Northwood University celebrated seven exceptional graduates Thursday evening during the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards Ceremony, Sept. 18, 2025, in the Hach Student Life Center.
“These alumni represent the very best of Northwood University,” stated Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “They exemplify personal responsibility, earned success, and using business as a way to improve lives — the core values of our beloved, and distinct, institutional philosophy, The Northwood Idea. Their lives and careers remind us that the scholarships and investments made in our students today create a ripple effect of leadership and innovation that strengthens communities for generations.”
The Outstanding Alumni Awards are Northwood’s highest alumni honor, recognizing graduates in four categories — Achievement, Leadership, Young Alumni, and Service. Nominations come from alumni, faculty, staff, and past recipients, and honorees are chosen based on their professional excellence, service to others, and dedication to Northwood.
2025 Achievement Award
Eve Knudtsen (’85, Hayden, Idaho) — President of Knudtsen Chevrolet, a family business proudly serving Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington for nearly 80 years. A pioneer woman in the automotive industry, Knudtsen has broken barriers by driving innovation and growth in a competitive marketplace while building upon her family’s legacy of excellence.
Nikki is the customer experience marketing manager at MacAllister Machinery, which has sold and serviced a wide variety of equipment throughout Michigan for over 80 years. Bob is Vice President of Traditional Sales — U.S., at DRiV Incorporated, a leading global supplier of innovative light and commercial vehicle products and services.
Michelle (’91) and Greg Waller (’91), Flint, Michigan — Dedicated accounting professionals and community leaders. Michelle enjoyed a successful career in accounting before retiring, while Greg serves as managing principal at Lewis & Knopf, CPAs, P.C., where he has built an impressive 34-year career.
Both couples remain heavily involved with Northwood. Nikki and Bob Paschall sponsor and attend the annual Northwood University International Auto Show. They are also Project 100 investors, and they recruit students at Northwood career fairs. Nikki also serves on the Alumni Council Board. Michelle and Greg Waller participate in the Alumni Legacy and Go M.A.D. golf outings, and they also support Project 100. Michelle also serves as president of the Fast Break Club, a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting Northwood Women’s Basketball, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to student-athlete success.
2025 Young Alumni Award
Ryan Caldwell (’15), Royal Oak, Michigan — Sales manager for Suburban Accessories in Troy, Michigan, overseeing distribution of OEM accessories across 17 states. Caldwell was also honored in 2023 as part of Northwood’s inaugural Class of 20 Under 40.
2025 Service Award
Kevin Shark (’12, MBA ’25), Pinconning, Michigan — U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader. Shark owns Great Lakes Shark Sock Co. and Shark Family Farms, serves on the Bay County Road Commission, and is active with the Great Lakes Veterans Bay Coalition.
Celebrating Alumni Impact
“This evening’s honorees have not only excelled in their careers but have also given back to their alma mater and their communities in ways that make us proud,” stated Senior Alumni and Engagement Officer Julie Adamczyk. “They embody what it means to be a Northwood graduate, carrying The Northwood Idea into their professions, families, and civic leadership.”
The awards ceremony featured a symbolic candle-lighting tradition led by current students, underscoring the continuity between Northwood’s founders, today’s alumni, and future generations of leaders.
Supporting the Next Generation
President MacDonald tied the celebration to Northwood’s When We Are Free comprehensive campaign, which is expected to reach $75 million toward its $100 million goal at the conclusion of the 62nd Northwood University International Auto Show, Sept. 19-21, 2025. “Scholarships are not just financial aid — they are votes of confidence in our students’ potential and in The Northwood Idea,” MacDonald noted. “This historic campaign draws its name from Northwood’s signature text, When We Are Free. This was a very intentional decision because when we are free, our students rise. When we are free, our alumni thrive. And when we are free, Northwood University, as America’s Free Enterprise University, fulfills our mission to create free enterprise leaders who drive global economic and social progress.”
