Former U.S. congressman Lt. Colonel Allen West (retired) will share his insights about the future of the American Dream as the headline speaker at Northwood University’s annual Values Emphasis Week.
West will speak at a free, public event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, in the Riepma Arena in the Bennett Sports Center at the Midland, Michigan-based university.
Since 1979, the private, non-profit specialty business university involves its students, faculty and staff, as well as the larger surrounding community, in Values Emphasis Week. Events of the week center on the behaviors described in Northwood University’s code of ethics: freedom, respect, empathy, spirituality, honesty, achievement, integrity and responsibility.
This celebration provides the Northwood University community with the opportunity to reflect on moral and ethical values relating to their personal lives, involvement in the community and their work in the free-market business world.
Guest speakers will visit the campus throughout the week to share their experiences and expertise as they tie into these characteristics. All events are free and open to the public, including West’s address.
Other speakers featured during the week reflect the university’s ideals of free enterprise and entrepreneurship. They include:
- Kim Yost, CEO of Art Van Furniture and his wife, Donna Yost, CEO of The Life Chest, at 7 p.m. on March 21 in Griswold Lecture Hall
- Peter Shin, director of community relations for Shinola, at 4 p.m. on March 22 in the Doan Center
- Jack Krasula, president of Trustinus LLC, at 6 p.m. on March 22 in Gerace Auditorium.
West is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family, boasting a 22-year career in the U.S. Army. West entered congress in November 2010, representing Florida’s 22nd district. During his term in office, he sat on the Small Business and Armed Services committees and was instrumental in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. Today, West serves as president and CEO for the National Center on Policy Analysis.