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Announcing the theme of the 2023 Stafford Dinner

January 11, 2023

Wander into the cohesive chaos of ‘Stafford in Wonderland’ Feb. 18 at Great Hall

 Northwood University students are announcing the theme of the 48th annual Stafford Dinner, as they prepare to host an affair in one of the largest venues in Midland.

“This year’s theme encapsulates cohesive chaos through meticulously thought-out cuisine, fanciful decorations, and mesmerizing entertainment,” stated Co-Chair Kameron Haag, of Clare.

The dinner will be held Feb. 18 at the Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center with the theme of “Stafford in Wonderland.”

“This theme was chosen from the pure creative outlet of composing a wonderland new to the guests,” stated Co-Chair Kylee King, of Kalamazoo.

The Stafford Dinner is a yearly student-led event held in memory of the first chairman, Mr. William D. Stafford, who directed the Hotel, Restaurant & Resort Management Department at Northwood University from 1969 to 1972.

The annual dinner gives students hands-on hospitality experience, as everything is planned, prepared and executed by an executive board of students who handle the marketing, logistics, food and beverage, procurement, and other specialties.

In addition to Haag and King, the Stafford Dinner executive board that is responsible for bringing this wonderland to life is as follows:

  • Natalie Preston: Co-Chair and Logistics – Milford

  • Jacob Streeter: Food and Beverage Co-Chair – Bay City

  • Frank Viviano: Food and Beverage Co-Chair – Clinton Township

  • Kennedy Vancalbergh: Marketing and Public Relations Chair – Jackson

  • Hailey Granata: Procurement and Entertainment Chair – Hillsdale

  • Kelly Rogers: Decorations Chair – Madison Heights

  • Olivia Miller: Fundraising and Registration Chair – Bay City

  • Nick Tolliver: Service Chair- Chelsea

Advisors for the event are Nicholas Hamilton and Karla Spaeth.

All proceeds from the dinner, silent auction and further contributions will go directly into the Stafford Dinner Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to multiple students the night of the feast.

To purchase tickets, or be one of this exciting evening’s sponsors, please visit https://www.northwood.edu/stafford.

More information about the upcoming Stafford Dinner will be posted at nu_stafforddinner on Instagram and Stafford Dinner on Facebook. You also can contact Nicholas Hamilton at or (989) 837-4844 with further questions.

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