ONE Northwood University

Nov 13, 2009

Distinguished Women

Last weekend we honored the 2009 Class of Distinguished Women (DW). When this program was first established 40 years ago, Northwood was ahead of its time in recognizing the role women play in business and society.

Dr. Arthur Turner certainly understood the valuable contributions made by women in helping Northwood. “Women have always been a part of Northwood and its programs. In great measure, the very existence of the college was made possible by women of persuasion and spirit who have woven the fabric of the idea which has become Northwood,” he said when first presenting the idea of an awards program exclusively for women. The Board of Trustees subsequently established the Distinguished Women’s Award in 1970 to recognize women of outstanding leadership and achievement.

Presented annually, recipients from communities across the nation represent the best in business, public service, education, entrepreneurship, the arts, media, volunteerism and philanthropy. Many have also worked to secure scholarships for Northwood students, classroom equipment, books for the campus libraries, furnishings, and even entire buildings.

Since its inception, the Distinguished Women’s Award event has been held in cities across the U.S. and returned last weekend to Phoenix. The events featured a Thursday evening reception, hosted by Molina Jewelers; a Friday panel of new and past awardees; and Saturday’s Flower Breakfast and gala Awards dinner.

“It is fitting indeed that women most representative of the personal qualities which mark people as outstanding should be honored…not only for their past assistance and counsel, but for the example they represent to future generations of Northwood women and all women,” Dr. Turner stated in a message as relevant today as it was in 1970. Since its inception, the program has honored 424 women.

This year’s honorees are yet another impressive class. Most of you are familiar with our first honoree, Claudia Waldmann Fry, of Williamsburg, Michigan. The first lady of Northwood University for 24 years, Claudia is an internationalist, linguist and passionate traveler who grew up in Germany, studied and worked in France, and traveled widely. Becoming part of the Northwood family 40 years ago, she: added a Northwood BBA and Kent State University MBA to her European degrees; taught at Northwood; organized Spring Break Minis in Mexico and Peru; founded an adventure travel group; provided expertise to foreign policy study, international causes and NU international programs; and has endowed two Northwood scholarships for international students.

And you will enjoy getting to know the remaining six honorees.

Sharon J. Harper, Peoria, Arizona, is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Plaza Companies, a premier Arizona-based real estate development, investment and management firm. The company was founded in the late 1970s and is nationally recognized for its innovative development of medical office and biotechnology facilities and senior living communities.

Samantha R. Landy, Henderson, Nevada, is Founder and President of Christian Celebrity Luncheons. She is keynote speaker, columnist, author of nine books (two Angel Award winners), host of inter-national radio programs Psalms of Hope and Sixty Seconds for Savvy Singles, and an active community volunteer for women’s and youth issues.

Susan D. Nine, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a philanthropist who has spent much of the last 40 years helping her husband Paul operate his legal practice. She has been involved in nearly 40 charities throughout the years, with most of her service on boards of directors or trustees. She has received 37 awards, including the March of Dimes’ Humanitarian of the Year.

Margie Traylor, Scottsdale, Arizona, CEO and Co-founder of Sitewire, is committed to maintaining relationships with her clients and employees. Sincere compassion, entwined with an unparalleled dedication to the advancement and development of others, truly sets her apart from the rest of the business world.

Gail Warrior-Lawrence, Dallas, Texas, is President and CEO, Warrior Group, a construction services company. She is the founder of Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation, an organization dedicated to the enrichment of underserved children. Named a 2009 Trailblazer by the National Association of Women Business Owners, she has also been recognized in 2008 as one of the Top Women Entrepreneurs in North America - Enterprising Women, and also in 2008 as an Outstanding Minority Business Leader - Dallas Business Journal.

Sandra G. Yancey, Dallas, Texas, is Founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, producer of the GLOW Project and ABC radio show host. Her awards include Excellence in Leadership from the Euro-American Women’s Council (Athens Greece), Entrepreneur Star Award from Microsoft, Woman Advocate of the Year Award from Women’s Regional Publishing, and American Hero by CNN. She is an impassioned philanthropist dedicated to helping women and girls succeed.

Student interaction with our DWs is built into each of the weekend’s events. Students from the Michigan, Florida, and Texas campuses, the DeVos Graduate School and the Adult Degree Program (ADP) were paired with a DW and spent the weekend getting to know one another. Each of the DW honorees mentioned the special conversations they had with their student presenter and how much “the brightness” of the student presenters gave them hope for the future. The DW events give our students a rare chance to interact and begin a lifelong mentorship and friendship with strong women role models who are interested in educating future leaders.

