IDEA

The Real Deal: MBA Students Learn What It's Like to Build a Company PAGE 4

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY FALL 2016 IDEA

ON THE COVER: Summer flew by and here we are at the L to R, Dena Lewandowski, dawn of the 2016/17 academic year. Bay City,MI; Keri Wallace, Summer may seem like the ideal time Detroit, MI; Richard La Feirs, to unwind and relax, yet the campus at Sterling Heights, MI; Li Kwa Northwood University was more dynamic Williams, Beverly Hills, MI; than ever. Campus buzzed with the sounds and Phoebe-Anne Muchilwa, Dallas, TX. of renovation as work continued on facility and infrastructure improvements that will set the stage for long-term growth. Summer is also the time when our professors and program leaders turn their attention to MISSION STATEMENT identifying novel and impactful ways to enhance the educational To develop the future leaders of experiences for our learners. a global, free-enterprise society. PURPOSE STATEMENT This edition of Northwood Idea Magazine focuses on the To develop leaders, managers, significance of these strategic activities and their vital role in and entrepreneurs with the positioning Northwood for success. character and skills to drive personal, organizational, and Our cover story, for example, highlights a defining strength of societal success. Northwood’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program CORE VALUES STATEMENT – our elite capstone simulation experience. The program is a We believe in: fantastic opportunity for cohorts of NU students to mature and • The advantages of an apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their entrepreneurial, free-enterprise society MBA studies. You’ll also go on a city-by-city tour of alumni-owned • Individual freedom and businesses and meet several inspiring students. individual responsibility • Functioning from a foundation All of these vignettes offer a glimpse into our true character as of ethics and integrity a university – a character you know well as a proud supporter • Promoting and leveraging the global, diverse, and multi- of Northwood. Thank you, as always, for your loyal support of cultural nature of enterprise your alma mater. Please continue to keep in touch with me at [email protected].

Northwood University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, gender, color, Keith A. Pretty, J.D. religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, President and CEO marital status, disability or veteran status. The University also is committed to compliance with [email protected] all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination. Northwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (800-621-7440; 2 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea higherlearningcommission.org). IDEA CONTENTS 4 The Real Deal MBA Students Learn What It's Like to Build a Company

Targeted Giving 7 Project 100 Empowers Individuals

12 Campus Changes Go More than Skin Deep 14 Alumni in Action Living Life's Lessons 8 17 Internships Make for a Productive Summer

18 Destination Michigan

Professional Development with No Limits 20 Corporate and Industry Program 22 Scholarship Spotlight: Robert and Patricia Naegele

24 "Insuring" a Future Career 25 Survey Says 26 Family Album 11 A Whole New 32 Athletes in Action World Career Advancement Faculty Briefs Helps Students, 34 Alumni Find Their Future

FALL 2016 3 The Real Deal MBA Students Learn What It’s Like 1 to Build a Company

Sunshine streams through walls of glass into a glittering high- tech classroom inside the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management building. But dark clouds seem to be forming in the classroom. The 16-member management team of Olympus Enterprise Computers is fielding questions from the chairman of the board, and he isn’t satisfied with some of the answers. 2

“Are you reacting to your competitors, or are you following your mission statement?” Chairman John Grether asks the team. Olympus President Thomas Wood speaks for the Northwood students who make up the fictional company in this academic 3 simulation. He attempts to summarize the company’s intentions for the most recent reporting period, during which sales suffered a disturbing drop. “I don’t care about your intentions. Your execution is the measure of your intentions,” Grether responds calmly. “I just want to hear you guys ...” “Cry?” Wood interjects, to laughs from the rest of the team. 4 “I want to hear that you guys understand what happened,” Grether finishes. When the meeting is over, the team members do understand. They understand what happened, what they will do next, and a whole lot more.

1 John Grether, a Northwood faculty 4 Northwood faculty member Bill member serving as chairman of Olympus Bateman (baseball cap) compares Enterprise Computers, makes a point about notes about the results of the teams 5 the company’s financial statement during taking part in Simulation Week. a board meeting that took place inside the Richard DeVos Graduate School of 5 Four members of a simulation Management building during Simulation Week. team meet on a picnic table outside their Naegele Village headquarters midway 2 Grether meets with several of the through Simulation Week. organization’s leaders after a board meeting during Simulation Week. 6 Faculty and students meet together regularly during the course to 3 Students taking part in Simulation Week improve processes for building their meet with their organization chairman companies. during a working session inside a room at Naegele Village. 6

4 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Students and staff who participated in this summer's MBA capstone simulation gathered in the DeVos graduate school building for a photo.

Olympus Enterprise Computers team are assigned to serve as solely on their companies’ financial is not a real company. It is part of vice president of a division. One success. Faculty have developed a a complex market simulation that student is assigned to be president. sophisticated assessment system serves as the backbone for one of Beyond that, the teams make that values good decision making Northwood’s most unique courses. all the decisions required of an and working effectively with Known simply as Simulation Week, organization. And there are a lot teammates. it is the capstone course for all of decisions to be made, as the students pursuing a master’s computer continuously redraws the “They have to learn to work degree in business administration market landscape in response to together through the week to run on any Northwood campus. actions by all teams, demanding a successful business,” said Scott Students from across Michigan new decisions several times a day. Pontious, director of Graduate and around the country gather Programs at Northwood and a in Midland and spend six days “It’s exhausting. Your mind is veteran of Simulation Week himself. immersed in a computer-generated going at all times. There’s not “Every university has a capstone world of business opportunities and much sleep,” said Valisa Downing, course. What makes us unique is challenges. a student from Grand Rapids that we bring all of our students who served as the Olympus vice from all over the country to campus This July, 165 students took part, president of sales. “It’s been a great together. We have full-time broken into 10 teams. Faculty experience.” students, part-time students, online assign each student a role in students. No one else, that I know finance, operations, marketing The simulation is competitive, but of, offers an experience like this.” or sales. Four students in each students’ grades are not based

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FALL 2016 5 The Real Deal

For each simulated company, a one of several companies fortunate faculty member serves as board to hold its meetings in the new chairman, providing guidance Richard DeVos Graduate School but, like Grether, also holding the of Management building, an icon students accountable. of modern design and educational technology that offers students the “Part of the challenge of this ideal setting for learning. simulation is distinguishing which of the outcomes are the result of “We’ve had a lot of fun this week,” good decisions and which are just Wood said near the end of his time luck,” Grether observed. as Olympus president. “It is really intense. There’s a lot of work, but Each company sets up there have been very few times headquarters in a Naegele Village when we weren’t walking around apartment. Board meetings are smiling.” held in classrooms. Olympus was Dr. Tara Peters, second from right, faculty coordinator of the Simulation Week course, provides guidance to faculty and “Every university has a capstone course. What makes students throughout the course. us unique is that we bring all of our students from all over the country to campus together. We have full- time students, part-time students, online students. No one else, that I know of, offers an experience like this.”

– Scott Pontious, director of Graduate Programs at Northwood

6 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Targeted Giving Project 100 Empowers Individuals

There’s a new way for alumni to make an impact at Northwood University.

It’s called Project 100 and it’s a novel way for graduates to direct their giving to specific programs and initiatives on campus.

The concept is simple: 100 graduates donate $100 for a total giving amount of $10,000 per semester.

Rather than simply making a donation, as with supports the Northwood community and connects with traditional philanthropic giving, Project 100 members alumni. decide how the funds are spent. They make their choices based on student and faculty “pitches,” or “My greatest hope for the program is that it will funding requests, that cover a range of needs. A guest bring alumni closer to the university, and mainly the speaker … software for a student club … equipment students, in a giving capacity,” Waskiewicz said. “It’s for an event. Anything goes for the requests, as long as great to donate on a more personal scale, and Project they are for Northwood-approved groups and needs. 100 makes that possible, allowing alumni to directly impact a specific initiative.” “So many alumni want to be engaged with the university,” said Julie Adamczyk, executive director of Project 100 members participate in two giving cycles Alumni Relations. “Project 100 gives them something each year, donating a total of $200 annually. Donors to physically participate in and know they are making a who commit $600 are named Founding Members and bigger difference.” receive an engraved brick in Recognition Park, an area at the heart of the Midland campus that highlights Dan Waskiewicz, (’11) is part of the University’s donor names. Leadership Council. The Leadership Council reviews Project 100 proposals and selects finalists for live “Give it a few years of continued interest and growth presentations. Dan said he likes the way the program from student groups and accomplished alumni, and who knows, maybe we’ll be taking on projects in the millions!”

