IDEA Timberwolf Technology Transformation Cyber Investments Will Help Make Northwood the Leader of the Pack PAGE 8 THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY SPRING 2019 IDEA ON THE COVER: Building on a proud past, Northwood is investing in a fruitful future with expanded technology programs. Northwood’s 60th anniversary is a cause for year-long celebration across campus and everywhere around the world that our alumni call home. In this issue of IDEA magazine, we take a MISSION STATEMENT look at our history and the brilliant thinking that To develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society. spurred Arthur Turner and Gary Stauffer to give birth to Northwood back in 1959. PURPOSE STATEMENT To develop leaders, managers, Yet even as we honor the past, we continue to strive boldly into the future. and entrepreneurs with the Another story involves new programs in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics character and skills to drive that Northwood will launch in the fall. Thanks to generous support from personal, organizational, and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, we will be upgrading our societal success. technology facilities, adding faculty, and infusing our entire curriculum CORE VALUES STATEMENT with expanded expertise in these exciting fields. The plans include We believe in: Northwood’s first doctoral degree. • The advantages of an entrepreneurial, free-enterprise This issue also shares the stories of a few of the outstanding Northwood society graduates who are doing amazing things in the world. One launched an • Individual freedom and online startup company in the Netherlands. One is a motivational speaker individual responsibility who recently released a new book. Three former classmates are now • Functioning from a foundation of ethics and integrity partners in running a chain of successful auto dealerships. And we learn • Promoting and leveraging about several alumni who have found fulfillment pursuing their True North the global, diverse, and multi- via careers that tap into Northwood’s entrepreneurial spirit. cultural nature of enterprise We also take an opportunity to talk with Jeff Phillips, who recently retired after 42 years at Northwood, including 18 years as chair of the English Department. It is a real pleasure to share these examples of “The Northwood Idea” in Northwood University is committed to a policy action. Please keep in touch via email at [email protected] as we of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, gender, color, continue to move forward. 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. Keith A. Pretty, J.D. Northwood University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a President and CEO regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. [email protected] 2 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea IDEA CONTENTS 4 Celebrate the 60th Anniversary 6 Classroom Learning Brought to Life 8 Tech Offerings Get Big Boost 10 Game On! 12 NU Inspire! 14 Fitterling Inspires December Grads 14 Fitterling Inspires 16 Students Discover Their Inner Leader December Grads 18 Lessons Not Found in the Curriculum 20 The Real Deal 22 Alums Discover Their True North 24 Scholarship Spotlight 26 Recognizing Leaders and Role Models 28 Alumni in Action 31 Inspiring Success 32 From Barrier to Blessing 26 Recognizing Leaders 33 Student Recruitment in Style and Role Models 34 Family Album 37 Parents in Action 38 Athletes in Action Be sure to check out 39 Influentials the online bonus stories 40 Friendship Pays Dividends at northwood.edu/idea 42 Meet Jennifer Luzar SPRING 2019 3 Celebrate the A STRONG HISTORY BREEDS A STRONG FUTURE On March 23rd, Northwood celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding. In the past six decades, the University has lived by the motto that change is growth. The campus has been built and rebuilt, new degree programs have been added, and new ways of teaching and learning have been embraced. The growth has been possible because of the generous support from countless alumni, families, organizations, students, and supporters. Inspired by the 1957 launch of the first orbital satellite, Sputnik, 26-year-old Northwood founder Arthur Turner concluded that endeavors as large as that would need well-trained business leaders to channel the creative talents of engineers and scientists. Turner called on his business partner, Gary Stauffer, and the idea of Northwood University was born. The University will host a variety of events throughout the year to honor its 60th anniversary. Learn more at northwood.edu/events/60. 