Arlie Sisson To Lead New Emerging Products Group

Arlie Sisson To Lead
New Emerging
Products Group
PG 5
Outstanding
Business Leaders
PG 6
Advancement:
Restoring the
American Dream
PG 7
Alumni in Action
PG 15
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
SUMMER 2015
IDEA
Arlie Sisson To Lead
New Emerging
Products Group
VOLUME 8
NUMBER 1
SUMMER 2015
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
PG 5
Outstanding
Business Leaders
PG 6
Advancement:
Restoring the
American Dream
PG 7
Alumni in Action
PG 15
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
1
President’s Message
2
Alumni Profiles
6
Outstanding Business Leaders
7
Advancement
10
Faculty Briefs
SUMMER 2015
On the Cover
Arlie ‘Jirasek’ Sisson To Lead Condé
Nast’s New Emerging Products
Group
NU IDEA Credits:
The Northwood Idea is published
three times yearly for alumni
and friends of Northwood
University. It is produced by
the University Marketing
Department at Northwood
University, 4000 Whiting Drive,
Midland, MI 48640-2398.Send
address changes to Robin Yancer:
4000 Whiting Drive, Midland,
MI 48640-2398, (989) 8374350, yancer@northwood.edu
Production Team:
PUBLISHER: William Gagliardi,
Associate Vice President of
Marketing, Communications &
Public Relations
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Julie Endres-Felske
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Tim Meissner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Julie Felske, Robin Yancer, Nick
Davidson, Dave Marsh, Allison
Tardonia, Arnold D’Ambrosio,
Margie Knapik, Sara Pawlaczyk,
Suzi McCreery, Christopher
Deming
Northwood University is committed to a policy of
nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all
persons regardless of race, gender, color, 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 and is a member of the North Central
Association (800-621-7440; higherlearningcommission.org).
2
6
12
Athletics in Action
15
Alumni In Action
18
Family Album
7
Mission Statement
To develop the future leaders of a global,
free-enterprise society.
Purpose Statement
To develop leaders, managers, and
entrepreneurs with the character and
skills to drive personal, organizational, and
societal success.
Outcomes and Attributes
A university education is more than the
courses offered and the experiences made
available. It is the architecture of those
elements designed to create defined
results. As a learning community, we focus
our efforts on the accomplishment of the
following outcomes and attributes.
Our Graduates:
1
Understand the tradition
of freedom.
4
Communicate effectively
in speech and writing.
2
Have a broad practical
understanding of their
chosen field.
5
3
Are familiar with the
ideas driving enterprise
leaders.
6
7
8
Understand complex
global issues.
Understand the
aesthetic, creative, and
spiritual elements of life.
9
Have a constant
attraction to new ideas.
Are effective selfevaluators.
10
Can explain their
personal values.
11
12
Are action oriented.
Are skilled at detecting
and solving problems.
Seek lifelong education.
Greetings:
Commitment is often a key defining factor of success—commitment to an
ideal and commitment to a dream. This issue of IDEA Magazine offers a look
at just how successful we can be when we are committed to our dreams.
PRESIDENTS
MESSAGE
The Northwood alumni featured in these pages, including William Paul Cole
III, Cindy Ballard, Paul M. Mersino, and Ann Marie Taepke (Nelson) and Arlie
Sisson who is featured on our cover, are outstanding examples of some of the
passionate, creative alumni who serve their industries with pride.
In December, we wrapped up the Campaign for Northwood University, raising
nearly $73 million. During the effort, 13,000 alumni and friends affirmed their
personal commitment to our mission and ideals, making it our most successful
campaign in history. Check out the story of that journey, which demonstrates
how your support will be a building block for our future.
In this issue you will also meet our 2015 Outstanding Business Leader and
Outstanding Alumni honorees and learn about their service as mentors and
advocates. Finally, this year we launched our inaugural “Timby” Awards, honoring
the best of our Northwood athletes and athletic staff. I hope you will take a
few minutes to familiarize yourself with these remarkable student athletes.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for your regular commitment to the
success of Northwood and our students. We appreciate your belief in and
support of Northwood’s ideals and hope those ideals continue to bring you
success as you pursue your dreams.
I welcome your feedback at president@northwood.edu.
Code of Ethics
The community of students, faculty, and staff of Northwood University affirms this code of
ethics as the behaviors that advance our shared values.
Freedom
We will exercise personal
freedom while insuring
others be immune from
arbitrary interference on
account of condition or
circumstance, insuring that
freedom will be constrained
only by our responsibility for
its consequences.
Respect
We will treat all others with
consideration for their
circumstances and with
thoughtful regard for their
value as human beings.
Empathy
We will endeavor to
understand the feelings,
thoughts, and notions
of others in order that
compassion and fairness of
our actions may result.
Spirituality
We will seek the spiritual
development necessary
for our happiness and
growth and encourage an
environment that supports
this growth for all.
Honesty
We will embrace truthfulness,
fairness, probity, and demand
the absence of fraud or deceit
in ourselves and others with
whom we act.
Achievement
We will exercise our skills
to create high achievement
and applaud the high
achievement of others.
Integrity
In all our actions we shall
be guided by a code of
behavior which reflects
our values, unimpeded by
circumstance, personal gain,
public pressure, or private
temptation.
Responsibility
We will be accountable
for the care and welfare of
others and responsible for
the intended and unintended
consequences of our actions.
Sincerely,
Keith A. Pretty, J.D.
President and CEO
president@northwood.edu
ALUMNI PROFILES
In his spare time — although he admits
there’s no more of that — Cole enjoys flying.
He has flown for the past 38 years, amassing
over 4,000 hours of total flying time and has
an airline transport pilot rating, as well as
helicopter and seaplane ratings.
“I’m a little bit passionate about my flying,”
Cole says with grin.
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE GIVES A
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE FOR
INCOMING SENATE PRESIDENT
When William Paul Cole III became the
49th president of the West Virginia state
Senate, he brought with him a different
view and wisdom from his father.
“One thing I have that’s a little bit unique is
that business background,” the deep-voiced
Cole, R-Mercer, told the Daily Mail last week
while sitting inside his Nissan dealership in
Bluefield. “I tend to look at things through
a business prism.”
His perspective, in large part, has been
influenced, not by a career in politics but as
a professional businessman.
Cole, 58, currently oversees about 500
employees between five automobile dealerships
located in West Virginia and Kentucky, a
manufacturing plant in Tennessee and a variety
of other business interests.
But he knows that having a business perspective
is not simply enough to fix the woes that ail
the state.
“It’s so easy, especially for a businessman, to
point a finger at all the things that are wrong
in West Virginia and things that need to be
fixed,” he said.
Cole credits a lesson learned while working for
his father, William Paul Cole II, as a big reason
he finds himself in the position he’s in today.
After graduating from Northwood Institute,
Cole returned to the southern coalfields and
had a frank conversation with his father.
basically everything that was wrong with his
business,” Cole said.
Cole said his father, a patient man who
listened to everything the college graduate
had to say, told him that any idiot could point
a finger and say what’s wrong with something
but it takes a real person to stand up and be
a part of the solution.
“Don’t come to point out the problems
without at least having thought it through
to a proper solution,” Cole recalls his father
saying. “More importantly, make yourself a
part of that solution.”
It was that decades-old message from his
father, who once served as mayor of Bluefield,
that will be in the back of Cole’s mind as he
leads the Senate.
When he arrived in 2012, Cole said his fellow
Republicans were more interested in getting
a majority in the House of Delegates than
the Senate.
“They said ‘we’ve got a long way to go in the
Senate. We’ll pick up a couple in 2014 and
we’ll finish it up in 2016,’” Cole said.
Since Election Day, Cole has spent less than
a dozen days — excluding weekends — in
Bluefield. He admits it will be an adjustment to
spend so much time away from his hometown
but he’s clearly looking forward to it.
“I think the position I’m about to have is
certainly a position that we can make a huge
difference,” Cole said.
“I pretty quickly asked for a meeting with my
father and sat down and proceeded to tell him
2
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
www.northwood.edu/idea
He also enjoys playing golf, especially at The
Greenbrier, where Cole says he can hold his
own. He’s played in several pro-am tournaments,
including one last year where he was paired
with professional golfer Stuart Appleby, who
won the 2010 Greenbrier Classic.
