Congratulations, Garvin!
Enjoy your retirement to the fullest. The Hamline community will truly miss you! You gave so much to Hamline; we were blessed to have you as a teacher, administrator, mentor and friend. I was grateful to work for someone as kind, honest and fair as you. You made my Hamline experience comfortable and gave me great encouragement when I needed it most. I want you to know how much I appreciate that to this day.
You both were so good to me and I thank you! Enjoy your retirement Garvin, you deserve it!
Love,
Jill (Danger) Overby
CLA 2002
Congratulations, Garvin! It looks like the party was all you deserve. May your retirement be as fulfilling as your career. All blessing.
Lisa Doege
CLA 1987
I have two fond memories of Garvin bracketed by a period of almost twenty years. In 1986, I was on the General Education Committee, affectionately known as GEC. The charge of the committee was to develop an innovative new core curriculum which we now know as the Hamline Plan. Garvin was chair of the committee. He was a wise, visionary, and very organized leader – every meeting began with the opening of his very large and very organized three-ring binder stuffed with minutes, proposals, and reports. More than the product the committee produced, what I remember most about the meetings was the welcoming atmosphere that was extended to my infant son who upon his arrival in October attended every meeting, slept quietly (mostly) on the floor, and whose attendance was duly noted by the chair in the meeting minutes. In 2005, planning for the anthropology department’s excavation of the old Hall of Science building in conjunction with Hamline’s Sesquicentennial, I remember not only Garvin’s support for the project but also his recounting of his first office in the old building which included a floor with a pitch of about 200 that frequently sent his office chair careening downhill into the radiator. Garvin’s tenure at Hamline has always been an uphill climb to greatness that included both humor and kindness.
Barbara O’Connell
Garvin,
I am one of the students whom you awakened to literature and individualism, and the role of higher education. You were my advisor in 1977 or 79... I lose track of the dates but not the impact.
Best wishes for a happy, far-fetched retirement.
Susan Richardson
CLA 1981
Garvin,
Best wishes for a glorious retirement journey! You've been a delightful colleague; thanks for your constant support and encouragement.
Kathy Paden
Graduate School of Education
I am not going to be able to be at Hamline for Garvin’s send off, but I would love to have you greet him for me. Let me share some memories.
It was 1966 or 67 and I had never been so charged up about learning. I was taking a course on the American South from Garvin, whose book on the South had recently been published. I remember leaving the class one day with ideas so stirred up, that a classmate of mine and I walked six blocks in the wrong direction before we realized we were going astray! Garvin drew out the best in us. He challenged us. He would not accept second rate thinking and pressed us to dig deeper.
He wasn’t much older than we were, and was so tuned into the issues of the day. I could talk to him about my deep uneasiness with the escalating Viet Nam War. He sat with me, a patriotic small town Midwestern boy, as I wrestled with whether to apply to become a conscientious objector II did) and I suspect reveled in the protests we students carried out. He was the secret advisor as we shut down Hamline during the anti-war moratorium, and urged me to work with the school rather than against it, factoring in all the hardships that would be visited on people if we merely through rocks through windows and barricaded buildings. In fact, the Trustees and administration agreed to work with us to bring an orderly, but early end to the academic year so that the statement would be made powerfully yet with the least damage to the least people. What a lesson!
I became an American Studies major because Garvin was the director of the program, and my eclectic mind found a perfect match. Garvin steered me, as my advisor, toward courses that forced me to look for the deep patterns in American intellectual history that shaped the American psyche. Art, literature, music, architecture, politics, popular culture, what a feast of ideas and wonders he helped me “try on.” I suspect no one has ever had a deeper intellectual influence upon me. No one got me more excited about learning. No one held out the ideal of what a truly great teacher is. Wanting more than anything to “be like Garvin,” I got all three degrees in American Studies. He and Bern became our friends and men! mentors in other areas of life as well, though he never did share his secret Houston County trout stream with me!
I wish Garvin and Bern the very best. He “made” the Hamline experience a time of explosive learning, integration of learning into life and a search for enduring core values that have stood me in good stead all my life. I suspect his deeply and quietly spiritual style had something to do with my becoming an Episcopal Priest as well. “How can I ever say thank you I asked him once.” He responded, “Just pass it on those whom you teach.” I’ve tried Garvin. I’ve tried.
With best wishes, deep respect and thanks and love,
Howie Anderson
CLA 1970
The Rev. Canon Howard Anderson, Ph.D.