“It's great to donate on You can be one of the founding a more personal scale, members and join today by and Project 100 makes visiting www.northwood.edu/ that possible, allowing alumni and clicking on the NU alumni to directly impact a Project 100 link. We anticipate specific initiative.” the first $10,000 will be granted – Dan Waskiewicz, University's in the spring of 2017. Leadership Council

FALL 2016 7 Living Life's Lessons

Looking forward to new chapters in their lives and careers, Northwood graduates Julie Shields (’16) can feel confident in their ability to Julie Shields had always wanted to visit Alaska, but succeed. Grounded in a values-based never dreamed she would end up moving away from home alone for the first time to Anchorage. She did global business education and belief in know, however, that she would end up working in the power of free enterprise, Northwood sports promotion and marketing, her dream career. As alumni are creative problem-solvers the Marketing Community Engagement Associate for the Alaska Aces hockey team, Shields looks forward setting out to make a difference in the to the flexibility and opportunities that come with world, well-prepared for the challenges working for a smaller sports organization. As for the that lie ahead. Alaskan winters…she’s not worried. She’s doing what she loves and looking forward to an active alumni relationship “back home” at Northwood. This year, 1,066 Northwood students proudly joined the ranks of Northwood alumni – 351 from our traditional undergraduate program in Midland, 121 from the DeVos Graduate School of Management, and 294 graduates of our Adult Degree Programs. From Florida and Texas, we graduated another 138 and 162, respectively.

Whether traditional students embarking on a brand new career or adult learners reinventing an established career, The Northwood Idea offers every graduate principles for life.

2016 graduates Julie Shields, Juan Guerrero, and Zina Lynch are living the life they learned at Northwood. A life of learning by doing. A life of doing what they love and loving what they do.

8 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE Juan Guerrero (’16) Juan Guerrero likes being busy. As a freshman on Northwood’s Palm Beach, Florida, campus, he qualified for Northwood’s accelerated four-year Living Life's Lessons BBA/MBA track. Even with his heavy class load and extracurriculars, Guerrero worked at a hotel, managed his family’s south Florida construction company and started a computer company of his own. Then in Northwood: How did you May of 2015, Guerrero stopped working. He left his decide to make a career family and his businesses behind and headed off to in sports promotion and Midland’s DeVos Graduate School to focus on just one marketing? thing – learning business. Today, he’s picking up where Shields: Sports are a big part of my he left off, living a life he loves but with a different life. I’ve always been athletic (Shields approach in mind. played soccer for Northwood all four years), enjoying the camaraderie and team aspects of sports. Growing up I was a Northwood: How has your huge Red Wings fan, watching the games Northwood education helped you and even noticing and appreciating the develop your career? organization’s family values and what they stand for. An Entertainment, Sport & Guerrero: I love Northwood so much because Promotion Management degree was the of the connections I’ve made and the people obvious career choice for me. I couldn’t I’ve met both in Florida and in Michigan. These imagine my life without sports! are really valuable business and social connections I can use in any career, N: How did your Northwood anywhere. Northwood really makes classes prepare you for this that happen for students through career? networking events, mentoring, internships and unbelievable faculty S: I’m just starting my professional career support. and I feel totally prepared because of the hands-on, experiential learning I received N: What did graduate outside of the classroom at Northwood. school at Northwood During school, I had two internships, offer that was different one with the Saginaw Spirit and one with from your undergraduate the Meijer’s State Games of Michigan. experience? I had the chance to learn what it really takes to work in sports promotion, and I G: Philosophically, there’s a big had a lot of fun learning with the support difference between the two of instructors who helped me apply programs. As undergraduates the business lessons I learned in class we learned the basic business to the real world. Now I have practical concepts and tools. The experience and networking connections perspective in graduate that I can fall back on in my new career. school is broader with a focus on identifying root causes of problems and applying varying ideologies to solve those problems. It’s more about being able to connect with and lead people; to create a culture in which business can be successful.

– continued on next page FALL 2016 9 Living Life's Lessons Northwood: Tell us more about the organization you founded.

Lynch: I founded 2-4 Life Project as an all-volunteer non-profit organization out of a commitment to improving the lives of children and animals. We provide practical assistance to vulnerable children and animals in Uganda, East Africa. 2-4 Life provides funding for medical care, education, and support for children whose families cannot afford such luxuries. I also travel annually to Uganda to organize a community animal clinic that provides free sterilization surgery and vaccinations. In February 2016, we officially opened the 2-4 Life Project classroom at St. Steven Primary School, a school located in a remote village in Western Uganda providing educational services to over 130 children. N: What made you decide to get a business degree at this point in your career? L: Zina Lynch (’16) It was not an easy decision! I was inspired by the community volunteer work I had done and driven by my Deciding on a business degree after turning her passion to help people and animals. And, I wanted to do the very best job I could, being effective and efficient in passion into a thriving non-profit, Zina Lynch is truly achieving my goals. When I realized that my job really learning by doing … and re-doing. As the founder reflects the Northwood philosophy of commitment and of 2-4 Life Project, a volunteer organization entrepreneurship, I came to the decision with the same drive I brought to my work. working to strengthen the lives of children and animals in Uganda, she began the N: What is the most important lesson you non-profit in 2013 with little more than learned through your work at Northwood? a passion for helping homeless children L: With every class I found new tools and principles to and animals in the slums of Kampala, apply to the organization – ways I could streamline my practices and develop more effective strategies – but most Uganda. important to me, I received a lot of positive feedback from my professors. Every one of them was interested in hearing Today, she manages all business what I had created so far and in helping me further the aspects of the organization from organization. Their validation made me feel that I am on the the home she shares with her right track, no matter how spontaneous my decision was to start this organization that I love. husband and two dogs in Florida. Armed with business tools and creativity inspired by her classes at Northwood, Lynch plans to refine the business processes she adopted for the organization early-on. With a strong sense of personal responsibility and community, Lynch is truly living her passion every day.

10 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea A Whole New World Career Advancement Helps Students, Alumni Find Their Future

Once upon a time, college students spent the end of their senior year sending out bulk cover letters and résumés, hoping to stumble upon a job opening that would become a position for life.

These days, that's not at all how it works.

Technology is driving dramatic shifts in the way people and employers find each other. Northwood has been quick to understand these realities and adjust to them, which led to a name change for NU Career Services, which recently became the Career Advancement Center. This new name reflects a modern mission rooted in helping students understand themselves, what they want in life, and the best way to get it. "Our philosophy is that this is a process, it's not just a service that's here and done," said Career Advancement and Internship Coordinator Deborah Schummer. "We help students to see that it's a Career Advancement and Internship Coordinator Deborah long-term partnership, not just something you do Schummer works with Courtney Cook, a sophomore from your senior year." Ubly, Michigan, majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems, using some of the high-tech career The partnership begins soon after students arrive on planning tools that Northwood offers. campus. "Early on, we help them figure out where they are Career Advancement benefits are open to all Northwood best suited to be happy," said Gregory S. Stiffler, alumni over the course of their lives, which is especially director of Career Advancement-Michigan Campus. important in the modern world, where the average person "We never tell them, 'Don't go into this field.' But we changes employers every four years, experiences three talk about how they'll be working for about 50 years, major career changes and must weather an economic so it's important to know who they are, what makes downturn every seven to 10 years. them tick." As graduation approaches, the focus shifts to "It's a holistic approach," said Beth Bryce, director identifying employers who are likely to be a of Career Advancement-ADP & DeVos Graduate good fit, then doing what's necessary to present themselves in the best light. Toward that end, School of Management. "We're not here to help Career Advancement offers a number of services, them find a job, but to help them find a career." listed below.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT SERVICES

Myer-Briggs Tools for doing Databases of BlueLink, Feedback Interview tips, Career fairs, personality company job postings, an online on résumés training and networking assessments research including a community and other feedback events, and to align proprietary list offering employment workshops preferences of employers contacts with documents, and strengths looking an extensive including with well-suited specifically network of LinkedIn careers for Northwood Northwood profiles grads alumni and friends

FALL 2016 11 Campus Changes Go More than Skin Deep

Part of Northwood’s strategic Center and construction of the new restructuring initiative announced Richard DeVos Graduate School of Drive around the in March of 2015, these changes Management building, the physical Northwood Michigan to the Midland campus promise to growth on campus is apparent. enrich the Northwood University Improved living and learning campus and you can see experience for today’s students and spaces. Technological advances. create a path to a more sustainable Modern fitness facilities. These are the progress. Beautiful future for the university. the physical changes that enable new buildings. Lush Updating physical facilities and Northwood to attract high-caliber infrastructure ensures NU’s students and outstanding faculty landscaping. Oh, and ongoing relevance, vitality and devoted to offering students a little bit of ongoing individuality in a competitive unique and professional business market and enables Northwood perspectives. to meet its mission – to continue construction. Yet the The improved spaces strengthen providing students with a world- Northwood’s identity through a changes are more than class business education based on commitment to community and capitalism and free-enterprise. just skin deep upgrades serve as a framework for long-term In the midst of a 30-month campus development of NU’s programs, and technology tweaks. improvement effort that began paving the way for a new era of with the renovation of Bennett learning.

