On Sunday, April 23, 140 students were recognized by Davenport’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS). An induction ceremony was held at the W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids. Dr. Jim Turner, DU faculty member at the Lansing and Lettinga campuses, served as the keynote speaker. Davenport students Stan White (Lansing), Kait Theisen (Lettinga), and Guadalupe Gonzalez (Holland) also shared their experiences being in the program.

Inducted members completed a number of requirements including an orientation, leadership training day, speaker broadcasts and success networking team meetings. Many students went above and beyond and also received the National Engaged Leader Award. Members are encouraged to view photos on the Student Life Facebook page.  Photos can also be shared on the NSLS OrgSync page.

The following students were recognized by their peers for being Outstanding SNT (Success Network Team) members: Alex Fox, Grace McCullick, Harrison Fletcher, Joel Vannette, and Schyler Miller. In addition, Lauren Gustafson and Patricia Dyal were recognized for their Outstanding Leadership and Grace McCullick, Vanessa Bessa, and Wade Gilchrist received the Community Service Award.

Students were also asked to recognize faculty and staff members that have made an impact on their experience at Davenport and demonstrated leadership. Suzanne Gut (Lettinga), Brian Moore (Warren), and Lisa Young (Livonia) were recognized with the Excellence in Service to Students Award. Faculty members Bo Verlin (Online), Durrell Jones (Lansing), and Kelli Baumgartner (Lansing) were recognized with the Excellence in Teaching Award. Cindy Whittum (Lansing), Don Busch (Lettinga), and Kiyuana Coward (Lansing) were awarded Honorary Memberships.

The NSLS is an organization that helps people discover and achieve their goals. Davenport students were invited to join the group based upon their GPA. Some DU students are also participating with a national online chapter. This is the seventh year that the organization has been active at Davenport. For more information, please contact Natalie Wagner in Student Life.