Northwood University Breaks Ground on New Wildstein Hall
Ceremony during the 63rd International Auto Show marks a new chapter for automotive education and industry collaboration.
On September 18, Northwood University celebrated a significant milestone in its campus transformation with a ceremonial sod-turning for Wildstein Hall and the Reynolds and Reynolds Conference Center. This event coincided with the opening of the 63rd Northwood University International Auto Show, uniting students, alumni, donors, and automotive leaders at this pivotal investment in the university’s future.
The upcoming project will convert the existing N.A.D.A. Hotel and Conference Center into Wildstein Hall, named in honor of Dr. Alan Wildstein. This new academic facility will include a premier conference space supported by Reynolds and Reynolds. The adjoining R. Gary Stauffer Academic Building is also set for reconstruction, providing modern environments for students to interact with industry professionals and enhancing opportunities for conferences and community events.
President Kent MacDonald expressed gratitude for the key supporters, emphasizing Dr. Wildstein’s early commitment and Reynolds and Reynolds’ ongoing partnership with Northwood’s automotive education. Notable contributors include Jim Koons, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, and alumni like Bill Cole.
The newly planned buildings will house updated classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and guest suites, offering students hands-on experience in hospitality and event management. The original N.A.D.A. facility’s sunken lobby will also be preserved, honoring architect Alden B. Dow’s legacy on the Midland campus.
The sod-turning ceremony followed the CAMS Industry Summit, where automotive leaders, including Koons, engaged with students and faculty about current trends shaping the automotive sector. Student leaders also inaugurated the auto show with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Student director Bella Smylie remarked on the importance of this project, highlighting the collective investment in Northwood’s students and the future of automotive education. Not only does it create more learning opportunities, but it also facilitates connection-building and leadership preparation for students.
Dr. Stacey Tetloff, Dean and Associate Provost, noted that the day showcased the real-world opportunities available to students at Northwood, as they interacted with industry professionals and demonstrated leadership through the auto show.
Northwood University encourages further investment from alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and friends. For details about naming opportunities associated with the new academic hall, interested parties can reach out via Northwood’s communications.