But even as he’s involved in politics, flying
or golf, Cole knows he will forever remain
the businessman who once learned valuable
lessons from his father.
“I’m an entrepreneur at
heart and always will be,”
he said.
Cole said he will use his perspective to constantly
ask questions and re-evaluate whether or not
something is working in state government.
“You ask why we do something a certain
way and if the answer comes back ‘because
that’s the way we’ve always done it,’ that’s a
wrong answer,” Cole said. “In government,
too often the answer is ‘because that’s the
way we’ve always done it.’ We need to think
a little differently about how we do things.”
The fact the state’s population is shrinking and
the wider use of technology should allow for
government to become more efficient, he says.
“Yet the size of state government continues to
grow. There’s a disconnect there,” said Cole.
Cole said just like a business, it would take
more than the next two years to address some
of the issues the state is facing.
“As a businessman, I have to bet on if I build
it, they’ll come,” he said. “If we set the stage
in West Virginia, if we make the investment,
if we build it, those job creating businesses
will come.”
“I’m flattered that people are holding my
name up. There’s other good names that
are being mentioned as well,” he said. “But
I want to get through this session and make
sure we’ve done a good job.”
- Charleston Daily Mail • Jan 12, 2015
SUMMER 2015
ALUMNI PROFILES
CINDY BALLARD
SHARES TO STUDENTS
THE IMPORTANCE OF
PERSONAL BRAND
Cindy Ballard is responsible
for all aspects of Human
Resources for Tribune
Publishing.
Cindy Ballard has left 20th Century Fox to
become Tribune’s Los Angeles-based senior
vice president of human resources starting
June 15, a role in which she will “attract and
retain premium talent”.
While At 20th Century Fox, Ballard supported
the company’s efforts to deliver the highest
quality entertainment experiences, and all
facets of strategic human resources, including
organizational issues, talent management,
employee relations, recruitment, HR development,
benefits and compensation on a worldwide basis.
Prior to joining Twentieth Century Fox in
2007, Cindy served as Vice President at
Infotrieve, Inc., where she oversaw Human
Resources and Operations. Before Infotrieve,
Cindy served as a Senior Vice President,
Director of Human Resources at Interpublic
Group: Initiative Media. Cindy was involved
in all facets of strategic human resources
across North America, Australia and United
Kingdom. Prior to joining Initiative Media
in 2000, Cindy served as Senior Manager,
Human Resources for Borders Group, Inc. At
Borders, Cindy developed, implemented and
communicated human resource strategies and
practices, as well as successfully implementing
a corporate diversity program. Before Borders,
Cindy served in human resource capacities
at Interpublic: Campbell-Ewald and Midway
Airlines. She started her career working in
Human Resources/Administration at Dow
Chemical.
Cindy holds a bachelor’s degree in business
administration from Northwood University,
and belongs to numerous professional
organizations, including the Society of Human
Resource Managers (SHRM), National Human
Resources Association (NHRA) and Professionals
in Human Resources Association (PIHRA).
Cindy Ballard on campus
sharing her presentation titled
“Developing Your Brand”
First impressions formed
within 7 to 17 seconds of
meeting someone
55% of a person’s opinion
determined by physical
appearance
7% of impressions based on
what the person says
38% of first impressions
determined by tone of voice
BUTZEL LONG ATTORNEY PAUL M. MERSINO NAMED TO OAKLAND
COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S ELITE 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2015
Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Paul
M. Mersino has been named to the Oakland
County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class
of 2015. The Class includes young thought
leaders and trailblazers who live or work in
Oakland County and are under the age of 40.
The Elite 40 program is dedicated to helping
these individuals make connections that can
impact the future of Oakland County. L. Brooks
Patterson will introduce the Elite 40 Under
40 Class during the 2015 State of the County
Address on February 5, 2015.
Based in Butzel Long’s Detroit office, Mersino
is a member of Butzel Long’s Commercial
Litigation Practice Group. He concentrates
his practice on complex commercial litigation,
contract disputes, construction litigation,
automotive supplier disputes, non-competition
and trade secret disputes, and landlord-tenant
disputes. He also represents and advises
several startup companies, assisting them
with their legal needs and matching them with
potential venture capital funding and serves
as a mentor to startup business incubators
and accelerators in the region.
Mersino also handles appeals in the Michigan
Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court,
and federal courts. He has been recognized
as a Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star in
Business Litigation for 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Mersino is very active in the community. He
currently is the Vice President of the Detroit
Metropolitan Bar Association, Barrister’s
Section and serves as an advisor to the
Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s
Litigation Advisory Board. He is a member of
the current class of Leadership Oakland and
recently graduated from the Detroit Chapter
of the American Inns of Court. He also is a
member of the Detroit Historical Society.
Mersino is a 2008 graduate of Ave Maria
School of Law, where he graduated magna cum
laude and was a member of Law Review and
the State Championship Moot Court team.
He earned his Business of Administration
degree in Marketing/Management from
Northwood University in 2005.
- www.butzel.com
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
3
ALUMNI PROFILES
UPtv crew members film as Taepke (right) works with Penn and Kim Holderness (left) on a client pitch.
Ann Marie Taepke directs a client video scene
along with Director of Production, Zak Ciotti.
ALUMNA’S OPPORTUNITIES LEAD TO
REALITY TV SHOW PILOT
As an adolescent growing
up in Novi, Michigan, Ann
Marie Taepke (Nelson)
had first learned of
the advantages of a
Northwood University
education from family
members who had
attended its Michigan
campus, and soon was drawn to the university’s
advertising and marketing program, and the
fact that she could start classes in her major
right away.
4
proposed reallocating our budget to include
a more expanded radio blitz, and that year
we had record-breaking attendance. At one
point, we ran out of parking. While everyone
was scrambling, I was giddy,” she laughed.
And Taepke’s post-graduate endeavors hold
promise as well.
And now looking back,
she says her Northwood
experience played a
role in preparing her for
a future she never saw
coming.
After graduating in 2007 and gaining experience
at a software company, she soon delved into
digital communications channels which led
her to join Ignite Social Media. While working
with some of the world’s biggest brands such
as Jeep, The Body Shop, Microsoft and others,
she was the only representative available to
comment when a local news team needed
social media insight relating to the 2012 Super
Bowl. There, on the Raleigh/Durham set of
WNCN NBC-17 she soon became a regular,
and met former anchor Penn Holderness, who
later made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.
“I was very fortunate to be selected as
the Promotions Chair of the Northwood
University Michigan International Auto
Show in 2006. That position provided me with
so much creative license that it really opened
my eyes to the power of marketing and what
it takes to build a campaign from the ground
up. I was hooked,” grinned Taepke, who’d
played a major role in increasing turnout. “I’d
“What was supposed to be a casual conversation
over coffee turned into a job offer to lead
social media and digital marketing for a quickly
growing company on a flexible schedule. It was
a big leap. One that I don’t believe I would
have been able to take without learning to
value entrepreneurship and the importance
of taking calculated risks at Northwood,”
reflected Taepke.
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
www.northwood.edu/idea
Now the Director of Digital Strategy
for Greenroom Communications, a video
production and digital marketing company
owned by Holderness, his wife Kim, and
managing partner Sharon Delaney McCloud,
Taepke looks forward to participating in a
reality television show pilot which will reveal
the behind-the-scenes creative process that
goes into a successful campaign, whether it be
for a client or the Holderness family brand. To
be filmed in Raleigh where Taepke now lives
with her husband and daughter, the show
will premiere on UPtv Thursday, March 26th,
2015 at 10 PM ET.
When asked what advice she has for current
students, Taepke reflected, “You have to be
true to the person you are and what you love
to do. That’s where you’ll find success in life.”
Projected in approximately 70 million homes,
UP is the television brand that promises to
always uplift the audience. It presents original
movies, dramatic and reality series, comedies
and specials filled with inspirational stories and
characters with character. The UP network can
be found on most U.S. cable systems as well
as DIRECTV channel 338, DISH channel 188
and Verizon FIOS channel 224. It also offers
instant access gMovies, the first faith-friendly
streaming entertainment service.
