October 21, 2011
In Memoriam: Michael Stille (1989-2011)
On Wednesday October 26th (4 PM, Griswold Hall) our Michigan Campus will host a Memorial Ceremony for Michael Stille, a member of the Northwood University class of 2011 who died in a tragic auto accident on September 29th – one, sadly enough, that also took the life of his future brother-in-law.
A native and lifelong resident of Holland, MI Michael was an ESPM major who was on the verge of an internship with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. The internship marked the last step in completing his degree in sports management at Northwood University.
A happy, outgoing, and well-liked individual Michael was also an experienced entrepreneur having worked at his family business, the Holland Peanut Store, during his years at Northwood. By all accounts he was an outstanding individual, an amazing friend and one of Northwood’s best and brightest.
While words can never suffice at times like these we extend our sincere and abiding sympathies to his family and friends who will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Student Organization Life, Fall Semester 2011
We are at the half-way point of the fall semester and as one might expect, our campuses in Florida, Michigan and Texas are teeming with a variety of activities.
In Florida, Seahawk Connect hosted Sammy Diaz, founder of the multimillion dollar pharmaceutical company International Ethical Labs, on October 11. Students from all degree majors attended and learned much from one of Puerto Rico’s great business leaders and success stories.
Seahawks in the Community will host a Halloween Party on October 28 to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Light the Night Walk.” Various organizations and clubs will host games and activities for students to enjoy. The event will raise awareness for the Annual Walk that will take place on November 4 in West Palm Beach.
The Auto Show Club is in the planning stages of its “Junk-Car Crush & Cookout” which will be held on November 17. The club is working diligently to raise awareness for this year’s Auto Show of the Palm Beaches which is expected to surpass previous events both as a production and in attendance. The Auto Show Club provides numerous opportunities for students to build their resumes and partake in excellent networking functions and events.
Also taking place on November 17th is the dedication of the senior gift of the Class of 2011. The Student Government Association will present a Seahawk sculpture, created by a local youth foundation, prior to the men’s basketball game.
On our Michigan Campus, Northwood students and Registered Student Organizations (RSO) are busy preparing for “Make a Difference Week 2011” which runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5. Throughout the week, Northwood University Hospitality Enterprise (NUHE) will conduct a canned-food drive to support the Midland Food Pantry as part of its year-long support of the organization. Events include:
- Oct. 30: The Emerging Leaders Program will host our Annual “Trick or Treating in the Residence Halls” (3-5 PM), which is always a fun event that draws Northwood families and members of the surrounding community each year.
- Oct. 31: Over 200 students and 20 different student organizations will participate in our “Rake a Difference” program where students work in teams to rake leaves, for the elderly and others who are unable to leave their homes, throughout the Midland community.
- Nov. 1: Circle K will visit a Midland area nursing home for this year’s “Reverse Trick or Treating” where members of our community bring candy, smiles and laughter to the others’ doors.
- Nov. 2: Circle K will be host its “Timberwolves Who Care” card making program (8 PM). Created by our Student Life office last year, the program provides support and encouragement to those in need by providing them a book of hand-made cards. Past beneficiaries include cancer patients and families who have lost a loved one.
- Nov. 3: ESPMA’s “Midnight Madness” will kick-off for the basketball season (8-10 PM) and everyone who brings five (5) canned food goods will receive a free Northwood t-shirt.
- Nov. 4: A variety of students, student-athletes, and RSOs will visit Blessed Sacrament School as part of the 2011 “Reading with Woody” program.
- Nov. 5: “Make A Difference” Timberwolves Football Game. Fans who bring five (5) cans to the game will receive $1 off their admission and the RSO that collects the most canned goods will receive the best seat in the house, the 50 yard-line lounge. Kick-Off is at Noon vs. Grand Valley State University.
Northwood University’s Annual Haunted Forest, the longest running tradition on our Texas Campus, gets under way today and will run through this weekend (Oct. 21-22) and the next (Oct. 28, 29, 31) 31).
In addition to continuing one of our favorite customs, this year’s event marks a noteworthy change in the level of cooperation and engagement on the part of our Texas-based student organizations: Historically, this was a Campus Activities Board (CAB) event, but this year our Student Services and Character Development staff decided to get all student organizations, as well as members of our academic faculty and majors, involved. Our ESPM students, for example, helped plan and coordinate the Haunted Forest by managing and implementing everything from advertising to hands-on work.
In addition to leveraging a wider body of talent and skills for both the building and the "scaring" involved in this event, the vision and intent of our Texas staff and faculty is to teach our students and student organizations how important it is for us to work together as ONE Northwood team. The end result is an event that benefits our students as well as our communities as thousands of locals visit our Haunted forest for an inexpensive night of family fun – tickets are just $5.
Have a great weekend.
Keith
Keith A. Pretty, J.D.
President and CEO
Northwood University
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
989.837.4203 (phone)
989.832.9590 (fax)
