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My Story Started at GRCC: Davenport, community leader David Veneklase says GRCC professors provided mentoring and inspiration

May 23, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – David A. Veneklase has been a leader in education and in the community, and credits professors at Grand Rapids Community College for inspiring him in the classroom and beyond.

Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.

Veneklase is executive vice president for Finance and Organizational Development and CFO for Davenport University. During his 22-year career at Davenport, he’s held every executive vice president leadership role.

“We work tirelessly to transform students to achieve the highest levels of academic performance, leading them to excel and advance in their chosen fields,” he said.

Prior to Davenport, he served Grand Valley State University for more than 15 years in several roles in finance and human resources.

He also is chair of the Board for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, chair emeritus for West Catholic High School and treasurer for Hello West Michigan. He was a member of GRCC’s Business Advisory Committee from 1983 through 1995 and chaired the committee from 1989 to 1995. He taught at GRCC as an adjunct for two years as well.

“GRCC provided an outstanding foundation for the remainder of my college education and my career,” Veneklase said. “In addition to the excellent education I received in the classroom, the faculty and staff provided support and encouragement to challenge and inspire me to greatness.”

He said James Skidmore was the college professor who most influenced him.

“He was my mentor and advisor,” he said. “He encouraged me to pursue accounting and finance and instilled confidence I was lacking. He encouraged me to tutor to help others. I am forever grateful to Mr. Skidmore. Ron Weidenfeller, Velvie Greene and Art Hyde were also influential mentors.” 

After GRCC, Veneklase earned a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, as well as Masters of Business Administration in Finance from GVSU. He completed the Dale Carnegie program and received a Certificate in Strategic Collection Bargaining at the University of Michigan.

“I have been blessed with many mentors in my career that encouraged me and provided opportunities to learn and lead,” he said. “My parents instilled strong values founded in my faith. They also taught me to be humble and recognize others as any success is not possible alone. One of the greatest lessons learned from Mr. Skidmore is to not be afraid to fail. He would say “if you never fail, you aren’t reaching high enough.” Most importantly, I followed my passions for education, community, service and my faith.”

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