SUMMER 2015
ALUMNI PROFILES
CONDÉ
NAST HIRES
STARWOOD’S
ARLIE SISSON TO
LEAD ITS NEW
EMERGING
PRODUCTS
GROUP
Magazine publisher Condé Nast has hired
a new vice president to run its emerging
products group — Arlie Sisson, who’s joining
from Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Sisson led Starwood’s
strategy for native apps
on mobile, and before
that, worked at mobile
startup Silver Chalice
New Media.
“We’re looking at how
fragmented the media
landscape is, the many
different platforms that
our content can find
a home on and many
different form factors,”
Santarpia added. “Who
knows what’s next?
Maybe what’s next is
virtual reality — I don’t
know the answers, but I
do know that really smart
people at Condé Nast
are thinking about the
marketplace and how to
position our brands.”
Sisson’s team, on the other hand, will be
“singularly focused on innovating for the
company’s future.” For now, at least, that
means experimenting with different kinds
of mobile apps.
Fred Santarpia, who became Condé’s chief
digital officer last fall, told me that the emerging
products group is itself a new creation.
Condé’s various titles (including The New
Yorker, Wired, and Vogue) have their own
digital teams, but Santarpia suggested that
they’re “very much focused on running their
day-to-day businesses.”
“The momentum and growth in the digital
landscape is unlimited and connecting
people to products is more important than
ever before,” she said in the hiring release.
“Joining the incredible talent at Condé Nast
gives me the opportunity to work with its
extraordinary brands to engage more audiences
in more dynamic ways on more digital and
mobile platforms.”
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
5
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADERS
35TH ANNUAL OUTSTANDING
BUSINESS LEADERS
Seated L to R: Jim Hallett, Steve Madincea, Sonu Ratra, Melissa Spickler, John Rotche, Rollie Massimino
Standing L to R: Marrissa Angst, Jake Riepma, Jasmyne Powell, Trace Lanson, Rahul Vyas, Malte Ziegenhagen
Northwood University
hosted its 35th annual
Outstanding Business
Leader (OBL) Awards
weekend on February
6 – 7, 2015.
This year’s event recognized six men and
women whose stories of challenge and ultimate
success left an impact on all that attended.
On Friday, February 6th, 450 Northwood
University students participated in an
afternoon forum on the Florida Campus.
The forum provided the opportunity for
honorees to share anecdotes relating to the
obstacles and challenges they encountered
while on their personal road to business
success, as well as remedies relating to how
they overcame them. An interactive Q&A
session followed.
The Florida Campus Entrepreneurship Society,
led by Dr. Michael Olsher, hosted a Roundtable
Luncheon on Saturday, where each honoree
engaged with a small group of students eager
to learn more.
6
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
Northwood University students, faculty and
staff joined with our Trustees and community
supporters on Saturday evening for the
35th Annual Outstanding Business Leader
Awards Gala. Held at The Breakers, in Palm
Beach, Florida, the black tie dinner dance paid
tribute to the Class of 2015, each of whom
was presented their award and inducted
into the association of influential business
leaders by President Keith Pretty and Dr. Dan
DeVos, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Each honoree was introduced on stage by a
student presenter, who had the opportunity
to interview and meet their OBL prior to the
weekend festivities, and at the surrounding
events that welcomed the honorees to
Northwood University.
Northwood University annually recognizes
a select group of men and women for their
business achievements and for their support
and exemplary leadership of the communities
in which they live and work. These individuals
serve as role models for Northwood University
students, all of whom are engaged in the study
of business management and who aspire to
successful careers. In the 35 years since the
program’s founding, more than 300 business
leaders, representing dozens of industries and
fields of business expertise, have received the
Outstanding Business Leader Award.
www.northwood.edu/idea
The six honorees in the
Class of 2015 are:
Jim Hallett, CEO, KAR Auction Services.
Introduced by Rahul Vyas, 2015 MBA
Candidate, Richard M. DeVos Graduate School
of Management – Florida Campus
Steve M. Madincea, (MI ’82), Founder and
Group Managing Director, PRISM.
Introduced by Jake Riepma, a Senior majoring in
Sports and Entertainment Management
on the Michigan Campus
Rollie Massimino, Head Coach, Northwood
University Men’s Basketball. Introduced
by Malte Ziegenhagen, a Senior majoring in
Management on the Florida Campus
Sonu Ratra, President of Akraya, Inc.
Introduced by Jasmyne Powell, an Adult Degree
Program Senior majoring in Management on the
Florida Campus
John Rotche, President, TITLE Boxing Club.
Introduced by Marrissa Angst, a Senior majoring
Accounting and Finance on the Michigan Campus
Melissa Spickler, Founder, The Spickler
Group. Introduced by Trace Lanson, a Senior
majoring in Marketing on the Florida Campus
SUMMER 2015
ADVANCEMENT
RESTORING THE
AMERICAN DREAM
The Campaign for Northwood University, concluded
December 31, 2014, was the most successful
fundraising campaign in the University’s history.
Through the generosity of more than 13,000
alumni and friends, almost $73,000,000 has
been given to Northwood University. These
funds are enhancing the educational experience
for students and strengthen the university
for the long term. Support for scholarships,
facilities, program and endowment have
provided opportunities for ambitious men
and women to pursuit their dreams--The
American Dream.
Students are the heart
of Northwood University.
This campaign is giving
them the funding
to reach higher and
become tomorrow’s
business leaders and
entrepreneurs.
Northwood educates the free enterprisers who
will employ and lead profitable endeavors that
will produce the prosperity for the country.
Thousands of contributors, volunteers and
advocates made this effort a reality. Thank
you for believing in the power of education,
free enterprise, ambition and commitment
to the students being served.
Scholarships mean an opportunity to achieve the
dream of obtaining a degree from Northwood.
Nearly $22,500,000 has been given to build
annual, endowed scholarships and endowed
professorships. Over 80% of Northwood
students receive some assistance to attend
the university. These scholarships will provide
needed funds so ambitious men and women
will be the leaders of a global free enterprise
society.
Continued
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
7
ADVANCEMENT
Facilities are the place where education
takes place; in the classroom, the lecture hall,
the athletic field, library or dorm room. It is
where students come together to discuss ideas,
share dreams for the future, are challenged
by faculty and form their view of the world.
Over $24,600,000 has
provided needed funds
for facilities including:
A New Gateway
New DeVos Student
Development Center
Helen Gerace Auditorium
Carl A. Gerstacker
Academic Center
Tennis Courts
Field house bathrooms
Strosacker Athletic
Training Center
New Weight room and
Training facility
Renovated Bennett Sports
Complex
8
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
The Campaign for
Northwood University
is a milestone and is
transforming our future.
Enhancing the Student Experience
Annual Scholarships and Program SupportCurrent Funding
Griswold Dining Hall
New Graduate School
Enhancing the student experience through
programs such as internships, experiential
learning including the auto show, and fashion
show give students the real world experience
to excel in their career. $25,600,000 has
been donated to assist Northwood university
students to make a difference in the world.
Over $25,000,000 has been contributed to
program support students. These programs
and learning activities make the educational
experience come to life for students at
Northwood. An educational tradition at
Northwood University is learning through
real life experience. The support given means
more students are participating in activities
that make them better prepared to step into
the work force and make a difference for
their employers and community. Students at
Northwood University are encouraged to take
leadership roles in educational activities such
as auto show, fashion show, Stafford dinner,
semester abroad learning opportunities,
www.northwood.edu/idea
varsity and intramural sports, guest speakers
and many more. All of these activities provide
a way to connect to each other, the faculty and
the community. Not only do students become
friends, spouses and business partners, they
become advocates of free enterprise. They
have learned “The Northwood Idea” the uniting
elements of all alumni. The Northwood Code
of Ethics is derived from the Northwood Idea.
These code emphases: Freedom, Respect,
Empathy, Spirituality, Honesty, Achievement,
Integrity, and Responsibility. These are taught
in the classroom and become the foundation
of the student’s life.
Building a Strong Future
Over $20,200,000 has been given in support
of endowment for Northwood University.
Building the
endowment is creating
a strong future for the
students we serve
today and into the
future. A growing
endowment is critical
to sustaining the
Northwood educational
philosophy.
