Student Life

There's more to learning than just studying

Students at Davenport University have the opportunity to pursue their passions in every way imaginable.

You could find yourself eating local cuisine with friends on an alternative spring break, taking the stage at the Business Professionals of America competition or kicking off the school year with food, fun and games at Pantherpalooza. Our 40+ student organizations, 35+ athletic teams and weekly activities offer you an opportunity at every turn to build a life you love here.

Campus Traditions

Davenport University's Grand Rapids Lettinga campus is an active community, jammed with great programs, events and traditions. Some of our highlights are showcased below. For a full list of activities see the Campus Traditions webpage.

Panther Prowl

Panther Prowl is a 3-day transitional experience which creates a comfortable and exciting space for students to make new friends, explore campus, learn how to be successful in college, and kickstart their journey at DU!

Pantherpalooza

Pantherpalooza is the official kick off to the school year! This free event includes games, food, student organizations, university departments, local businesses, and much more.

30 Thursdays

Join us each Thursday for events to keep you engaged and active in the community including movie nights, paintball, a zombie run, Oktoberfest, and trips to downtown Grand Rapids.

Watch the Video

National Society of Leadership & Success

The NSLS develops leaders who make a better world. Members have access to engaging guest speakers, participate in leadership training activities, networking teams, and gain practical tools for leadership and success.

Homecoming

Homecoming means cheering on your Panthers, connecting with old friends and making great memories. You will have the opportunity to learn more about Davenport, celebrate the achievements of fellow alumni, reconnect with faculty, staff, & affinity groups, explore Davenport’s growing W.A. Lettinga Campus and be a Panther Forever! We look forward to seeing you the weekend of September 28th and 29th!

Sibs & Kids Weekend

Sibs & Kids events have included Snowman Building Contests, Bowling trips, Athletic events, Movie nights, Karaoke, Bears to Build Workshop, Caricatures and more. Late January/early February annually.

Registered Student Organizations

Social & Recreational

There are many fun and engaging clubs to choose from.

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Campus Activities Board - CAB is an interdependent organization that seeks to build community through diverse, fun, and purposeful events. Contact: jford26@davenport.edu
Collegiate Association For The Research Of Principles (CARP) - We are a faith-based organization of chapters on college campuses, created for students by students. We create programs, events, and activities promoting principles and raising leaders. Contact: jwiggins6@davenport.edu
Delight Ministries- The mission of Delight Ministries is to invite women into Christ-centered community that fosters vulnerability and transforms stories. Contact: delightdavenportuniversity@gmail.com
DU Bass Fishing Team - A Bass Fishing club/team focused on bass fishing all around the state and nation, creating an outlet for students to create friendships as well as giving students the opportunity to fish and visit places they would not have had the opportunity to do before.Contact: Matthew.Krevda@davenport.edu
DU Drop-In Soccer - a non-competitive soccer league designed to bring people together to play for fun and exercise. It is informal play organized by participants at the field. No set teams, scores, or standings. Contact: jschnurer@davenport.edu
DU Gamers - This club's purpose is to allow for the free expression of all types of gaming. This includes board game, table top, card games, and video games. Contact: fjasper@davenport.edu
DU Dungeons and Dragons - This is one of the most popular Tabletop RPGs in America and were looking to get a group of DU Students together once a week to roll the dice! Contact: tosmer@davenport.edu
DU Ultimate - We want to set up regular times and days for students to play friendly games of Ultimate Frisbee. Contact: dpipal@davenport.edu
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship - A group where students can find Christian community on campus, study the Bible together, and learn to serve their campus. Contact: ghartfield@davenport.edu
Local Maxima Lansing - To develop a social community of students from all backgrounds exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) and foster a passion for these subjects in recreation, academic research, local communities, and various industries.
Outdoor Enthusiasts - Roller blading, biking, long boarding, winter hikes, and cross country skiing are just a few of the things this group is into! If you love spending time outside this group is perfect for you!
Panther Arts - This group seeks to bring creative, literary, and performing arts into students' lives via education, performance, and fun. We also aim to showcase the local talent here at DU.
Protect Life at Davenport University - Our goal is to create a campus culture that values all life, born or unborn. We do that by supporting women and families facing crisis pregnancy situations, educating students about the reality of abortion, and defending the value of life on our campus.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) - Davenport University Students who are either currently serving in the military, prior service military, dependents of such, or who are interested helping and being involved with Veteran initiatives.
Young Life - Young Life’s goal is to introduce students to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. We do this through club hangouts, camp trips, and awesome parties!

Service & Advocacy

Looking for a way to give back? Choose a club that makes a difference.

