1995 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Emajean (Pat) Cook and her husband Peter have encouraged the growth of the Northwood Idea of private enterprise and entrepreneurship for many years. Their names grace both the library and the education center on the Northwood University Florida campus, reflecting their serious commitment to the principles and ideals of productivity, caring and sharing. Their generosity has provided the learning spaces for countless young people who have benefited from the inspiration of these beautifully designed campus buildings, as they pursued their studies. Pat Cook was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Lee High School. She and Peter raised their two sons in Grand Rapids, where they also earned recognition and respect as church and community leaders. One son, Steve, attended Northwood. In addition to her church activities, Pat has served on the board of the Welcome Home for the Blind, Blodgett Hospital Guild and Porter Hills Ladies Auxiliary. Despite the demands on her time outside the home, Pat has always maintained her focus within the home, particularly in her support role to her husband and in actively participating in their many philanthropic gifts. In 1995 ground was broken for the DeVos-Cook academic center at Northwood in West Palm Beach, Florida. On hand for the occasion, as she has been for countless Northwood activities, Pat Cook brought her untiring and always gracious presence to the occasion, which marked a special turning point in the growth of Northwood University. (Deceased, 2008)
