Turning Community into Family

Junior digital media major Davionne Jakes ’27 is a storyteller. He aspires to create a television series one day — maybe even star in it. For now, he’s writing the opening chapters of his own story at Elmhurst University.

Continuing the Family Legacy

Although he has deep family ties to Elmhurst, Jakes didn’t set out to simply follow in the footsteps of his brother, uncle, aunt and niece. He initially wanted to go to a large HBCU and have that unique experience. In the end, though, his family’s connection to Elmhurst and the chance to join the inclusive, diverse community he’d already heard so much about drew him in.

“I wasn’t seeking out Elmhurst, but it ended up just crossing past,” Jakes said.

It would turn out to be a perfect match. Jakes has blossomed at Elmhurst — and he, in turn, has elevated the campus experience for everyone else through various leadership roles.

During Jakes’ admission interview, an unexpected invitation to join the United Scholars program sealed the deal. He was able to secure a full ride to Elmhurst through the program, a benefit he couldn’t pass up.

Jakes is now the latest in his family to be a Bluejay, joining brother L. Bernard Jakes ’97, who’s now a University trustee; niece Erika Jakes ’20, MBA ’22; uncle Quincy Banks ’00; and aunt Leslie Banks ’01, who also is a trustee.

Creating a New Family

Beyond its financial support, the United Scholars program provided something else every first-year student needs: community. During his first days as a United Scholar, Jakes bonded with a group of friends right away — the result of Elmhurst’s careful attention to easing students into life at a university.

“Some of my closest friends are United Scholars,” he said. “It was our orientation day. I just ended up hitting it off right off the bat with them.”

Once he was on campus his freshman year, Jakes had no problem building on the lessons of orientation and creating a new family in this community. He successfully ran for Student Government Association president; he is vice president for Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; and he’s a member of the Black Student Union, Art Club, Origami Club and Superhero Club. These supportive experiences allow Jakes to build his confidence as a leader — something that will stay with him throughout his academic and professional career.

Jakes also has taken on several jobs on campus, including working the front desk at the Office of Student Involvement; with the Office of Conference and Event Services; and at the Frick Center.

“Being involved on campus helps out a lot,” he said. “I feel like that’s where some of those key moments when friends are made, when you’re staying up late just hanging out, having fun as a college student. Because I think that’s one of the key things people want to do as a college
student, just have fun, instead of always being surrounded by things you have to do, priorities or homework or situations at home.”

Growing Personally and Academically

Jakes calls Cureton Hall home these days — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I really love living on campus,” he said. “I’m definitely one of those people — roll out of the bed and just wake up, walk to class — and it’s been really great having that option.”

Campus living provides a carefree haven from things that bring you down, he said, allowing him to flourish physically and mentally.

That spirit of wraparound support and hospitality extends to his academic life too. Jakes credits his professors with helping him succeed in the classroom — and beyond.

“Every class I’ve taken, I feel supported,” he said. “Hands down, if I’ve ever had a question or I wasn’t certain about something or even me asking for a retake, more than likely my professor has been helping me out with no hesitation.”

Jakes had good things to say about several professors whose classes he “really loved”: Kaitlin Creadon, professor of digital media; John Klein, program director of digital media; Thomas Salek, professor of communication; and Samuel Rush, senior lecturer in the Department of English.

“Rush was amazing,” Jakes said. “I feel like every student should have a Rush when they’re first sent to Elmhurst. He was definitely one of those helping us along the way.”

Jakes felt cared for and looked after, with Rush offering advice on classes or an encouraging word now and then, helping him grow more confident in himself.

He also said the small class sizes were a huge help.

“Being able to come here and only 15 people in your classroom and everybody’s more than likely to have the same question,” Jakes said. “You being able to be heard, you being able to speak up and the teacher actually being able to listen to your question and not try to go past it just because they have a lecture going on — they’ll actually stop.”

He’s found further support in the Office of Student Involvement, where he experienced levels of care and attention that seemed to know no bounds.

“Everybody in that office can help you out in some way or another,” Jakes said. “And if they can’t help you directly, they can send you to somebody that can help you. Everybody in the office is willing to share any knowledge that they know or have to make your life or college life better.”

Writing His Future Stories

Looking to the future, Jakes has aspirations to be executive producer or actor in the film and TV industry, a path that would likely take him back to the city where he was born: Los Angeles. His dream is to create and star in a TV series like Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning actress, writer, producer and comedian known for creating, co-writing, and executive producing the hit comedy Abbott Elementary. He wants to produce content that “not only entertains but also inspires” and “reflects real, meaningful experiences.”

As part of the film and TV track of the digital media major, Jakes has taken acting classes but hasn’t yet taken the dive into theater.

When he graduates, he says he can see himself working at Cinespace Chicago studios before moving on to fulfill his dreams of working in Los Angeles. No matter where he ends up, he knows the timeless knowledge he acquired at Elmhurst will be with him every step of the way.

“Elmhurst is just going to look out for you at the end of the day,” Jakes said. “When I talk to people that have graduated, they always say Elmhurst was like the best decision for them. Long-term, it taught them leadership skills, gave them things to walk away with, and it’s helped them out in the real world.”

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step toward your future.