Go MAD March is Aug. 19 in Downtown Midland
Northwood University is gearing up for the return of students for the 2022-23 academic year.
“There’s so much to be proud of here at what we call ‘Midland’s University,’ but the ultimate feather in our cap is our student body,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “This is a group of exceptional civic- and business-minded young adults who are future free enterprise leaders who will drive global social and economic progress. And they are Midland’s newest residents!”
The public is invited to help welcome back students during a Go MAD March from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 in downtown Midland.
“Go MAD is a phrase coined by the late Coach Pat Riepma, who inspired thousands of people before he became sick with cancer and ultimately passed away in 2015,” explained Dean of Students Andy Cripe. “While Pat is gone, his mantra of “Go MAD”— Go Make a Difference — lives on.”
Cripe explained the goal of Friday’s march is to continue to build relationships between Northwood and the greater Midland community, as well as to educate students and families about all the offerings in downtown Midland.
To achieve that, the university is working with downtown businesses to create passbooks that students will use to get stamped at participating locations. There also will be food stops at Pizza Sam’s, Proper Taco and Ace Hardware. Burgers will be on the grill at Ace Hardware, courtesy of LaLonde’s Market. Prizes will be provided by Northwood Student Life.
Friday’s event also will include a keynote by Midland Mayor Maureen Donker. The community is invited to come gather for the keynote with students and parents at 6:30 p.m. Friday on the lawn behind The H Hotel in downtown Midland.
Friday marks Move-In Day at Northwood and the kick-off to this year’s Welcome Weekend, which will include a special Opening Convocation ceremony for our incoming freshmen.
Students will be returning to a number of new developments at Northwood, including a slew of construction improvements and a revamped curriculum.
“This fall, we are pleased to launch a more customizable undergraduate curriculum which allows students to personalize their curriculum according to their personal and professional goals,” stated Dr. Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice president and provost for Northwood University.
