Northwood University has received its largest donation in history, thanks to a generous \$2.5 million gift from Dan and Pamella DeVos. The university’s President, Kent MacDonald, expressed immense gratitude, noting that the DeVos family’s values closely align with Northwood’s, particularly its emphasis on freedom, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and entrepreneurship.
Dan DeVos shared that both he and his wife Pamella are passionate about supporting education that encourages innovation and leadership. “Northwood University holds a special place in our hearts,” he said. “We are proud to contribute to its future and help shape the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.”
A significant portion of the donation will go toward the establishment of a Strategic Accelerator Fund. This fund will support Northwood’s growth in areas such as student recruitment, retention, academic programs, varsity sports, and campus infrastructure. “Thanks to Dan and Pamella DeVos, we can focus on launching new, transformative programs that will help increase our enrollment,” MacDonald added.
Another key aspect of the gift is the creation of a Venture Fund to support business ideas from students, faculty, and staff. Northwood already attracts students with entrepreneurial ambitions, and this fund aims to provide them with the resources to launch their own ventures. Vice President of Advancement, Murray Kyte, highlighted the importance of this initiative in attracting more students and offering them hands-on experience in developing new businesses.
Provost Kristin Stehouwer also emphasized how the gift would enhance experiential learning opportunities. “This historic gift will create pathways for students to gain real-world business experience while still in school,” she said.
Additionally, the DeVoses’ donation will fund scholarships through a newly established Liberty Fund. Pamella DeVos noted that scholarships have the power to provide talented students with access to education that might otherwise be out of reach. “The Liberty Fund will empower future entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams,” she said.
This donation will also enable Northwood to remove financial barriers for students, offering scholarships based on merit rather than financial need. “Endowed student scholarships are an investment in students, as well as in freedom and free enterprise,” Kyte added.
Chief Development and Engagement Officer Justin Marshall also praised the gift, calling it vital for advancing the university’s mission. “We are deeply grateful for the DeVoses’ belief in Northwood and their investment in our future.”
The gift was announced during Northwood’s President’s Freedom Celebration on June 12, 2025. This event also marked the public launch of the university’s “When We Are Free” campaign, which aims to raise \$100 million for infrastructure development, academic programs, scholarships, and community engagement.
