Landmark commitment includes $20 million for residential facilities, automotive education and scholarships, plus $10 million in challenge funding tied to enrollment and fundraising milestones
(MIDLAND, Mich.) — Jim Koons, a 1973 alumnus and prominent American automotive entrepreneur, has pledged up to $30 million to transform residential facilities, advance automotive education, expand scholarship opportunities, support enrollment growth and future fundraising milestones, and strengthen Northwood’s identity as America’s Free Enterprise University.
This significant gift represents the largest philanthropic commitment in Northwood University’s history. It includes $20 million in direct philanthropic investment and $10 million in challenge funding tied to undergraduate enrollment growth and fundraising milestones.
“Jim’s landmark gift reflects his conviction in free enterprise and his firsthand understanding of its power to create opportunity and transform lives,” said Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “As a Northwood graduate, he put those principles into practice, building his business success through initiative, hard work, and the determination to turn opportunity into achievement. His generosity will advance Northwood’s mission and inspire future generations of graduates to lead purposeful lives, create lasting value, and use their success to help others flourish.”
Koons is the former CEO of Jim Koons Automotive Companies, which was one of the largest privately owned dealership groups in the United States.
The Koons gift includes:
• $10 million to transform Miner and Dubois Halls into an integrated first-year residential living and learning community that immerses students in the values and practices of free enterprise from the moment they arrive on campus
• $5 million to support Northwood’s transformation of the existing N.A.D.A. Hotel and Conference Center and connected R. Gary Stauffer Academic Building into Wildstein Hall, an entirely new academic hall that will be named in honor of Dr. Alan Wildstein and include a new premier conference facility supported by Reynolds and Reynolds
• $5 million for student scholarships through a fundraising challenge supported by Dr. Rita Case, a national philanthropist, longtime Northwood supporter, entrepreneur, and president and CEO of The Rick Case Automotive Group
• $10 million in challenge funds tied to undergraduate enrollment growth and fundraising milestones
“This historic pledge will transform the undergraduate experience by ensuring students encounter free-enterprise principles not only in the classroom, but through the campus spaces, programs and relationships that shape their daily lives,” said Academic Vice President and Provost Dr. Kristin Stehouwer. “This investment will stand as a beacon for generations — a testament to those bold enough to believe that free enterprise remains the most powerful force for human progress.”
Koons credits his Northwood education with shaping his career and worldview.
“Entrepreneurship and capitalism still provide the greatest opportunity to improve people’s lives,” Koons said. “This gift reflects my gratitude for my Northwood education and belief that Northwood is uniquely positioned to develop free enterprise leaders who understand the positive impact this economic system has on our country and the entire world.” The commitment represents a major milestone in Northwood University’s When We Are Free comprehensive campaign, a historic $100 million initiative advancing faculty excellence, student scholarships, campus facilities and academic innovation.
“This commitment will help students turn ideas into action,” said Dean of Student Affairs Andy Cripe. “By connecting residential life more intentionally with academic and hands-on learning, while expanding access through scholarships, Northwood will give students more opportunities to build confidence, make the most of their college experience, and grow as accomplished, engaged leaders.”
Founded in 1964, Jim Koons Automotive Companies grew into one of the nation’s largest privately owned automotive dealership groups. At the time of its 2023 sale to Asbury Automotive Group, the company included 20 dealerships representing 29 franchises across Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and employed more than 2,500 people. The $1.2 billion transaction was one of the largest automotive retail acquisitions in recent years.
“Jim Koons has long invested in the people and places that define the Northwood experience,” said Vice President of Advancement Justin Marshall. “From the Timberwolf Learning Center to Koons Hall in North Village Apartments, he has put students first and enhanced their experience in meaningful and lasting ways. This historic commitment builds on that legacy while accelerating the momentum of the When We Are Free campaign.”
The landmark gift was announced during a keynote Koons gave during the 2026 CAMS Industry Summit on Friday, Sept. 18, prior to the opening ceremony for the 63rd Northwood University International Auto Show. For more information, visit https://auto.northwood.edu/.