Several of the students who attended commented on their participation in the weekend’s events.

Stefanie Wilfinger is a senior on the Michigan Campus from Macomb, Michigan, majoring in Advertising and Marketing/Management. After graduating from Northwood she plans to work for an advertising or marketing agency or perhaps earn an MBA from the DeVos Graduate School. She presented Claudia Waldmann Fry for the DW Award, and as a result of her participation at DW, Stephanie has set her sights very high. She says, “Becoming a Distinguished Woman is now something I can strive for. Hearing each woman's story this weekend has motivated me to strive for success in my future.”

Donna Addy, a student at our Lansing, Michigan program center, represented ADP. Donna says, “If I could select one word to describe the overall event, that word is ‘fabulous.’ My overall personal feeling is that the event was ‘open door’ meaning it’s up to you, the individual, to seize the moment of possibility. It is not often these types of opportunities are presented to individuals.”

Lena Ouk is a senior majoring in Accounting on the Florida Campus originally from Wheaton, MD and her career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant. She sums up the weekend as “a phenomenal opportunity to learn how to network with business professionals from several different backgrounds and industries.” Lena knows she will be able to carry these new skills forward into the real world and she already opened doors to further her career.

Karley Cox, a senior on the Michigan Campus majoring in Advertising, Marketing & Management from Rockwood, Michigan, would like to own her own company one day. Karley was amazed at Susan Nine’s compassion and the genuine interest Susan took in Karley’s life and career goals.

The student presenters all expressed what an honor it was to meet our DWs, hear their stories and talk to them one-on-one throughout the weekend. As Karley Cox notes, “These are truly some of the most talented, generous, and driven women any of us will ever meet. My participation in DW has enabled me to learn the importance of never giving up on my dreams, following my heart, keeping a positive attitude and always believing in myself. These lessons will have an immeasurably positive effect on my future. I have only just begun and I now know that the possibilities are limitless, and I couldn't be more excited to start accomplishing my dreams.”

Thanks to all our honorees and student presenters for a truly “distinguished” event!

Have a great weekend!

