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Davenport Society dinner and induction ceremony returns
Held in conjunction with the university's 111th Homecoming, the Herbert J. Davenport Society dinner and induction ceremony for the Trulaske College of Business was held in-person for the first time since 2019 on October 21 in downtown Columbia.
The society, which was formed to encourage private participation in the support and development of the college, hosted the ceremony to recognize new and advancing members over the last three years. Society members contribute to the college’s success and sustain the vision for excellence of Herbert J. Davenport, the college’s first dean. The event also honored the late Harry M. Cornell, Jr., who passed away in May, as well as the 20th anniversary of Cornell Hall.
Featured speakers included 2022 Davenport Society chair John Zimmerman, Dean Emeritus Bruce Walker, Cornell Leadership Program (CLP) alumna Lindsay Mullenger, BS BA '10, and CLP director Mary Beth Marrs.
Walker, who served as dean of the college of business from 1990 to 2010, reflected upon Cornell's career and the contributions he made to the college during and after his tenure.
"My role this evening – really an honor, a joy – is to talk about Harry Cornell as a great leader in business, in his community, and – fortunately for us – for our business school," Walker said during his speech. "Aren’t we fortunate that he decided to become a partner, actually a steadfast and generous leader, in the college’s progress beginning in 1990."
This year, the society recognized 16 new members and 63 advancing members. New members include Rob and Alyssa Barrale; Joseph and Elvira Brandt; John Brase; Ben and Katie Carrier; Dennis and Melinda Curtis; Scott and Stephanie Darby; Melissa and Jonathan Hensley; Jon and Larissa Jarvis; Bill Mansfield; Derek and Molly Murray; Brian Roby; Asim Samiuddin; David Sides; Sandra Sheldon; Price Sloan; and Thomas and Karen Weaver.
Advancing members are recognized for their continued support of the college. This year's advancing members include:
Dean’s Distinguished Ambassador
A total of $5,000,000 current contribution or an investment of $1,000,000 annually for five years.
Allan Bridgford
Dean’s Distinguished Patron
A total of $1,000,000 current contribution or an investment of $200,000 annually for five years.
Pinney Allen and Charles Miller III; William D Allen and Mellodie N. Wilson; Sue Engelhardt and Irl Engelhardt; Andy and Denise Miller; and Don and Audrey Walsworth.
Distinguished Patron
A total of $500,000 current contribution or an investment of $100,000 annually for five years.
Kenneth and Carolyn Brown; Ginger Bryant; Patrick and Ann Kenny; Frank Kling; Steven Lanham; Robert and Lynne Maher; Richard and Denise Mills; Richard Orin; Mark Tobin; and Steve Trulaske.
Patron
A total of $250,000 current contribution or an investment of $50,000 annually for five years.
Gerald and Anne Carlson; Robert and Shelly Griggs; Bill Little; Randy and Pam Oberdiek; and John and Peg Slusher.
Benefactor
A total of $100,000 current contribution or an investment of $20,000 annually for five years.
Gary and Sue Belske; Richard and Carol Bender; Bill and Janet Bourne; Margaretha Curtis; Kathryn Digges; David Forsee and Deanne Stedem; David and Beth Fowler; Kevin and Mary Gralen; Steven Hargrave; Rusty and Ann Jandl; Michael and Therese Koeppen; Laura Lentin; Joseph and Linda Maloney; Terrill Menzel and Nancy Valley; Donna Morehead; Mel Niemeyer; Albert and Marjo Price; William Sappington; Terry and Patricia Shelton; and Don and Shea Walsworth.
Sponsor
A total of $50,000 current contribution or an investment of $10,000 annually for five years.
Ronald Adams; Bruce and Sandra Allen; David and Mary Anderson; Michael and Linda Braude; Jay Dawdy; Cord and Kathyrne Harper; David and Jill Housh; Charles and Nancy Hutchins; Mary Jane James; Michael J. Korman;Aaron and Natalie Krawitz; Gerry and Elaine Lopez; Otto and Stella Maly; Robert and Leslie Maus; Bruce and Shelley Mead; Lester and Margie Miller; Janet and Ray Pullen; James and Janet Rogers; Karen Shelton and Jerome Rader; James Smallwood; Garry and Llona Weiss; and Michael Weiss.
During the ceremony, student hosts greeted guests and introduced new members, and included Abel Ambessie; Mark Cooley; Bailey Elmore; Orlando Guerrero; Sophia Rivera Hassemer; Dylan Kay; Hayden Moellers; Mercedes Moravec; Hailey Niehaus; Gunner Noble; Kate Ruediger; Blake Schrand; Jack Stebbins; Dylan Stovall; and Monika Vanek.