GRAND RAPIDS ? Davenport University will present the 2012 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award to philanthropists David and Carol Van Andel. The keynote speaker will be Tom Izzo, head coach of men’s basketball at Michigan State University.

The annual fundraising gala will be held at DeVos Place on Friday, May 11, 2012.

?This evening will be a celebration of business success and community service as exemplified by David and Carol Van Andel. We appreciate their contributions to business and to this community,? said Davenport University President Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. ?Also, this annual event is important to Davenport students who rely upon scholarship support. We are grateful for the support of generous contributors who help students achieve success in the classroom that leads to success in their careers.?

David Van Andel is Chairman and CEO of the Grand Rapids-based Van Andel Institute and Chairman of IdeaSphere Inc. Previously he served as Chief Operating Officer of Amway?s Pyxis Innovations business unit and he remains a member of Amway Corporation?s Board of Directors. He is a co-owner of the Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey team and is active in numerous business and community organizations including The Right Place and the Grand Rapids Economic Club and Hope College Board of Trustees.

Carol Van Andel is an active volunteer and philanthropist committed to children?s issues, healthy lifestyles and community development. In addition to her role as Executive Director of the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation, she has served and continues to serve on many boards such as Bethany Christian Services, GR Public Museum Foundation Board, Van Andel Education Institute Advisory Board and YMCA National Board.

Tom Izzo has been head coach for the Michigan State Spartans men?s basketball team since 1995, presiding over a prolonged period of success. Under Izzo, the MSU program has been one of the most successful in the country. Izzo led the Spartans to the 2000 NCAA Division I National Championship, the 2009 NCAA Division I National Championship Game, six Final Fours and six Big Ten Championships in his first 15 years at MSU. Currently the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten Conference, Izzo, whose teams are often recognized for their rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity, has won four national Coach of the Year Awards.

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