Davenport President Richard J. Pappas addresses attendees.

Davenport University leaders, trustees, employees and guests gathered December 10 on the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus to formally dedicate and name the university’s wellness center. The facility, now the Keith and Kathryn Klingenberg Wellness Center, honors the couple’s long-standing commitment to Davenport and its students. The Klingenbergs, who have committed more than $2 million in recent years to advance the university’s efforts to support mental and physical well-being, had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the ceremony.

Keith Klingenberg, a Davenport alumnus, business leader and member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and his wife Kathy have positioned the university to respond to the nationwide demand for skilled mental health professionals, in addition to strengthening on-campus and online support services for students.

• Two new academic degree programs were launched to prepare future professionals entering high-demand mental health and wellness careers with 150 students currently enrolled. (master’s in mental health counseling, and master’s in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration)
• The Klingenberg Wellness Center has provided more than 7,000 in-person and virtual counseling sessions and medical appointments, supporting students’ emotional, psychological and physical health.

According to the most recent Healthy Minds study, 37% of U.S. college students reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, illustrating how common mental health challenges remain across higher education.  Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., said even though a large portion of college students are affected by depression, anxiety and loneliness, many face barriers to treatment.

“These needs of our students are exactly what we’re addressing through the Klingenberg Wellness Center. Keith and Kathryn’s extraordinary generosity is transforming the way Davenport cares for its students and the broader community,” said Pappas. “Because of their commitment, our students now have greater access to essential wellness support, and our graduates of our mental health programs will be prepared to fill critical roles in a field facing unprecedented demand. Their vision ensures Davenport is not only responding to today’s mental health needs, but helping shape a healthier future for Michigan and beyond.”

Kent Riddle speaking

During the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation President and CEO Kent Riddle, who is also a university trustee, talked about the great need to provide comprehensive wellness services.

“The Klingenburg Wellness Center helps ensure equity and access, especially for first-year and vulnerable students,” Riddle said. “Many students arrive on campus with pre-existing mental health challenges or face new pressures related to academics, finances, transitions and social adjustment. On-campus wellness services can catch needs early, provide timely support, and help prevent crises that might otherwise lead to academic withdrawal or even worse.”

Keith Klingenberg, ‘71,  has a long history of service with his alma mater. He spent 18 years on the Foundation Board, 12 years as chair of the Alumni Board, and has been on the Board of Trustees for five years.

“Every time I have invested in Davenport, whether time, talent or money, I would always get more out of it,” said Keith. “It seems very natural to be able to contribute in this way for something as meaningful as mental health. There really is a lot of evidence every day that there are people in dire need of mental assistance.”

Kathy agreed that the need is tremendous. “We’ve seen a real need for care and support,” Kathy said. “Students are under so much pressure, pressure that we didn’t have when we were younger. It’s a different world, and I see this support as really important to help them get where they need to go in their lives.”