January 7, 2021
To the Davenport University community,
I want to address the horrible actions witnessed at our nation’s capital yesterday. Unfortunately, what was intended to be a political demonstration, sadly, escalated into violent and destructive behavior.
At Davenport, we are committed to providing students with the tools they need to become future leaders. These tools include understanding how to address diversity of thought and navigate pathways for compromise and collaboration peaceably.
I remain optimistic that we will embrace differences of opinion and conflict in the coming year, not with hate or violence, but with compassion and understanding. We are a stronger nation, community, and world when we can embrace our differences and make positive changes as a result.
I am proud of this university community and the strong values we have developed to navigate challenging times such as these. These values outline key behaviors we expect from each member of the university community, including understanding and valuing individual and cultural differences, promoting equitable treatment and inclusive behavior and communicating openly and honestly.
Let us all be united as we start the year around hope and optimism.
Sincerely,
Dr. Richard J. Pappas
President, Davenport University