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Davenport played a large role in implementing the Hamline Plan in the mid- 1980’s, something he is very proud of and considers to be the “signature” of Hamline. He also had a big hand in creating the Social Justice and Global Studies programs, as well as expanding the study abroad options.

He has seen a lot of changes at Hamline, especially during Osnes’ presidency, such as the 150 by 150 campaign and the rebuilding of the Board of Trustees. Those were really important and “necessary” steps to move Hamline in the right direction, and provide many opportunities for Hanson. “I think Hamline is a much stronger school, certainly more visible, than when I came here 40 years ago,” he said.

In the beginning, he taught students not much younger than himself, students the same age as, and including, his younger sister. “She’s never forgiven me for the grade I gave her,” he said with a chuckle. Eventually his students were similar in age to his own children, and now his grandchildren. “I thought before it gets to the point where my students are like my great-grandchildren, I’d better get out of here,” Davenport said.

Many highlights of his career involve the faculty and staff he has worked with. He has had a lot of fun working with and learning from Hanson, and wishes her the best of luck in the future. Davenport firmly believes that athletics are a key part of any liberal arts college, and found working with Athletic Director Dan O’Brien a “real pleasure.” Davenport, while not an athlete himself, enjoyed learning more about athletics and seeing our teams turn around and get back on the “winning track.”

So what kept him going all these years?čthe students. No matter how bad his morning was, no matter how awful the weather was or how stressful he knew his day would be, seeing a student smile at him or say “Hi” to him as he walked across campus to his office never ceased to lift his spirits. “There’s something incredibly energizing about being surrounded every day by people who are 18 to 22 years old, at the height of their physical capabilities, mental interests, curiosity; they’re bright, they’re ambitious, they know they have their life ahead of them,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be in that kind of environment all the time.”

“Bittersweet” was a word he used to describe his retirement. As wonderful as it will be to do other things, such as home improvement projects and visiting his son on the East coast, it will be hard to give up a way of life that he has had for so long, he said. He was able to interact with so many different people in so many different situations, everyone from the Board of Trustees to alumni to the police, and the “addictive” excitement from the ever-changing day-to-day activities will be hard to leave. “It’s exciting to be involved in making things happen that help people get educated,” he said. Not to mention the shock that will come now that he has to plan his own days and be responsible for his own schedule again.
In his leisure time which starts July 1, he has many things he wants to do, he said, including some writing about his time spent at Hamline. He also wants to read more of the literature similar to what he taught about so many years ago, as well as more literary criticism. He is also contemplating coming back at some point to teach again.

Davenport has always loved the Twin Cities, and they feel like home to him and his family, he said. All of his children were born and raised here and he also doesn’t mind the cold. “I’m one of those weird people who even enjoys Minnesota winters,” he said, “I’ve always been fascinated by [it].”

Davenport would like the campus as a whole to realize that Hamline is a great opportunity, and “go for it there is so much to be learned, there are so many wonderful people to get to know.” No one knows what Hamline is really all about better than its amiable and articulate colleague, friend and Dean.

There will be a retirement party for Davenport 3-6 p.m. Friday, May 12 on Old Main Mall. A wine and hors d’oeuvres buffet will be available. For more information contact Catherine Price at x2015.