President and Warden of the Cathedral College of
Washington National Cathedral
Continuing the legacy of the College of Preachers and
The Program and Ministry Dept. of the Cathedral
I was one your students in the First Year seminar Program in 1993. I was an international student (Lebanese-French from Senegal). The most vivid memory I keep from this class is learning how to use the Internet (first time for me) and the talks we had about my career orientation. I just wanted to say it was a good experience having you as a professor.
Nadime Tarraf
CLA 1997
I'm sorry that I wasn't able to attend your reception. Congratulations on many successful years at Hamline. You probably already know this, but I treasure the many lessons you taught me as my advisor. Thank you for your guidance and friendship.
Lucie (Usher) McGee
Dear Prof. Davenport,
Congratulations on your retirement. I want to thank you for all the guidance and support you provided during my years at Hamline. You were a great mentor to me. Best wishes to you as you retire!
Hong Zhu
Student at Hamline from 1984-1986, English Major
I leave for others to provide stories about Garvin and to recount the many contributions he has made to Hamline during his forty year tenure. I prefer to offer my congratulations and to say how very much I have valued and appreciated him as a colleague and friend--from that day in 1966 when he became a member of our English Department through the years when we had offices across from each other in the Learning Center. Whether he was advising freshmen, teaching American literature, inaugurating the Writing Center, working with the Presidential Scholars, or participating in the MALS program, he always proved to be not only appreciated but dedicated and creative. Since I retired, Garvin has gone on to do yeoman service as Dean and more recently as Vice President for Academic Affairs. It has been clear to me that his ability to work with students, faculty, parents, alumni, and trustees has not only been marvelously effective but has made him the articulate voice of Hamline. Garvin, we will miss you. Keep in touch.
George Vane
One thing I remember about Garvin is that when I first started at Hamline he would have all the untenured faculty members and their families over to his home, sometime in the late fall. This would have been in the early 2000s. It only lasted a couple of years, but it was a really nice evening and it was great that he included families! I think it showed that he was interested in us as people, and not just as professors.
Jenny Keil
Associate Professor
Department of Management & Economics
Congratulations on your retirement! I enjoyed having you as my academic advisor while there. And also to let you know, I am doing teaching now and then myself...even through in some knowledge from the Mighty Mississippi course. :)
Again, best wishes and congratulations!
Ty Cox
CLA 1992
Dear Garvin,
Your absence will be felt! I am grateful to you for all your help and leadership. Allow me to say in Chinese: Zhu Ni yiqian shunli, Xinxiang shi cheng!" (I wish you all the best!)
Hellen Huiying Yin
Modern Languages and Literatures
Terry and I send our love and best wishes to you and Bern as you move into this next stage in life.
Jerry Greiner
Arcadia University
I wouldn't be the same person today had I not had the advise and direction from Dr. Davenport. Best wishes on your retirement.
Sheila Nauman-Todd (Nauman-Haight)
Advisee in the CLA, 1979-1983
Congratulations on a stellar career of dedication to a school I still cherish! I was so glad to be present in the audience the year you received the Outstanding Teaching Award, and how happy you were to see ME. Thank you for being part of what I still look back on as the best four years of my life!
Best wishes...
Cathy Ritchie
Dallas, Texas
English major
CLA 1975
Professor Davenport,
This is David Kaplan from Chicago. I am a 1982 graduate of good ol' HU and warmly remember my days in your classes. I am a radio and TV broadcaster plus I am writing for a couple of national magazines. Many of the lessons that I am using in my day to day life I learned from you. You were a fabulous teacher and a great advisor. I wish you great success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
David Kaplan
CLA 1982
Best wishes! Thank you for your leadership!
Grace Baldridge
CLA Alum
Sorry I can't attend your retirement party next Friday but I will be in Sauk Centre to visit my 90 year old aunt. Enjoy your retirement by having fun every day. They will miss you at H.U. but I am sure you will show up now and then.
Lois Christensen Bunday
Department of Physical Education
Hi Garvin,
Sure wish I could be there for the celebration. I will be thinking of you and all you did for Hamline!
Michelle Lynskey
CLA Alum and friend
I wish I could be there on May 12 to help you celebrate and wish you well, but I'll be picking up my son from Kenyon, where he just finished his freshman year. His experiences this year remind me of my exhilarating freshman year at Hamline, where I had many inspiring profs (though alas, not you). You and your colleagues made Hamline a unique educational experience for me and thousands of others like me.