Campus Improvements Light Up Northwood’s Future Recently completed and ongoing improvement projects increase systems reliability, lower maintenance costs, and make Northwood’s campus safer and more comfortable. Newly Renovated High Efficiency Dorm Bathrooms in Heating and Cooling Miner and Dubois in Central Campus Residence Halls Still to Come Design and planning continues on Reliable Electrical Improved LED the fast-tracked North Village student Lighting in Buildings Power Throughout housing with apartments for 162 Campus students. Workers hope to have the new apartment building completely enclosed before the snow flies and completed next spring.

12 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea A New Home for Growing Graduate Programs May’s dedication of the Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management building unveiled another symbol of Northwood’s commitment to its mission and community. The 26,000-square-foot building raises the profile of the university, providing a fitting home for the university’s growing graduate program with, today, more than 300 students. Its custom construction and innovative design continue the legacy of local architect Alden B. Dow, complementing other campus buildings and providing flexible learning spaces designed for modern teaching. The DeVos building contributes more to Northwood than just additional learning space. “There is comfort in knowing that what we do here today will continue to resonate for many years to come,” said Keith Pretty, Northwood’s President and CEO. “This building will stand strong as an icon of advanced learning, and the many students who pass through these doors will go out into the world with an equally strong foundation, willing and able to build a world of freedom and prosperity.”

FALL 2016 13 Alumni Northwood alumni and friends gather around the country to recognize fellow graduates and enjoy a variety of fun in Action activities in the summer sun.

Northwood alumni and their families enjoyed a favorite Northwood held its annual Northwood Night at the West pastime during Northwood Alumni Night at the Great Michigan Whitecaps game on June 28, 2016. Lakes Loons game in Midland.

The Northwood Lansing Alumni Chapter gathered on On July 29, the Northwood Chicago Alumni Chapter hosted June 14 for Northwood Night at the Lansing Lugnuts its annual Rooftop Outing during a Chicago Cubs game. baseball game.

On July 29, the Northwood Southeast Michigan Alumni Chapter hosted its annual Detroit Tigers outing attended by 135 Northwood alumni and friends. After a pre-game tailgate party at the Detroit Athletic Club, the group headed to the game to watch the Tigers capture a win.

14 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea The 25th Annual Northwood University Scholarship Golf Outing was held on June 13. Northwood alumni and friends filled the course and raised just over $9,000 for the Northwood Alumni Legacy Endowed Scholarship.

FALL 2016 15 Alumni in Action FLORIDA

On May 4, the Northwood Florida Alumni Chapter hosted two events to welcome the last graduating class from the Florida campus to the “Northwood Alumni Network,” a networking event held the night before commencement and a post-commencement reception on campus. Our warm appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to our distinguished alumni.

The Florida Alumni Chapter held a meet and greet in July at Roger Dean Stadium during the Palm Beach Cardinals game. TEXAS

The Fort Worth Program Center staff and faculty hosted a commencement celebration dinner at the Botanic Gardens Conservatory for the 2016 graduating class of 47 students. The event featured keynote speaker Capt. Mike Steffen, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base (JRB), and had a record attendance of 120 alumni and friends. Also in attendance were Dr. Terry Silva, Academic Dean, and Mike Anguiano, Director of Military Operations. The Fort Worth Program Center, a military- friendly institution of higher learning, has been located on the Naval Air Station JRB for more than 30 years.

The Northwood Texas Alumni Group hosted a Career Transition seminar with Northwood career coach Beth Bryce in Arlington on July 28. Later that evening, 56 Northwood alumni and friends hosted “Northwood Night” in a suite at the Texas Rangers game.

16 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Internships Make for a Productive Summer

Northwood is all about providing hands-on learning and mentoring for students, and summer internships are a great way for industrious students to gain valuable career experience. Meet two undergraduate student interns whose summer jobs are helping them get a feel for the business world.

Learning the Ropes It All Adds Up for Accounting Intern by Pulling the Strings The first two years of Connor Foley’s college career Even as a little girl, Emily Bagwell wanted to be in were spent at a state university pursuing a medical show business – with the emphasis on business. degree. Among the things he learned was that he needed to find something else to study. “I always enjoyed acting and singing, and I liked going to shows,” said Bagwell, a graduate student from “After two years, I just realized that the medical field is Plymouth. “Whenever I would go to a concert or show not for me. I couldn’t picture myself doing it the rest of my with my dad, he would point out all the different jobs life,” Foley recalled. “So I just kind of picked everything up that were involved in putting it on.” and came to Northwood to study business. And it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” So it was natural for Bagwell to pursue a degree in entertainment and sports management. And Foley is a senior from Bay City, majoring in accounting. her education has been enhanced by a series of He is working this summer as an intern at LifeChest, internships, including a position this summer with a small company based in the Detroit suburb of Troy Temple Theatre in Saginaw. Bagwell fills a range that markets unique furniture products. of roles, from selling tickets and ushering to recruiting sponsors and “I handle a lot of the financials. I work with booking talent. QuickBooks, I do a financial report every day, profit and loss, projections. I just “I’ve learned a lot about how finished a three-year sales projection,” the process works, booking the Foley said. “The senior accountant has talent, how to make calls and given me a longer leash as I’ve how to make sales,” said gone along.” Bagwell, who earned her NU bachelor’s degree in Foley works under the 2015 and is completing watchful eye of a senior a master’s in business accountant, performing administration this many of the tasks summer. that students learn about in class. “You can read about how to put on an One more thing event, or how to he’s learned during market a venue,” his internship: there Bagwell said, “but won’t be any need for until you are actually another career change. in that situation, you “This seals the deal that this don’t really know how is what I want to do for the rest to do it.” of my life,” Foley said.

FALL 2016 17 Destination: COPPER HARBOR Michigan Travel the backroads of Michigan and Mike & Catie Batcke enjoy a tour of the state's unique and (BBA ’01, MBA ’02) successful alumni-owned businesses.

MEARS Silver Lake Resort and Campground

Don Tucker (’00), Owner MEARS Silver Lake Resort and Campground represents, for Dan DeVos owner Don Tucker, his desire to be an entrepreneur (’80) BALDWIN and a big risk that paid off. He bought the business in 2005, and with 12 summer seasons under his belt, Tucker loves working in Michigan’s tourism industry. But, the real joy comes from building a legacy of hard work and a family business he can be proud of. As he honed his business skills at Northwood in Marketing/ Management, he benefitted most from internalizing the Northwood Idea, promoting hard work and ethics, and GRAND RAPIDS seeing the direct link his professors had with real-world businesses. The relationships he developed during his four years at Northwood remain his most important Mike Gross (’03) personal and business ST. JOSEPH connections today.

18 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea COPPER HARBOR Keweenaw Adventure Company

Sam Raymond (’92), Owner/Operator Sam Raymond bought the Keweenaw Adventure Company in 1999, combining the first (and only) bike shop in Copper Harbor with an existing guide/outfitter business specializing in Lake Superior sea kayaking. Inspired by his love of mountain biking and the rugged Danny Ranville (’08) beauty of Michigan’s northernmost community, Raymond accepted the challenge of changing a community’s mindset and put Copper Harbor on the “mountain bike map.” Today, designated a Silver Level Ride Center by the International Mountain MACKINAW CITY Bicycling Association, the trails rank among the top 16 trail systems in the world. Raymond says the marketing lessons he learned at Northwood – change is opportunity, look for change, "find a need and fill it" – helped him prepare for life as a small-business owner. Dick Garber And, Northwood’s philosophy (’78) of entrepreneurship in a free market society has always been a driving force in his business development.

Bill Parlberg DETROIT (BBA ’08, MBA ’00) SAGINAW Paxahau

FRANKENMUTH Jason Huvaere (’91), Owner For Jason Huvaere, it’s always been about the music. LANSING GRAND Paxahau began in 1993 as a passion project between RAPIDS friends who loved Detroit’s culture and electronic music scene. Huvaere originally launched the company DETROIT as an online source for music. Now Paxahau produces ideal listening events throughout the Detroit area to showcase the best creative talent in the electronic music industry, such as the 10-year running Movement Electronic Music Festival in Hart Plaza. Travis Stoliker Nico Gatzaros (’01) The music industry is tough. Huvaere (’08) credits his experience at Northwood with giving him the courage to dream big and build a business around his passion.

