Psi Upsilon - Wesleyan University

XI CHAPTER PAGE 2 Eli Arthurs '27 | Toronto, Ontario Laila Azmy '27 | Brooklyn, N.Y. Teddy Benchley '26 | NYC, N.Y. Alexis Gerwe '27 | London, England Zack Idinopulos '26 | Philadelphia, Pa. Jafar Jafar '27 | United Arab Emirates Malachi Johns '27 | Lawrence, Mass. Nina Kibria '27 | Seattle, Wash. Jade Ma '27 | Kingstown, R.I. Alloe Mak '27| North York, Ontario Gabby Mayeda '27 | Oakland, Calif. Jonathan Morgan '27 | Kingston, Jamaica Victoria Rideau-Winds '26 | West Orange, N.J. Tenzin Sangmo '27 | Brooklyn, N.Y. Ale Spivey '27 | Montclair, N.J. Miles Urban '27 | San Rafael, Calif. Miranda Yang '27 | Brooklyn, N.Y. Welcome, Spring 2024 New Members! "Joining the Xi marked an immediate shift in my life at Wesleyan. Before I pledged, I was lost without a community to support me and have my back. A brother made me feel so welcomed and loved. She took me under her wing and showed me a glimpse of what it would be like to be a part of this community—a group of people where you can be yourself and have unconditional support. I hoped to find a community of people different than me but who shared the same values of community and respect, and I have undeniably found that at Psi U." –Jack Vigue Why Did You Choose to Join the Xi? THE ENERGY OF BROTHERHOOD W esleyan University provides students with opportunities to collaborate and think broadly. David Davenport '88 remains grateful for his college experience, which included Psi Upsilon leadership roles and led to becoming a Wesleyan trustee. UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCES David and friends during his first year learned about Psi Upsilon as incoming students, and he was impressed by the young leaders he met within the Xi. From great social events and parties to group trips, David learned to balance a healthy social life with newfound responsibilities. "Xi membership enhanced my networks and friendship circles while on campus, including support for three terms on the Wesleyan Student Assembly," he said. David also became Chapter treasurer, collecting membership dues while communicating with alumni leadership about budgeting. SUSTAINABLE CITY DEVELOPMENT While David went to Wesleyan with plans to write plays about black political leadership, he subsequently pivoted to government studies and went on to work with and write speeches for David Dinkins during his mayoral campaign in New York City. After attending Columbia Business School, David led Citigroup's national community development investment business group to support economic development, affordable housing development, and the development of local businesses. David later worked for a real estate private equity fund as the first sustainability director, spearheading energy efficiency projects in many of New York City's largest multifamily buildings. Their projects, including one of the first nationally recognized "deep energy retrofits," were recognized as best in class and featured at the NYC Building Energy Exchange, founded by Richard Yancy '86. For his leadership in sustainable real estate and finance, David recently received the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Award from a NYC commercial real estate association. GOING GREEN Following community development banking and energy efficiency work, David joined the NY Green Bank as managing director. In this position, he leads the NY State's efforts to finance fully electrified buildings and energy-efficient upgrades, particularly in disadvantaged communities. "The NY Green Bank is the largest green bank in the country. We were capitalized with $1 billion 10 years ago and, acting as a revolving loan fund, have successfully delivered more than $2 billion in financing to projects alleviating gaps in New York's sustainable infrastructure markets to accelerate clean energy investments that combat climate change and deliver benefits equitably for all." STAYING CONNECTED David is a devoted Wesleyan alumnus, and he served as an alumni elected trustee for three years alongside several Xi brothers. His consideration for the role stemmed from hosting the Black Alumni Council Holiday Kwanzaa celebration at his home with his wife, bringing him closer to Wesleyan alumni leadership. "I was contacted by the Board Nominating Committee and asked if I wanted to be considered. I was not looking for it, but it was an honor and a privilege to serve." Whenever David returns to campus, he makes sure to stop by the Chapter House and enjoys hearing about current Chapter leadership and operations. David has attended several brothers' weddings while keeping regular contact with alumni like Larry Usher '89, Phill Marwill '88, Patrick McDarrah '88, Chip Nottingham '88, Tom Patricelli '88, and others from his era. David and his wife of 25 years have one son who attends Babson College. In his spare time, David enjoys listening to music, attending live shows, grilling, and watching soap operas. You can contact him at ddavenport142@verizon.net. "Psi Upsilon was a critical component to my development, and I remain appreciative of the lessons and lifelong friendships developed in the bonds." David Davenport '88 on Xi Connections, Career Responsibilities

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