Northwood University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards, which honor alumni who have significantly impacted their professions, communities, and beyond.
“These individuals are a testament to the power of a Northwood education and our alumni’s impact across the globe,” stated Julie Adamczyk, Senior Alumni and Engagement Officer. “They are leaders, innovators, and role models who embody the values of Northwood University and inspire us all to strive for excellence.”
Achievement Award Honoree earned bachelor’s degree & MBA from Northwood
Receiving the Achievement Award is Nicole Longhini-McElroy (’01 and ’05 MBA), Global Vice President of Product Development at Recaro, a company in the automotive aftermarket industry that produces automotive seating and lifestyle products for motor enthusiasts. A resident from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, McElroy attributes her time at Northwood with equipping her with an entrepreneurial mindset that she uses to drive innovation and excellence in a field known for its fast pace and high stakes.
Leadership Awardees Have Excelled in Automotive Careers
Two accomplished alumni — Dan Saar (’98) and Greg Rancilio (’91) — are this year’s Leadership Award honorees. Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the automotive and education sectors.
Saar, a resident of Harrison Township, Michigan, is Executive Director of Business Development at S&P Global, a company in the auto data industry that provides governments, businesses, and individuals with market data, expertise, and technology solutions for confident decision-making.
Rancilio, a resident of Oxford, Michigan, is an adjunct college professor at the University of Arizona. He retired after 33 years of service with EDS/ADP/CDK Global, a global provider of dealership management software solutions (ERP) and professional services to the automotive retail and adjacent industries. Over his extensive career with CDK Global, Rancilio progressed into many different positions, and his role leading up to retirement was Director of Enterprise Program Management.
Decades after his time at Northwood, Rancilio remains heavily involved with his alma mater, serving multiple terms on the Alumni Council Board, participating in the Northwood University Auto Show Gala, and contributing as a Project 100 investor. Saar also remains heavily involved with Northwood by also serving on the Alumni Council Board, contributing to Project 100, and establishing an endowed scholarship.
Ford Finance Analyst and Thriving Attorney are Young Alumni Awardees
This year’s Young Alumni Award recipients are Chris Grant (’20) and Katie Holton (’18 and ’19 MBA).
Grant is an attorney with Ben Abbott and Associates in Garland, Texas. He made his mark at Northwood through a successful run on the Northwood Mock Trial Team. After launching his legal career, Chris continues to give back to his alma mater by assisting the Northwood Mock Trial Program.
Holton, a Financial Analyst for Ford Motor Company, graduated in 2019 through Northwood’s Bachelor/MBA track with an accounting degree. A West Bloomfield, Michigan resident, Holton remains deeply involved with her alma mater and was honored in 2023 as part of Northwood’s inaugural Class of 20 Under 40.
Service Awardee is Grand Rapids Fire Chief
Grand Rapids Fire Chief Brad Brown is this year’s Service Award honoree. A 2008 graduate, Chief Brown earned his degree while working as a full-time firefighter. As the department’s chief, Brown leads a team of 235 dedicated men and women, protecting life and property for Grand Rapids’ 200,000 residents and millions of visitors.
The Outstanding Alumni Awards will be presented during an awards banquet from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in the Hach Student Life Center at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. Northwood University invites the community to celebrate these exceptional individuals and their accomplishments. Tickets are available online at https://forms.northwood.edu/oaa-registration/.
