New campus landmark will honor Revolutionary War heroine, celebrate the influence of women, and strengthen Northwood’s observance of America’s 250th anniversary
(MIDLAND, Mich.) — As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Northwood University marked the ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday for a new campus statue honoring Sybil Ludington, a young patriot of the American Revolution whose courage, initiative, and sense of duty continue to inspire nearly 250 years later.
At just 16, Ludington undertook a courageous nighttime ride in 1777 to rally local militia forces in response to a British raid on Danbury, Connecticut. Traveling nearly 40 miles, the “female Paul Revere” called others to action during a defining chapter of the American Revolution.
“In answering the call to act, Sybil Ludington demonstrated how one individual can make a meaningful impact, regardless of age or circumstance,” stated Northwood University First Lady Dr. Mary-Ellen MacPhee, who co-chairs the Northwood University Distinguished Women Awards and championed bringing a replica of Anna Hyatt Huntington’s Sybil Ludington’s Ride statue to campus.
Huntington is the sculptor who created the Lincoln on the Prairie statue that sits on the Mall Walk at the heart of Northwood University’s campus in Midland, Michigan.
“As we look ahead to next month’s national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, it is especially fitting to break ground on a statue honoring Sybil Ludington,” stated Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “Her story reminds us that the promise of the Declaration of Independence has always depended on individuals willing to act with courage, responsibility, and purpose. Those same principles — personal responsibility, earned success, leadership, and service to a greater cause — are deeply aligned with The Northwood Idea and continue to guide Northwood as America’s Free Enterprise University.”
The June 4 groundbreaking ceremony featured the unveiling of a video highlighting the process used to create the statue, along with remarks from President MacDonald and Academic Dean Dr. Stacey Tetloff. Former and current Northwood University leaders and dignitaries who participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking included Nancy Barker, Northwood’s first female executive officer, and Northwood Trustees Dr. Ed McBrien, Dr. Jennifer Panning, and Don Gottwold, and Academics Vice President and Provost Dr. Kristin Stehouwer.
Northwood announced plans for the Sybil Ludington statue at the 2024 Distinguished Women Awards Gala, where university leaders described the project as a tribute to more than 500 women who have received Northwood’s Distinguished Women Award since the program began in 1970.
“The Distinguished Women Awards program recognizes women whose leadership, achievements, and commitment to free enterprise have helped shape industries, communities, and society,” MacPhee said. “This new statue will honor history, celebrate women, and inspire future generations of Northwood students by standing as a reminder that courage is not limited by age, title, or circumstance — and that the principles of liberty require each generation to step forward and carry them on.”
Thursday’s groundbreaking comes during Northwood University’s Freedom Lights the Future initiative, a nearly yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Through campus and community events, student competitions, educational programming, and free-enterprise-focused content, Northwood is inviting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to reflect on the ideals that shaped America — and why liberty, responsibility, and human dignity remain essential to a free and flourishing society.
For more information about Freedom Lights the Future, visit northwood.edu/freedom-lights-the-future. Follow Northwood University on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for updates about the statue’s dedication, which is being planned in conjunction with the 2026 Distinguished Women Awards in October.
