Davenport University’s 2014 Excellence in Business Dinner Gala

Additional Information

Davenport University's Excellence in Business Dinner Gala was established in 1998 in honor of alumnus Peter C. Cook. Proceeds from the event benefit Davenport University Foundation scholarships.

The gala is at DeVos Place, with a reception at 6 p.m and dinner at 7 p.m.

Keynote Address by Captain Richard Phillips

Capt. Richard Phillips is the featured guest speaker.

He was captain of the MV Maersk Alabama during its hijacking by Somali pirates in April 2009. His heroics were chronicled in the Oscar-nominated 2013 Columbia Pictures film “Captain Phillips,” which starred Tom Hanks as Phillips. A 58-year-old Winchester, Mass., resident, Phillips authored the book “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs and Dangerous Days at Sea,” which is about his experience and the remarkable rescue by the U.S. Navy.

Honoring Blake W. Krueger as 2014 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award recipient

Blake W. Krueger, chairman of the Board, CEO and president of Rockford-based Wolverine World Wide, Inc., is being recognized with the 2014 Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award.

Krueger has been an officer of the company for more than 20 years, and formerly practiced law with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP. A former director of the Grand Rapids Bar Association Foundation and the St. Cecilia Music Society, he is on the board of directors for Bissell Inc., Heart of West Michigan United Way, The Right Place Inc. and The Economic Club of Grand Rapids.

Wolverine World Wide manufactures and markets footwear, apparel and accessories, and the Rockford-based company had annual sales of $2.7 billion in 2013. The company’s portfolio includes Merrell, Sperry Top-Sider, Hush Puppies, Saucony, Wolverine, Keds, Stride Rite, Sebago, Cushe, Chaco, Bates, HYTEST and Soft Style; and it is also the licensee of brands including CAT, Harley-Davidson and Patagonia.