A student from Fenton, Michigan, will chair the 2026 Northwood University Stafford Dinner, Feb. 28, 2026, at Apple Mountain in Freeland, Michigan.
“Serving as General Chair is an incredible opportunity to help elevate one of Northwood’s most impactful traditions,” explained Mason Skaff, who is majoring in Hospitality Management at Northwood University. “Our goal is to enhance the experience for both guests and students, ensuring the dinner continues to open doors and create real-world learning opportunities. I’m honored to contribute to an event that plays such a meaningful role in shaping the future success of my fellow Timberwolves. We look forward to unveiling next year’s theme in October.”
Skaff began his journey at Northwood as a student enrolled in Northwood’s Cybersecurity degree program. One class led him to pivot to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
“During my sophomore year, I had an Introduction to Hospitality course with Nicholas Hamilton as an elective. From then on, I knew what I wanted to do,” Skaff said. “It’s the best decision I could have made.”
Each year, a team of Northwood students hosts a Stafford Dinner in honor 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.
All proceeds from the dinner, silent auction, and further contributions benefit the Stafford Dinner Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to multiple students at each annual dinner.
Skaff served as the Service Chair for the 2025 Stafford Dinner, which celebrated its 50th anniversary. In addition to the Stafford Dinner, he is involved in the Northwood University Hospitality Enterprise.
2026 Stafford Leadership Already Hard at Work
Stafford Dinner Advisors Karla Spaeth-Yost and Laura Rhodes helped Skaff through an extensive process to select the best of the best for the 2026 Stafford Dinner Executive Board.
“Coming down from the high of the 50th annual Stafford Dinner last year at Zehnder’s in Frankenmuth, we knew that we needed strong leaders to continue the tradition of hosting this signature event,” Skaff stated. “We are confident that we have found that within these students.”
The students who will join Skaff on the 2026 Stafford Dinner Executive Board are (all hometowns located in Michigan unless stated otherwise):
• Maria Achenbach of Waldron — Decorations Chair
• Emberlin Powell of Birch Run — Entertainment Chair and Registration Chair
• Joseph Eisenman of Midland — Food and Beverage Co-Chair
• Jacob Lemmer of Bay City — Food and Beverage Co-Chair
• Morgan Bryce of Birch Run — Procurement Chair
• Taylor Brown of Birch Run — Logistics and Fundraising Chair
• Lila Bolden of Petoskey — Marketing and Public Relations Chair
• Edson Ramírez of Lima, Peru — Service Chair
“This board has already made tremendous progress in our first few months together,” Skaff stated. “Seeing this growth and dedication, I cannot wait to see what we bring to life for the 51st annual Stafford Dinner.”
For more information about the Stafford Dinner, visit https://www.northwood.edu/stafford/
