The Northwood University community is observing Black History Month in a variety of ways.
“Northwood University is proud to be a facilitator of Black History Month observances, as we value the contributions and achievements Black Americans have made throughout our nation’s history—and those contributions have been significant,” said Northwood University President Kent MacDonald.
Events include an educational campaign at the Strosacker Library/Learning Commons; observances from our Athletics DIG (Diversity Inclusion Group) and Softball Team; our 47th annual Stafford Dinner, which honors the late William Stafford, a Black American who was the first chairman of the Hotel, Restaurant & Resort Management Department at Northwood Institute; and Northwood alumni participating in a red-carpet premiere of the “Loyola Project,” a documentary about “The Game of Change.” To extend the importance of Black History Month, Northwood is bringing that documentary to campus for a public showing in March.
Northwood University’s physical campus is including homages to honor historical Black figures. Two quotes from Booker T. Washington and Sojourner Truth are inset in the concrete pathway between two of our historic buildings, Jordan Hall and Griswold Communications Center. A quote from Rosa Parks will be placed on Northwood’s new fountain at the heart of campus and revealed in May at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The quotes read as follows:
-
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” — Booker T. Washington
-
“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” — Sojourner Truth
-
“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would also be free.” — Rosa Parks
Stafford Dinner set for February 26
The Stafford Dinner was created in memory of Mr. William D. Stafford, the first chairman of the Hotel, Restaurant & Resort Management Department at Northwood Institute (now the “Hospitality Management” program). From 1969 to 1972, Mr. Stafford shared his knowledge about the hospitality industry and incorporated it into the curriculum.
From the very early days of the program’s beginnings, Stafford educated generations of students who have transformed their lives and the lives of others through their leadership of the hospitality industry.
The annual Stafford Dinner introduces students to hands-on skills and real work experience as they step out of the classroom and provide our guests with an amazing evening. These students have planned, prepared and implemented this evening’s festivities. We salute both Mr. William Stafford and Mrs. Ethel Stafford for their guidance, support and passion for both the industry and the students.
This year’s event will be held at 5 p.m. on February 26 at The H Hotel, 111 Main St., Midland. The evening’s theme is island paradise, and our students are creating a relaxing, warm ambiance for attendees to come in island cocktail attire for a combination of plate-served meals and strolling stations of culinary delights, along with a silent auction to raise funds for hospitality program scholarships and fun activities like pineapple bowling and a limbo challenge—plus professional performers.
To donate or register, visit the Stafford Dinner web page.
In the Strosacker Library/Learning Commons
The Strosacker Library/Learning Commons is posting informational slides on its TV that highlight achievements of Black Americans from past to present. Campaign organizers also are working on a display of books regarding Black history.
