Northwood University honored with three awards from local arm of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Written by Lauren D'Avolio

Cedar Hill News - Colleges and Universities

Northwood University honored with three awards from local arm of Big Brothers Big Sisters; is hosting recruitment event

CEDAR HILL – Northwood University has been recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters as Community Member of the Year in the Southern Dallas sector, as well as winner of the College/University Bowl-A-Thon Challenge after a recent regional fundraiser. Dr. Kevin Fegan, Northwood’s Texas Campus provost, also has been named the non-profit’s board member of the year for Dallas’ southern sector.

Moreover, Northwood is hosting the Big Brothers Big Sisters “Big Picture Event” recruitment event at noon Oct. 8 in Lambert Commons on the campus at 1114 W. FM 1382. Register at www.bbbs.org/thebigpicture. There is no cost.

Diana Phillips, regional executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, commended Northwood and Dr. Fegan for their unwavering and prolific support. She noted Northwood raised nearly $5,500 with its eight teams during February’s second-annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake at AMF Lanes in DeSoto, which helped Northwood land the College/University Challenge’s trophy and the recognition as area Community Member of the Year.

“The support Northwood University provides Big Brothers Big Sisters is invaluable. The dollars raised will help match five more children off the waiting list in Cedar Hill and support those matches for a full year,” Phillips said. “Plus, the number of mentors from this campus grows each year. Northwood University is a true community partner that not only takes the time to invest in the children of Cedar Hill but financially supports the children."

Northwood’s Texas Campus Provost Dr. Kevin Fegan is thankful for the students, alumni, faculty and staff who contribute so greatly and exemplify Northwood’s core values of ethics and integrity through their support of BBBS. This and many other reasons are why he continues believing strongly in Northwood’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, so much that he and other faculty and staff members serve as BBBS mentors, also known as “Bigs.”

“This is a vitally important group to support,” Dr. Fegan said. “Mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters has an enduring, powerful impact not only on the lives of the Littles, but also on those of the Bigs. Everyone has the power and ability to dramatically improve a child’s life.”

Phillips said Dr. Fegan has been instrumental in bringing the BBBS program to Cedar Hill, which is why he has been recognized as the local board member of the year. With Dr. Fegan’s guidance and support, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been able to double the number of children matched to a mentor in just one year, Phillips said.

“He not only meets the expectations we have of our board members, but he goes beyond that and advocates for the agency on multiple levels – whether it’s providing training space on the campus for match activities and training events to pulling city leaders together to see how we can better serve the children of Cedar Hill through the mentoring program,” Phillips said. “He is a true friend of this agency and a great leader for Cedar Hill and Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Roy Wilson, Northwood’s director of outreach, said Northwood is thrilled to have received all three awards. BBBS shares Northwood’s beliefs in treating everyone with consideration for their circumstances and thoughtful regard for their value as human beings. 

“This year’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowl-a-thon was a great success,” Wilson said. “Northwood was proud to be a sponsor and participant. Our eight teams - consisting of alumni, faculty, staff and students - had a terrific time. We know the money we raised will benefit many great kids.”  Wilson and Dr. Fegan both serve as “Bigs” to students at Plummer Elementary in Cedar Hill.  Contact Phillips at 214-441-2227 x228 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to volunteer with or donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities. It also promotes critical thinking skills and personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.

Private, nonprofit and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at three full-service, residential campuses located in Southern Florida, mid-Michigan and Northern Texas.  Adult degree programs are available in eight states with many course delivery options, including online.  The DeVos Graduate School offers full-time and evening master’s degree programs for entrepreneurs and executives in Michigan, Texas and Switzerland.  The Alden B. Dow Creativity Center on the Midland, Michigan campus specializes in creative thinking and innovation development.  International education is offered through terms abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bahrain. Northwood University also operates the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Maine.

Northwood’s Texas Campus has developed its “Speaker Series” in response to a desire to integrate renowned experts into student engagement opportunities. In addition to providing a quality business education, Northwood seeks to develop students’ interest and awareness regarding current events, current leaders and potential changes on the economic horizon.

Northwood also has introduced the “Values Emphasis Program” to highlight the importance of personal values for students. The programming includes campus-wide speakers as well as classroom visits. The topics span from ethics in business to the value of the free-market system. Education at Northwood is intended to expand the minds of students in terms of their careers and their role in society.