SUMMER 2015
ADVANCEMENT
It is the University’s financial foundation
and a permanent source of funds. However,
the reach of the endowment goes beyond the
dollars it generates. An increased endowment
means the educational message of selfdetermination, individual responsibility and
free enterprise will always be a part of the
national landscape. New gifts to the endowment
strengthen the educational experience by
increasing the resources for scholarships and
professorships. Alumni and friends gave cash
to build the endowment as well as providing
for the university through their estate. We are
profoundly grateful to those individuals who
understand and appreciate the importance a
strong endowment can make.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a critical component for
student success at Northwood University.
The campaign raised $9,748,545 in annual
scholarships and $9,870,869 for endowed
scholarships. Nearly $20 million in new
scholarship funds were raised to help young
men and women receive a Northwood
University education.
The new scholarships are important to offering
competitive financial packages to attract new
students, providing support to retain students,
and creating incentives to attract the best
and brightest students. Most importantly,
scholarships are an investment in “The
Northwood Idea” and educate future leaders
who will staunchly defend free enterprise.
The support provided by this campaign
means we will continue to graduate more
entrepreneurs than our peers. More than
30% of our graduates go on to own all or
part of their business – imagine where that
number may be in the future as a result of
this and other campaigns.
Of the students who come to Northwood, about
two-thirds have financial needs that aren’t
completely met. And, of course, students end
up not coming here because of a lack of funds
for scholarships. The generosity demonstrated
through this campaign assures the dream
of a Northwood education is available to all
individuals, establishes a support system for
deserving young men and women, and serves
as tangible reinforcement to all parties that
a Northwood business education is the best
choice.
Facilities
Northwood University enrolls more than 6,000
students annually, hosts students from more
than 70 countries, proudly claims more than
50,000 alumni in more than 100 countries,
and impressively enables their learning each
and every day.
A global and modern education at Northwood
University requires more than classroom
space, faculty and books. Today’s students
must be comfortable with modern technology,
classroom instruction must be facilitated
through traditional methods, but also through
online learning that includes discussion boards,
video conferencing, and much more.
Northwood’s facilities must accommodate
a great deal of flexibility and create an
environment that is suitable to multiple
instructional techniques and student needs.
On top of that, our main residential campuses
need to provide desirable housing, a safe
environment, and amenities that serve a full
complement of athletic and student clubs.
During the campaign $24,661,523 was
raised to help us upgrade or build completely
new capital projects. A new cafeteria exists
to provide our students with more healthy
options, upgraded academic facilities enhance
the learning process, new athletic facilities
help us compete at the highest levels, and
new academic facilities will begin construction
in 2015.
In the same way that Arthur Turner and Gary
Stauffer set the stage for the creation of
Northwood, the campaign and new capital
projects are laying the foundation for Northwood’s
continued success for the next 50 years.
Thank you
to the Risk
Takers and
Believers.
“The Northwood Idea” is alive and
thriving right now in large part due
to the support of men and women
throughout the world who made
Northwood’s campaign not only
successful – but historic.
Northwood does not accept direct
state or federal funding, which means
support from generous individuals is
not only necessary, but critical to our
educational efforts.
Your financial support is helping
students right now learn from our
respected faculty not only the tools
to succeed in business… but also the
key components of acting ethically
and with integrity.
More than $73 million in new
philanthropic gifts are at work to create
new facilities, provide new scholarships,
bolster academic programs, and create
a stronger Northwood University. Your
commitment excites an entrepreneurial
spirit, demonstrates the positive
influence of free enterprise, and
inspires others to make a difference too.
The best two words are “thank you!”
Without you it would be impossible
to educate a new generation of
leaders who understand the unique
bond between business and liberty.
By the standard you’ve set, and the
education they receive, Northwood
University students have the acumen
to help usher forth a more prosperous
future for everyone.
9
FACULTY BRIEFS
TEACHER INSPIRATION
IN AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Dr. Mohammad AlQudah,
Chair Dept of Mathematics,
Michigan campus, published
three peer-reviewed journal
articles during the spring
semester, titled: “Construction
of Tchebyshev-II Weighted
Orthogonal Polynomials on Triangular”, at Int. J.
Pure Applied Math., “Constrained Ultrasphericalweighted orthogonal polynomials on triangle”,
Int. J. Math. Analysis, and “Generalized
Tschebyscheff-II weighted polynomials on
simplicial domains“ at Journal of Mathematical
and Computational Science. Also, Dr AlQudah
presented a paper titled “Chebyshev and
Bernstein polynomials change of bases” at
American Mathematical Society Central Spring
Sectional Meeting, Michigan State University,
East Lansing, on March, 2015.
Alisha Beckrow, adjunct
professor, Michigan campus,
successfully defended her
doctoral dissertation, an
examination of the social bonds
and engagement of young
professional social media
users. She earned her PhD at Wayne State
University from the school of fine, performing,
and communication arts communication
department with a focus on media, society
and culture and cognate in marketing.
10
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
Dr. Stelian Grigoras, Associate
Professor and Chair of the
Innovation Marketing and
Management Program
received a Certificate of
Appreciation from NASA
(Advanced Information
Systems Technology Program and NASA
Earth Science Technology Office) for peer
reviewing three Grant proposal requests
addressed to NASA.
John Gustincic, assistant
professor, Accounting,
Michigan campus, the Board
of Commissioners of the
State Bar of Michigan have
appointed professor Gustincic
to serve on the State Bar
Character and Fitness Committee. The
Character and Fitness Committee investigates
the character and fitness of candidates for
admission to the State Bar, pursuant to Rule
15, Section 1, of the Supreme Court Rules
Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. On
February 18, 2015 professor Gustincic attended
the Learning About Business Excellence in
Entrepreneurship Award Breakfast which
featured as keynote speaker Jeff Hoffman,
Founder and Past CEO, Priceline.com. Professor
Gustincic also addressed the audience at the
request of the event organizers. Professor
Gustincic spoke to the audience about the
great success of the Learning About Business
high school workshops that have been held
on the Michigan campus during the fall 2014
and spring 2015 semesters.
www.northwood.edu/idea
Jim Hop, associate
professor, Department
Chair - Entrepreneurship,
Department Chair –
Franchising Management,
Michigan campus, attended
the IFA’s 55th Annual
Convention, February 15-18, 2015. Northwood
offers the only undergraduate program in
Franchising Management in North America
and we are a Supplier member of the IFA
(International Franchise Association). With
over 3,800 attendees this is the largest
convention held by the IFA on an annual basis. In addition to attending several workshops and
seminars from the top leaders in the industry
I was able to act as a moderator during a
NextGen (A New Generation in Franchising
Summit) roundtable event. The NetxGen
Summit invited fifty winners of the Young
Entrepreneurs in Franchising Competition
from around the world to the annual IFA
convention. They participated in several
program events including the roundtable
event. As moderator we worked through
the franchise ideas with regard to the topic
of “Flushing out new Business Concepts”.
Lewis Kuhl, adjunct faculty,
Automotive Marketing &
Management Department,
Florida campus has been
named the Director of
Regulatory Compliance for
GSFS Group. GSFSGroup
is a nationwide provider and administrator
of F&I products for the automotive industry.
SUMMER 2015
FACULTY BRIEFS
Professor DeLois T.
Leapheart became a member
of the American Mock Trial
Association (AMTA) Board
of Directors at the annual
board meeting for AMTA
in 2014. She is a member of
the AMTA Executive Committee and Chair of
the Academic Committee that is working on
producing a New Trial Handbook for use by
schools new to mock trial. DeLois is also the
Director of the Northwood University Mock Trial
program, a program that has qualified for the
Mock Trial National Championship Tournament
7 of the 11 years that this program has been
in existence. Northwood University won the
national championship in 2009 and placed
second in its division in 2008, 2010 and 2014.
Dr. Glenn Moots, Professor
and Chair, Philosophy and
Political Science, Michigan
Campus, had an article
received for publication by
American Political Thought,
submitted review essays to
the Journal of Religious History, Anglican and
Episcopal History, the Christians in Political
Science Newsletter, and had review essays
published in Liberty Fund’s online Library of
Law and Liberty and the online edition of the
journal Anamnesis. He served as guest editor
and introduced a special symposium for the
Journal of Military Ethics on the question
“Was the American Revolution a Just War?”