Thank you, and best wishes.
Gary Stark
Grand Valley State University
Dear Garvin,
You are one of the professors that made Hamline a Great Place for me. There are some books that will remain nameless, that challenged my will to learn at times, but in the long run have turned out to be favorites. There were times that I just didn't feel like doing anything and I could always depend on you for a good conversation about those issues. You gave what it took and took what we gave.
Thanks for being there 1976-1980.
K.C. Field Swanlund
CLA 1980
Hobby Farmer and mom
I wish you thank you for your faithful committed service to all of those who were privileged to have you as a professor/mentor. We challenged our thinking and broadened our views of the world.
I wish you well in your well deserved years of retirement.
Sincerely,
Susan Korda Bergland
CLA 1977
Hey Garvin,
First and foremost I wanted to thank you for being such a welcoming and approachable person. You were definitely an asset to Hamline and I want to say thank you for all the hard work that you did in making sure that students like me have a good experience while at Hamline. It was an honor to meet you and I wish you good luck and good health for now and always. I am sure Hamline will miss you a lot. Good luck and best wishes for your retirement.
Shailesh
CLA 2005
Prof. Davenport,
I am sure you do not remember me...but I took your freshman seminar in 1987 - the Mighty Mississippi...my words of wisdom to incoming freshman - great class and professor - bad time (8am)....
Congrats on your retirement, well deserved!
Happy retirement!
Amy Fellegy
CLA 1991
Garvin,
Thanks for the invitation to your party. It coincides with the Carleton Senior art show- a sacred event that I can't miss. So I won't be at your party, but congratulations, and enjoy the good wishes of many people who appreciate what you have done.
Regards,
Fred Hagstrom
Garvin,
Congratulations on a wonderful career! I hope to see you around campus at some of the athletic events.
Steve Ennis
PAA/Alumnus
Garvin,
We first met when I wanted to go for a Fulbright scholarship to India, to study Bengali at Santiniketan . . . I had to drop that "dream" of mine shortly after due to family matters at the time, so I never followed up on it, but if I could have pursued it, I know you could have helped me a lot, you were very encouraging. I regret not having the pleasure of having you as a teacher, I'm sure I would have enjoyed your classes, back when you were teaching. Hope you enjoy your retirement, all my best to you.
p.s. I'm still studying Bengali on my own. :}
Peggy Sorrell
CLA 1999
Congrats and best wishes!
Clay Templeton
Thank you for your many years of excellent service to Hamline University - wishing you a long and happy retirement!
Lenore Kinne
Northern Kentucky University
I have pangs of nostalgia as you end your professional career at Hamline, Garvin. You were teaching English as I entered the college in the rainy Fall of '65. For me, these were times of the College Republicans in that 60's era of turbulence, anti-Vietnam War sentiments combined with sports, buddy's and girlfriends. You were part of that wonderful faculty, helping us to experience a worthwhile, life-impacting experience. It is marvelous that you have been in the Hamline arena for 40 years, making a difference for students.
Thank you and all the best.
Charles A. Slocum
Trustee Emeritus, CLA 1969
Congratulations on your retirement. I very much enjoyed working with you on the Advisory Board for the Paralegal Program at Hamline. You have contributed much to Hamline over the years and provided a steady guiding wisdom. Enjoy your retirement!
Lynette StockerCLA 1989
Litigation Case Manager, SUPERVALU INC.
Best wishes on retirement, Garvin. Your recent work on the university's presidential transition and the 150th anniversary was great. Hamline's students and staff will miss you on an everyday basis, but I have a strong feeling you'll be back quite often at Homecoming and other activities later on.
Dennis Cummings
CLA 1978
Hi Garvin,
I don't think I will be able to make your retirement party on Friday, but I wanted to take a moment to wish you the very best in your retirement. I enjoyed getting to know you through the PAA. I know Hamline was blessed to have you involved in their community for so many years.
Take care,
Kit Carson
Alumni
Dean Davenport,
Congratulations on a wonderful career educating students in life as well as academics. Best wishes to you in your retirement.
John Hultquist
Former President of the CLA Alumni Board
Garvin, it has been a pleasure to get to know you over the years. You have made such an impact to Hamline! You will be missed but never forgotten.
