15th Annual Auto Show Gala

Bootleg & Burnouts

Northwood University Auto Show Gala

Friday, September 19, 2025 | Midland Country Club | 6:00 p.m.

Since 1959, Northwood University has been crafting automotive legends, and in 2025, we’re taking this joyride back to the roaring ’20s. Get ready to slip behind the velvet curtain for Bootleg & Burnouts, a speakeasy-style soirée where the jazz is hot, the cars are cooler, and the cause is as bold as a bootlegger’s getaway.

For 15 years, the Northwood University Auto Show Gala has been more than a ritzy evening out, it’s been a high-octane tradition driving over $1.7 million in scholarship support through the Town & Campus and Alumni Legacy funds. This event fuels futures and celebrates the spirited alumni, generous partners, and ambitious students who keep Northwood rolling strong.

This year, we’re cranking up the charm with a prohibition-era twist, including vintage vibes, classic cocktails, a dinner worth toasting, a live auction, and the sensational Christina Kateri Band bringing down the house with timeless tunes. It’s a night where the past meets horsepower, and every dollar raised helps students take the fast lane toward success.

We invite you to step into the spotlight as a sponsor and help us make this the most memorable gala yet. Play a key role by being a sponsor. To RSVP, sponsor, or get more information contact Jen Carpenter, Director of Signature Events, at or 989-837-4465.