FALL 2016 19 Professional Development with No Limits Corporate and Industry Education Program

Companies who seek tailored, Empowering Ways to Grow relevant, results-oriented professional development for Employees Like its partners and their employees, Northwood welcomes their employees are turning to As many companies and growth. The Corporate and Industry Northwood’s Corporate and organizations have discovered, Education program embraces new Industry Education program. education empowers employees directions and topics that enhance and adds value in today’s The sky’s the limit in terms of learning and challenge the status competitive marketplace. The options and opportunities for this quo. In addition, Northwood’s Corporate and Industry Education program, which is why hundreds professional development program works with individual of employers have worked with opportunities build employee businesses and groups to develop Northwood to create custom- dedication and motivation by targeted educational opportunities designed learning opportunities for enhancing job satisfaction, that create a more knowledgeable their workers. This adult-centered improving performance, and agile workforce to meet these program promotes critical thinking strengthening teamwork, and ever-changing demands. skills and personal effectiveness developing leadership skills. – while emphasizing the Companies and organizations in “Business is dynamic, so our importance of ethics and individual banking, healthcare, insurance, business education needs to responsibility. commerce industries and many be too,” Nash said. “We know others have partnered with “An exciting aspect of our employee education strengthens Northwood to offer their employees Corporate and Industry Education the workforce, encourages learning experiences through: program is that we customize innovative thinking, and advances programs to meet specific ADULT DEGREE PROGRAMS an organization’s goals. Our business and educational goals. tailored for adult learners who programs are designed to help Our aim is to make employee typically have full-time jobs enable that success.” development meaningful, doable, and an investment in the future,” EXECUTIVE AND CONTINUING said Timothy G. Nash, senior EDUCATION PROGRAMS, vice president, Strategic and including courses, seminars, “An exciting aspect of our Corporate Alliances, and director, and longer programs available in The McNair Center. “We’ve several formats, including online Corporate and Industry successfully presented a variety and onsite Education program is that of learning opportunities, from TRADITIONAL GRADUATE leadership seminars to master’s we customize programs to DEGREES to earn master of degree programs. The difference meet specific business and we offer is a world of educational business administration and master opportunities with no limits.” of science degrees educational goals. Our TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT, AND aim is to make employee CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS development meaningful, doable, and an investment in the future.”

Tim Nash, senior vice president for Strategic and Corporate Alliances and director, The McNair Center

20 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea GM Retail Professional Development Advanced Learning Programs Northwood University and General Motors have created an effective partnership that is revving employee potential in the automotive retail industry. Northwood’s customized and comprehensive program to specifically meet the needs and goals of GM’s dealerships helps develop future leaders. Curricula are designed to help GM dealership employees learn, grow, and actively apply their education to careers in the retail environment.

Business Ethics Highlighted at Leadership 2.0 Leadership 2.0 presented by Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket is the industry's go- to educational program designed to develop visionary aftermarket executives. Students represent an array of aftermarket companies at all levels of the industry. In August, the first session of Leadership 2.0 put business ethics in the spotlight. Guest speaker David Bazetta discussed the ways that business success and business ethics are compatible and essential to building trust and relationships.

FALL 2016 21 SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT In Memory of Robert and Patricia Naegele

Three decades ago, Robert and Patricia Naegele invited a few international students who were far from their homes to dinner. That invitation was the start of an exceptional and lasting relationship with Northwood University. The Naegeles’ early imprint deepened over the years and continues to support our students and educational mission today. Their dedication to students, from fulfilling academic dreams to providing everyday comforts, imbued their generosity with a personal and distinctive touch. Bob and Pat shared treasure in all forms, especially in the way they gave their time and wisdom to students one-on-one. As Pat Naegele said in a 2005 interview, “Our love affair with Northwood began in getting to know students. We really felt as though we were able to have an impact on their lives.”

Their impact is far-reaching, even economic growth in communities For the Recipients though Bob died in 2000 and Pat in throughout the state. His interest 2015. The Naegeles’ commitment, in learning and business began Paige Podskalny, now imparted through several in the Czech Republic where an East Jordan, scholarships, has enabled more he was born and raised. While Mich., junior than 60 students to pursue a tennis scholarship brought majoring in their Northwood educations by him to Northwood, Bob and Pat Fashion Marketing defraying tuition and other college Naegele helped make a new and Management, expenses. The Naegele Scholarship country and foreign culture feel knows that for International Students and more like home. He and his wife, Northwood’s in-depth classes and the Dr. Patricia Naegele Fashion Jana Chotivkova (’00), both experiences are giving her the skills Marketing/Management Endowed credit the Naegeles for taking needed for her career in the fashion Scholarship are just two examples a personal and caring interest industry. The two years of support of the many scholarships that were in them and supporting their she received from the Dr. Patricia funded during their lifetimes and academic dreams. Naegele Fashion Marketing/ additional scholarships recently Management Endowed Scholarship created by Pat’s generous bequest. “Bob and Pat had an incredible have freed her financially to impact on my life. They are undertake tremendous learning For Alumni one of the main reasons I am opportunities like serving as the where I am today. Beyond the Style Vice Chair for the 2017 NU Pavel Konecny scholarship that allowed me to Style Show. (BBA ’96, MBA ’98) pursue my MBA, they gave me is thriving in his unconditional support as I began “I am incredibly grateful and career as senior my life in the U.S. They listened, honored that I received the vice president and shared invaluable advice, and scholarship. The remarkable corporate treasurer helped me navigate a business support has made it possible for at Chemical Bank in world that was completely me to get an excellent education in Midland, Mich. He foreign to me. They were like a field that excites and motivates enjoys being part of my parents away from home. me. I’m so glad I chose Northwood. a corporation that The Naegeles’ tremendous And as I’ve learned more about Dr. helps fuel positive generosity helped both me and Patricia Naegele, I can see that we my wife earn a world-class share a lot of the same qualities. education without an undue I strive to excel, give to others, financial burden.” and be a contributing part of my community, just like she did.”

22 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Planned Giving 101

Planned gifts, which are often an important part of estate planning, provide significant support for Northwood and our students as we continue to develop leaders and entrepreneurs through a unique free- enterprise education. In addition, planned giving offers donors attractive advantages, such as increased financial flexibility, reduced tax burden, and even business succession plans. Northwood welcomes gifts through many different planned giving vehicles including these common ones: BEQUESTS are one of the easiest donations Patricia Naegele was a long-time to make. Legal advisors can help specify supporter of Northwood University. in a will that a gift be made to Northwood University as part of an estate plan. CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES feature a contract between donors and For Northwood Northwood University agreeing to the transfer of property, assets, or cash to the While they were alive, the University in exchange for a fixed income. Naegeles’ boundless generosity – of their time, wisdom, caring, CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVERS and financial support – made allow individuals age 70-1/2 or older to the difference for hundreds of make gifts to Northwood directly from Northwood students. And they their IRA and benefit in the same year will continue to reach thousands by excluding the donated amount (up to more through the scholarships that $100,000) from their gross income. carry their names. However, Bob and Pat’s enduring legacy is that, along with scholarship recipients like Pavel Konecny and Paige Podskalny, every individual who attends Northwood benefits from Are you interested in their student-centered, forward- thinking philanthropy. including Northwood “We are blessed to honor Bob University as part of and Pat’s legacy by continuing your estate plan? to provide a focused educational Contact Justin Marshall, Vice environment where their scholarships can make a genuine President of Advancement and difference in students’ lives,” said Alumni Relations, 989-837-4279 or Justin Marshall, Vice President [email protected]. of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “The entire Northwood family misses them. But we are reminded daily of their influence through the smiles of scholarship recipients and the success of alumni who benefitted from their kindness and unique selflessness.”

FALL 2016 23 More Than Just a Game Besh Part of Pokémon Go Craze After graduating from Northwood in 2007, management major Linda Besh started her traditional career as a financial analyst for a conventional Japanese company. But, it didn’t stick. Today, developing events for the reality game Ingress and planning future Pokémon Go events for game developer Niantic, Inc., 54-year-old Besh is anything but traditional. In her spare time, Besh began playing the geospatial reality game Ingress. “I saw Ingress as a big sandbox where I could try different approaches to motivating people, so I started playing. A lot.” By the time she left her day-job in 2013, Besh’s international reputation as an Ingress leader and community-builder had grown and she was named to the “Elite V,” one of the top five players in the world. Her prize? A trip to Google headquarters where she presented her leadership approach and community building ideas, and two months later, received a job offer. Besh now has the kind of job many people just dream about. When she’s not out meeting fellow community-builders or exploring a new city, she works from her home in Plymouth, Mich., connecting to coworkers and planning upwards of 1,000 local and global events for gamers each year. “I’ve heard people say that if you’re not a Stanford or UC Berkeley graduate, you won’t get a job in the gaming industry,” Besh said, “but I’m living proof that a Michigan college graduate can compete. The Northwood Idea taught me about creating community. I apply it every day when I deal with people, on the job and off.” “Insuring” a Future Career Strategic Community Partnership Offers Unique Experience for Young Students

True to its mission of developing the world’s future leaders by matching hard working students with career development opportunities, this fall Northwood enters into a new strategic community partnership in mid-Michigan.

