Experience the ‘Stafford Jazz Club’ March 1 at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
Tickets are now available for the 50th anniversary Stafford Dinner, a spectacular fundraising event organized entirely by Northwood University students.
This year’s theme, Stafford Jazz Club, promises to immerse guests in the soulful sounds of jazz while they enjoy a culinary journey crafted by aspiring hospitality professionals on March 1, 2025, in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
“Guests can expect an evening of delectable cuisine, live entertainment, and an ambiance that pays tribute to the history and vibrancy of Stafford Dinner,” explained Karla Spaeth, who chairs Northwood’s hospitality management degree program, which is one of the oldest and most experienced hospitality degree programs in Michigan.
“This signature Northwood University event offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning, marketing, logistics, and food and beverage management,” Spaeth added. “This year’s Stafford Dinner is especially exciting as we celebrate 50 years of this incredible tradition, which has involved so many different generations of Northwood students who have gone on to be leaders within hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other sectors in the hospitality industry.”
A student-led legacy of excellence
Each year, Northwood students organize the Stafford Dinner, a tradition named in honor of Mr. William D. Stafford, the first chairman of the university’s hospitality program.
This year’s co-chairs, Morgan Bryce and Taylor Brown, are pulling out all the stops for this milestone celebration.
“The jazz theme reflects the timeless and collaborative spirit of the Stafford Dinner, and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with our guests,” said Bryce, a student from Birch Run, Michigan, who is studying hospitality management at Northwood University.
“This event is more than a dinner — it’s a celebration of history, hard work, and the support that makes our dreams as hospitality professionals possible,” added Brown, who also is from Birch Run, and is studying marketing at Northwood. “We invite everyone to support Northwood students while enjoying an evening of fantastic food, music, and ambiance.”
Celebrate and support the future of hospitality
The evening will feature carefully curated dishes, sultry jazz music, and a vibrant atmosphere that brings to life the charm of a vintage jazz club. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Northwood University hospitality students, helping to fund their education and career development.
“The Stafford Dinner is a unique opportunity for our hospitality students to showcase their culinary and event expertise, and for students in other degree programs to also get hands-on professional experience in their respective fields of interest,” noted Northwood Executive Chef Casey Rae. “This year’s students have planned an exceptional menu that reflects both the theme and the high standards of our program.”
Event sponsorships are available through February 1, 2025, offering businesses and individuals the chance to support Northwood’s hospitality program while receiving recognition at this landmark event.
Reserve your seat today
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Secure your seat or support the event by visiting https://www.northwood.edu/stafford/.
“This year’s Stafford Dinner promises to be a night to remember,” noted Associate Professor Nicholas Hamilton. “We are so proud of the students’ dedication and creativity as they bring the Stafford Jazz Club to life.”
“The 50th anniversary is a significant milestone, and we are confident that this year’s dinner will be a testament to the legacy and future of the Stafford Dinner,” added Director of Annual Giving Laura Rhodes.
If you’d like more information about the 2025 Stafford Dinner, starting at 5 p.m. March 1, 2025, at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, visit https://www.northwood.edu/stafford/.