Tiffaney Bakken Clark
CLA 1993, Alumni Board President
Rick Cardenas
CLA 1977
Garvin, you were one of the first faculty members that I met in '74. You were my advisor. I have been back many times since graduating, but will not be able to make it to the festivities in your honor, as I live in Chicago and need to be here. Good luck in your retirement. Somehow, I don't think you will stray very far from Hamline.
Sincerely,
Phil Burnstine
CLA 1978
Thank you for all of your service to Hamline over the past 40 years. Especially for the time I had the privilege of being a student under your direction. My time was enriched by your presence. Best wishes to a full and exciting retired life.
Jackie Wurst
CLA 2005
Remembering with fondness your work while I was a student in the early 1970s. Best wishes to you.
Gary Gleason
CLA 1974
Good Luck in retirement Dean Davenport- it was a pleasure getting to know you during my time at Hamline. I know your presence at will be missed. Enjoy your new life!
Leticia Barrett
Alumni
Good Luck in your retirement. We appreciate all your work over the years. I remember meeting you after many years as you attended a conference in San Francisco at the Hyatt Regency.
Best Wishes,
Natasha Kanhai
CLA 1990
Garvin,
I still cherish your American Studies classes as my very favorite at Hamline because of your ability to pose playful and provoking questions. Part of who I am as a teacher today is comprised of your style and I will carry that with me to Lima, Peru where I will be teaching for the next few years. I wish we'd had a chance to "shoot the breeze", as Holden Caulfield says, but that's something still to look forward to.
Fondly,
Laurie Bangs
former student
Thank you for your many years of service and leadership to Hamline. Both Dick and I send our very best for this new gateway in your life!
Sincerely,
Dottie Hoel
CLA 1969
Working with you made it easy to attend Hamline. My memories of you were so positive. I couldn't believe that I was meeting with you during my first introductory meeting at Hamline University.
Sheila DeJoode
Student
My best good wishes to you on your retirement! May you have many happy and fruitful years ahead.
Catherine Dower Gold
CLA 1945
Congratulations, Garvin, and all the very best. May your next 40 years be as enjoyable as these 40 years were productive.
Fondly,
Tamara Root
Modern Languages and Literatures
Hi Garvin...
Venu and I both want to send along our best wishes and warm congratulations on all your accomplishments. No doubt the next 40 years will be filled with lots of new adventures too! We'll see you at the party!
Karen Vogel and Venu Turlapaty
Department of Political Science
Best wishes for a wonderful future!!!!!!
Anne Perera
First year student
I will always remember that ten minutes after sending you an email letting you know that my "coming out of the closet" piece was soon to be published in the Oracle you walked over to my office to offer your support. That meant a lot to me, and always will.
Thank you.
Stephen H. Kellert
Philosophy Department
Dear Garvin,
I just keep piling up memories: the Bogart film festival, innumerable New Year's parties, Those who Favor Fire, E. Dickinson's "heft of light" and that ghastly workshop with the old English Dept. at Spring Hill (Brown, Moyer, Grigg, Vane, Appel) with the French Profs/also English 111 profs...where we discussed for a whole day and could not decide the minimum number of compositions to require in English 111!!! Aarrghh! We will miss you.
Your Pal,
Walter Blue
Modern Languages
Best Wishes!
Lydia Bohn
PSCI major
Garvin, Hi. Congratulations on your retirement from a long and accomplished career. I happen to know Hamline and you about the same time, 25 years ago. You always supported me and my initiatives at Hamline. In particular, you supported Middle East Critique's journal and its annual symposium for the last 15 years. Critique is now a mature and self sufficient journal publishes in England, and we just finished the 15th annual symposium of Critique on May 6, 2006. Without your continuous support we could not be so successful. When somebody asks me how we manage to publish an academic journal and have an annual symposium for so many years, I say to them I happen to have the support of my Dean, Garvin Davenport. Thank you very much for your vote of confidence. I wish you and your family the best in the next chapter of your life.
Hossein Akhavi-Pour
Economics
Thank you so much. I can't even begin to think of how much 40 years of service is. You will leave with much love and support - good luck in the future!
Shawn Smith
Student Athlete
Professor Davenport,
I wish all the best and congratulations for an excellent career at Hamline.
Carmen Bacaila
Hamline Student
Dean Davenport,
I have not had the pleasure of personally meeting you, however I have tried to hear any and every lecture or speech you have given on campus. I remember first hearing you speak about "Is there an intellectual life at Hamline and what does it smell like?" at a Presidential Scholar banquet (I believe). I will always remember this speech as what brought me to become motivated and excited about college. Thank you for showing me that there are other people out there similar to myself, those pursuing knowledge. Though we have not met, you have given me a great deal. Best wishes in the future.