Working with Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance and two mid-Michigan school districts, Northwood has become part of a statewide effort to address a critical need for future talent in Michigan’s growing insurance industry. According to Bryan Gilleland, executive and senior vice president of Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company, the effort, coordinated by Insuring MI Future, allows high school students in Tuscola and Saginaw counties to earn credits from their high school and from Northwood University simultaneously for a head start on a career in insurance. “Many high school students are simply not familiar with the variety of career opportunities in the insurance field,” said Gilleland. “This innovative program offers young students a first-hand look at a career in insurance,” said Gilleland. “It also funnels career professionals into an industry facing a severe talent shortage.”

24 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Northwood alumni recently had a chance to share their opinions about their university perceptions and experiences through the 2016 Alumni Attitude Study. Nearly 700 graduates responded, helping Northwood identify trends and attitudes to keep on the forefront of their planning. Results showed that well-rounded Northwood students exceeded the national average in … Participation in professional or career-related Says… events (36 percent vs. 32 percent) Involvement in community service (32 percent vs. 25 percent)

Source: 2016 Alumni Attitude Study Participation in intercollegiate athletics (15 percent vs. 9 percent) Here’s what Northwood alumni had to say

It’s your business… If you had it to do over again...

56% 34% consider own all or part of yourselves your own business % 91rate your decision to attend entrepreneurs Northwood good or great

You are most loyal to…

The Northwood Your major at The campus A favorite A student Northwood University as an Northwood you attended faculty organization 1Idea institution2 3 4 member5 6

You are great supporters of the Northwood Idea… Social Media Northwood alumni use social media to interact with

22% 32% Northwood and of the survey have never fellow grads respondents contribute donated but plan to 20% more than the to Northwood financially national average. and plan to continue

What you want as alumni:

Continued Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities To provide career to serve as to network with to mentor leadership by assistance ambassadors other alumni students serving on boards and committees

FALL 2016 25 Family Album Access to Northwood University alumni information, and usage of it, should be conducted in an ethical and lawful manner. Use of alumni contact information for personal gain, commercial use, or solicitation is strictly prohibited.

System in Naples, Fla. Suzanne 1960s 1970s was active at Northwood University Reinhardt Lange, William Woodworth, as a member of the following: Phi MI ’68, MI ’73, Chi Theta, Inter-Sorority Council, A.A., Business Management, is B.B.A., Business Management, Lambda Chi Omega and an the owner/CPA of Reinhardt Lange is retired from his own company, Accounting alumni. Suzanne is CPA in Bridgeport, Conn. Reinhardt William Woodworth Interior Design. married to Chuck and they have is married to Merlee and they have He resides in Lansing, Mich. a daughter: Erin, and a son, Chad [email protected] two children: Kimberly and Michael. who passed away in 2010, plus a They reside in Fairfield, Conn. grandson, Bryce, 11. They reside in [email protected] Allan Altman, MI ’79, B.B.A., Naples, Fla. Management, is a gemologist at [email protected] Dennis Davey, IN ’68, B.B.A., Altman Appraisals in Dallas, Ga. Management, is retired from various Allan is married to Courtney and Jean-Francois Brault, MI management positions in Shell they have a daughter, Danielle, 21. ’81, A.A., Automotive Marketing, Canada, in Calgary, Canada. Dennis They reside in Dallas, Ga. is the owner of Brault Automobiles [email protected] played Men’s Club Hockey and was in Greenfield Park, Quebec, a member of the Theta Gamma Joseph Scribellito, Michigan Canada. Jean-Francois was in the Epsilon fraternity while he attended Outreach ’79, B.B.A., Management, Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity while Northwood University. Dennis is is retired and living in San Tan attending Northwood. He is married married to Wendy and they have Valley, Ariz. to Johanne and they have three two daughters; Marcie, who is [email protected] children: Lian, 17; William-Thomas, married to Mike Kirchmair and they 15, and Juliette, 15. They reside have two children; and Jodi, who in St-Basile le Grand, Quebec, is married to Nico Cape and they Canada. Northwood was a great have three children. Dennis and 1980s experience! I met a lot of quality Wendy reside in Burlington, Ontario, people who I’ve been in contact Canada. Immensely enjoyed my 4 F. William “Bill” Allen, Jr., with for the past 35 years. years at Northwood..... Professors/ MI ’80, B.B.A., Accounting, is the [email protected] instructors who taught with president and CEO of the Midland Richard “Rick” A. Bregger, knowledge & humor to keep our Business Alliance in Midland, Mich. attention! My guiding light at Shell During his time at Northwood MI ’81, B.B.A., Marketing/ Canada for 34 years… Fraternity University, Bill played Baseball and Management with a minor in brothers ... Theta Gamma Epsilon/ Golf. Bill is married to Stacie and Accounting, is a self-employed Greek Week... WHOAA! Fellow he has four children; Ethan, Emma, pension consultant. Rick is married alumni, "our first hockey team! Just Parker and Jaxon. They reside in to Lori (Wolfgang) (MI ’81) and great memories ... to all thanks!! Midland, Mich. they have two children: Ethan, 27, Enjoying the warmth of winters in [email protected] and Emily, 22. They reside in Salt Florida and AZ ...... warmest regards Lake City, Utah. My son R. Ethan is Suzanne (Golder) Slaght, also a Northwood Graduate and is to all I met and associated with. [email protected] MI ’81, B.B.A., Accounting, is currently enrolled in the Executive the director of reimbursement & MBA program. revenue cycle for NCH Healthcare [email protected]

26 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea FAMILY ALBUM

Charles Horvath, MI Outreach Steve Cerny, MI ’88, B.B.A., Donna Wong, TX ’96, B.B.A., ’81, B.B.A., Management, is retired Management with minors in Management, is a tax specialist 1 from the State of Michigan. Charles Automotive Marketing and for Florida Department of Revenue is married to Carol and they have Accounting. Steve was a Chi in West Palm Beach, Fla. Donna two children; Jennifer Choiniere Alpha Mu and was on the Auto has two children: Michaela and and Elites, born August 31, 1967, Show executive board as the Caleb. They reside in West Palm and passed away September 17, domestic chair in 1987. Steve is Beach, Fla. 1983. They reside in Melbourne the managing partner for WSC [email protected] . Beach, Fla Strategies in Wixom, Mich. He Annette Rummel, [email protected] is married to Kelley (Draper) (MI Midland, MI ’97, B.B.A., Management, is Don Corder, ’88) and they have two children; MI ’82, B.B.A., Morgan, 21 and Trenton, 19. the CEO of the Great Lakes Bay Marketing/Management, is the They reside in Wixom, Mich. Regional Convention & Visitors president of The Provisum Group Recently my business partner and Bureau in Saginaw, Mich. Annette in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. While I have formed WSC Strategies. is married to William and they attending Northwood University, We offer a variety of services to reside in Frankenmuth, Mich. [email protected] Don was in the Sigma Phi Epsilon assist OEMs and dealers alike to fraternity. Don is married to Jill achieve their training objectives. Christopher Palmer, MI (Hyde) (MI ’82) and they have three Services include but not limited to: ’97, B.B.A., Management, is the children; Chris, 28; Nathan, 26 and program development, field team director of operations for Universal Eli, 23. They reside in Pickerington, management, product training Studios of Hollywood in Universal Ohio. Our first grandchild is on the facilitation, in-dealership continuous City, Calif. Christopher was a way, due in January 2017! improvement, sales training, fixed [email protected] member of the American Marketing operations training and dealership Association, Theta Gamma Epsilon standards assessments. James “Jim” Burns, MI ’82, and was a resident assistant while [email protected] B.B.A., Management, resides in he attended Northwood University. Twin Falls, Idaho. Lacy W. Stalnaker, He is married to Bobbi and they [email protected] Dallas Extension Center, TX ’88, B.B.A., have a daughter, Alexis, 16. They reside in Stevenson Ranch, Calif. Hugh Adams, MI ’82, B.B.A., Management, is retired. Lacy is We've been blessed to travel Management with minors in married to Gerri and they reside in the world both professionally Accounting and Social Science, is Chico, Calif. [email protected] and for leisure. The life skills and the president/operations manager techniques learned from attending for GotZoom.com in Tustin, Calif. Northwood University have Hugh is married to Kathy and they provided a solid foundation for have three children: Christopher, 1990s success. 28; Korey, 27, and Michael, 25. [email protected] They reside in Mission Viejo, Calif. Cynthia “Cindy” Robinson, [email protected] James “Jim” Reou, Lansing, MI ’94, B.B.A., Midland, Denise (Mannor) Powell, Management, is an administrative MI ’98, B.B.A., Management, resides in Saginaw, Mich. MI ’83, B.B.A., Management, is assistant supervisor at Michigan [email protected] an administrative assistant for State University in East Lansing, the Genesee School District in Mich. Cindy is married to Tom and Michael L. Smith, Midland, MI Genesee, Mich. Denise is married they have a daughter, Stephanie, Outreach ’98, B.B.A., Marketing/ to Todd and she has 3 children; 16. They reside in DeWitt, Mich. Management, and has minors [email protected] Chester Little, 26; Nichole Little, in International Business and 22, and Blake Little, 20. Denise and Peter Dekkers, MI ’95, B.B.A., Economics. Michael is an educator Todd reside in Genesee, Mich. for the State of Michigan. He has [email protected] Management with a minor in Automotive Marketing/Management five children; Michael T, 35; Sarah, 34; Daniel, 32; Christopher, 30; Mark Lee, MI ’87, B.B.A., and Social Science. Peter was in the IVA group while attending and Jimmie, 27. Michael resides in Management, is the CEO/president Midland, Mich. of DreamSolutions Marketing Northwood. Peter is married to Ilse [email protected] Corp., in Noblesville, Ind. Mark is and they have three children: Lily, married to Janet and they reside in 4; Oliver, 3; and Madelief, 2. They Noblesville, Ind. reside in Teteringen, Netherlands. [email protected] [email protected]

