As Northwood University celebrates its Founder’s Day today, the Michigan university announces the launch of an online lesson for anyone interested in The Northwood Idea and free-market economics.
“The Northwood Idea exists as a timeless set of values that adapts to changing conditions while remaining steadfast as a guiding light,” stated Dr. Dale Matcheck, who chairs the Economics Department at Northwood University. “It provides direction to those who understand the full meaning of freedom. Freedom, we believe, is the foundation of prosperity.”
“Societies and the people who come together to form them thrive to the extent that those people are free to make their own choices,” Matcheck noted. “Individual freedom, coupled with individual responsibility, creates an environment where the greatest good — economic or otherwise — comes to the greatest number of people.”
“The free-enterprise system incentivizes investment, innovation, efficiency, and determination,” Matcheck continued. “It also serves as a shield against tyranny. We firmly believe government should be limited in scope, providing the rule of law by broad consent but not dictating its citizens’ personal and economic decisions.”
The first online lesson, “A Brief History of Progress,” launches Wednesday, March 23 on our online course platform. The lesson is the first in the course, “Philosophy of Free Enterprise.” Northwood will release additional modules with various lessons throughout the year, which will comprise a full course by year’s end. Learners will be able to test their knowledge and earn certificates from Northwood University upon successfully completing lessons.
The principal donors behind this effort are Donald S. Gottwald, a 1988 alumnus, and his wife, Pamela. They wanted to highlight The Northwood Idea, the University’s guiding philosophy that provides a foundation for students to apply their unique individual talents in a free society to realize a life well spent.
“The Northwood Idea Task Force, formed in November 2020, set in motion a comprehensive effort to inject new energy into The Northwood Idea. The task force has offered several recommendations to create new academic programming centered on The Northwood Idea,” said Justin Marshall, vice president of advancement and business development at Northwood. “We are very thankful for Mr. Gottwald’s generous donation, which will allow us to share that programming with the public.”
The effort to bring lessons about The Northwood Idea to the public also is being aided by a generous gift from the Thomas F. and Harriet S. Oakley Family Trust.
Donors who value liberty, the American free-enterprise system, and creating leaders who drive economic and social progress may consider a gift to Northwood University. Visit our giving page or contact Northwood’s advancement office at (989) 837-4356.
