2022 Alumni Awards and Homecoming
Homecoming means cheering on your Panthers, connecting with old friends and making great memories. You will have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of fellow alumni, explore Davenport's growing W.A. Lettinga Campus and reconnect with faculty and staff.
Alumni Awards celebration & Homecoming tailgate
We are excited to celebrate this year's Alumni Awards and recognize the 2022 Alumni Awards recipients before the annual Homecoming tailgate. As we celebrate our 2022 alumni award winners enjoy brunch and networking with fellow alums. RSVPs are requested no later than September 19, 2022. If you have any questions, please send us an email at events@davenport.edu.
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Alumni Awards
Guest arrival 10:45 am | Brunch & program 11:00 am
Donald W. Maine College of Business
Main Reception Area
Homecoming
Tailgate 12:00 pm | Special guest appearance 1 pm | Kickoff 2:00 pm
DU Farmer's Insurance Athletic Complex
Cost: $10 per person
Registration for Homecoming includes an Alumni discount for game day tickets. Please see your confirmation email for the discount code. If you have any questions, please send us an email at events@davenport.edu.
Register below:
Congratulations to Davenport's 2022 Alumni Award recipients
The Davenport University Alumni Association has the privilege to recognize graduates who exemplify the vision and values of the university through their professional and community service.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Jeff Lumpp, Class of 2013, Master of Business Administration
President, Hylant
Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award
Mark F. Deldin, Class of 1998, Bachelor of Business Administration
Chief Deputy County Executive, Macomb County
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Jai Maw, Class of 2014, Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Co-founder & President, Betting Hero
Donald W. Maine College of Business Alumni Award
Steven J. Wessell, Class of 2021, Master of Business Administration
1st Source Bank- South Bend, IN, Executive Vice President, Retired
College of Technology Alumni Award
Nick Reva, Class of 2008, Bachelor of Applied Studies in Network Security
Engineering Manager, CISO Staff, Snapchat
College of Health Professions Alumni Award
Emily Plachta, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Class of 2013 & 2016, Bachelor of Science in Nursing & Master of Science in Nursing | Spinal Chord Registered Nurse, Mary Free Bed
Recognizing the achievements of outstanding alumni
Learn more about the different awards and nominate someone for the 2023 Alumni Awards
The highest award that Davenport University bestows on a graduate is the Distinguished Alumni Award established to recognize exceptional graduates who represent the mission, vision and values of the University. The award was first presented in 1978 to Tyrus R. Wessell, and since that time, a select group of outstanding individuals have followed in his footsteps.
The award is presented each year to a graduate who has made notable achievements in his or her field, given exemplary service to Davenport University, exemplified the mission and ideals of Davenport, and who is a distinguished person in public life, business or service to others.
The candidate should fit the following:
- Is a Davenport University graduate.
- Achieved notable success in his or her professional field.
- Given financial support and exemplary service to Davenport University.
- Exemplifies the mission and ideals of the University.
- Distinguished person in public life, business or service to others.
- Promotes the value of higher education for society.
The Hy Berkowitz Professional Excellence Award recognizes graduates of Davenport University who have persevered through challenges and achieved exceptional professional and personal accomplishments.
Hy Berkowitz was a highly respected businessman and community advocate. Berkowitz was a trustee, generous supporter, and close friend of Davenport. He and his wife, Greta, co-founded Rogers Department Store in 1955 which grew to become one of Michigan’s largest family apparel stores. It is an honor for the Davenport University Alumni Association to recognize the distinguished life of Hy Berkowitz and to acknowledge his outstanding success.
The candidate should fit the following:
- Achieved outstanding professional success.
- Supported Davenport University through gifts of time, talent, and/or philanthropic support.
- Made significant contributions to their community through volunteering and community service.
- Overcome significant hardships to complete a degree and become established in his or her field.
The College of Technology Alumni Award honors a graduate of the College of Technology who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments in a related field and who has demonstrated leadership in and dedication to the profession. The recipient is engaged in the vision and advancement of the College of Technology and its respective alumni community while exhibiting a commitment to public service.
The College of Health Professions Alumni Award honors a graduate of the College of Health Professions who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments in a related field and who has demonstrated leadership in and dedication to the profession. The recipient is engaged in the vision and advancement of the College of Health Professions and its respective alumni community while exhibiting a commitment to public service.
The Donald W. Maine College of Business Alumni Award honors a graduate of the College of Business who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments in a related field and who has demonstrated leadership in and dedication to the profession. The recipient is engaged in the vision and advancement of the Donald W. Maine College of Business and its respective alumni community while exhibiting a commitment to public service.
The College of Urban Education Alumni Award honors a graduate of the College of Urban Education who has shown outstanding professional accomplishments in a related field and who has demonstrated leadership in and dedication to the profession. The recipient is engaged in the vision and advancement of the College of Urban Education and its respective alumni community while exhibiting a commitment to public service.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes a young alumnus who has accomplished early achievements in his or her chosen field, has demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and has successfully engaged in community service. Please reserve nominations to Davenport graduates 40 years and under having completed a degree within the past ten years.