After Kirk Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, the Spartan legend and two-time World Series champion dedicated himself to raising awareness and supporting others living with the disease. A former two-sport athlete at Michigan State University, Gibson has continued to make an impact beyond the playing field through the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness®, helping improve quality of life for those affected by the disease. In January, he’ll bring his personal perspective to MSU’s Winter U: Wellness Unlocked, where Spartans will explore what it means to live well at every stage of life.
Taking place Jan. 20-22, 2027, at the newly renovated Naples Grande Beach Resort, this year’s Winter U expands from a one-day gathering into a three-day experience, offering more opportunities to learn, connect and unwind 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.”
Wellness, through a Spartan lens
What does it mean to live well at every stage of life? At Michigan State, that question inspires research and discovery across disciplines, from education and nutrition to movement, nature and transformative patient care.
This year’s Wellness Unlocked theme brings that work to life, inviting attendees to explore how Spartan discoveries inform their own lives and the well-being of their communities.
"At Michigan State, our researchers are asking important questions and pursuing discoveries that improve lives,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Winter U offers a unique opportunity to bring that expertise directly to our alumni and friends, sparking conversations, sharing new perspectives and exploring the many ways we can live healthier, more fulfilling lives."
The expanded Winter U format is designed to create more personal interactions with MSU leaders, experts in the field and fellow Spartans. 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 our planet.
Guskiewicz himself will lead a candid discussion featuring Gibson alongside researchers, advocates and families affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Together, they’ll explore how personal experiences, philanthropy and MSU research are advancing discoveries that offer hope and improve quality of life.
Room to connect, time to recharge
Wellness isn’t just about what we learn or the healthy habits we build. It’s about making time for the things that bring joy. True to its getaway roots, Winter U lets Spartans customize their own experience. Start the day with sunrise yoga or a round of golf, enjoy time on the beach, challenge yourself with Mahjong or pickleball and explore everything Naples has to offer.
Whether it's discovering something new, reconnecting with old friends or simply enjoying time together, Winter U offers a chance to find a balance of learning, relaxation and connection.
And a chance to see how events like Winter U provide opportunities for students beyond the classroom.
Attendees will also hear from student ambassadors about the power of generosity to shape their paths through higher education. Students like Mariam Sayed, ’22, a Thomas Wielenga Research Scholar and Dean’s Research Scholar, who was invited to Winter U in 2022 and thanked the donors who made her MSU experience possible.
Since then, Sayed graduated with honors before going on to become a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and clinical research fellow at the National Institutes of Health. Today, she is back at Michigan State as an MD candidate, continuing her indefatigable pursuit of equity and access in medicine for underserved communities around the globe.
“No institution has supported my unique career goals as whole-heartedly as MSU has,” she said. “This university has never put a limit on our ability to succeed as students, allowing us to pursue our passions in whatever direction they might take us.”
Winter U reminds us that wellness is found not only in our personal journey of well-being, but in the opportunities we help create for others.
Experience Winter U: Wellness Unlocked
Join fellow Spartans Jan. 20–22, 2027, at Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida.
Registration is open through Dec. 8. Space and select accommodations are limited.
