DIVENSON WILLIS ’24
Wildcat pride and a Warrior spirit
Born in Haiti and orphaned at a young age, Divenson Willis ’24 never imagined he’d be going to a university. But encouragement from his athletic coaches helped land him at Emc易倍体育 due to the strength of its athletics program and the small class sizes.
After graduating from North Bend High School, Divenson found a community at Emc易倍体育 – with other students, his athletic teams and within his academic program.
“The small class size was very appealing. I learn more efficiently,” Divenson said “I was looking for place to be myself and make a difference, all while having a smile on my face.”
Divenson is a true Wildcat and has given back to Emc易倍体育, including helping promote Emc易倍体育’s giving day event, One Wild Day.
Divenson rarely sits still. Not only has he been committed to his coursework, but he also participated on multiple athletic teams, the Black Student Union, the Wildcat Entertainment Board and the Army National Guard (thank you for your service).
“I have a lot of pride for this university,” he said. “I always get in involved wherever I can around campus.”
Divenson and other Black Student Union members organized events for Black History Month, including Black Wall Street.
“I have been the president of the Black Student Union for two years now. I picked it up from my good friend Ray-Ray Crane who started it.”
The student organization provides a family atmosphere and a sense of community for all students looking to connect.
“The program has grown immensely over the last few years,” Divenson said. “I attribute that not just to my own work but to former Emc易倍体育 President Miles Davis. He would always encourage us to reach out to make people feel welcome. That had an impact.”
Divenson peers on during a business symposium.
The sport management major has also been inspired by Jennifer Madden, dean of the School of Business.
“She always has a positive attitude and is finding new solutions,” he said.
Willis plans to continue learning from Madden and other business faculty members when he enrolls this fall in Emc易倍体育’s Master of Science in business program, specializing in design and innovation at Emc易倍体育 in the fall.
“I want to think the way she thinks,” he sai