Davenport University announced the successful completion of its historic ELEVATE Campaign, raising more than $35.4 million to support students, expand academic programs and transform the future of the institution. With this achievement, Davenport declares itself officially ELEVATED—a powerful signal of progress and momentum that will shape student outcomes and community impact for years to come.

Launched as part of Davenport’s Vision 2025 strategic plan, the ELEVATE Campaign set out to remove barriers, expand access and invest in the most critical areas of student success. From financial aid and mental health services to first-generation mentorship and bilingual education, the campaign touched nearly every corner of the university.

“This is more than a fundraising milestone, it’s a reimagining of what’s possible for our students and our institution,” said Richard J. Pappas,Ed.D., president of Davenport University. “Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters and partners, we are expanding access, empowering students and elevating educational opportunities in Michigan and beyond.”

In total, the ELEVATE Campaign raised $35,446,440, supported by more than 5,000 donors and thousands more who engaged through events, outreach and advocacy. Key areas of investment include:

• $16.2 million for scholarships, resulting in 55 new scholarships—32 annual and 23 endowed—with more than $5.5 million awarded to more than 2,800 students. An additional 18 future scholarships were created through planned gifts.
• $3.5 million to expand the College of Urban Education, launching a new Bachelor of Science in STEM Education and enrolling nearly 350 students in 2024-2025.
• $3.6 million for Casa Latina, establishing 15 bilingual online degree programs and creating 23 new positions to serve Davenport’s growing bilingual student population.
• $3 million for mental and physical health initiatives, funding two new graduate programs in mental health and nursing, launching the Keith & Kathryn Klingenberg Wellness Center and delivering nearly 5,000 student counseling sessions since 2023.
• $1.2 million to support first-generation students, mentoring 172 students with a 90% retention rate and reaching more than 1,000 students in the prior academic year through targeted outreach.
• $7.9 million combined in capital and other programmatic support, strengthening areas such as athletics, nursing and campus events.

The campaign’s investments have led to significant enhancements across the student experience. Davenport created new academic pathways, added faculty and support positions, expanded wellness services, and increased scholarship access for underserved populations.

ELEVATE also helped fuel Davenport’s performance across key metrics. Graduation rates have increased by 200% since 2009, while 95% of recent graduates would recommend Davenport, and 96% of graduates are employed or continuing their education.

Retention rates have also risen steadily, reaching 78% in 2024, up from 60% in 2009. These results reflect the university’s deliberate focus on student well-being, financial support and inclusive program design.

Signature events like the Excellence in Business Gala and Scholarship Golf Outing raised more than $1.8 million and brought more than 3,000 guests together during the ELEVATE campaign and Vision 2025 in celebration of student success.

Davenport’s official “ELEVATED” status represents a bold next chapter. From the launch of innovative programs to record levels of donor engagement, the ELEVATE Campaign has reshaped Davenport’s trajectory.

“Being ELEVATED by our generous community means our students are better supported, our programs are more innovative and our future is more secure,” said Rachel Render, executive vice president for Advancement at Davenport. “It means we’re delivering on our promise to give every Panther the tools they need to grab opportunities, succeed in their careers and lead in their organizations and communities.”

Pappas said with the foundation laid by ELEVATE, Davenport University is poised to continue its mission to serve students through career-focused, affordable and high-impact education. With its Vision 2030 already underway, the university will continue investing in wellness, mentorship, bilingual access, flexible learning and artificial intelligence, keeping student success at the core of its work.