Fall selection will complement Northwood’s upcoming observance of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 attacks.
Northwood University has selected two books exploring purposeful leadership, ethical decision-making and service to others for its 2026-27 Omniquest university-wide reading program.
Omniquest brings students, faculty and staff together through thought-provoking books that inspire discussion and reflection. Members of the Northwood community nominate titles that support the program’s mission of advancing the university’s guiding institutional philosophy, The Northwood Idea, while fostering community, personal growth, leadership and career readiness.
The 2026-27 Omniquest selections are:
• Fall 2026 — “The Red Bandanna: A Life. A Choice. A Legacy.” by Tom Rinaldi
• Spring 2027 — “Honorable Business: A Framework for Business in a Just and Humane Society” by James R. Otteson
“Omniquest is a great tradition at Northwood University and both selections invite our community to consider how individual choices can shape lives, institutions and society,” stated Academic Vice President and Provost Dr. Kristin Stehouwer. “‘The Red Bandanna’ offers a moving example of courage and selfless leadership which is tied to our observance of the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The other book, ‘Honorable Business,’ challenges us to recognize how principled enterprise can create value and contribute to human flourishing. With these two books as our inspiration, we look forward to convening meaningful conversations about character, responsibility and the impact each person can make.”
Northwood has adjusted the customary sequence of its Omniquest selections for the coming academic year. The fall book will emphasize personal and professional development, while the spring selection will focus more directly on the tenets within the university’s guiding institutional philosophy, The Northwood Idea.
The schedule allows fall programming surrounding “The Red Bandanna” to coincide with Northwood Unity, a university initiative observing the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
“The Red Bandanna” book recounts the life and final actions of Welles Crowther, a young equities trader and volunteer firefighter who worked on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower. Survivors later described how a man wearing a red bandana repeatedly guided people to safety before returning upstairs to help others.
Crowther’s identity remained unknown to the survivors until his mother read published accounts of their rescue and recognized references to the red bandanna he had carried since childhood. The family subsequently connected with survivors, who confirmed that Crowther was the man who had helped lead them to safety.
“Welles Crowther lost his life while saving others. His selfless actions are the ultimate example of one human being making a difference in the life of others,” stated Dean of Student Affairs Andy Cripe. “As we welcome a new class of Northwood students, this book will help us begin important conversations about courage, community, and our responsibility to one another.”
During Welcome Weekend, new students will receive NU-branded red bandannas. Students will be encouraged to wear them during a special Red Bandanna Game on Sept. 3. This event will be among several Northwood Unity activities and additional information about the initiative will be announced in early August.
Spring Omniquest Selection Examines Ethical Purpose of Business and Its Role in Society
The spring Omniquest selection, Honorable Business, examines the ethical purpose of business and its role in a just and humane society. Otteson presents business as a positive-sum activity through which people create value for others through voluntary and mutually beneficial exchange.
The book also offers a practical framework for ethical business leadership, encouraging professionals to use their time, talents and resources to serve others while advancing prosperity. Its themes align closely with The Northwood Idea and the university’s belief in free enterprise, individual responsibility and principled leadership.
Both Omniquest selections will be included in the NU Book Pack program, ensuring students have access to the books as part of their course materials. For more information about Omniquest, visit the Omniquest webpage. Follow Northwood University on social media for new information about the Northwood Unity initiative.
