

DIANNA ROSE, BBA, ‘96

Dianna Rose serves as chief financial officer of Unite Digital, where she has shaped the company’s financial strategy and operational growth in the automotive digital marketing industry. As a strategic leader, passionate about developing people, she is recognized for her blend of financial expertise and servant leadership.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dianna actively volunteers in the community as a USA Archery Level 3 National Training System coach, a Master Gardener, and a dedicated Scouting leader. She has also been recognized with a Gold Stevie Award for Woman of the Year in Finance and Accounting.

Dianna graduated from Davenport University in 1996, and the educational and leadership principles she acquired at the university continue to influence her career and commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Outstanding Young Alumni

DYLAN SILVA, MBA, ‘21

Dylan M. Silva is a leader in strategy, innovation, and transformation, with extensive experience in financial services, consulting, technology, and risk management. He holds an MBA from Davenport University and has served as a program manager at Wells Fargo’s Corporate & Investment Bank and as a director at Croixstone Consulting. Dylan has led consulting projects for major organizations such as Ally Financial and Bank of America, helping cross-functional teams navigate strategic initiatives and enterprise transformations. Renowned for fostering collaboration to tackle complex challenges, he is dedicated to delivering sustainable business impact.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Dylan is the president of the Board of Charlotte Clubhouse, a nonprofit focused on supporting adults with serious mental illness, showcasing his commitment to community development and meaningful change.

Distinguished Alumni

CARLOS SANCHEZ, BBA, ‘07

Carlos Sanchez is the former executive director of Bilingual Programming at Davenport University, where he led the development of bilingual, online undergraduate and graduate pathways designed to expand access, improve completion and reduce structural barriers for Latino and adult learners. Before joining Davenport, he spent ten years at Ferris State University, where he developed LEADeres, a recognized professional development and leadership program.

A graduate of the International Business program at Davenport University, he holds a certification in Design and Innovation Management and a Master of Arts in design from Kendall College. His work centers on program design and equity-focused innovation in higher education. He recently accepted a position as a director at Start Garden.