The Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and Community Awards Gala was held in October and sponsored by Davenport’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office. Several scholarships were awarded, including the highly coveted full-ride “Sí Se Puede” César E. Chávez Scholarship. 

The “Sí Se Puede” César E. Chávez Scholarship was established in 2012 to honor the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez. He was a community organizer, civil rights activist, and humanitarian. Chávez spent his life fighting for fair treatment, wages, and working and living conditions for migrant farm workers. 

The Sí Se Puede César E. Chávez Scholarship aims to provide financial support to students committed to civic engagement and who demonstrate the principles of equity and social justice principles during their time at Davenport. The 2022 recipient of this amazing scholarship is Brian Encarnacion. 

Encarnacion graduated from East Kentwood high school and is now a freshman at Davenport studying finance. In his application essay, he stated how he is proud to be the son of Dominican immigrants who sacrificed everything to ensure a better future for their children.

He went on to say how much Chávez has inspired him and had a positive impact on his life. “Chávez was an outstanding voice for countless voiceless workers, and his actions have left an impact on this nation that has lasted for generations,” Encarnacion said.  “Dominican descent does not leave me indifferent to the suffering of my Mexican brothers and sisters, since we all bleed the same Latin blood: blood of pride, hard work, and courage.” 

“Davenport University is honored to be a long-standing partner of the annual Hispanic Excellence and Community Awards Gala in Grand Rapids,” said Latoya Booker, Davenport’s Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “It is a fantastic celebration of culture and our “Sí Se Puede” César E. Chávez Scholarship is a tangible way for Davenport to demonstrate our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by removing barriers to higher education so all students can pursue their dreams.” 

Congratulations Brian Encarnacion on receiving the “Sí Se Puede” César E. Chávez Scholarship! Davenport is honored to have you as part of our community!