Go MAD March set for Aug. 23 in downtown Midland; Mayor to deliver remarks at 7:15 p.m. behind The H Hotel
Northwood University is excited to collaborate with the local community as they welcome new and returning students to Midland for the 2024-25 academic year.
The public is invited to help welcome back students during a Go MAD march in downtown Midland from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23.
Go MAD is a phrase coined by the late football coach Pat Riepma. Pat was a source of inspiration, and he positively impacted thousands of people throughout his storied career at Northwood before losing his battle with cancer in 2015.
“Nearly a decade later, Pat’s mantra of ‘Go MAD’ lives on — as does his legacy through our students, staff, alumni, and community partners,” stated Dean of Student Affairs Andy Cripe.
Cripe explained the annual Go MAD March helps build relationships between Northwood and the greater Midland community while introducing new students and their families to downtown Midland.
“As Midland’s University, we are thrilled to partner with local businesses and residents as we welcome our newest class of Northwood students to Midland and the region,” commented Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “These young men and women seeking a values-based education embody the traits in our code of ethics: freedom, respect, empathy, spirituality, honesty, achievement, integrity, and responsibility – commonly known as FRESH AIR. They are poised to fulfill Northwood’s mission as ‘free enterprise leaders who will drive global economic and social progress’ — and meeting business owners within our community is a great place to start.”
Northwood worked with downtown businesses to create passbooks that students will get stamped at various participating locations. Food stops will be at Grape Beginnings, Heather and Holly, Molasses, Iron Dame, Gratzi, Pizza Sam’s, Proper Taco, and Ace Hardware. Students who complete their passbooks will be eligible for prizes from Northwood Student Affairs.
The community is invited to join students and parents as Midland Mayor Maureen Donker delivers keynote remarks at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, on the lawn behind The H Hotel in downtown Midland.
Friday also marks Move-In Day at Northwood and the kick-off to this year’s Welcome Weekend, which includes a special Opening Convocation ceremony on Saturday morning for incoming first-year and transfer students.
Students will return to campus to find several improvements, including the new Michael and Dianne Morey Family Courtyard. The Moreys are a couple from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, who, in 2023, donated their classic automobile collection to Northwood University. All but one of the 35 vehicles in the collection were sold at auction for nearly $2.4 million. The remaining car from the classic vehicle collection will be on permanent display at Northwood University in honor of Michael and Dianne Morey.
The Michael and Dianne Morey Family Courtyard will be adjacent to the Strosacker Library and Learning Commons and Jordan Hall, home to the Mid Café, a cafeteria-like restaurant featuring breakfast, sandwiches, snacks, and beverage options for students and the public.
The courtyard will be a new place for students to relax, eat, study, and enjoy the outdoors. It will be an attractive feature for members of the community who visit Northwood’s campus, which surrounds a portion of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail and is open to walkers, bicyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Members of the community who would like to request a yard sign welcoming students to Midland can do so using this online form. Requested signs will be available at the Church Family Administration Building reception desk between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 19-22. Signs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
