Not so long ago, America’s beer business was dominated by a handful of brands, all of them fighting to be the choice of customers who were reliably loyal to a regular favorite.

Times have changed, and the brand choices now seem endless, which is good news for beer drinkers, and also for many Northwood grads who apply their special skills to careers built around brewing.

Ana Brnabić (’98) earned her degree through a cooperative program with Greenwich College in London, England, and spent only a few weeks on campus in Midland as a Northwood student. Yet she remembers well the lessons she learned during her time at Northwood, and applies them to both her vision for Serbia and her work as prime minister.

Business success is built on competitive advantage, something Northwood students know very well. As business becomes increasingly global and increasingly inclusive, the advantage that students gain from a diverse cultural understanding grows in importance.

Everything about him is such a perfect fit for a Hollywood script. His blond hair, chiseled physique, and easy smile give him the consummate matinee-idol good looks. His “aw shucks” demeanor makes him as likeable as the boy next door. Even his name seems custom-made for a marquee.

Alumni were the focus of the Outstanding Alumni Awards (OAA). Held during Values Emphasis Week, the awards are presented by Northwood to recognize graduates who believe in and support the university’s mission and core values. This year’s seven OAA recipients are wonderful examples of how success can be guided by deeply held values.

The Hilda E. Bretzlaff Foundation provides scholarships to students who have financial need and are also creative and ambitious. Mrs. Bretzlaff believed that, with excellent education, these young people can become leaders who strive to improve the quality of life where they live and work. 

Persistence paid off for Timby Media Productions, winner of the most recent Project 100 competition. In its third bid for the award, the student organization successfully convinced a live and online audience of alumni donors to award Timby the $10,000 grant. 

The Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center opened this year to rave reviews, with students and faculty alike taking an immediate shine to the sleek, modern facility. The building was originally constructed in 1971 and has been used for various purposes.