Sincerely,
Greg Simonson
First Year Psychology Major
Congratulations on your upcoming adventure! Thank you for all your leadership.
Rita Majerle
Chemistry Department
I never had you for a prof. But Being a teacher is a very honorable job. Thank you.
Ilee Smith
Student
Dear Garvin,
Thank you for your steadfast and abiding support of education for social justice. Over the years you have made it possible for Hamline to remain a strong leader in HECUA, and provide generations of students with opportunities to change their communities, themselves, and the world. Congratulations on your retirement from all your colleagues at HECUA.
Jenny Keyser, Executive Director
Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs
Garvin,
It won't be the same without you at Hamline. When I first arrived at Hamline, and my duties involved coaching the swimming team, I remember hearing from so many of my swimmers that when advising students, I should be sure that "they take a class from Professor Davenport". You were perceived as being challenging, fair and provocative. Later, when you made the switch to administration, I always had the feeling that your decisions were made with Hamline's best interest at heart. I've come to believe that somehow, this might be the most important trait of any leader! Even when decisions are unfavorable to this group or that group, if there exists an understanding that the leader is acting in the best interest of the totality, the organization can remain strong.
Thank you for your many years of service to Hamline, its students, faculty, staff, and community.
Marty
Physical Education Department
Thank you for your contributions to the life of Hamline and to me. You will leave a large void. Enjoy your retirement and the wonderful memories of a place and its people so shaped by you.
Fondly,
Dawn Malerich Erlandson
CLA 1987
Dear Garvin,
Our first encounter was the late-summer day in 1978 that I came to interview for a job as a faculty librarian after finishing my library degree at UW-Madison. You were part of the FPC committee who was to determine if I was a suitable candidate for a job here. I remember your successful efforts to put me at ease and reassure me that my somewhat esoteric academic interests in South Asia would also be appreciated. From that day on, Hamline became much more than a job to me; it is my professional life. Most recently as I have been reporting to you directly as one of the Directors of the library, I have come to rely on your confidence in us, good humor and support for the liberal arts. I will miss you, and of course your addresses to us; your knowledge and appreciation of the contributions of individuals is unsurpassed. Thank you, Garvin, for your work all these years for us, and for your belief in the importance of what we do. After all these years, it helps me keep cynicism at bay and hope fresh.
Best,
Diane Clayton
Bush Library
Garvin,
Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for the Native Sons course you taught. Many of the books are still on my shelf. My favorite was James Baldwin. In fact, I find myself going back to his work often, particularly Giovanni's Room - a beautiful novel.
John-Mark Schlink
Alumni and Assistant Professor of Art
Congratulations on a very successful career! You were a huge factor in making Hamline so appealing to me - long after I graduated. I have ongoing disputes with my husband over the merits of a small school (versus his UW Madison experience). I remember being invited to your HOME as an English major. He can't top that! Best wishes to you!
Mary SzondyCLA 1990
Congratulations! Thanks for making H.U. "A Better Place." Retirement is Wonderful.
Loraine Froehle
Alumni Board
Enjoy your retirement to the fullest. I'm sure John is looking down and toasting you with a little Rebel Yell.
Audrey Almo
Friend of 40 years
Congratulations Garvin, You have been a wonderful colleague, mentor, and leader over the years. We will miss your presence on campus.
John Matachek
Chemistry Department
You must call me for a private tour of the Walker once you have settled down and want to have yet another learning experience. I have loved my connection with you---you make us all proud.
Good Luck!
Sue Kotila
Walker Art Center
Dear Provost Davenport,
I am sad that we did not work together at Hamline. Please accept my best wishes for your future endeavors. I hope that we will see each other sometime in the near future.
Julian Schuster
Now you can play with sports cars. All the best in your retirement. Enjoy yourself always.
Sherrill Utley Carlson
CLA 1971
Wishing you the best of times in your upcoming years of retirement. I am so very glad that I had the opportunity to learn from you!
Sincerely,
Kathleen (Fremouw) Hauser
CLA 1989--English
I hope memories of teaching students and learning with faculty keep you warm; reading, writing, and other things English keep you pleased; and your whole life keeps you interested and interesting. You have played, Garvin, and my wish is that the best ones are yet to come.
