It was move-in day for a record-breaking number of students at Davenport University. More than 920 students and their families were part of the crowd moving bags and boxes on the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids campus on August 29.

Students were assisted with move-in by family, friends, and some got a greeting and a helping hand from Davenport President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. He said students come from all over for the quality instruction and personal attention they receive at Davenport.

“It’s one of the most exciting days on campus,” said Pappas. “You see the excitement of students, and the parents who have mixed feelings, but they know Davenport has one of the safest campuses in Michigan. We also give a lot of individual attention to every student. They get great support from our faculty, and the enthusiasm of the culture at Davenport really helps students achieve their goals.”

Pappas said the university has increased its graduation rate by 163% over the last decade, which is helping fill the talent gap in Michigan. 

“The students moving in today are our future leaders,” said Pappas. “Our desire is for every student to graduate and get a great job.”

Joe Bishop, executive director of Campus Life, was also on-site to lend a hand to students moving into their new home. Bishop and his team have been working hard to welcome the largest on-campus population in Davenport’s history.

 “We are thrilled,” Bishop said. “As a Campus Life and Housing team, we take pride in offering a vibrant, in-person experience for our students. It’s exciting to see such interest in joining our community, and we love welcoming the energy and life back to our campus,” he said.

Students are coming from all across Michigan, the country, and more than 80 international students are living on Davenport’s campus.

Students and their families were also able to meet Onyx, Davenport’s therapy dog and her handler, Brett Windsor.

“Onyx loves welcoming new students to campus and loves the attention,” said Windsor. “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect with students on their first day at Davenport and to let them know we are here to support them,” he said.  

Students will have several days to explore campus and participate in events like Panther Palooza and Panther Prowl before classes start on September 3. These Welcome Week events will help students get used to campus life and introduce them to the university’s mascot, Pounce.