As seen in the Fall issue of DU Review magazine. 

 

The 27th annual Excellence in Business Gala was held in Grand Rapids in May and raised $400,000 to support scholarships for Davenport students. Nearly 500 guests gathered to hear a lively conversation between actor-comedian Martin Short and then-President Richard J. Pappas.

The event also recognized then-Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas as this year’s Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award winner and featured award-winning Short as the special guest. The university also celebrated the 2026 Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship recipient, Eleanor Short, no relation to Martin Short.

“This was truly a special night for Davenport,” said Pappas, who is now president emeritus. “To see our community come together in such a meaningful way, supporting our students while enjoying an incredible conversation with Martin Short, was inspiring. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this evening such a success.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Davenport University Scholarship Fund, which provides critical financial support for deserving and talented students. Thanks to the generous support of donors and event sponsors, 90% of Davenport’s students receive financial assistance.

 

Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Eleanor Short was selected as this year’s Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship recipient for demonstrating the characteristics of Michigan’s own President Gerald R. Ford, who coached and taught at Davenport before becoming president of the United States. Those traits include demonstrating leadership, civic responsibility, service ethics and courage of conviction.

She graduated from Mount Zion High School in Illinois, where she has been a leader in service, academics and athletics. She is an Illinois State Scholar, President of the National Honor Society Chapter, Vice-President of the Student Council, Captain of the varsity swim team, YMCA State Champion and a youth swim coach.

She will be joining Davenport’s swim and dive team and plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

 

Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award

The prestigious Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award is presented annually to someone who exemplifies professional success and commitment to community service. This year, the Board of Trustees selected Richard J. Pappas, outgoing Davenport University president, as the Cook Award recipient in recognition of his 50-year career in higher education and his 17 years of leadership at Davenport.

“The future is bright for Davenport,” Pappas said in his acceptance speech. “Davenport is a place where dreams are realized, hard work pays off and where you can see lives changing in real time. I love Davenport, and I always will. I humbly thank you for allowing me to be your president for 17 years. It has been the honor of my life.”