Fondly,
Verna C. Corgan
Theatre Arts & Communication Studies
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. I didn't see you or talk to you too often but will miss your kind and caring personality.
Barb Gritzmacher
Law School Dean's Office
Even though I never had the privilege of having you as a professor, I thank you for being my friend after I left the safe confines of HU and ventured into my banking career. Whenever we met "in the Park" you were always encouraging and gracious. May your retirement be one of much happiness.
Tammy Peterson
CLA 1980, current member alumni board
I think you represent the best of higher education professionals. You are known for your integrity, commitment to the student experience, and kindness. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know you as a student and seek to model myself professionally after you in many ways. Best wishes in the many years ahead and thank you for your contribution to Hamline and my own student experience.
Grant Anderson
CLA 1997--Sociology
How do I capture the 22 years that I have worked with Garvin Davenport? Garvin has been a wonderful colleague and mentor, friend and advisor. His support and encouragement over the years has been crucial to my professional growth, and I have valued his friendship and mentoring, more than he will ever know.
When I came to Hamline in 1984, Garvin was a professor in the English Department, and the chair of a committee known as the GEC—the General Education Committee. This committee was charged with implementing the then-new Hamline Plan. I was hired to create and implement a Speaking Across the Curriculum program at Hamline. As part of my new position, I was also a member of the GEC, and I worked closely with Garvin. It was a gift to work with Garvin in those early years. He listened, he respected, and he advised. We laughed together, we groaned over things that weren’t working quite right, and he always supported and encouraged me. One of the things that I will never forget is a comment he made about teaching that has influenced my teaching dramatically. To paraphrase, he said that one of the things he liked to do as a teacher is to teach things he doesn’t know very well, because then he was learning right along with the students. As a new professor, fresh from graduate school where one is supposed to demonstrate one’s knowledge all the time, it was refreshing and freeing to realize that teaching is a process of facilitating exploration—it is not just a matter of telling things to others so they might absorb your expertise. It gave me the courage to try new things, teach new things, and to always be open to the ideas that students are exploring. I realized that good teaching always involves learning, right along with students.
Garvin’s support and encouragement have never wavered, even as he worked his way up through the administrative hierarchy. His dedication to Hamline and the people who make Hamline the special place that it is has always been clear. Thank you Garvin for all these years of guidance, mentoring, and friendship. You have made a difference.
Professor Patricia R Palmerton
Communication Studies
I first met Garvin and Bern in the fall of 1966 when my wife, Elaine, and I were asked to serve as their mentors to make sure they had a smooth entry into the Hamline community. I'm not sure how well we performed that task, but we found an immediate rapport with this new assistant professor of English and his wife. Over the years, we forged a deep and lasting bond of respect, affection and friendship. There were many delightful picnics at Snail Lake, dinners in our homes, as well as the many social activities growing out of our involvement with Hamline.
My friendship with Garvin was expanded and deepened immeasurably during my first sabbatical, when my family and I spent a year in England.. We began an exchange of letters that lasted throughout the year. I provided a travelogue, of sorts, of our experiences abroad, and Garvin responded with news about Minnesota politics, Hamline and his family. When we arrived back in St. Paul, Garvin and another close friend, Jim Lynskey, met us at the airport. That was no small favor, considering the amount of luggage we had accumulated. Not too long after that, Garvin put his skills as an electrician on display by rewiring a significant portion of our basement, while our large cat, Alex, scrutinized his every move, with only a hint of intimidation.
It has been especially gratifying to watch our children grow up and move into adulthood. With grandchildren now on the scene, we have a nice embodiment of the generational breadth and duration of our relationship. It was especially meaningful to be asked, in 1999, to perform a wedding celebration for Garvin and Bern's oldest son, Garvin, and his wife, Hiromi.
Few people have left as deep and lasting a mark on Hamline as Garvin. His service to the English department, and more recently as dean and vice-president of the University, are indicative of his immense talent and dedication. Hamline will be a much poorer place without him.