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Active Minds - Our mission is to bring awareness about the importance of mental health to all students and employees at Davenport University.
Alpha League - Alpha League works to promote brotherhood within men of diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds through philanthropy, scholarship, leadership, and, social/emotional workshops.
Alternative Spring Break - Alternative Spring Break is a service organization which spends their spring break week in an alternative community working for the greater good.Black Student Union
ASPIRE - ASPIRE provides opportunities for women of color to better achieve academic success, foster strong interpersonal skills and relationships, and develop as leaders at Davenport University.
Black Student Union - BSU is for any student enrolled at Davenport University who is interested in improving human relations in general, and the quality of life for black students in particular, on the campus of Davenport University.
Diversify - Diversify provides a safe and supportive setting regardless of one's sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Global Student Organization - GSO is a group of internationally minded members of the DU community. Through our programs and activities we strive to promote international education, global awareness, and cultural integration.
Latinx Student Union (LSU) - We will engage in Latinx communities and have our voices heard regarding social issues and community resources. We plan to educate Davenport students about Latino arts and culture.
Student Government of Davenport University - The mission of Student Government is to create and encourage a culture that embraces diversity, improves academic achievement, and drives student engagement throughout the Davenport community.

Academic & Professional

Have fun and learn valuable skills to help you in your chosen career.

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Alpha Lambda Delta - Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) is a National Honor Society for first-year students who achieve a 3.5 GPA or better. We offer leadership, service, and scholarship opportunities for our members.
American Marketing Association - The mission of the AMA @ DU chapter is to cultivate and maintain a strong interest in marketing and better the educational value of marketing students at Davenport University.
Association for Computing Machinery - The chapter of the ACM at Davenport University operates to increase knowledge of and greater interest in the science, design, development, construction, languages, management and applications of modern computing.
Business Professionals of America - Business Professionals of American (BPA) is a competition where students compete either on an individual or team basis covering a wide variety of categories.
Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization - CEO’s mission is to inform, support, and inspire college students to be entrepreneurial and seek opportunity through enterprise creation.
Cyber Defense Organization - The CDO is a community of security-focused individuals pursuing knowledge in cyber security and threat mitigation throughout the private and public sectors.
Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) - provides leadership development and career opportunities to business students like you.
Allied Health/Health Information Student And Alumni Association - Student and alumni association of the Davenport University College of Health Professions. Celebrating the success of our students and alumni, and offer continuing education and networking opportunities to our members.
Legal Students at DU - Legal Assistants at DU provides valuable information and updates for the paralegal students at Davenport University. Volunteer opportunities, scholarship opportunities, upcoming events, and more.
National Society of Leadership and Success - We are a leadership group that offers students tools to become leaders. Through our training videos, speaker broadcasts, success networking teams, and networking.
Sigma Beta Delta - Honor Society for students in business, management, and administration serves institutions which offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees in business, management, and administration where the institution holds accreditation from one of the six regional accrediting bodies but not specialized accreditation in business.
Society for Human Resource Management - The advantages of joining our SHRM chapter are many: interesting speakers, a chance to network with local HR professionals, job shadowing, mentoring, internships, potential job offers, and professional recognition.
Sport Management Student Organization - The purpose of this organization is to bring together students who share an interest in Sport Management and to educate the students about what it takes to be a Sport Management professional.
Student Nurses Association - Lansing, W.A. Lettinga, Midland, Warren - SNA is a group of student nurses serving the community.
Student Occupational Therapy Association - This is an organization to generate service, interest, and awareness of the field of Occupational Therapy to the Grand Rapids community.
Women in Technology - Women in Technology @ Davenport University is a community of technology-focused individuals who strive to empower women to succeed in the IT field.

Volunteer Opportunities

Davenport University's Grand Rapids Lettinga campus is an active community, jammed with great programs, events and traditions. Some of our highlights are showcased below.

HEROES Mentoring

HEROES mentors are partnered with local middle school students. Mentors are positive role models, encourage optimistic attitudes about school, promote positive self-esteem, and improved relationships with adults and peers. HEROES mentors will also experience leadership, character and professional growth.

Days of Service

DU Days of Service offers a number of short-term volunteer opportunities during the academic year including Panther Prowl Service Project (August/September), Make a Difference Day (October), MLK Day of Service (January), and Into the Streets (April). Make a difference in just one day!

Alternative Spring Break

Here's a chance to change other people's lives - and your own! Address important social issues through community service and education! ASB promotes community service and develops leadership skills while addressing issues such as environmental protection, affordable housing, health awareness, hunger and education.

Volunteer Partnerships

Local Business Partnerships Since 1978, Davenport University has annually selected a community partner to give back through human and monetary resources. In addition, this partnership serves as a great resource for volunteer opportunities and service-learning projects for the Davenport community. This year's local business partnership is the Blandford Nature Center.

Student Life Team

The Student Life Team exists to support the overall mission, vision and values of the University. Students and their development are central to the mission of the Campus Life staff.

Visit us in the Center for Campus Life at the W.A. Lettinga Campus. You can also email or reach us at 616.554.5095.

Natalie Wagner

Director of Student Life

natalie.wagner@davenport.edu

Justine Shelton

Assistant Director of Student Life

justine.easter@davenport.edu

Javontae Ford

Student Life Coordinator

javontae.ford@davenport.edu