FALL 2016 27 FAMILY ALBUM

Luke Frye, DeVos-Troy, MI ’98, Robert Macomber, MI ’01, and his wife reside in Arlington, Executive M.B.A., Management, is B.B.A., Management with minors Texas. I enjoyed all the people I the business development manager in Language Arts and Social studied with at Northwood. It was a for FCA in Auburn Hills, Mich. Luke Science, was a member of Young great experience. I am retired from is married to Laura Williams-Frye Republicans and participated in the U.S. Department of Justice. and they reside in Clarkston, Mich. Auto Show during his years at [email protected] [email protected] Northwood. Robert resides in Ann Donna (Hassig) Sanborn, Arbor, Mich. Darrick Sweeden, TX ’99, [email protected] MI ’03, B.B.A., Entertainment, B.B.A., Marketing/Management, Sports & Promotion/Management, is the vice president of sales & Giac Nghe, FL ’01, B.B.A., is a sales enablement manager for marketing for Southwest Wheel Management Information Systems, Dude Solutions, Inc., in Cary, N.C. in Dallas, Texas. Darrick received with minors in Mathematics and During her years at Northwood many scholarships while attending Language Arts, resides in Lansdale, University, Donna received a Merit Northwood University. He is Pa. Scholarship, was a member of the married to Tina and they have [email protected] Ambassador Club and a Delta Zeta. a son, Cody, 15. They reside in Melissa (Camina) Jackson, Donna is married to Michael and Mansfield, Texas. they reside in Raleigh, N.C. [email protected] TX ’02, B.B.A., Accounting, [email protected] received a Merit Scholarship and Michael “Mike” was a Private Donor Recipient Judson Stafford, TX ’03, Abbondanza, MI ’99, B.B.A., while attending Northwood B.B.A., International Business/ Marketing/Management, with University. Melissa is the director Management, is the owner of Install a minor in Language Arts and of risk management for Young Connect in Garland, Texas. While Social Sciences, is the owner/ Presidents’ Organization in Irving, attending Northwood University, vice president of Newton Motor Texas. She is married to Stellie and Judson was on the Golf team, Group in Gallatin, Tenn. He was a they reside in Little Elm, Texas. a member of Delta Epsilon Chi [email protected] member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Mike fraternity, and received a merit is married to Karen (Burke) (MI ’01, Hollie (Vermeesch) scholarship. Judson resides in Accounting) and they have two Garland, Texas. Thomas, [email protected] daughters; Molly, 8, and Lucy, 4. Midland, MI ’02, B.B.A., Management, is a virtual trainer for They reside in Gallatin, Tenn. Deborah (McMennamy) [email protected] Vermeesch Communications LLC in Saginaw, Mich. Hollie is married to Whittington, Cedar Hill, TX ’04, David and they have four children; B.B.A., Management, resides in 2000s Jordyn, 22; Deivin, 18; Kennedie, Dallas, Texas. I am looking forward 10, and Tucker, 3. They reside in to meeting new alumni through the Martha Rader, Troy, MI ’00, Saginaw, Mich. network! B.B.A., Management, and DeVos- [email protected] [email protected] Troy, MI ’02, M.B.A., Business Brandan Bunker, FL ’03, Dara Ryan, FL ’04, B.B.A., Management, is the president B.B.A., Automotive Aftermarket International Business/ of Rader Coaching Training & Management, received both a Merit Management, is a police officer for Consulting LLC in Pompano Scholarship and Private Donors the City of Margate, in Margate, Fla. Beach, Fla. Martha resides in Scholarships. He also was active Dara played Women’s Soccer and Pompano Beach, Fla. Along with my PhD, coaching certification with the Auto Show, while attending received a Merit Scholarship while and professorship position in Northwood. Brandan is married to she attended Northwood University. Management and Master's level Samantha and they have a son, She resides in North Lauderdale, After graduating in 2004, I programs teaching leadership, Mason, 5. They reside in Parrish, Fla. worked at Value Rich Inc. as an management, and industrial Fla. [email protected] advertising sales rep. From there, I psychology, I am now coaching returned to Northwood University professionals and leaders and Robert Chapman, TX ’03, as an admissions counselor, under conducting leadership training and B.B.A., Management, is the Jack Letvinchuk. I became the Asst. consulting. contracts manager for the U.S. [email protected] Director of Admissions and as a Department of Justice. Robert is former soccer player, I worked with married to Maria and they have two incoming athletes helping with the children, ages 21 and 18. Robert Financial Aid process and helped

28 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea other students in the Greater South Ryan Bisson, MI ’05, B.B.A., while attending Northwood. She is Florida area. I left NU in 2007 after Marketing/Management, is the married to Harry and they have a getting my MS from Troy. Now, I am Canadian sales manager for child, Jameslee, born in September, a police officer in South Florida London Machinery Inc., Division of 2004. They reside in Centerville, [email protected] Oshkosh Corporation in London, Ohio. Ontario, Canada. Ryan played [email protected] Jason Bittner, MI ’04, B.B.A., Football for the Northwood Management, is the material group Joseph “Joe” Wespiser, Timberwolves. He is married to leader-Flint assembly for General Simone and they have a daughter, Midland, MI ’07, B.B.A., Motors in Flint, Mich. Jason is Isla, almost 1 year old. They reside Management and DeVos, Midland, married to Andrea and they have in London, Ontario, Canada MI ’09, M.B.A., Management, two children; Olivia, almost 4, and [email protected] received a Merit Scholarship while Jack, 2. They reside in Freeland, attending Northwood University. Mich. Justine Stauffer, MI ’06, Joe resides in Bay City, Mich. [email protected] B.B.A., Entertainment Sports & [email protected] Promotion Management, is the Jamie (Beasley) Jager, MI Vanessa (Seguin) Synesael, upstream innovation in pipeline ’04, B.B.A., Fashion Marketing/ development for MillerCoors in MI ’07, B.B.A., Entertainment Merchandising/Management, as Chicago, Ill. During her years at Sports & Promotion Management, well as DeVos-Troy, MI ’09, M.B.A., Northwood University, Justine was is a software developer for Management is an account director a model for the Style Show in 2004, Autodata Solutions Inc. in London, at Drawbridge in San Mateo, Calif. 2005 and 2006; was the Captain Ontario, Canada. Vanessa played Jamie received a Merit Scholarship of Team International during the Women’s Soccer, was a model for while attending Northwood. Jamie 2003 Auto Show. Justine also was the Style Show in 2004, and was on is married to Bryan and they have on Women’s Track and Women’s Delta Mu Delta. She also received two children; Jackson, 6, and Cross Country. Justine resides in a Merit Scholarship while attending Landon, born in January, 2016. Chicago, Ill. Recently, I passed the Northwood. Vanessa is married They reside in Brownstown, Mich. ® to Johnathan and they reside in [email protected] Certified Cicerone Exam, and am the only marketer at MillerCoors London, Ontario, Canada. [email protected] Richard Hill, Bay City, MI ’04, who holds this certification. [email protected] B.B.A., Management, is the owner K. Andrew Serum, MI ’07, of his own business in Coppell, Jennifer Drolema, Grand B.B.A., Management/ Automotive Texas. Richard has two daughters; Rapids, MI ’06, B.B.A., Marketing, was the Captain of Trysta and Courtney. They reside in Management and DeVos- Team Mini Cooper in ’05 and the Coppell, Texas. Vice Chairman in ’06 of the Auto [email protected] Grand Rapids, MI ’12, M.B.A., Management, received a Merit show. He was also a member of NUCARS while attending Meaghan (Reess) Karn, FL Scholarship while attending Northwood University. Andrew ’04, B.B.A., Management, received Northwood University. Jennifer is the new vehicle sales director a Merit Scholarship while attending is the CFO of Northern Jet for Hendrick Nissan Kansas City Northwood University. Meaghan Management in Grand Rapids, in Merriam, Ks. He is married resides in Paulsboro, N.J. I married Mich. She resides in Marne, Mich. in 2012, had my son Oliver in I am the CFO at Northern Jet to Samantha and they reside in 2014 and am now working as the Management and Co-founder of Olathe, Kans. [email protected] Director of Marketing for Avalon Art Instruction Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Your DeSign, Flooring - the 10th largest flooring Meghan McKenna, FL ’07, Inc. www.yourdesign.us or www. retailer in the country that has 14 B.B.A., Advertising/Marketing/ facebook.com/yourdesigner. locations in PA, NJ, & DE. Management, is the president- [email protected] [email protected] founder of Bazooka Digital in West Palm Beach, Fla. Meghan received Gerrod Parchmon, DeVos- Jenna (Kett) Dittrich, MI ’07, a Merit Scholarship while attending Troy, MI ’05, M.B.A., Management, B.B.A., Hotel, Restaurant, Resort/ Northwood University. She resides is the senior vice president & region Management, is an associate in West Palm Beach, Fla. executive – Washington for Bank of category manager-speedy café for [email protected] America in Seattle, Wash. Gerrod Speedway in Enon, Ohio. Jenna resides in Issaquah, Wash. was a Stafford Dinner Chairwoman [email protected] and received a Merit Scholarship