He also delivered a lecture at Louisiana State
University titled “God and Constitutionalism”
and received the Order of Merit Medal from
the Eric Voegelin Society for the defense of
civilization.
Amanda Swafford, associate
academic dean, Michigan
Campus, was selected to
represent NACADA’s Advising
Students With Disabilities
Commission as a evaluator
of proposals for the 2015
National Academic Advising Association
Conference.
Marisa Toschkoff, Associate
Director of Academic Records/
Registrar, Michigan campus,
successfully completed a
Doctor in Education degree
from Central Michigan
University on December
31, 2014. Her dissertation topic was “The
Relationship Between the Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator and the Choice of College Major.”
Dr. Alex Tokarev, assistant
professor, Economics,
attended multiple free market
events including the Free
Market Road Show in EU and
the Free Market Forum in US,
gave lectures at the Freedom
Seminar, MASAL and Alma College, organized
an internship for NU students at EKIP and the
Atlas Institute in Bulgaria, appeared on 2 free
market TV shows (The Seen and the Unseen,
Boom and Bust), published an essay at In
Defense of Capitalism, organized Freedom
Week at NU with speakers from 45 of the
world’s leading conservative and libertarian
institutions and is kindly asking for advice
and help from all his colleagues to make the
second Freedom Week in mid-September
this year an even better experience for our
students and the local community.
Donna Wagner, Aftermarket
Management chair and
assistant professor, Michigan
campus, presented the
Aftermarket Management
degree at the Car Care
Council Women’s Board to
leading aftermarket women executives and
at the Automotive Communications Council
to top industry marketing professionals. She
participated in the Auto Care Association
Education Committee meeting and Leadership
Days. Donna worked with industry associations
to coordinate the attendance of aftermarket
students at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week
and Mid-America Truck Show.
Weikang “Ken” Wang,
Associate professor, Michigan
Campus has received
a formal invitation from
China’s Dongbei University
of Finance and Economics
to be its visiting scholar
this summer. He will teach both graduate
and undergraduate courses in marketing,
international marketing and management.
Dongbei University of Finance and Economics
is one of the top three universities in business
education in China. It is located at Dalian,
a well-known beautiful beach city in the
northeastern part of China. The university
has 25 different colleges with over 12,000
undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students,
including colleges of management, public
administration, MBA, accounting, finance, tax,
international trade, international business,
economics, mathematics, tourism & hospitality,
statistics, and journalism.
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
11
ATHLETICS IN ACTION MICHIGAN
THE INAUGURAL
“TIMBY” AWARDS
On April 30, 2015 the Michigan Campus Athletic Department
held the first “Timby” Awards. The event is will be a new
tradition honoring the best of the athletic calendar year
at Northwood.
Here are the people and teams that took
home the major awards that night:
Top Team GPA – Volleyball
Team has a cumulative GPA above 3.6,
the best in the Athletic Department
Team of the Year – Men’s Soccer
Team won its first ever conference
championship of any kind, taking home
the GLIAC Tournament Title
Team finished the year ranked in the
top 25 nationally for the first time
in school history
Women’s Pack Pride Award
Brianna Blumenherst, Women’s Golf
Chairwoman of the 2015 NU Style Show
President of NU Student Ambassadors
Vice President of the Student-Athlete
Advisory Council
Claimed the Fashion Marketing and
Management Award
Men’s Pack Pride Award
Jake Riepma, Football
Play-by-Play Announcer for
Men’s/Women’s Basketball
NU Student Ambassador
Volleyball/Baseball Announcer
Member of the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes
12
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
www.northwood.edu/idea
SUMMER 2015
ATHLETICS IN ACTION MICHIGAN
Women’s Athlete of the Year
Gabrielle Rivette, Women’s Basketball
Named First Team All-GLIAC in her final
two seasons
Led GLIAC in three-point percentage
and assists
Holds Northwood records for
three-point percentage in a career (43.2)
and a season (46.8)
Women’s Newcomer of the Year
Maddy Seeley, Women’s Basketball
Third on the team in scoring (10.1 ppg)
Averaged nearly 22 minutes per game
Scored a career-high 27 points on the
road against national-ranked Michigan
Tech
Ranked among top scorers in the GLIAC
among Freshman
Men’s Newcomer of the Year
Maurice Jones, Men’s Basketball
Named Second Team All-GLIAC
Led the GLIAC in steals
Ranked second in assists in the GLIAC
Second leading rebounder on team
Was third on team in scoring
Ranks second in NU History in free throws
made (361) and fourth in free throw
attempts (431)
Men’s Athlete of the Year
Mike Ankoviak, Men’s Soccer/Men’s
Track & Field
2014 Daktronics All-America Honorable
Mention (Soccer)
First Team All-Midwest Region
First Team All-GLIAC
Team allowed just 13 goals in 18 matches
Earned All-GLIAC honors in Track &
Field as well
Moment of the Year
Football win at Northern Michigan to open
season in honor of Coach Riepma
Northwood opened the year with a
23-13 road win at Northern Michigan
Coach Riepma was unable to attend the
game, after which the team honored
him during the fight song
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
13
ATHLETICS IN ACTION FLORIDA
NORTHWOOD WINS NAIA WOMEN’S
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Northwood University
shot 8-over 296 May 15
to capture its second
NAIA Women’s National
Championship.
Northwood, of West Palm Beach, Fla.,
finished at 59-over 1,211 at Savannah
Quarters Country Club in Pooler, Ga.
Northwood, which also won the title in
2003, finished 22 shots head of William
Woods University, of Fulton, Mo., and
SCAD Savannah (Ga.). The 1,211 is the
third best score in NAIA history behind
1,209 posted last year by Oklahoma City
and SCAD Savannah.
“It has been an incredible season,” said
Northwood coach Brandon Miller. “This
team deserves this national championship.
From the very first practice we had a
feeling it could be a special season.
This win belongs to all 11 players on our
roster, each of them has played a major
part in our success in many ways.”
Northwood was led by Elsa Westin, who
finished second at 9-over 297. Caroline
Retabi tied for seventh and Sabrina Schloo
tied for 15th for the Seahawks.
Dalton (Ga.) State’s Julia McQuilken shot
4-over 292 to capture the individual
championship.
“It’s a great feeling to finally
have my first college win,”
said McQuilken, a junior
from Tampa, Fla. “I couldn’t
have done it without the
support of my team and my
coaches. Coming in first as
an individual is awesome,
but finishing second as a
team in a first year program
is even more special.”
- Golfweek • May 15, 2015
2015 SUN CONFERENCE BASEBALL HONORS
The Sun Conference Player of the Year award went to Northwood’s Keivan Berges.
The sophomore designated hitter is the first Seahawk to claim the honor since 2009 when
Oscar DePablos took home the accolade. Berges led the Seahawks to the first regular
season championship in program history, hitting .354 with 67 hits, 19 doubles, 14 home
runs and 67 RBIs. Berges scored 39 times and drew 25 walks, posting a slugging percentage
of .688 and an on-base percentage of .431. Berges ranks in the top 10 nationally in four
offensive categories, including fourth in RBIs (67) and RBIs per game (1.4).
Northwood’s Cody Gray claimed league
Pitcher of the Year honors. The senior from
Glendale, Ariz. finished the 2015 regular
season with an 8-2 record and 1.64 ERA in
11 starts. Gray posted one complete game
and two combined shutouts in 77.0 innings,
striking out 90 batters and allowing just
a .179 batting average against. Gray was
the league’s Pitcher of the Week on three
separate occasions.
Jeremy Kennedy of Northwood was
selected as the Rick Smoliak Coach of the
Year award recipient. Kennedy led his team
to their first regular season league title in
program history with a 22-5 conference
mark. The Seahawks went 39-10 overall
and are currently ranked No. 4 in the latest
NAIA Coaches’ Poll.
- www.thesunconference.com
(Middle) Coach of the Year Jeremy Kennedy. (Right) Cody Gray
Pitcher of the Year. (Left) Keivan Berges (Player of the Year)
14
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
www.northwood.edu/idea
SUMMER 2015
ALUMNI IN ACTION
During the weekend
of April 17-19,
2015 Northwood
University recognized
six outstanding alumni –
graduates whose actions
demonstrate they believe
in and support our
mission and core values.
