DAVENPORT HONORING AMBASSADOR SECCHIA AT ANNUAL DINNER

Ted Koppel is guest speaker for Excellence in Business Gala

Davenport University will present its Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award to Ambassador Peter F. Secchia at its 12th annual Excellence in Business Dinner Gala on May 8 at DeVos Place. The black-tie fund-raiser for scholarships also will feature keynote speaker Ted Koppel, former host of ABC TV’s “Nightline.”

Ambassador Secchia is well known in Grand Rapids as chairman emeritus of the board of Universal Forest Products, ambassador to Italy from 1989 to 1993, and for civic, volunteer and philanthropic activities in support of major projects and organizations including the Secchia Center of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, the Gerald R. Ford Foundation, Millennium Park and the Grand Rapids Economic Club. The Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award is given annually to an individual who exemplifies professional success and commitment to community service and support. Past recipients include Rich DeVos, Fred Meijer, John Canepa, John Spoelhof and David Frey.

During his 43 years at ABC, Koppel reported on more than 10 wars, most recently the war in Iraq, where he was an embedded correspondent with the U.S. Army. Since leaving ABC in 2005, Koppel has been a contributing columnist for The New York Times, a senior news analyst for National Public Radio, a contributing analyst for the BBC and a managing editor for the Discovery Channel. While at the Discovery Channel, Koppel won acclaim for his groundbreaking documentaries on Iran and China.

“Davenport University is grateful for the support of our generous contributors and the strength of our business community that helps our students advance from success in the classroom to successful careers,” said Michael Volk, interim president. “This year’s celebration continues our tradition of honoring a prominent, deserving community and business leader and enjoying a noted guest speaker.”

The Excellence in Business Dinner was established in 1998 in honor of alumnus Peter C. Cook. Proceeds from the event benefit Davenport University Foundation scholarships. Table reservations and purchase of individual tickets can be made by calling Tammy Dykema at 233-3412.

About Davenport University
Davenport University – the only Michigan-based private university specializing in business, technology and health professions – serves an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students at its campus in Grand Rapids, locations throughout Michigan, and online. Davenport focuses on innovative, practical and affordable education and offers graduate and undergraduate programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. More information is available at www.davenport.edu