Davenport University sees record number of students on move in day

The highest number of students in the history of Davenport University converged on campus for move in day. Nearly 1,000 students and their families all joined together on the grounds of the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus in late August.

The incoming students were not only helped in their move by family and friends, but some also received assistance from the president of Davenport himself, Richard J, Pappas, Ed.D. He noted in an article posted on Davenport’s website that he was pleased to see students coming from many different places and walks of life for the personal attention and quality education he and his team at Davenport.

Pappas expressed his excitement about moving day, saying, “It’s one of the most exciting days on campus. 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.”

He also noted that the school’s graduation rate has seen a 163% increase over the past ten years. He noted as well that those graduates are working to fill Michigan’s talent gap.

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

Another member of Davenport University’s leadership was on site on move in day: Executive Director of Campus Life, Joe Bishop. He and his team lead the welcome wagon for Davenport’s incoming students, who are members of Davenport’s largest on campus population.

Bishop echoed Pappas’ excitement, saying, “We are thrilled. 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.”

Davenport University students come to the school from many different places, including all over not just Michigan, but the entire country. There are also nearly 100 international students living on campus. 

Davenport University’s therapy dog Onyx and her handler, Brett Windsor, were on campus for move in day, as well, to introduce themselves to the new students.

Windsor talked about Onyx and the job she does for the students, saying, “Onyx loves welcoming new students to campus and loves the attention. 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.”

The students spent a few days exploring the campus and participating in welcome events such as the Panther Prowl and the Panther Palooza before classes began on September 3. The welcome week events served to acclimate students to campus life and introduce them to Pounce, the school’s mascot.

More information about Davenport University can be found on the school’s website here.