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IDEA Accelerate Technology Speeds Ahead at 55th Auto Show PAGE 4 THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY WINTER 2018-2019 IDEA ON THE COVER: The 2018 Auto Show emphasized how technology is accelerating the car buying experience for Automobiles have always been an important customers. PHOTO CREDIT: part of the Northwood experience, even as Robert Spears Photography we have grown into a diverse, well-rounded university. This issue of IDEA magazine illustrates some of the ways the University benefits from our many connections to the auto industry. MISSION STATEMENT We develop the future leaders of For instance, General Motors employees have exciting avenues for a global, free-enterprise society. professional advancement through our customized GM Executive Master PURPOSE STATEMENT of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.) program. This issue also features To develop leaders, managers, a profile of an alumnus who co-founded a multi-million-dollar company and entrepreneurs with the that helps dealerships sell vehicles, as well as three graduates who character and skills to drive personal, organizational, and have been listed by a national publication among the auto industry’s top societal success. young leaders. CORE VALUES STATEMENT Probably most familiar to alumni is the Northwood University We believe in: International Auto Show. The 2018 edition of this treasured tradition was • The advantages of an entrepreneurial, free-enterprise a huge success, and the magazine provides an in-depth recap of the society many activities around campus during the dramatic weekend. • Individual freedom and individual responsibility Finally, this issue also features a list of the people, families, and • Functioning from a foundation institutions that provided financial support to Northwood in the past of ethics and integrity year. Thank you to each and every one of you for your generosity and for • Promoting and leveraging the global, diverse, and multi- supporting “The Northwood Idea.” cultural nature of enterprise Keith A. Pretty, J.D. Northwood University is committed to a policy President and CEO of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, gender, color, [email protected] religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability or veteran status. The University also is committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination. Northwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 2 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea IDEA CONTENTS 4 Accelerate Technology Speeds Ahead at 55th Auto Show 8 On the Rise Three Grads Make Automotive News List of 40 Under 40 10 Alumni in Action 12 automotiveMastermind German Native Turns NU Degree into a Springboard to the Big Time 2018 Auto 6 14 Family Album Show Gala 18 In Memoriam Richard DeVos 19 GM and Northwood Natural Partners for E.M.B.A. Program 20 Freshmen Invited to #lead 22 Donor Honor Roll 44 Parents in Action How the Parent Association Sets Northwood Apart 46 Students Test Drive the Tech Side of Auto Industry Campus Updates 48 Athletes in Action 47 North Village Housing and Founders Garden Faculty Briefs Construction Builds 50 Excitement WINTER 2018-2019 3 Technology Speeds Ahead at 55th Auto Show Technology was front and “Accelerate,” the theme of the 2018 mobility, autonomous cars, and NUIAS, revved the twin engines vehicle-to-vehicle communication center at the 2018 Northwood of progress in today’s automotive – are propelling the industry faster University International Auto industry: speeding ahead of than ever. So we featured these competition plus integrating cutting- advancements throughout the show in Show (NUIAS). The students edge technology in all aspects of obvious and subtle ways.” automotive performance. who planned and ran the Auto NU Tech, a new addition to the “One of the challenges we face in show, demonstrated how computer Show found many exciting carrying on the show’s 55-year legacy applications have become integral is keeping it fresh and relevant each to connecting dealerships with their ways to bring to campus the year. For 2018, we expanded the customers. The technology of NU technological innovations show by adding more teams and Tech helped visitors learn about vehicles, and we received even more vehicles in a new way. Team members that are accelerating the auto support from manufacturers,” said Ali accessed information instantly and Nasrallah, general chair of the NUIAS were able to send it to any phone industry and shaping its future. executive board. “Technology and or email address using a program innovation – such as virtual reality, donated by MAXDigital, a software WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 