October 12, 2012
Prerequisites to Enterprise Success: Personal, Professional & Civic Achievement
Most successful organizations are able to define what they do and how they differ from other organizations. At Northwood University, we define ourselves as a University that works to develop the entire person. While we specialize in delivering a winning business education, we do so under the guidance of a proven philosophy that understands success in enterprise is preceded by achievement in related areas of life and work.
Three developments and events on our residential campuses illustrate how we continue to serve this vision, and our core mission, by being a leader in meaningful programs that go beyond the sphere of textbooks and the classroom.
The first is a recent scholarship provided to our Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity & Enterprise (ABDCCE) by the Mott Foundation through Prima Civitas. Prima Civitas is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation whose mission is to “pilot initiatives that quickly address Michigan's economic challenges…through international development, innovation, talent, and targeted community support.” The scholarship monies will enable ABDCCE to host two entrepreneurial community engagement pilot programs:
- Blue Water Angels Membership for the ETR (Entrepreneurship) Society: Northwood students active in the ETR Society will enjoy membership status with the Blue Water Angels (BWA – a network of high-net-worth individuals and organizations interested in investing private capital in promising companies) and will host a community event in partnership with the organization. ETR members will also have a unique opportunity to learn more about startup investment and criteria from mentors in the BWA network and the Mid-Michigan Innovation Center as they roll out their student business startups this fall.
- Tom’s Shoes, NU Chapter: Students who wish to design and sew their own garments will have the opportunity to complete sewing, construction, and design basics with Sheree’s Alchemy, a fabric and sewing store in downtown Midland. In addition to designing clothing that can be submitted to the Michigan Campus April Style Show with the potential to win a cash prize for the best student design, participating students will partner with Tom’s Shoes (a company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need) to create clothing that will then be shared with those in need.
A second case involves a debate for State Attorney that will take place on our Florida Campus next week on Monday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Turner Education Center Auditorium. Two of the three candidates running for Florida State Attorney, Dina Keever and Robert Gershman (Dave Aronberg is unable to attend), will share their experience and vision with audience members.
A third and final example can been seen in the small business symposium, “Momentum Building for Your Future,” hosted by the DeVos Graduate School on our Texas campus on Friday November 2.
This half-day complimentary seminar is targeted to small businesses in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex that want to grow and strengthen their operation and market presence in today’s challenging economy. Attendees will participate in both business and personal development workshops while networking with other attendees and seminar leaders.
System-wide events like these not only remind us that our responsibility at Northwood is business higher education, they also point to the core nature of what business education is all about and the kind of personal enrichment, professional development, and civic engagement duties we sponsor.
Have a great weekend!
Keith
Keith A. Pretty, J.D.
President and CEO
Northwood University
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640
989.837.4203
