This year’s celebration of The Herbert J. Davenport Society was truly unique. Rather than being held in the traditional ballroom setting, the Society’s members and guests came together in the Jeffrey Clinton Club Room in MU’s Paige Sports Arena. The Davenport Society’s celebration on October 22 was held in conjunction with the grand opening event for the Arena.
Guests were greeted by the one-and-only Truman the Tiger, MU's sports mascot. Dean Bruce Walker provided a brief report on exciting developments in the college, ranging from steadily growing enrollments to new initiatives in entrepreneurship.
Next, MU alumnus and 2004 chair of the Davenport Society, David O’Neal, welcomed members and guests. “Being involved with the College of Business as a member of the Davenport Society is an opportunity for me to participate in the growth and success of the college,” said O’Neal, who also serves on the college’s Strategic Development Board.
MU’s new chancellor, Dr. Brady Deaton, praised the members of the Davenport Society for their very generous support of the College of Business. He stressed how vital private donations are to building excellence and fostering innovation at MU, including the business school.
A highlight of the annual meeting of the Davenport Society is the induction of new members. This year, 23 individuals and couples qualified for membership in the Society based on making a gift or pledge of at least $25,000 in support of the college.
The new members were introduced by College of Business students. Each new member received a Davenport Society medallion and lapel pin. To end the Society’s celebration, attendees viewed a presentation of photographs from previous Davenport Society banquets set to signature Marching Mizzou music.
The evening continued as the 250 Davenport Society members and guests joined about 550 people attending Intercollegiate Athletics’ capital campaign celebration and inaugural event in the Paige Sports Arena. Following dinner and Athletics’ program, all in attendance enjoyed a performance by the legendary entertainer Tony Bennett.
“Mary and I are glad we were able to attend the Davenport Society celebration. We enjoyed meeting other members and fellow business alumni.
I was truly pleased with the opportunity to meet and interact with current
students: they were an impressive group of young people. Talking with our student host reaffirmed our commitment to the college,” said Tom Granneman, BS BA '71, a new Davenport member and vice president and controller at Ralcorp Holdings Inc. in St. Louis.
New and Advancing Members
Sponsors
Student Hosts