Enroll Today in the Complimentary Online Course, The Philosophy of Free Enterprise, and Earn Your Certificate of Completion!
Constitution Day marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787 — a framework that limits government, secures rights, and creates the rule-of-law. It is an environment in which entrepreneurial activity can flourish. In that spirit, Northwood University is inviting students, alumni, educators, business leaders, and the broader community to deepen their understanding of American liberty and markets through the complimentary, self-paced online course, The Philosophy of Free Enterprise.
“From the very beginning, the Constitution laid down a framework that allowed free enterprise to flourish,” stated Dr. Gabriel Benzecry, the David E. Fry Endowed Professor in Free Market Economics at Northwood University. “It is not that the Constitution created America’s free enterprise system; rather, by limiting the power of government, it gave room for markets and civil society to emerge and evolve spontaneously.”
“America’s founding principles and a vibrant market order go hand in hand, and this course helps learners see —clearly and concisely — why,” added Dr. Dale Matcheck, Northwood Economics Chair and the architect behind The Philosophy of Free Enterprise online course. “Therefore, Constitution Day is not only a celebration of constitutional heritage, but an ideal time to reflect on how those principles live out in our economic system and civic life.”
In addition to viewing insightful lectures from Northwood University Economics and Philosophy faculty, learners enrolled in The Philosophy of Free Enterprise course can access thought-provoking supplemental reading material following each lesson. All progress will be saved as users complete each of the four modules in the course (listed below). Those who finish all modules will earn a certificate of completion from Northwood University.
Lectures from The Philosophy of Free Enterprise can also be viewed on Northwood University’s YouTube channel via the following links:
The Importance of Business
A Time Traveler’s Brief History of Progress
The Free Enterprise System
Prices, Knowledge, & Incentives
Limited Government and the Rule of Law
Constitution, Rules, and Games
Solving Problems in Freedom
The videos and Philosophy of Free Enterprise online course are possible thanks to the principal donors behind this effort: Donald S. Gottwald, a 1988 alumnus, and his wife, Pamela. The Thomas F. and Harriet S. Oakley Family Trust also supported this effort.
Constitution Day Observances on Campus
“Constitution Day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring principles that shaped America into a free society,” said Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “Northwood, America’s Free Enterprise University, was founded upon these very ideals. In many respects, every day is Constitution Day at Northwood, as our students actively experience how freedom, free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, moral law, and earned success contribute to lasting economic and social progress.”
Northwood University students, faculty, and staff celebrated Constitution Day on Wednesday, Sept. 17, through multiple efforts, including:
• Members of Northwood’s Leadership Council distributed booklets containing the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence on the Mall Walk. The U.S. flag and “We the People…” mural on the back of the Griswold Communications Center served as an appropriate patriotic backdrop.
• Northwood livestreamed a virtual presentation by Constituting America for Northwood students, and faculty and staff in the Four Seasons Building near the iconic landmark of the Lincoln on the Prairie statue. The livestream featured Janine Turner, the founder and co-chair of Constituting America, a non-partisan organization that promotes the U.S. Constitution. Turner is an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actress who played Maggie O’Connell on the TV series Northern Exposure.
For information on supporting Northwood’s role as America’s Free Enterprise University, visit our giving page or contact Northwood’s advancement office at (989) 837-4356. To support the When We Are Free campaign for Northwood’s future, visit https://campaign.northwood.edu/