FALL 2016 29 FAMILY ALBUM

Sara (Koutnik) Biery, MI ’08, Nicholas Read, MI ’11, B.B.A., B.B.A., Advertising/Marketing/ 2010s Management, is a producer for Tim Management, is the manager Boychuck State Farm Insurance in of online consumer operations Amber Yovich, Troy, MI ’10, Midland, Mich., where he resides. for General Motors. Sara was a B.B.A., Marketing/Management, is [email protected] member of the Campus Bible as account coordinator for Creative Nigel Walker, MI ’11, B.B.A., Fellowship and received a Merit Solutions Group in Clawson, Mich. Banking & Finance/Economics/ Scholarship. She is married to Amber resides in Fenton, Mich. Cameron. [email protected] Management, is a financial professional for Prudential in Troy, Michael Bean, MI ’08, B.B.A., Drew Wyse, MI ’10, B.B.A., Mich. Nigel was in the Minority Accounting, is the vice president at Marketing/Management, is an Business Leaders, Student Britten Woodworks in Interlochen, account executive for TubeMogul. Government Association, Business Mich. Michael ran Men’s Track, Drew was active in the American Professionals of America and a Men’s Cross Country; was on Advertising Federation and member of Phi Beta Sigma while the Student Athlete Advisory, American Marketing Association; attending Northwood University. He participated in Auto Show and played Football and received a resides in Southfield, Mich. received a Merit Scholarship while Merit Scholarship while attending [email protected] attending Northwood. Michael Northwood University. Drew resides Timothy Tisler, MI ’11, is married to Syrena (Rexroat) in Detroit, Mich. B.B.A., Entertainment Sports & (MI ’09). They have a son, Blaise [email protected] Promotion Management, was a Wayne Bean, almost 2. They reside Blair James, MI ’10, Delta Epsilon Chi and received a in Cedar, Mich. [email protected] B.B.A., Advertising/Marketing/ Merit Scholarship while attending Management, ran Women’s Track Northwood University. Tim resides Sean Bondreau, MI ’09, B.B.A., and Women’s Cross Country, in Clarkston, Mich. Marketing/Management, was part was a member of the American [email protected] of Auto Show, Business Club, Advertising Federation and Josh Matthews, TX ’11, B.B.A., Business Professionals of America received a Merit Scholarship while Entertainment Sports & Promotion and College Republicans as well as she attended Northwood University. Management, played Baseball for receiving a Merit Scholarship. Sean Blair resides in Madison Heights, Northwood University and received resides in Chicago, Ill. Mich. [email protected] [email protected] a Merit Scholarship. Josh resides in Fort Worth, Texas. Justin Pasdach, DeVos- Steven Blodgett, Midland, MI [email protected] Midland, MI ’09, M.B.A., ’10, B.B.A., Management, is the Joshua Hampshire, Management, is the director, senior clinical applications educator DeVos-Midland, MI ’11, M.B.A., wholesale sales for FleetPride in for MidMichigan Health in Midland, Management, is the director – Irving, Texas. Justin is married Mich. Steven is married to Shannon corporate attendance operations to Brandi and they reside in and they have two children: for AT&T in Dallas, Texas. Joshua Grapevine, Tex. Logen and Madisen. They reside is married to Joshua Owen and [email protected] in Midland, Mich. I completed my BBA in 2010 from Northwood they have a set of twins; Oliver Robert Howard, Lansing University and am completing Owen-Hampshire and Piper Outreach, MI ’09, B.B.A., Computer my MBA in August of 2016 from Owen-Hampshire, 2. They reside in Information Management, resides Northwood University. Duncanville, Texas. [email protected] in Landing, Mich. [email protected] [email protected] Jeffery Romeril, TX ’12, Roberto Diaz, TX ’10, B.B.A., Jolene Kirsch, Management, is the general MI ’09, Entrepreneurship, was in the manager for Kaizen Auto in B.B.A.-Honors, Accounting/ Student Leaders Organization, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Jeffery is Management, was on the Honorary Student Government Association, married to Lauren and they reside Accounting Society and the Student Honors Association and Business Professionals Advertising in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada. the Student Judicial Board as well [email protected] Association while attending as receiving a Merit Scholarship. Northwood University. Jolene also Roberto resides in New York, NY. received a Merit Scholarship. She [email protected] resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. [email protected]

