When Davenport University offered Nicole Cook a scholarship to attend the W.A. Lettinga Campus, she had no idea the doors that would open up. By 2nd semester of her first year, she was actively involved in Student Life and was offered a job to help plan Panther Prowl and other student events.  When she graduated in 2009 with her Marketing Degree, she was eager to find a job in her field and that would incorporate her event planning experience.  After a few months as the Fund Development/Marketing Assistant at Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial in Fremont, she decided to venture back to Grand Rapids again and was hired as the Marketing and Events Coordinator for Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM).  In this role, Nicole handled all Public Relations, Marketing and Event Planning responsibilities for the organization.  She helped create the organization’s two signature fundraising events, Paws, Claws & Corks Gala and Bark in the Dark 5K run, and established HSWM’s large social media following.  Nicole has taken her education and experience into her current role as the Marketing Manager at BIFMA (Business + Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association).  At BIFMA, Nicole handles all event planning, marketing, public relations and social media management for the Association. “I never would have guessed that my time at DU would ignite the passion that I have for marketing and event planning,” states Nicole. ” The opportunities I was given at DU paved my career path and I am so grateful for the experience.”  Nicole has made a tremendous impact in the community and we are very proud to call her a DU alum! Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn!

Do you know someone that has made DU proud? Submit their story to the alumni office at alumni@davenport.edu – we would love to hear from you!