As seen in the Fall issue of the DU Review magazine. 

 

Everyone has a story. Davenport alumni explain how Davenport fits into their life stories and their successes. Here are a few faces of DU.

Corey Westenbroek, BBA ‘18, MAcc ‘18

Honors Professional Accountancy

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer, S.R. Construction Services

Work Passion: I love that there’s always something new to learn, and no two days are the same. My role allows me to continually grow while leading and supporting my team through both the successes and challenges we face each day.

Davenport Highlight: I appreciated the relationships I built, the opportunities I was given, and the ability to make a positive impact on the campus community. Living on campus and my experiences at Davenport helped prepare me for my career by developing both my leadership skills and my confidence. My involvement in campus ministry also played a significant role in strengthening my faith and shaping the person and leader I strive to be today.

Key Mentor/Decision: One of the biggest influences on my career has been Ryan Seddon, the owner of S.R. Construction Services. Although we had only met briefly before he reached out to me about joining the company, he saw leadership potential in me that I hadn’t fully seen in myself. Since then, he has consistently invested in my growth by mentoring me, trusting me with increasing responsibility, and offering guidance both professionally and personally.

 

Sam Norman, BBA ‘08, MBA ‘11

Honors Professional Accountancy

Job Title: Associate Director SEC Reporting, Perrigo

Work Passion: I love working with a team that is collaborative, supportive and always willing to tackle new challenges. Perrigo’s diverse culture brings a wide range of perspectives to the table, helping us challenge existing processes, drive innovation and make meaningful improvements every day. I also enjoy the balance that SEC reporting provides. The quarterly reporting cycle creates a consistent rhythm, while the periods between filings offer opportunities to work on ad hoc projects, process improvements and new initiatives that keep the role engaging and rewarding.

Davenport Highlight: One of the greatest benefits of my Davenport experience has been the lasting relationships I formed. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to reconnect with classmates, professors, and university leaders in meaningful ways that have shaped my career and kept me connected to the Davenport community. Those relationships led me back to the classroom as an adjunct instructor, created opportunities to participate in special events, and inspired me to help establish a scholarship fund for future students.

Key Mentor/Decision: My parents have been the most influential mentors I’ve had the privilege of knowing. Throughout my life, they have offered unwavering support, thoughtful advice and encouragement as I’ve navigated both educational and career opportunities. Having their perspective and confidence in me has given me the foundation to pursue new challenges and achieve the success I enjoy today. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t thank Dr. Grant Lee and Dr. Greg Foster for their support and the many opportunities provided to give back to students at Davenport.

 

Katie Vokes, BBA ‘14

Health Services Administration

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer, Sanford Behavioral Health

Work Passion: I love building something I know is making a lasting impact on people’s lives. Every day, I get to support teams who are working directly with patients and their families, walking alongside them through some of the hardest moments of their lives to instill hope and healing. Knowing I play a part in that keeps me grounded in why the work matters.

Davenport Highlight: So many of my instructors had real careers in the fields they were teaching, not just theory from a textbook. They’d lived the work before they taught it. That real-world perspective shaped how I think and problem-solve to this day, and it gave me a foundation I still draw on in my career.

Key Mentor/Decision: Honestly, there wasn’t one defining moment or mentor. It was a series of challenging opportunities put in front of me, and choosing to say “yes” to each one. Not being afraid to fail, and accepting every challenge that came my way, is where my career growth has come from. Looking back, I think that willingness to step into the unknown taught me more than any single person or decision could have, and it’s a mindset I still carry into every new challenge today.

 

Dominez Burnett, BBA ’16

Sport Management

Job Title: Founder, New Angle Sports, trainer and retired professional basketball player

Work Passion: I love giving back to young people and helping the next generation achieve their goals.

Davenport Highlight: I appreciate Davenport for accepting me as a student-athlete and for the opportunity to earn a degree and play basketball. I also appreciate the relationships I’ve built throughout my career. I was able to channel my drive for my own career, and I learned that I want to help others reach their dreams.

Key Mentor/Decision

Gregory Burke was my trainer growing up and while playing professional basketball. He’s also my financial advisor.