30 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Kristi Andrews, FL ’13, B.B.A., Natalie Lampman, MI ’14, While Alonzo attended Northwood Accounting, received a Merit B.B.A., Entertainment Sports & University, is was active in the Scholarship while she attended Promotion Management, played International Business Association Northwood University. Kristi works Softball: was on the Student and intramural sports. He was also as a supervisor for Fuoco Group in Athlete Advisory Council and a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi North Palm Beach, Fla. She resides participated in the Auto Show while and Delta Epsilon Chi fraternities. in Lake Park, Fla. attending Northwood University. Alonzo resides in Southgate, Mich. [email protected] Natalie resides in Royal Oak, Mich. [email protected] [email protected] Leah Carr, TX ’13, B.B.A., Linora Moore, Cedar Hill, TX Management, received a Merit Douglas Witt, Lansing ’15, B.B.A., Management, resides Scholarship while attending Outreach, MI ’14, B.B.A., in Desoto, Texas. Northwood University. Leah resides Management, resides in Saint [email protected] in Mansfield, Texas. Johns, Mich. [email protected] [email protected] Sarah-Jayne Lamb, Flint, MI ’15, B.B.A., Healthcare Angel Swaynie, MI ’13, B.B.A., Ashley Torres DeHerrera, Management, is an ER patient Hotel, Restaurant & Resort/ TX ’14, B.B.A., Marketing, played representative at Henry Ford Health Management, received a Merit intramural sports while attending Systems in Detroit, Mich. Sarah- Scholarship while attending Northwood University and received Jayne resides in Auburn Hills, Mich. Northwood University. Angel a Merit Scholarship. She is a [email protected] resides in Eaton Rapids, Mich. human resources generalist for Justin Collins, [email protected] South Central Colfax County New Orleans, LA Special Hospital District in Springer, ’15, B.B.A., Management, resides Marcos Ayala, TX ’13, in Winchester, Calif. New Mex. She is married to Isaiah [email protected] B.B.A., Automotive Aftermarket DeHerrera and they reside in Management/Marketing/ Springer, New Mexico. Andrew Hanagan, MI Management, received a Merit [email protected] Scholarship while attending ’15, B.B.A., Management, is a Northwood University. Marcos Ashley Gagnon, Alpena, MI ’14, project coordinator for Bluewater resides in Denton, Tex. B.B.A., Management, resides in Technologies in Southfield, [email protected] Alpena, Mich. Mich. Andrew participated in [email protected] the International Club, Student Chase Geyer, Distance Government Association and the Education ’13, B.B.A., Nadheem Ahamed, NU Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Management, is the IT business INTL College Subang Jaya ’15, received a Merit Scholarship while analyst/business systems B.B.A., International Business/ attending Northwood University. consultant for Bridgestone in Management, resides in Bangkok, Andrew resides in Berkley, Mich. Nashville, Tenn. Chase resides in Thailand. [email protected] Hendersonville, Tenn. [email protected] [email protected] Jacob Hollenback, Saginaw, Zhu Lian, NU INTL Lambton MI ’15, B.B.A., Marketing, resides Michael Babin, Grand Rapids, College ’15, B.B.A., Management in Frankenmuth, Mich. MI ’13, B.B.A., Management, with a minor in Accounting, resides [email protected] receive a Merit Scholarship while in Wuxi, China. Braxton Collins, attending Northwood University. [email protected] MI ’16, B.B.A., Advertising/Marketing/ Michael resides in Kalamazoo, April Butler, Mich. TX ’15, B.B.A., Management, is the media analyst [email protected] Accounting, received a Merit team lead for Prime Research in Scholarship while attending Ann Arbor, Mich. Braxton ran Men’s Amit Patel, FL ’13, B.B.A., Northwood University. April resides Track, Men’s Cross Country, was in Management Information Systems/ in Arlington, Tex. the Internal Business Association, Management, is the senior [email protected] Delta Epsilon Chi fraternity and recruitment consultant for Design Alonzo Ramirez, the Student Alumni Network and Group Staffing in Toronto, Ontario, MI ’15, B.B.A., received a Merit Scholarship while Canada. Amit is married to Trupti International Business with a minor attending Northwood University. He and they have one child: Raeya, in Economics, is a trade analyst resides in Ypsilanti, Mich. 2 years old. They reside in Ajax, export operations for Livingston [email protected] Ontario, Canada. International in Southfield, Mich. [email protected]

FALL 2016 31 Athletes in Action

Coach Zane Colestock 900 Head Coach of Both the Men's and Women's Tennis Programs GLIAC COACH OF THE YEAR 20 TIMES Won a Combined 34 GLIAC Championships

COLESTOCK EARNS HISTORIC 900 CAREER VICTORIES has won 34 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Zane Colestock, head coach of the men’s tennis team at Championships, 13 NAIA District 23 Championships and has Northwood University, added another incredible milestone to posted an .801 winning percentage. Colestock has coached his already remarkable résumé earlier this spring. With a 7-2 two teams to the NCAA Final Four as well as 12 teams to the win over Lake Superior State, Colestock reached the 900-win NCAA Elite Eight. mark for his career, which has now spanned 42 years. “Reaching the milestone of 900 career wins is an amazing This list of accomplishments for Colestock is impressive achievement,” Northwood Athletic Director Dave Marsh and continuing to grow. His career record now stands told the Midland Daily News. “When you couple that with at 905-229, combined between the men’s and women’s his incredible string of championships, I don’t think there is programs. Colestock’s win total is among the highest all-time any question that Zane is one of the greatest college tennis in NCAA tennis history. Under his leadership, Northwood coaches ever.”

32 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea in Action

Conor Holt Gregg Sauve David Shumaker

TRIO OF NEW COACHES JOINS TIMBERWOLF STAFF Shumaker has been a head coach for over 15 years at two The coaching staff for the Northwood University Timberwolves different institutions (Bryan College, Summit University), will have three new faces for the 2016-2017 season. Conor coming to Northwood with a .644 career win percentage Holt will take over as the head coach of track & field/cross and 346 victories. While at Bryan, Shumaker went 137-55 country teams. Leading the way for the softball program will while winning four straight Appalachian Athletic Conference be Gregg Sauve, while David Shumaker will guide the NU championships. A two-time AAC Coach of the Year (2012, volleyball team. The dynamic trio brings a wealth of experience 2013), Shumaker led Bryan to at least 20 wins in all five and success to Northwood. seasons. The 2013 team posted a program-best record of 33- 4, which earned Shumaker the AVCA Northeast Region Coach Holt arrives in Midland after a tremendous five years as the of the Year award. head coach at Oklahoma City University. Since 2013, he has led the Stars to three NAIA Men's Cross Country team Sauve brings over 40 years of experience in fast-pitch softball championships (2013, 2014, 2015), 69 All-Americans and four to the program in both the men's and women's game. Over individual national championships. A three-time NAIA Cross the past three seasons, he has been an assistant coach at Country Coach of the Year, Holt had led Oklahoma City to Northwood, working with all aspects of the program. During his 31 school records and 28 Academic All-Americans. Holt also time coaching, he has been a part of four state championships spent time as an assistant coach at Oregon State and Purdue. and over 40 World and National Tournament appearances. Sauve was a part of the 2013 Midland Emerson Aces staff, taking home the ISC II World Championship. He also spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Midland High School.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CAMPS CONTINUE TO THRIVE Over the past few years, the Northwood University women’s basketball team has hosted some of the finest high school team camps in Michigan. Northwood held four different camps this season. Over the course of the four events, the Midland, Mich. campus saw 115 teams and over 1,100 high school student-athletes in attendance. The sum of teams and athletes has continued to grow steadily each year. “Our team camps are really a win-win for everyone involved,” said Northwood Basketball Coach Jeff Curtis. “We do our very best to make sure everyone has a great experience on our campus. It’s also a great fundraiser for our program and our university. Plus, we get a chance to show off Northwood University to a large number of high school students.”

FALL 2016 33 Faculty Briefs

Clifford Harris walks the runway at the 2016 Style Show, Play with Style.

John Gustincic, Clifford L. Harris, Management major as the only one JD, CFE, director associate professor, available in the country. In June of of the Alden B. Dow Economics, 2016, Hopp was able to participate Center for Creativity Michigan Campus, in the 3rd annual LAB camp on & Enterprise and recently lectured to the campus of Northwood with associate professor, students attending more than 50 high school students Accounting, the third annual from as far away as California Michigan Campus, presented at Learning About Business (LAB) participating. the 76th Annual Michigan Business Free-Enterprise Camp in June. Education Association Convention Around 50 high school students Dennis on the topic of enterprise law. He from around the country stayed Witherspoon, coordinated a number of events on the Michigan campus to gain associate professor during Global Entrepreneurship hands-on experiences correlating and Finance Week 2015, including the Bauervic to real-world business challenges. Department Business Pitch Competition. chair, Michigan Gustincic developed and facilitated Jim Hopp, Campus, recently Northwood’s First Annual Family associate professor, completed his third year residency Business Forum, resulting in department chair of requirement at Kansas State the formation of a new student Entrepreneurship, University in Manhattan, Kansas, organization, Family Alliance department chair in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Personal Success Team (FAST). Most of Franchising Financial Planning. During his recently, he served as director of Management, residency, he voluntarily developed the 2016 Learning About Business attended the International Franchise and participated in a poster (LAB) Free-Enterprise Camp which Association annual meeting in presentation entitled, “Mortgage achieved record attendance and San Antonio, Texas, February LTVs and Life Satisfaction for proved to be a positive experiential 20-22. There are more than Retired Homeowners.” Research learning event for high school 3,700 franchisors, franchisees conducted for his presentation students. and suppliers who attend this addressed theoretical framework, event. Northwood was able to hypotheses, methodology, and again showcase its Franchising statistical analysis using SAS.

34 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea

Discover the leader in you. NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI 48640 PAID PERMIT NO. 269 Saginaw, MI

Michigan Campus 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI 48640

www.northwood.edu 800.622.9000

Northwood Alumni & Friends Calendar of Events

September 30-October 2 Auto Show/Homecoming – Midland, MI • Friday, Sept. 30 – Auto Show Gala • Saturday, Oct. 1 – Woody’s Taproom Alumni Event • Sunday, Oct. 2 – Northwood Family Brunch October 22 Athletic Hall of Fame – Midland, MI October 22 Oktoberfest Event – Fort Worth, TX November 5 Distinguished Women – Birmingham, MI November 10 Scholarship Luncheon – Midland, MI November 12 Crossing Over Event – Cedar Hill, TX

Save the Date! Saturday, March 4th, 2017 Outstanding Business Leaders Gala – West Palm Beach, FL

For more information: [email protected] www.northwood.edu/alumni