2008 Davenport Society Banquet

The Herbert J. Davenport Society celebrated its 20th anniversary at its annual banquet on Friday, October 24, 2008. Gary Forsee, president of the UM System, was the featured speaker.

“This is a very special year for the Davenport Society,” says Duncan Matteson (BS BA ‘56), who was chair of the Society in 1989, the year the college’s donor-recognition organization was founded. “Total giving is now more than $100 million. I am very proud to see how the membership has grown and how the generosity of Society members has had such a positive impact on many aspects of the college, such as scholarships and the new building.”

The organization was named in honor of the first dean of the college, Herbert J. Davenport, who was known for striving for excellence in all facets of business education. Members of the Society provide support for the Trulaske College of Business through direct contributions and estate gifts. Six levels of recognition are available, starting at gifts of $25,000 that can be paid over five years.

The annual dinner recognizes new members to the Society with an induction ceremony presided over by the college’s dean, Bruce Walker, and MU’s chancellor, Brady Deaton. Walker says it was appropriate to have the UM System’s new president, Gary Forsee, as featured speaker. “With past chairs in attendance, we looked back at 20 years of exceptional support for our college and, with Mr. Forsee speaking to the 300 attendees, we looked ahead to the future of our great university.”