As seen in the Fall DU Review Magazine
I write this message with immense gratitude. I recently announced that I will retire in June, and as I move through my final year leading this remarkable university, I marvel at what we have achieved together.
We recently marked the successful completion of our ELEVATE fundraising campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, faculty and staff, corporate partners and friends, more than $35 million was given to support some of the most mission-critical initiatives in our university’s history.
Your generosity has fueled the launch and expansion of vital programs, including Casa Latina, an academic and cultural initiative supporting Latino students and bilingual professionals; the expansion of our College of Urban Education, which continues to prepare culturally competent educators; two urgently needed mental health initiatives that are producing mental health professionals and providing wellness resources for our students; and lastly, your support has significantly increased scholarship funding, opening doors for hundreds of students who now have access to a Davenport education.
A special note of gratitude goes to the Klingenberg family, whose transformative gift helped us create and support the Wellness Center on the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus. Their commitment to the health and well-being of our campus community ensures a legacy of care that will benefit generations to come.
As you read through this issue of DU Review, you will learn about one of the programs developed by the College of Urban Education. The FUSE program exposes middle and high school students to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts through engaging activities and experiential learning. The goal is to expose them to in-demand STEM-related careers while they are having fun.
And how about those Panthers! More than 200 student-athletes have been recognized for their academic achievements in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The honors went across a wide range of men’s and women’s sports. I am so proud of these students who work hard and excel at their chosen sport but never forget why they are at the university. I am looking forward to watching our teams compete.
The ELEVATE campaign name could not have been more fitting. We have, together, elevated this institution, its people and its future. When I retire at the end of June, I will conclude more than 50 years in higher education. Thank you for trusting me to serve this great institution. The best days for Davenport University are still ahead.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D.
President
