Davenport honors the name and inspiration of Russell W. Davenport, the distinguished twentieth century Editor of Fortune Magazine, US presidential campaign manager, author, and pioneering social thinker. Russell Davenport wrote hundreds of progressive articles on business practices, the environment, social renewal and ethical individualism, with a vision far ahead of his time.

His ideas are described in his seminal book, “The Dignity of Man”. As Russell Davenport wrote, “the heroes of this world are men and women who have combated their environment and society, on behalf of inner convictions.” He advocated social consciousness in the economic sector, harmonizing capital formation with labor and environmental rights, using associative principles of cooperation, and supporting a free culture.