ONE Northwood University

March 28, 2008

ONE Northwood

When a good seed is planted in a quality environment, amazing things can happen. Last summer when we started the ONE Northwood initiative, it was our intent to bring the campuses together in mind and in spirit. I think we have made great strides to that end.

But I can see ONE Northwood is beginning to blossom in another way. Some have suggested that ONE Northwood can be interpreted as Our Northwood Experience. I like that. I can see how this concept can be useful in many arenas.

ONE Northwood doesn't apply to only faculty and staff. Students are part of this as well. A good example of the Our Northwood experience in action is the myriad student activities that take place throughout our system. Experiential learning is a key differentiator of a Northwood University education and is something that will only get stronger as we change to semesters in the fall of 2010.

On Wednesday night March 26, the Fashion Marketing & Management students on the Michigan campus presented a style show fit for the runways of Paris. As Gretchen and I sat in the audience, we watched in pride and amazement as our students dazzled the audience with show-stopping performances. Parents, community members, students, faculty and staff were awed by the quality of this event. It was a proud night for Northwood University. Kudos to Jill Ouellette and her talented, hardworking students.

Also on Wednesday the Texas campus dedication of the Swalwell Student Union took place where students introduced community VIPs and then toured the new building. Founders Day was celebrated with a fashion show and sock hop. All in attendance at the festivities came away fully appreciating Texas style hospitality and the quality of our students.

Each campus has taken experiential learning and made it a significant part of student life. Pin Stripe Players, internships with area industries such as the Distinguished Woman Dr. Kathleen Davis’ Sports Management Research Institute, and community service projects including the highly successful Paint Your Heart Out Days in Florida; the Stafford Dinner and ESPM events in Michigan; and the Texas campus top-of-line fashion show as part of Founders Day activities, Iron Chef competitions, and Crossing Over; and students from all our campuses benefit from extensive practicums and internships. These events and opportunities put into practice what we teach in the classroom. Accounting, management, promotions, personnel issues, profit-and-loss - every subject we cover in class comes together in experiential activities.

There are many reasons we put such strong emphasis on experiential learning. Not only are the lessons in the classroom reinforced, but students have the opportunity to be creative, to express their ideas, and to show themselves and their future employers they are self motivated; they can work under deadlines and time constraints; they can work as a team; and they can get the job done. By the time students leave our campuses with diplomas in hand, there is no doubt about the amazing things they can do.

Our Northwood Experience takes place at many levels. Beyond the event itself something else very significant also happens along the way. As much real-world, business experiences these events bring to our students, they also provide an arena for friendships that last a lifetime.

At the end of the day it is my hope we all - students, faculty and staff alike - walk away from our time at Northwood University fully developed professionally and personally. It is the experiences we share together that will bring meaning to the words “ONE Northwood.” Experiential learning is something we will continue to expand as we move forward together.

Keith A. Pretty, J.D.
President and CEO
Northwood University
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
989.837.4203 (phone)
989.832.9590 (fax)

March 28, 2008
	ONE Northwood When a good seed is planted in a quality environment, amazing things can happen. Last summer when we started the ONE Northwood initiative, it was our intent to bring the campuses together in mind and in spirit. I think we have made great strides to that end. But I can see ONE Northwood is beginning to blossom in another way. Some have suggested that ONE Northwood can be interpreted as Our Northwood Experience. I like that. I can see how this concept can be useful in many arenas. ONE Northwood doesn't apply to only faculty and staff. Students are part of this as well. A good example of the Our Northwood experience in action is the myriad student activities that take place throughout our system. Experiential learning is a key differentiator of a Northwood University education and is something that will only get stronger as we change to semesters in the fall of 2010. On Wednesday night March 26, the Fashion Marketing & Management students on the Michigan campus presented a style show fit for the runways of Paris. As Gretchen and I sat in the audience, we watched in pride and amazement as our students dazzled the audience with show-stopping performances. Parents, community members, students, faculty and staff were awed by the quality of this event. It was a proud night for Northwood University. Kudos to Jill Ouellette and her talented, hardworking students. Also on Wednesday the Texas campus dedication of the Swalwell Student Union took place where students introduced community VIPs and then toured the new building. Founders Day was celebrated with a fashion show and sock hop. All in attendance at the festivities came away fully appreciating Texas style hospitality and the quality of our students. Each campus has taken experiential learning and made it a significant part of student life. Pin Stripe Players, internships with area industries such as the Distinguished Woman Dr. Kathleen Davis’ Sports Management Research Institute, and community service projects including the highly successful Paint Your Heart Out Days in Florida; the Stafford Dinner and ESPM events in Michigan; and the Texas campus top-of-line fashion show as part of Founders Day activities, Iron Chef competitions, and Crossing Over; and students from all our campuses benefit from extensive practicums and internships. These events and opportunities put into practice what we teach in the classroom. Accounting, management, promotions, personnel issues, profit-and-loss - every subject we cover in class comes together in experiential activities. There are many reasons we put such strong emphasis on experiential learning. Not only are the lessons in the classroom reinforced, but students have the opportunity to be creative, to express their ideas, and to show themselves and their future employers they are self motivated; they can work under deadlines and time constraints; they can work as a team; and they can get the job done. By the time students leave our campuses with diplomas in hand, there is no doubt about the amazing things they can do. Our Northwood Experience takes place at many levels. Beyond the event itself something else very significant also happens along the way. As much real-world, business experiences these events bring to our students, they also provide an arena for friendships that last a lifetime. At the end of the day it is my hope we all - students, faculty and staff alike - walk away from our time at Northwood University fully developed professionally and personally. It is the experiences we share together that will bring meaning to the words “ONE Northwood.” Experiential learning is something we will continue to expand as we move forward together. Keith A. Pretty, J.D. President and CEO Northwood University 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI 48640 989.837.4203 (phone) 989.832.9590 (fax)