Program begins at 10 a.m. in front of Griswold Communications Center and will be followed by brunch!
Northwood University invites the community to campus Saturday, Oct. 24, as it unveils a new landmark honoring women and the power of individual spirit and initiative.
Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. at the Griswold Communications Center on Northwood’s Midland campus, with the unveiling program beginning at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at https://forms.northwood.edu/sybil-unveiling/.
The centerpiece of the morning will be the unveiling of a bronze replica of Anna Hyatt Huntington’s Sybil Ludington’s Ride, which will become a new focal point on Northwood’s campus much like Huntington’s Lincoln on the Prairie, the iconic sculpture that has stood on the university’s Mall Walk for nearly six decades.
Huntington visited Northwood in 1967 to dedicate Lincoln on the Prairie. Now, a replica of another of the renowned American sculptor’s most celebrated works will become part of the campus landscape as a permanent tribute to women and the courage, individual spirit and initiative that inspire people to act and serve others. These qualities are also reflected in the more than 500 individuals recognized through Northwood’s Distinguished Women Awards since the program began in 1970.
A record number of past Distinguished Women Award honorees — more than 23 — will return to Midland for this year’s celebration on Oct. 24. Among those expected to attend are Carolyn Clifford, longtime WXYZ-TV news anchor; Rita Case, president, CEO and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group; and Ann McBrien, former vice president with CBD Global Healthcare of Procter & Gamble and founder of AM Marketing & Sales Concepts.
“Their return reflects the extraordinary reach of a program that for more than five decades has recognized leaders whose achievements have influenced business, industry and communities around the world,” explained Vice President of Advancement Justin Marshall.
During the 10 a.m. unveiling program on Oct. 24, Huntington herself will be honored posthumously with Northwood’s Distinguished Women Award. Robin Salmon of Brookgreen Gardens will accept the award on Huntington’s behalf.
The Sybil Ludington’s Ride sculpture depicts a young American patriot remembered for riding through the night at age 16 to rally militia forces during the American Revolution.
“Her courage, determination and willingness to answer a call to serve mirror qualities Northwood has celebrated through its Distinguished Women Awards for more than half a century,” said Northwood First Lady Dr. Mary-Ellen MacPhee, who co-chairs the Distinguished Women Awards and championed bringing the sculpture to campus. “In answering the call to act, Sybil Ludington demonstrated how one individual can make a meaningful impact, regardless of age or circumstance.”
Northwood first announced the sculpture project during the 2024 Distinguished Women Awards Gala. During a June groundbreaking ceremony, the university shared a video highlighting the process used to create the statue that will be unveiled on Oct. 24.
Community members, alumni, families, students and friends of Northwood are invited to attend the Oct. 24 unveiling of this historic addition to campus, celebrate its tribute to women and individual initiative, and help welcome back generations of Northwood Distinguished Women. The program will be followed by brunch, and guests are asked to RSVP in advance at https://forms.northwood.edu/sybil-unveiling/.
Tickets for the Oct. 24 Distinguished Women Awards Gala at The H Hotel in Midland, Michigan, are available through the Distinguished Women Awards webpage. Seats are limited.
