Excellence in Business Gala

Davenport's Annual Excellence in Business Gala 2023

The Davenport University 2023 Excellence in Business Gala hosted nearly 500 guests and raised more than $370,000 in support. The event featured special guest, Jack Nicklaus, legendary professional golfer and recognized revered community leader Dr. Jacqueline Taylor as this year's Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business honoree.

Watch the video honoring Jackie here

In addition, the university had the opportunity to celebrate the 2023 Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship recipient and Davenport student, Brianna Leesch. All proceeds raised from the event benefit the Davenport University Scholarship Fund, which provides critical financial support for well-deserving students.

Watch the video of students discussing the importance of this financial support here

The gala also highlighted ELEVATE, a campaign for Davenport University. Elevate is our $35M campaign focused on growing our programs and services available to our students, making an even bigger impact in the communities in which we live and serve. We encourage you to learn more about these programs and the ELEVATE campaign by visiting davenport.edu/elevate.  

Click here to view photos from the event

*Photographs are provided as a courtesy for personal use only. They may not be manipulated in any way and may not be published, disseminated, or broadcast for commercial or political materials, advertisements, websites, emails, products, promotions or in any way that suggests approval or endorsement. 

Thank you to our event sponsors

Bronze Sponsors Corewell Health Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation  Haworth Inc.  Jim and Clarine Lanting  The Steve and Amy VanAndel Foundation  Wolverine Worldwide  Crystal Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield The CPA Group First National Bank of Michigan Granger Group Hi-Tec Building Services, Inc. Holland Special Delivery Hylant Group, Inc. Integrated Architecture Jandernoa Foundation Bill and Rochelle Lettinga Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center The Meijer Foundation Merrill - Timothy Long and David Lund Michigan State University Northern Trust Richard and Pam Pappas Pondera Leadership Consulting Jacqueline D. Taylor Ph.D. Dave and Carol VanAndel Foundation Varnum LLP Xerox Business Solutions Midwest