Northwood University has received a Gold Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for Project 100, an innovative alumni engagement initiative.
Chosen from more than 4,400 entries submitted by institutions across 33 countries, Northwood’s Project 100 was recognized as a top example of innovation, collaboration, and impact in alumni relations and philanthropic advancement.
“This recognition from CASE affirms the power of our alumni community and the strength of Northwood’s commitment to student empowerment,” stated Julie Adamczyk, Senior Alumni and Engagement Officer at Northwood University. “Project 100 is more than a giving initiative — it’s a movement that connects alumni to current students in a meaningful, lasting way.”
Project 100 brings together 100 Northwood alumni, employees, and friends each semester, each contributing $100 to create a $10,000 grant for a student-led campus improvement initiative. Student groups propose projects that demonstrate need, anticipated impact, and a clear budget. Project 100 members then vote to fund one winning proposal per semester.
Since its launch in 2017, Project 100 has funded 15 diverse initiatives ranging from sustainability projects like EV charging and water-filling stations to career development resources and mental health first aid training. The program has inspired similar models and is celebrated for its measurable student impact and replicable structure.
“Project 100 represents the best of Northwood—where alumni, students, faculty, and staff come together to drive meaningful change,” said Vice President of Advancement Murray Kyte. “We are honored that CASE recognized this effort as a gold standard in alumni philanthropy.”
Judges praised the program as “an innovative, collective giving model that unites alumni and empowers students,” calling it “ideal for institutions seeking participatory alumni philanthropy.”
Project 100 is just one of the many ways Northwood is empowering students and engaging alumni as part of its historic $100 million comprehensive campaign, When We Are Free. The campaign, which entered its public phase last month, supports scholarships, academic innovation, and capital priorities to ensure that as America’s Free Enterprise University, Northwood continues to be a leader in developing ethical business leaders who inspire prosperity through their actions and livelihood. Learn more at campaign.northwood.edu.
To learn more about Project 100 and how to get involved, visit www.northwood.edu/alumni/project-100.