Bill Willis
Emeritus Professor of Religion
I always enjoyed having lunch with Garvin. He nearly always ate in the student cafeteria and enjoyed talking informally with students and faculty alike. It is over a number of these lunch time conversations that we explored new ideas for the college, problems that we were struggling with, and exciting news of achievements made by students and faculty. The conversations ranged from great literature, science discoveries, difficulty in attracting minority candidates for faculty positions, and, of course, model trains. I can't say that we really spoke enough about Moby Dick, despite my awareness of his authority on the subject. That is perhaps a great loss for me, but a testament that Garvin is profoundly interested in the lives of others first. His time as dean reflected that in extraordinary ways. I will miss those conversations when I eventually return to Hamline, and I will also miss his literary-inspired eloquence at lunches and receptions where, as dean, he often presided. Hearing Garvin speak (at least when we weren't discussing the budget) was always an inspiration. An inspiration that is deeply entrenched in the liberal arts, in Garvin as a scholar, and in Hamline as an institution.
-Ted
Theodore Hodapp, Ph. D.
Director of Education and Outreach
American Physical Society
Garvin was English dept chair when I was hired in 1991 and I remember very fondly how both he and his wife, Bernice, were very gracious hosts while my family and I visited the summer before the school year started. He drove us around neighborhoods, invited us in his home for a meal, showed us some schools my daughter might go to. Overall, he was responsible for helping me see how friendly and kind Hamline colleagues can be to each other--a feeling that has been confirmed over the years as I have gotten to know other colleagues in and out of the department.
Later that Fall, Garvin brought a present to our apartment on Englewood avenue-- a snow shovel with a red bow on it. He gave it to my daughter on October 30th saying, you might want to help your Mom when the snow arrives. Lo and behold, on the very next day we had 16 inches of snow on the ground! That year we had more snow on the ground than I had ever seen in my life or have seen since. What I take away from that first year, however, is a very secure sense in wonderful collegiality at Hamline. As chair, Garvin was excellent in helping his new faculty member find her footing in more ways than one.
Garvin and I haven't always seen eye to eye on everything but I will always honor his graciousness and his role in making me feel at home at Hamline. Coming up on 15 years in 2006, this is the longest I have lived anywhere in the world. So, thank you Garvin for facilitating my entry into this community.
Veena Deo
Garvin came to Hamline around the time I did in the early nineteen-sixties at a time when the student body was growing and former president Paul Giddens was adding a substantial number of newly-minted young Ph.D's to the Hamline faculty. As young turks, we all believed we knew everything about how a college should be run and were more than willing to offer that advice to the administration, even when it was not sought, nor welcomed. Inevitably, this led to grumbling in the faculty ranks about how the administration was doing everything the wrong way. Garvin Davenport, being a man with strong opinions, was among our more vocal critics. However, unlike most of us who carp at government, but won't run for office, Garvin bravely stepped forward and joined the administration where he could make a difference. Although I had retired before he took that step, I'm sure Hamline is a stronger institution as a result of his tenure as dean of the liberal arts college.
Besides our connection as colleagues at Hamline, the Davenports, along with a few other Hamline faculty and staff , were our neighbors in Saint Anthony Park for many years. My wife, Bea and I remember fondly the many social gatherings with Garvin and Bernice and other good Hamline friends in each others' homes. Our kids also came to know and enjoy their kids as friends and schoolmates in our friendly neighborhood.
Bill Williams
Emeritus Professor of Management Economics
I had the pleasure of accompanying Garvin on his first trip to continental Europe. We were going to Trier, Germany for the official signing ceremony. Since it was Garvin's (and Bern's) first trip, we thought it would be fun to stop in Amsterdam on the way in and Paris in the way out....and fun it was! We arrived in Amsterdam very early in the morning and thus couldn't check into our hotel rooms. We put our luggage in storage and I took Garvin and Bern on a "short" tour of Amsterdam, which included the various bridges (146 of them) and a boat tour. The following day we needed to catch the train to Trier, but since we were running late, I hailed a cab and ask him to get us to Central Station as quickly as possible. The bag were flung into the truck, Bern and I were in the back seat and Garvin was riding shot-gun--the driver proceed to drive us down the train tracks into on-coming street cars while Garvin sat calmly with his hat, gently tapping his hand on the dashboard while Bern and closed our eyes in the backseat. Whew! We made it alive and arrived in Trier.
The distance from the Trier train station to the downtown is relatively short (at least in my terms and I walk this all the time). With bags in hand, we began what Garvin and Bern believed to be a short jaunt--- 1.5 miles later, Garvin didn't look thrilled (did I mention that it a hot and humid?) We had a grand time in Trier, wine-tastings, great food, fun and the university and a few nights with the Muellers. I think one of the most memorable was sitting in the garden of the winery, tasting wine, smoking cigars and discussing world politics. This became all too real, when fighter jets from the US-American base thirty miles north of Trier began flying over the winery on their way to Bosnia.