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

pretty@northwood.edu

Nov 13, 2009
	Distinguished Women Last weekend we honored the 2009 Class of Distinguished Women (DW). When this program was first established 40 years ago, Northwood was ahead of its time in recognizing the role women play in business and society. Dr. Arthur Turner certainly understood the valuable contributions made by women in helping Northwood. “Women have always been a part of Northwood and its programs. In great measure, the very existence of the college was made possible by women of persuasion and spirit who have woven the fabric of the idea which has become Northwood,” he said when first presenting the idea of an awards program exclusively for women. The Board of Trustees subsequently established the Distinguished Women’s Award in 1970 to recognize women of outstanding leadership and achievement. Presented annually, recipients from communities across the nation represent the best in business, public service, education, entrepreneurship, the arts, media, volunteerism and philanthropy. Many have also worked to secure scholarships for Northwood students, classroom equipment, books for the campus libraries, furnishings, and even entire buildings. Since its inception, the Distinguished Women’s Award event has been held in cities across the U.S. and returned last weekend to Phoenix. The events featured a Thursday evening reception, hosted by Molina Jewelers; a Friday panel of new and past awardees; and Saturday’s Flower Breakfast and gala Awards dinner. “It is fitting indeed that women most representative of the personal qualities which mark people as outstanding should be honored…not only for their past assistance and counsel, but for the example they represent to future generations of Northwood women and all women,” Dr. Turner stated in a message as relevant today as it was in 1970. Since its inception, the program has honored 424 women. This year’s honorees are yet another impressive class. Most of you are familiar with our first honoree, Claudia Waldmann Fry, of Williamsburg, Michigan. The first lady of Northwood University for 24 years, Claudia is an internationalist, linguist and passionate traveler who grew up in Germany, studied and worked in France, and traveled widely. Becoming part of the Northwood family 40 years ago, she: added a Northwood BBA and Kent State University MBA to her European degrees; taught at Northwood; organized Spring Break Minis in Mexico and Peru; founded an adventure travel group; provided expertise to foreign policy study, international causes and NU international programs; and has endowed two Northwood scholarships for international students. And you will enjoy getting to know the remaining six honorees. Sharon J. Harper, Peoria, Arizona, is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Plaza Companies, a premier Arizona-based real estate development, investment and management firm. The company was founded in the late 1970s and is nationally recognized for its innovative development of medical office and biotechnology facilities and senior living communities. Samantha R. Landy, Henderson, Nevada, is Founder and President of Christian Celebrity Luncheons. She is keynote speaker, columnist, author of nine books (two Angel Award winners), host of inter-national radio programs Psalms of Hope and Sixty Seconds for Savvy Singles, and an active community volunteer for women’s and youth issues. Susan D. Nine, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a philanthropist who has spent much of the last 40 years helping her husband Paul operate his legal practice. She has been involved in nearly 40 charities throughout the years, with most of her service on boards of directors or trustees. She has received 37 awards, including the March of Dimes’ Humanitarian of the Year. Margie Traylor, Scottsdale, Arizona, CEO and Co-founder of Sitewire, is committed to maintaining relationships with her clients and employees. Sincere compassion, entwined with an unparalleled dedication to the advancement and development of others, truly sets her apart from the rest of the business world. Gail Warrior-Lawrence, Dallas, Texas, is President and CEO, Warrior Group, a construction services company. She is the founder of Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation, an organization dedicated to the enrichment of underserved children. Named a 2009 Trailblazer by the National Association of Women Business Owners, she has also been recognized in 2008 as one of the Top Women Entrepreneurs in North America - Enterprising Women, and also in 2008 as an Outstanding Minority Business Leader - Dallas Business Journal. Sandra G. Yancey, Dallas, Texas, is Founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, producer of the GLOW Project and ABC radio show host. Her awards include Excellence in Leadership from the Euro-American Women’s Council (Athens Greece), Entrepreneur Star Award from Microsoft, Woman Advocate of the Year Award from Women’s Regional Publishing, and American Hero by CNN. She is an impassioned philanthropist dedicated to helping women and girls succeed. Student interaction with our DWs is built into each of the weekend’s events. Students from the Michigan, Florida, and Texas campuses, the DeVos Graduate School and the Adult Degree Program (ADP) were paired with a DW and spent the weekend getting to know one another. Each of the DW honorees mentioned the special conversations they had with their student presenter and how much “the brightness” of the student presenters gave them hope for the future. The DW events give our students a rare chance to interact and begin a lifelong mentorship and friendship with strong women role models who are interested in educating future leaders. Several of the students who attended commented on their participation in the weekend’s events. Stefanie Wilfinger is a senior on the Michigan Campus from Macomb, Michigan, majoring in Advertising and Marketing/Management. After graduating from Northwood she plans to work for an advertising or marketing agency or perhaps earn an MBA from the DeVos Graduate School. She presented Claudia Waldmann Fry for the DW Award, and as a result of her participation at DW, Stephanie has set her sights very high. She says, “Becoming a Distinguished Woman is now something I can strive for. Hearing each woman's story this weekend has motivated me to strive for success in my future.” Donna Addy, a student at our Lansing, Michigan program center, represented ADP. Donna says, “If I could select one word to describe the overall event, that word is ‘fabulous.’ My overall personal feeling is that the event was ‘open door’ meaning it’s up to you, the individual, to seize the moment of possibility. It is not often these types of opportunities are presented to individuals.” Lena Ouk is a senior majoring in Accounting on the Florida Campus originally from Wheaton, MD and her career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant. She sums up the weekend as “a phenomenal opportunity to learn how to network with business professionals from several different backgrounds and industries.” Lena knows she will be able to carry these new skills forward into the real world and she already opened doors to further her career. Karley Cox, a senior on the Michigan Campus majoring in Advertising, Marketing & Management from Rockwood, Michigan, would like to own her own company one day. Karley was amazed at Susan Nine’s compassion and the genuine interest Susan took in Karley’s life and career goals. The student presenters all expressed what an honor it was to meet our DWs, hear their stories and talk to them one-on-one throughout the weekend. As Karley Cox notes, “These are truly some of the most talented, generous, and driven women any of us will ever meet. My participation in DW has enabled me to learn the importance of never giving up on my dreams, following my heart, keeping a positive attitude and always believing in myself. These lessons will have an immeasurably positive effect on my future. I have only just begun and I now know that the possibilities are limitless, and I couldn't be more excited to start accomplishing my dreams.” Thanks to all our honorees and student presenters for a truly “distinguished” event! Have a great weekend! Keith A. Pretty, J.D. President and CEO Northwood University 4000 Whiting Drive Midland, MI 48640 989.837.4203 (phone) 989.832.9590 (fax) pretty@northwood.edu