Northwood University is proud to announce a generous $250,000 gift from alumnus Alan Chandler to establish the Edward Chandler Baseball Endowment, named in honor of his father, a retired Detroit Police Officer.
The endowment will provide critical, above-budget support for Northwood’s Baseball program, enhancing areas such as coaches’ salaries, coaching aids and equipment, academic support for student-athletes, and team travel.
Chandler, who attended the Northwood Institute (now Northwood University), credits both his father and Northwood with shaping his successful career. As CEO and Partner of VTC Insurance Group — one of Michigan’s largest independent surety bond and insurance agencies — Chandler attributes his professional trajectory to the scholarship he received to attend Northwood.
“Without the scholarship I received from Northwood, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Chandler stated. “My father instilled in me the importance of service and sacrifice, and Northwood gave me the opportunity to turn those values into a successful business career. This endowment is my way of giving back — to honor my dad and to support a program that develops leaders both on and off the field.”
After becoming President of Valenti Trobec & Chandler in 1992, Chandler helped lead the agency’s growth from eight employees to over 150. Today, VTC Insurance Group serves a wide range of industries, including construction, transportation, manufacturing, and nonprofits.
Northwood University Athletics Director Jeff Curtis expressed deep gratitude for the transformative impact this gift will have.
“Al Chandler’s gift is a game-changer for Northwood Baseball,” Curtis said. “This endowment strengthens our program in meaningful ways and ensures we can make strategic investments that elevate the student-athlete experience. We’re proud to honor Edward Chandler’s legacy through a gift that will benefit Timberwolves for generations.”
For more information about Northwood University Athletics, visit www.northwood.edu/athletics.
To learn more about how to support Northwood University and its role as America’s Free Enterprise University, visit https://www.northwood.edu/advancement/give/.