NORTHWOOD AWARDS
6 ALUMNI WITH AN
OUTSTANDING ALUMNI
AWARD FOR 2015
These outstanding alumni came back to
campus on Friday and hosted engagements
with current students, toured the campus
(some of which have not been back in many
years), they attended the 2015 Style Show
on Friday evening that is hosted by the
Northwood Fashion Program, and finally on
Saturday we held a luncheon and ceremony
with their closest family and friends to present
them with their awards.
Our warm appreciation
and congratulations go
out to our distinguished
graduates:
Tony Abou-Ganim, ’86, and Christopher
Clements, ’96, received the Alumni
Achievement Award. Tony is with The Modern
Mixologist and Christopher is chief financial
officer for the Miami Dolphins and Sun
Life Stadium. This award is the highest one
bestowed on a Northwood graduate having
demonstrated outstanding achievement in
their chosen career and who support the
Northwood Idea.
2005 alumna Erin M. Mazurek received
the Young Alumni Volunteer Award. Erin
is tournament director for the U.S. Tennis
Association (USTA) Memphis Open. The
honoree must be an active alumni participant
and supporter of Northwood University.
2015 Northwood Outstanding Alumni Award Winners: Tony Abou-Ganim, Erin Mazurek,
Chris Clements, Amy Pflueger, Jared Rowe, and Daisy Morgan.
Daisy M. Morgan received the Alumni Service Award. Daisy is a 1998 graduate and served
as Senior Chief Petty Officer (retired) for the United States Navy. Alumni receiving this award
must currently serve, or have served in the military with honorable discharge, or served our
country by choosing a career in public service, and will exemplify the Northwood University
code of ethics.
Amy L. Pflueger, ’91, and Jared R. Rowe, ’97, received the Alumni Leadership Award. Amy is
director of global procurement for Ingredion Incorporated and Jared is president of Autotrader.
These alumni’s degrees must have impacted their current success in their business and community,
and they must demonstrate support to Northwood University and to the Northwood Idea.
If you would like to nominate someone for an alumni award you can do so by visiting the
www.northwood.edu/alumni and completing a nomination form.
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
15
ALUMNI IN ACTION
SPRING BREAK:
STRAIGHT, NO CHASER
ONE WEEK:
THREE CITY TOUR
When students nationwide start
planning their spring break, there
are usually common themes: sun
and sand.
Some, though, decide to take the little extra
time from class and projects to give themselves
that extra edge after graduation. Recently,
students in the Student Alumni Network
joined Robin Yancer, a key member of the
Alumni Relations department, on a multi-city
tour to meet alumni in Georgia, Tennessee,
and Ohio. In each state, they toured various
facilities hosted by alumnus’ to broaden their
regional network.
Sam Martus, a senior,
says, “Being able to
visit a major city that we
may one day live in is a
huge bonus. Being able
to explore the city, feel
the vibes of the city and
explore really allows us
to see if it could be a
possible match for where
we may one day move
and start our career after
graduating Northwood.
The chance to speak with Alumni from
Northwood, about their experiences with
Northwood, and how it has helped them with
their careers and how far ahead they are
because of how Northwood and the faculty
here teach and interact with the students is
16
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
amazing, and always good to hear when you
are a student, getting ready to graduate and
looking for a career or already having one
lined up.”
Northwood graduates regularly contact the
Alumni Relations department searching for
employees. By making an early connection
with these individuals, the students on this
trip were able to distinguish themselves.
Carly Satkowiak, sophomore, still has some
time in her academic career, but thinks the
advice from graduates she met was valuable.
She recalls, “Remember to have fun while
you’re going to Northwood, the school is
great and offers so much; take advantage
of that... But never lose sight of what you’re
really going for.” Another alumnus reassured
her that, “graduating from Northwood will
help everything fall into the right place.” Even
better, she was reminded that her current
efforts will be rewarded, “This is a great thing
you’re doing; giving up your spring break to
travel and talk to alumni all over the country,
these are the things that will take you far in
life after your years at Northwood, because
these are your future employers and they’ll
remember this.”
share our passion for business. There is some
“down time” where we get to enjoy the city
we are in. This year in Atlanta we went to the
College Football Hall of Fame which was a
memory I will forever cherish. There were a
lot of interacting exhibits as well as a wall of
every college football team, even Northwood.
As far as the events go, Nashville was probably
the best. We had the best turnout of Alumni as
well as a group of individuals who really were
about networking with students. I met a lot
of contacts and gained advice from many of
the alumni as to where my future holds. As of
now, I’m not sure, but Nashville is definitely
on the map now as places I could see myself
living after college.”
The value in this trip, however, is not just
for current students. Alumni also highly value
their interactions with soon-to-be graduates.
Mark Foster, ‘04, says, “The value of my
education from NU has two values; 1, what I
do with what I learned and 2, the product NU is
producing today. It is apparent that this group
will add value to my degree from NU. I was
impressed with their professionalism, political
knowledge, and passion for entrepreneurship.”
A key feature of Northwood graduates is
their willingness to put in the extra effort to
be successful. Achievement, as a stated in our
code of ethics, means that these students will
use these experiences to further their personal
and professional lives.
Judy Dearmon, ’88, appreciated that “the
participating students were friendly and
enthusiastic, and made my husband and me
feel almost like we were at a family reunion.”
Similarly, Diane Helliwell, ’84, “was struck by
how grounded and practical the students are
and see nothing but bright futures for them.”
Kevin Burgess, senior, speaks highly of his
experience, saying, “The spring break trip was
extremely rewarding! It gave us as students
the opportunities to meet with alumni who
The ambitious participants in this Student
Alumni Network alternative spring break will
certainly have the benefit of these experiences
last them a lifetime.
www.northwood.edu/idea
SUMMER 2015
ALUMNI IN ACTION
Northwood Alumni Event at Nashville City Winery
Sponsored by Northwood Alumnus, Mike Abbondanza,
owner of Newton Nissan.
Northwood Alumni Female Entrepreneur Panel
– Held during Values Emphasis Week
Heather Bauman, Dawn Zimmer, Jennifer Panning were
hosted on March 26 by a few of our female students in the
Entrepreneur Program at Northwood. The alumni spoke
to the students about the opportunities and benefits of
being a female business owner and discussed how the
mission and outcomes of Northwood helped shaped their
business acumen.
The Northwood University Chicago Alumni & Friends
Chapter gathered at the Miller Coors headquarters in
downtown Chicago on June 3, 2015 and were hosted by
Northwood alumnus, Ed McBrien.
Northwood Reception at the North American
International Auto Show – January 2015
Northwood University Black Alumni Association
The NUBAA came to campus on April 23rd to interact with
current students and better understand how the alumni
group can help students.
Northwood University Partners with Graduway on Alumni and Student Networking Platform
will help Northwood alumni stay connected
With over 50,000 graduates around the world, Midland, Michigan-based Northwood University is now offering BLUE LINK, an effective
networking and mentoring tool for students and alumni that will benefit thousands of graduates – no matter where they live. Northwood
partnered with Graduway to create the platform. Graduway, a leading provider of alumni networking platforms, combines the power of
school brands with the connectivity of social networks – helping schools keep in touch with alumni, maximize their levels of engagement
and improve overall contact database management. BLUE LINK will be launched in the fall of 2015.
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
17
FAMILY ALBUM
FAMILY ALBUM
Access to Northwood University alumni information, and usage of, should be conducted in an
ethical and lawful manner. Use of alumni contact information for personal gain, commercial
use, or solicitation is strictly prohibited.
1970s
1990s
2000s
Joana (Turner) Jones, MI ’74, Management,
is the founder and executive director of the
Asian Children’s Mission in Cornelius, Ore.