1961 1964 MARCH 23, 1959 Dr. Arthur Turner and Dr. Gary Northwood hosts the first Turner and Stauffer sign Stauffer sign documentation International Auto Show. The papers securing the opening that moves Northwood Institute Auto Show becomes a staple of “Northwood Institute” at to Midland, Michigan, so they of Northwood, bringing in Amni Wright mansion in Alma, can expand the campus and people from around the world Michigan. welcome more students. for the annual event. MAY 29, 1960 1962 1968 The first class of 13 students Dow Commons, Dubois Hall, The inaugural graduates ready to shape and Jordan Hall are built. Outstanding Alumni the world. Thanks to a 2019 grant from Awards honor alumni the Herbert H. and Grace that exemplify A. Dow Foundation, Jordan Northwood’s mission Hall will soon become of developing future the hub for Northwood’s leaders of a global, free- Cybersecurity and Data enterprise society. Analytics programs. 4 NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE www.northwood.edu/idea Dr. Arthur E. Turner Dr. R. Gary Stauffer Articulate Advocate • Persuasive Fun Raiser • Dedicated Driver • Promoter • Fearless Fundraiser Impeccable Implementer Turner was the public face of Northwood to friends and Stauffer’s humor and light-heartedness made him a great benefactors. His commanding presence and charismatic partner for Turner. His big-picture thinking and excellent personality made him an excellent evangelist for the school. execution skills made him the implementer of Turner’s He was the consummate idea guy willing to take risks. ideas. After earning bachelor and master degrees, Turner worked Stauffer held many positions in his career from teacher at Alma College where he began to work to athletic director to associate with Gary Stauffer developing the idea of director of admissions. After a school that promotes free enterprise and achieving his bachelor and master entrepreneurship. Throughout his life, Turner degrees he worked at Alma earned three honorary doctorate degrees College where he met Turner. and multiple awards for his contributions to He served on many boards and education and civic leadership. In 1965 the earned two honorary doctorate U.S. Chamber of Commerce named Turner degrees. one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America. Den mother, board member, ambassador, co-first lady of None of his accomplishments would have Northwood, and host are just a been possible if it wasn’t for the support of his wife, few of the roles Willa, Gary’s wife, played. Married in 1949, Johann, who was always at his side. From helping with Willa was an integral part of Northwood’s history every restoration work in Alma to hosting events, Johann served step of the way. The Stauffers had four children, Jonathan, as a co-first lady of Northwood with Stauffer’s wife, Jeffrey, Christine, and Robin. Willa. Johann and Arthur had two children, Steven and Michael. 1993 1974 Dr. Richard and Helen DeVos provide funds that birth the With sponsorship DeVos Graduate School of support from Macauley Management. This generous 2018 and Helen Whiting, donation sets Northwood on the Term in Europe right track for adding more degree Founders Garden becomes Northwood’s programs, including a recent is dedicated to the flagship study abroad accreditation request for a doctoral donors and founders program. program in Business Administration. of Northwood. 1981 2002 2017 “The Northwood Idea” is Hach Student Life Construction introduced. This philosophy Center opens to serve begins on of bringing the lessons of the recreational, social, North Village the American free-enterprise and educational needs Apartments, the society into the college of students. This is first new student classroom quickly becomes possible because of the housing in the a foundational piece of the success and leadership past 37 years. University. of Outstanding Business Leader recipient, Kathryn Hach Darrow. SPRING 2019 5 Classroom Learning Brought to Life The 44th annual Stafford Memorial Dinner brought students and the community together for learning, celebration, and fun. Attendees of the 44th annual Stafford Dinner experienced an effortless and enjoyable evening of fine cuisine, lively entertainment, and tasteful music. Chair and vice chair of the Stafford Dinner Executive Board, Rachel LaCavera (‘19) and Ashley Phillips (‘20) will tell you, though, that the 50 weeks spent in preparation for the evening were far from effortless, but definitely enjoyable. LaCavera and Phillips are Hospitality Management majors and they were involved in every aspect of planning the event. They led the Executive Board from a starting point of no plan and zero dollars to fundraising all expenses for the venue, entertainment, decorations, food, and the five scholarships awarded at the end of the evening. What