Finally, it was off to Paris--where everything was closed due to a national strike. We arrived via Thalis and took an cab to our small family run hotel. Upon arrive the owner very politely working with me and my pigeon-french, checked us in, pushed Garvin and Bern into an elevator (really only made for one), piled the luggage up in front of them and pushed the number three. As the elevator was slowly grinding up to the third floor, the owner turns to me and orders me to hurry up the stair to help Garvin and Bern get out of the elevator.
Once on the third floor, I opened the elevator door, the luggage fell forward and there stood Garvin and Bern laughing. The rooms weren't much bigger than the elevator. Best strategy was to open the door, through the luggage on the bed, jump to the bed, close the door and behind the door was the bathroom. Paris was full of adventures, he walked, and walked and walked some more......we also had a nice conversation with the Paris police (Bern has pictures to prove it)! All and all it was a very successful trip and certainly my most favorite memory of Garvin and Bern Davenport.
Kari Richtsmeier
I really never had the opportunity to watch Garvin in action in the classroom. I hear he was excellent. But I did get to see him teach and communicate in a very difficult situation. Last spring a group of students of color were very upset with administration, the Oracle and HUSC about how all these groups were not responsive to diversity in the classroom or to the organizations who advocated for issues of diversity. A group of administration agreed to meet with these students. Garvin was one of the administrators and I have to admit I am not sure he was in agreement with these students about their issues in the classroom or on campus.
But Garvin did meet with these students, he listened and he made these students know they were heard. There is something about a student voice that Garvin is sensitive to and to which he responds. He asked incredibly sensitive questions and helped the students feel they mattered and what they said mattered.
As a result, these student left the meetings feeling heard, satisfied and a holding a belief that what they believed was true and had value. Garvin was able to create a situation that resolved issues, but more importantly, he left the meeting understanding that students needed assistance. He believed work needed to be done and he did something that addressed issues that students experienced in the classroom.
Some people have a special gift of helping others know they are important and what they express is valid and useful. Garvin is a listener, he makes others feel they matter and most of all he helps students think and believe that when they do care enough to make a case to an administrator, it can make a difference.
Alan L. Sickbert
Dean of Students
Welcome to the big "R" club. I was unable to make your party as I am in Florida waiting for Minnesota to warm up. It was fun to lunch with you and my mom and hope to see you at other Hamline functions, like maybe a Scholarship Sponsor Supper or something like that.
Good luck and enjoy.
Tom Griffin
CLA 1970
I'm so sorry I was unable to attend the festivities last week, Garvin, and congratulate you personally on your amazing career and contributions to Hamline. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you these past few years. I missed the opportunity to take an English course from "Davenport" back in the sixties (my mistake) but coming back to campus in recent years has allowed me to reconnect! Have a wonderful, happy and healthy retirement. It is richly deserved!
Best regards,
Bill Snyder
Adjunct Professor
I still recall Garvin Davenport’s comment on a paper I’d written for his Research, Report Writing, and Editing course: “You seem to be developing a semicolon habit.” That comment not only inspired me to “kick the habit,” but it was also representative of the care and attention Garvin gave to every critique of student writing. By completing that challenging course, and by serving as a tutor in Hamline’s Writing Center during its first year of operation, I came to value writing as an art and to strive for excellence in my own writing. Since graduating from Hamline, writing has been a focal point of my career, and I am grateful every day for the constructive criticism and encouragement I received from Garvin. I do use a semicolon now and then; however, I always think twice!
Sincerely,
Barb Bush Trautmann
CLA 1981
“We all remember the saying ‘the first impression is often a lasting impression.’" Such was my first encounter with a Hamline University professor and that man was Garvin Davenport. Dr. Davenport taught a course entitled ‘American Studies,’ which centered a great deal on the teachings of Alexis de Tocqueville and other early American philosophers.
The course content was relevant to the degree that it taught one to be open-minded as to the triumphs and flaws of the early American democratic experiment. To me, as a freshman, it opened my eyes to a broader spectrum of ideas and arguments, some of which I had never experienced before.
Dr. Davenport, as I recall, taught this course with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. He encouraged intellectual debate and, contrary to what some professors do, did not stifle ideas or beliefs that were contrary to his own. Dr. Davenport is truly a gifted intellect and academic. He confirmed that my decision to attend Hamline was the right one.”
Scott S. Hovden
CLA 1977