Joana has two daughters; Jordana and Jessica
and three grandchildren; Noah Cranson, 4;
Maximillian Cranson, 2; and Caia Grace Bowen,
born August 2014. Joana resides in Cornelius,
Ore. After retiring from a 30 year career with
General Motors in Bedford, Indiana, I ended up
traveling to Myanmar, and founding a non-profit
called Asian Children’s Mission. Enjoy taking a look
at what we do on our Facebook page-- https://
www.facebook.com/asianchildrensmission and
our web site -- asianchildrensmission.org. My
parents were Janice Turner, academic dean at
Indiana, and John Turner, a culinary arts instructor.
joanatjones@gmail.com
Bernadine (Hayes) Warren, Selfridge Program
Center, MI ’90, B.B.A., Management, resides
in Moses Lake, Wash. bernie@valkyriders.com
Will Robins, FL ’00, B.B.A., Marketing/
Management, is the owner/teaching
professional for Will Robins Golf in Calif. Will
received a Merit Scholarship while attending
Northwood University. He resides in Citrus
Heights, Calif. Will Robins, Certified PGA
Professional, owns and operates three WRGolf
academies in Sacramento County, CA. WRGolf
is the only academy in the country where results
are guaranteed. Will and his team of coaches
show players how to find their identity out on the
golf course and embrace their game rather than
searching for fixes and faults. will@wrgolf.com
Kim Headbloom, MI ’79, A.A., Advertising, is
the owner of Head Bloom Innovations LLC.
Kim resides in Troy, Mich. It is never too late
to start a new business, launch a product or
pursue your dreams. Head Bloom Innovations,
LLC launched its first product/brand in 2010,
www.beeXpression.com. Additional unrelated
products are currently in the works for licensing.
I would be interested in reconnecting and
collaborating with interested, like-minded alums.
headbloominnovations@gmail.com
Richard “Rick” Gartner, MI ’76, B.B.A.,
Management, was in the Chi Alpha Mu and
the Phi Sigma Beta fraternities while attending
Northwood University. Rick is married to
Kristine “Kris (Kane) (MI ’75, B.B.A., Business
Administration). He has two daughters; Alison
and Jacquelyn and three grandchildren; Ava, 5,
Elle, 3, and Bradford, almost 1 year old. They
reside in Auburn, Ind. We would like to see you
all at the 2015 Northwood Auto Show this fall.
Alumni of the mid 70’s – see you at Frick’s Friday
night! sgplatinum@aol.com
18
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
Richard Bushart, MI ’95, B.B.A., Marketing/
Management, is a senior business consultant
for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn,
Mich. Richard is married to Dawn and they
have three children; Brendan, 14, Stephen,
12, and Luke, 7 years old. They reside in
Livonia, Mich. I recently graduated Magna Cum
Laude from NorthCentral University with an
Applied Doctorate in Business Administration
concentrating in organizational learning/
strategy and quantitative methods/statistics. I
got married to Dawn (Braker) Bushart on July
9th, 2014 at Wildwood Manor in Toledo, Ohio.
DrRichardBushart@yahoo.com
Meggan (Hayes) Mangino, MI ’95,
B.B.A., Marketing/Management, was a
homecoming candidate, in the American
Advertising Federation, and a Delta Zeta
while attending Northwood University.
Meggan resides in Ballston Spa, N.Y.
meggan_mangino@yahoo.com
Christopher Rawson, MI ’98, B.B.A.,
Management, is the director-dealer
development for Sym-Tech, Inc. in Richmond
Hill, Ontario, CANADA. Christopher
resides in Cambridge, Ontario, CANADA.
christopherrawson@rogers.com
www.northwood.edu/idea
Kreisler Buy, MI ’01, B.B.A., Marketing/
Management, is an online media specialist
– public affairs, for the Department of State –
United States Government in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. He was a member of the American
Advertising Federation during his years at
Northwood University. Kreisler is married
to Leanne Kuah and they have two children;
Keifer 6, and Laenerys, 2. They reside in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “Go Woodies!”
kerislerbuy@gmail.com
Kevin Greenwald, B.B.A., MI ’02, Accounting,
was a member of the Honorary Accounting
Society as well as receiving a Merit
Scholarship while attending Northwood
University. Kevin resides in Indianapolis, Ind.
kevingreenwald@hotmail.com
Jeannine Bytwerk, B.B.A., MI ’02, Banking
and finance/Management, works at Fidelity
Investments in Jacksonville, Fla. Jeannine ran
Women’s Track and Women’s Cross Country
as well as receiving Merit Scholarships
while attending Northwood University.
Jeannine resides in Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
jeannine.bytwerk@gmail.com
SUMMER 2015
FAMILY ALBUM
Emily Elliott, MI ’02, B.B.A., Hotel, Restaurant,
Resort/Management, is a sr. administrative
assistant to the president at Kalsec, Inc. in
Kalamazoo, Mich. Emily was very involved
during her time here at Northwood; She was
in the Ambassador Club, worked Stafford
Dinner, Auto Show and Alpha Kappa Psi as
well as receiving both a Merit Scholarship and
a Private Donor Scholarship. Emily resides
in Portage, Mich. I recently got engaged on
Christmas 2014, to James Hoerin and we are
planning a May 2016, wedding in Allegan, Mich.
ecrashe@aol.com
Jack Wetter, MI ’02, B.B.A., Management
Information Systems/Management, is a cyberincident response analyst for Cloudburst
Security. Jack was in the Peer Educators group
and received a Merit Scholarship during his
time at Northwood University. Jack resides
in Upper Marlboro, M.D.
jack.wetter4@gmail.com
Jade (Johnson) Robb, MI ’05, B.B.A.,
International Business/Management, is a
key account manager for Valeo in Auburn
Hills, Mich. Jade was a member of the Student
Senate, Delta Mu Delta, Alpha Gamma Delta,
was a model in the 2004 Style Show and did a
term in Europe while also receiving a Private
Donor Scholarship and a Merit Scholarship.
Jade is married to Gary and they reside in
Clarkston, Mich. jademjackson@gmail.com
Carly (Laxton) Oroz, MI ’07, B.B.A.,
Entertainment Sports & Promotion
Management, and DeVos, Midland, MI ’08,
M.B.A., Management, is the account manager
for Home Run Sports, and is married to Mladen
Oroz (MI ’06). Carly was a part of the Student
Government Association, Student Athlete
Advisory and played Women’s softball. Carly
also received a Merit Scholarship for her
M.B.A. Program. Mladen played Men’s soccer
and received a Merit Scholarship. They live in
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA. I work at Home
Run Sports, a locally owned and operated business
that is a trusted source for ALL things sports! As
an Account Manager, and Varsity Softball Alum,
2003 -2007, I get to continue my passion for
softball and sports in general by working alongside
local sports teams and associations. Mladen and I
met in the fall of 2004 and were married on April
26, 2014. We are currently living in Toronto,
Ontario. cjlaxton@gmail.com
Benjamin “Drew” St Aubin, MI ’08, B.B.A.,
Entertainment Sports & Promotion/
Management, received a Merit Scholarship
and played Football for the Northwood
University Timberwolves! Drew resides in
San Diego, Calif. drew.staubin@gmail.com
Arjav Patel, FL ’09, B.B.A., Management/
Automotive Marketing, and NU Switzerland
’10, M.B.A., Business Management, was
a member of NUCARS and received
a Merit Scholarship while attending
Northwood. Arjav resides in Irving, Texas.
arjav.a.patel@gmail.com
2010s
Jeffrey Hojnacki, MI ’10, Banking & Finance/
Automotive Marketing/Management, is
the business development manager for
Volkswagen Credit in Missouri. Jeff was
a member of the Automotive Group and
received a Merit Scholarship while he attended
Northwood University. He is married to
Alexandria and they reside in Kirkwood, Mo.
jeff.hojnacki@gmail.com
Daniel Lauffer, MI ’10, B.B.A., International
Business/Management, is a financial services
consultant for TIAA-CREF in Denver, Colo.
Daniel was a member of the International
Business Association and the American
Advertising Federation as well as receiving a
Merit Scholarship while attending Northwood
University. Daniel resides in Lakewood, Colo.
dmlauffer@gmail.com
Kari (Williams) Pfeiffer, Troy, MI ’10, B.B.A.,
Management works for Holcim in Dundee,
Mich. Kari resides in Allen Park, Mich. kari.
williams.pfeiffer@gmail.com
Saidal Sadigi, MI ’10, B.B.A., International
Business/Management, was in the
International Business Association, InterCultural Club and received a Merit Scholarship
while attending Northwood University’s
Undergrad program. Saidal also received a
DeVos, Midland, MI ’11, M.B.A., Management.
