Photo courtesy of Michigan State University
Three-day Winter U: Wellness Unlocked experience brings together MSU research, lifelong wellness and Spartan connections Jan. 20–22.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Spartan legend and two-time World Series champion Kirk Gibson will join Michigan State University alumni and friends at Winter U: Wellness Unlocked, Jan. 20–22, 2027, in Naples, Florida, for three days of discovery, conversation, and connection centered on lifelong well-being.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015,
Gibson, a former two-sport athlete at MSU who played baseball and earned All-American honors in football, has become a dedicated advocate for raising awareness and supporting others living with the disease through the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. His advocacy also extends to the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness®, which provides wellness programs and resources for people living with Parkinson’s disease. His personal journey and commitment to improving lives will bring a meaningful perspective to Winter U’s exploration of what it means to live well at every stage of life.
Hosted at the newly renovated Naples Grande Beach Resort, Winter U is expanding from a one-day gathering into a three-day, four-night experience, giving attendees more opportunities to engage with MSU leadership, researchers, faculty and students while enjoying a variety of recreational activities along Florida’s Paradise Coast.
“Winter U has always been about bringing Spartans together and keeping them connected to Michigan State,” said Kim Tobin, vice president for University Advancement at MSU. “By expanding to three days, we have the opportunity to build on what makes this event so special — creating more time for meaningful conversations, engaging experiences and connections that last well beyond our time together in Naples.”
Exploring lifelong wellness through MSU research and discovery
This year’s Wellness Unlocked theme explores how educational opportunity, discoveries about the world and transformative research contribute to lifelong health and well-being.
Through engaging conversations and interactive experiences, attendees will hear directly from students about how educational opportunity shapes lifelong well-being and take part in Beach Discovery along the Gulf, exploring how MSU research is helping create a healthier world for people, animals and the planet…