Spartan Legend Kirk Gibson to Join MSU’s Expanded Winter U in Naples, Florida January 20-22, 2027!

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.

MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., will also lead a candid discussion featuring Gibson alongside with researchers, advocates and families affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, exploring how personal experiences, research and philanthropy are advancing discoveries that offer hope and improve quality of life.

“At Michigan State, our researchers are asking important questions and pursuing discoveries that improve lives,” Guskiewicz said. “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.”

Beyond the educational programming, attendees can customize their Winter U experience with opportunities to enjoy sunrise yoga, golf, beach activities, Mahjong, pickleball and time exploring Naples. The expanded format also provides more opportunities for personal interactions with MSU leadership and fellow Spartans.

Registration information

Winter U: Wellness Unlocked takes place Jan. 20–22, 2027, at Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida.

Registration is open through Dec. 8, 2026. Space and select accommodations are limited.

For event details, programming, and registration, visit go.msu.edu/wu-27.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 170 years. A top 100 global university and leading U.S. public research institution, MSU brings people together to put knowledge into action, improve lives and create meaningful progress in Michigan and around the world. As the nation’s premier land-grant university, MSU expands access to a life-changing education, advances research that addresses real-world needs and prepares students to make a difference in their careers and communities. With more than 400 programs of study, MSU educates more undergraduates than any other university in the state and is a major source of talent, innovation and opportunity for Michigan.

For generations, Spartans have changed lives through research and innovation. Support from federal, state and local funding helps power discoveries that improve health, strengthen communities and keep America at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness. From lifesaving cancer treatments to advances in agriculture, energy and technology, see how Michigan State University researchers are shaping a better future for Michigan and the world.

For MSU news on the web, go to MSUToday or x.com/MSUnews.