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For Immediate Release
Contact: Nancy O’Brien 616-234-4213 | Vicki Hudson 616-234-4206
GRCC BOARD APPROVES DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY CAMPUS ACQUISITION
April 20, 2009 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees tonight voted unanimously to approve acquisition of the downtown Davenport University campus. As GRCC faces yet another historic enrollment, the 152,115 sq. ft. property will provide much-needed classrooms and offices for support services.
Located at 415 East Fulton St., the Davenport campus is just two blocks from the east edge of GRCC’s downtown campus, its main location for 95 years.
Dr. Anne E. Mulder, interim president of GRCC said, “Today is an historic day for this college and our whole community. I believe we can now envision a future where more students can be better served and where our community recognizes that GRCC provides a strong anchor in the downtown area and throughout the region.”
The purchase will cost an estimated $9.5 million and includes money for renovations which will be completed by Rockford Construction. GRCC will fund the opportunity through the sale of bonds and private donations.
GRCC Board of Trustees Chairperson Gary Schenk spoke for the college’s seven publically elected trustees: "The board is thrilled to be able to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will enable GRCC to better serve this community. I think this is a real turning point - the concept that we can meet the demands for much-needed higher education is very exciting to all of us."
"Davenport University is very pleased that the Fulton Street property will remain a college campus and provide Grand Rapids Community College the opportunity for further growth,” said Interim President Michael Volk. “We plan to remain a vital part of the Grand Rapids community. We're also pleased that all of our local students will be consolidated on our W.A. Lettinga Campus this fall to enjoy a rewarding educational experience in our new facilities."
Grand Rapids Community College, established in 1914, offers both liberal arts and workforce development degrees, classes and workshops. Student enrollment on the urban campus for both credit and non-credit courses is approximately 28,000 this year.
Davenport University, the only West Michigan-based private university specializing in business, technology and health professions, serves an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students at its W. A. Lettinga campus in Grand Rapids, locations throughout Michigan, and online. Davenport focuses on innovative, practical and affordable education and offers graduate and undergraduate programs.
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