Alumni Awards & Homecoming

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.

Submit a nomination

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.

Submit a nomination

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. 

Submit a nomination

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.

Submit a nomination

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.

Submit a nomination

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.

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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. 

Submit a nomination