Ambrose Davis, recruiter for Penn
Ambrose C. Davis, 71, of Powelton Village, director of international recruitment and development at the University of Pennsylvania, died of a cerebral hemorrhage Sept. 30 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Ambrose C. Davis, 71, of Powelton Village, director of international recruitment and development at the University of Pennsylvania, died of a cerebral hemorrhage Sept. 30 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
"Students adored Ambrose," interim dean of admissions Erik Kaplan said. "Gifts he brought to the university endure in the internationalism he cultivated."
Born in Lucky Hill, Saint Mary, Jamaica, Dr. Davis came to the United States after high school. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1966, a master's in international relations in 1968, and a doctorate in higher education administration in 1982, all from Penn.
In 1975, Dr. Davis was named director of international and transfer students. He traveled several months each year to recruit students from all over the world. Then - not only a talent scout, but also a problem manager - he helped them with the details of admissions, immigration, and life in a new country. Penn's percentage of international students rose from 1 percent in 1979 to 13 percent in 2007, thanks to his efforts.
In 1971, Dr. Davis married Najama Alam, who was born in Bangladesh. They raised a daughter, Kaya Davis Murray.
"He always made room in our home for a hungry traveler, a sojourning student, or a new friend found in his journeys," his daughter said. "Our family had a strong center with porous edges. He not only inspired the university, but changed it."
In addition to his wife and daughter, Mr. Davis is survived by two sisters.
Services were Saturday.
Memorial donations may be made to the University of Pennsylvania, Ambrose C. Davis Scholarship Fund, in care of Joanne Hanna, 3451 Walnut St., Room 634-B, Philadelphia 19104-6285.