Saidal resides in Malmo, Sweden. saidal.
sadigi@tele2.com
Adam Mateman, MI ’10, B.B.A., Management,
and Midland-DeVos ’11, M.B.A., Management,
is a regional manager for American Barcode
and RFID Inc. in Phoenix, Az. Adam played
Golf and was in the International Business
Association at Northwood as well as receiving
a Merit Scholarship. Adam resides in Clare,
Mich. I was recently promoted twice in one
month. I am currently the regional account
manager of Phoenix. I won the Soaring Service
Award for exceeding the 2014 quota. I recently
had a write-up in the company newsletter. I
am engaged to Casey Musser from California
and we are planning a March, 2016 wedding.
adam.mateman@abrfid.com
Tiphakaysone Phaypradith, Cedar Hill, TX
’11, B.B.A., Management, resides in Grand
Prairie, Texas. tiphakaysone@gmail.com
Quinn (Luke) Gudakunst, MI ’11, B.B.A.,
Entertainment Sports & Promotion/
Management, played softball, was a member
of the Church Reloaded and Alpha Chi Omega
while she attended Northwood University.
Quinn is married to Riley and they reside in
Blue Ridge, Ga. quinngudakunst@gmail.com
Nora (Torres) Tornero, Fort Worth, TX,
’12, B.B.A., resides in Fort Worth, Texas.
torneronora@gmail.com
Erica Garcia, TX ’12, B.B.A., Management,
received a Merit Scholarship. Erica resides in
Grand Prairie, Texas. erica.garcia42@gmail.com
Eric Somsel, MI ’12, B.B.A., Entertainment
Sports and Promotion Management, was
a member of the College Republicans and
the ESPM Association as well as receiving a
Merit Scholarship while attending Northwood
University. Eric resides in Lansing, Mich.
ericsonsel@gmail.com
Corey “Spike” Enright, MI ’12, B.B.A.,
Management Information Systems/
Management, resides in Saginaw, Mich.
spike@enright.net
Joshua McWilliams, MI ’13, B.B.A.,
Accounting, in a staff accountant for Yeo &
Yeo, CPAs & Business Consultants in Saginaw,
Mich. Joshua received a Merit Scholarship
while attend Northwood. He is married to
Alyssa (Maurer) (B.B.A., MI ’13), during Alyssa’s
time at Northwood, she was a member of
the American Marketing Association and
also received a Merit Scholarship. Alyssa
and Joshua reside in Freeland, Mich. Alyssa,
also a Northwood Alumni, and I were married
in July of 2014! Also in 2014, I passed the
CPA exam! 2014 was a very busy year for us!!
joshuajmcwilliams@gmail.com
Marina Resto, MI ’13, B.B.A., Advertising/
Marketing, was a Cheerleader and a Resident
Assistant, ran Women’s Track and was in the
National Society of Leadership. Marina was
a Delta Kappa Chi and Alpha Kappa Psi and
received a Merit Scholarship during her time
at Northwood University. Marina resides in
Royal Oak, Mich. restom@northwood.edu
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
www.northwood.edu
19
FAMILY ALBUM
Michael Booth, Saginaw, MI ’13, B.B.A.,
Accounting, received a Merit Scholarship
while earning his degree at Northwood
University. Michael resides in Birch Run,
Mich. moepoker@yahoo.com
Trenton Oxendale, MI ’13, B.B.A.,
Management, received a Merit Scholarship
while he attended Northwood University.
Trenton resides in Breckenridge, Mich.
oxendale@northwood.edu
Michael Babin, DeVos-Grand Rapids, MI
’13, M.B.A., Management, is a global channel
strategy manager for Eaton Corporation in
Galesburg, Mich. Michael is married to Amanda
and they have two children; Alex, 6 and Brady,
3. Michael received a Merit Scholarship
while attending the DeVos Graduate School
of Management. They reside in Kalamazoo,
Mich. mbabin54@gmail.com
Alexander Dewitt, MI ’13, B.B.A., Accounting,
is an assistant accountant for Inhome Tax
Service in Bay City, Mich. Alexander was
involved with Business Professionals of
America and the Auto Show. Alexander is
married to Samantha and they reside in Bay
City, Mich. ajdewitt@yahoo.com
Angelia Williams, Cedar Hill, TX ’13, B.B.A.,
Management, resides in Lancaster, Texas
ahiggi_0121@msn.com
Megan Goucher, MI ’14, B.B.A., Advertising
and Marketing, is a corporate volunteer
manager for the United Way of Midland
County in Midland, Mich. During Megan’s
years at Northwood she was an active member
of the Cheerleading, Delta Epsilon Chi, The
Automotive Group and also received a Merit
Scholarship. Megan resides in Midland, Mich.
goucher@unidtedwayMidland.org
Sonja Beauchamp, DeVos-TX ’14, M.B.A.,
Management, resides in Dallas, Texas.
beaychampsonja4@gmail.com
Cassandra Wood, MI ’14, B.B.A., Hotel,
Restaurant, Resort/Management, resides in
Petoskey, Mich. I am currently working at Boyne
USA. cassywood14@gmail.com
Want to be featured in the
Northwood IDEA Alumni Magazine
Family Album section?
Complete the online “update your profile form” at
www.northwood.edu/forms/alumni/update/
20
NORTHWOOD IDEA MAGAZINE
www.northwood.edu/idea
SUMMER 2015
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
5 TH
A nniversary
AUTO SHOW GALA
Friday, October 2, 2015
6:30 p.m. - midnight • The Midland Country Club • 1120 West St. Andrews Rd.
Join us for a memorable night of a gourmet strolling dinner, drinks, dessert, dancing and the return of
The Simone Vitale Band! Find gems during the live auction with fantastic items to bid on! Purchase
your ticket early—it’s a sellout every year!
$175 per person (payment in excess of $120 is tax deductible)
$60 late night ticket (arrive at 8:30 p.m. & enjoy drinks, dessert & dancing)
Sponsorships available ranging from $15,000 to $500. Ask about supporting this student scholarship
event by calling Justin Marshall at 989.837.4279.
Tickets available NOW by visiting www.northwood.edu/gala or alumni@northwood.edu to
request a printed invitation or more information.
Net proceeds to benefit both the Northwood University Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund and
the Northwood University Town & Campus Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Attention Northwood Alumni & Friends!
Come back to the Wood
and join us in
Tent party held during
auto show/homecoming weekend!
2015
,
3
r
e
tob t behind thme pus!
c
O
,
y
a ig white tenMidland Ca
Saturod
he b er on the
k for t
t
New in 2015!
Lo
Cen
Sports
t
t
e
n
n
Be
PRE-SALE DISCOUNT:
$5 cover charge if you register online BEFORE September 21,
2015, you will receive your wristband via mail for your “fast pass”
into the tent.
REGULAR PRICES:
$10 cover charge at the door OR if you register online AFTER
September 21.
Purchase your tickets in advance at:
www.northwood.edu/alumni
2015-6308 rev.6.15
• Open from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m.
• Cash bar hosted by
Fabiano Brothers
• Drink prices range between
$2 and $5
• Complimentary shuttle to
The H Hotel and The Holiday Inn
• Must be 21 to enter
Special performance
by the band
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 269
Saginaw, MI
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
Michigan Campus
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
www.northwood.edu
800.622.9000
Northwood Alumni & Friends
Calendar of Events
EVENTS HELD IN JUNE & JULY 2015
June 3
Chicago Alumni Event at MillerCoors
Chicago, IL
June 9
Alumni & Friends Seminar & Social Hour
Troy, MI
June 15
Alumni & Friends Golf Outing
Frankenmuth, MI
June 16
West Michigan Whitecaps
Grand Rapids, MI
June 17
Lansing Lugnuts
Lansing, MI
June 28
TC Beach Bums Game
Traverse City, MI
July 16
Alumni Business After Hours
Detroit, MI
Alumni & Friends Detroit Tigers Outing
Detroit, MI
Northwood University Distinguished Women
Rochester, MI
AUGUST 2015
August 21
SEPTEMBER 2015
September 24-26
SAVE THE DATE
October 2-4
Homecoming/Auto Show Weekend!
For more information on any of the events listed, please contact the alumni department at alumni@northwood.edu