OCTOBER 11 OCTOBER 12 OCTOBER 13 Auto Show Open House Executive Panel Auto Show Gala Black Tie Dance Thursday Night Preview NUIAS 2018 Ribbon Unveiling of Colestock Cutting Courts 4 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea and mobile applications developer “Accelerate” also reflected the way for the automotive industry. Other experiential learning helps advance examples of technology featured at students’ educations and future the show included Tesla, Inc., a first- careers. More than 500 students from time participant; several interactive all curriculums participated in a variety programs that engaged guests; and a of ways, including planning and distracted driver computer simulation. logistics, marketing and advertising, NU Tech’s success validates the booth design and visitor interaction, NUIAS executive board’s five-year and hospitality and fashion. plan to implement it fully into future auto shows. “Working on the Auto Show is demanding and a lot of fun, but also Another success of NUIAS, the largest extremely valuable. What’s amazing outdoor auto show in North America, is the way employers view show Homecoming: From was the growth of the Aftermarket participation,” said Nasrallah. “They division. This year it expanded to are not just looking at experience. Stadium to Streetscape include 31 exhibitors from a wider They also look for progression of skills Saturday’s game was a sweet reward variety of specialties. Visitors saw and ability to collaborate. The Auto for loyal Northwood football fans. more vehicles of all types, including Show is an opportunity to gain all of (And who isn’t a fan at Homecoming?) a Polaris Slingshot® three-wheel that and more.” Hantz Stadium filled with cheers as the motorcycle, in the exhibits. Seeing the Timberwolves scored a 30-22 victory numerous possibilities to upgrade and against Davenport University, handing personalize vehicles fueled renewed them their first loss of the season. interest in this section of the show. The wave of Northwood pride continued into the evening as alumni and friends gathered under a large party tent in downtown Midland. The winning combination of “Festifall” and the annual Woody’s Taproom gave Northwood alumni a chance to experience Midland’s newly renovated, festival-friendly streetscape while enjoying refreshments and entertainment. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 Northwood University Alumni Hockey Game Men’s Soccer Tailgate Game Homecoming Football Alumni Basketball Game Farewell Brunch Game Athletic Hall of Fame Founders Garden Dedication Woody’s Taproom Women’s Tennis Match Classic Car Show Kids Day WINTER 2018-2019 5 2018 AUTO SHOW Gala Great friends, great venue, and great entertainment came together for a great cause at the annual Auto Show Gala. To help accelerate our future, Gala guests and sponsors, including presenting sponsor CDK Global, mixed fun and purpose to raise record-breaking funds for Northwood’s Alumni Legacy Endowed Scholarship and Town & Campus Endowed Scholarship. New and Record-Breaking “We were all extremely pleased with the students’ efforts and engagement,” said Ashleigh Summers, The Midland Center for the Arts, a new venue for director of Signature Programs & Special Gifts. the Gala, hosted the event and 250-plus alumni, “They gained invaluable hands-on experience, donors, friends, and community members who a foundation of a Northwood education. And broke attendance and fundraising records set last they had an exceptional opportunity to meet and year. The more than $120,000 raised will provide network with alumni, board members, and friends financial support to enterprising Northwood students, from the community on Friday night.” including several eligible children of our alumni. Special thanks go to our dedicated 2018 Gala Increased student participation was a valuable focus chairs, Chris and Kelly, for all their hard work and at this year’s Gala. Chris (’02) and (’03 M.B.A.) and many contributions to a successful evening. In Kelly Chandler (Lewis) (’02), our Gala chairs, invited addition, we appreciate our committee members’ students to play a meaningful role in the event. From dedication that revved up enthusiasm, fun, and early planning to working with sponsors to parking fundraising for our students. cars, 23 Northwood students were integral to the event’s success. 6 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea 2018 Auto Show Gala Committee Members Grant Baidas (’10) Chris Chandler (’02 and ’03 M.B.A.) Kelly Chandler (’02) Auto Show Gala Mark Foster (’04) chairs Chris and Rick Guirlinger (’11 M.B.A.) Kelly Chandler Sabrina Hitchcock (’04) Kelley LaFontaine (NU parent) Terri McNutt (’07) and (’15 M.B.A.) Pam Nash (’86) Dan Reimer (’98) “We strive to create