New lesson posted in free online course promoting free-market economics

Northwood University is announcing the third of an online series of lessons for anyone interested in The Northwood Idea and free-market economics.
The Northwood Idea exists as a timeless set of values that adapts to changing conditions while remaining steadfast as a guiding light, explained Dr. Dale Matcheck, who chairs the Economics Department at Northwood University.
“The Northwood Idea provides direction to those who understand the full meaning of freedom,” he added. “Freedom, we believe, is the foundation of prosperity. We value freedom not just for its own sake, but for the sake of those things it helps us to achieve: the development of our own character and capabilities; for extending the range of voluntary cooperation and making it more productive. And if it is to achieve these things, our freedom must be constrained by moral law, as expressed by the Golden Rule or the 10 Commandments. Only in mutually supportive, life-giving efforts can we achieve success in the true meaning of that word.”
We believe that societies founded on these principles will flourish.
“In political life, this means a limited government, where the rules apply equally to all and the rights and liberty of each person is secure,” Matcheck said. “In economic life, it means a system of free enterprise, based on private property, free markets and competition. These essential institutions of a free society liberate the creative energies of the people, and promotes improvements in material prosperity, economic opportunity and quality of life.”
Northwood, with the support of generous donors, announced the formation of an online course, “Philosophy of Free Enterprise,” on the University’s Founder’s Day in March, when the first online lesson, “A Brief History of Progress,” was published on our online course platform.
Northwood published the second lesson, “Innovation & Innovism” on July 4.
The newest lesson, “Vocation of Business,” was published over Welcome Weekend at Northwood, Aug. 20-21.
The University will release additional modules with various lessons throughout the year, which will comprise a full course by year’s end. Learners will be able to test their knowledge and earn certificates from Northwood University upon successfully completing the course.
The principal donors behind this effort are Donald S. Gottwald, a 1988 alumnus, and his wife, Pamela. They wanted to highlight The Northwood Idea, the University’s guiding philosophy that provides a foundation for students to apply their unique individual talents in a free society to realize a life well spent.
“The Northwood Idea Task Force, formed in November 2020, set in motion a comprehensive effort to inject new energy into The Northwood Idea. The task force has offered several recommendations to create new academic programming centered on The Northwood Idea,” said Justin Marshall, vice president of advancement and business development at Northwood. “We are very thankful for Mr. Gottwald’s generous donation, which will allow us to share that programming with the public.”
The effort to bring lessons about The Northwood Idea to the public also is being aided by a generous gift from the Thomas F. and Harriet S. Oakley Family Trust.
Donors who value liberty, the American free-enterprise system, and creating leaders who drive economic and social progress may consider a gift to Northwood University. Visit our giving page or contact Northwood’s advancement office at (989) 837-4356.