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A Tribute to Helen Dow Whiting

Published on 10/22/2009 5:01:28 PM
Northwood University lost a faithful friend and staunch supporter last week with the passing of Helen Dow Whiting on October 16, 2009.

MIDLAND, MI – Northwood University lost a faithful friend and staunch supporter last week with the passing of Helen Dow Whiting on October 16, 2009. She was part of Northwood's history from the very beginning. When the college (then Northwood Institute) proposed a move from its original campus home in Alma, Michigan, it was Helen, along with a stalwart group of determined, influential and graciously forceful women friends who really "turned the tide" in the young college's favor in Midland.

Her support was many-fold. When the eager founding Turner/Stauffer team enlisted the wisdom (and soon to follow historic support) of architect Alden B. Dow and his family in building the Midland Campus, all was excitement. There was just one thing. Beautiful master campus building plans supported generously by the Dows also called for a long, meandering entry roadway into the proposed campus. Gracious, yes, but paved roads, sewers and other construction requirements loomed. Enter, quietly and anonymously, Helen and Macauley Whiting. It would be many years before others would learn of their selfless generosity in making these less than glamorous necessities a reality. The campus was born.

But support did not stop there. Soon Helen joined with Marjory Britton, Barbara Dow, Roberta Allen and a handful of others to create an organization called "Town & Campus." Born to foster a liaison between the city of Midland and its newly built campus community, T&C changed the culture of the city with its innovative programming and changed the student experience by its support. T&C founded the first FAD auction, raising funds earmarked exclusively for student scholarships. (And forever raising the bar for fund-raising effectiveness in the area.. It created a Library League, which populated the brand new library with donated books from members' and friends' personal libraries. It started a "Talent & Celebrity Series" which brought nationally prominent speakers and performers to the stage of Central Intermediate Auditorium, then Midland's only large scale performance venue. With Helen's and the committee's enthusiasm, everyone wanted to be a part of this new adventure.

Exciting though it was to be part of the birth of a college, Helen and Mac's involvement never wavered as the years rushed by. They notably hosted parties in their home each year to introduce new faculty to the community; tireless travelers, they added to the presence at events and board meetings across Northwood's geographic spectrum, bringing an innate excitement with them wherever and whenever they appeared on Northwood's behalf. This was not just a "charitable commitment." This was friendship, personal, profound, all encompassing, family-involving. And they "looked out for Northwood"!

Becoming aware of an opportunity in Indiana, they enabled the purchase of one of the world's most notable old buildings, a magnificent once-renowned resort featuring over six hundred rooms and "the world's largest unsupported dome." The Indiana Campus was born. Later, touring in Europe, they encouraged Turner and Stauffer to expand their international focus and outreach, meeting the pair in Italy to foster contacts for new international programs. Helen served officially on the Town & Campus board for many years; Mac became a stalwart (and long-serving Chair) of the Board of Trustees.

Certainly one of the most heartwarming relationships between Helen, Mac and Northwood arose when Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine became part of the "Northwood family." . Innumerable trips to Maine evolved into the establishment of the Margaret Chase Smith Library at Northwood, a gift of the Whitings. Tireless in their attention and affection for Northwood's friends and supporters, the enduring friendships which grew among the Northwood staff, the Senator and the Whitings are legend.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills and personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.

Private, nonprofit and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at three full-service, residential campuses located in southern Florida, mid-Michigan and northern Texas. Adult Degree Programs are available in eight states with many course delivery options including online. The DeVos Graduate School offers full-time, evening and industry specific master's degree programs for entrepreneurs and executives in Michigan, Texas and Switzerland. The Alden B. Dow Creativity Center on the Midland, Michigan, Campus specializes in creative thinking and innovation development. International education is offered through terms abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bahrain. Northwood University also operates the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Maine.

50 Years of Enterprise and Ethics

Northwood University is marking its 50-year anniversary in 2009/2010. Founded in 1959, Northwood has grown to a national and international presence and is an influential advocate for free enterprise. Celebrations are planned across the country and around the world to commemorate the vision and success of Northwood University's founders, Drs. R. Gary Stauffer and Arthur Turner.