NAPLES, Fla.—Michigan State University will welcome Spartan legend and two-time World Series champion Kirk Gibson to its expanded Winter U: Wellness Unlocked, Jan. 20-22, 2027, in Naples, Florida. Taking place at Naples Grande Beach Resort, the three-day event will bring together alumni, university leaders, researchers, faculty, and students for discussions and experiences focused on lifelong health and wellness.
A former two-sport athlete at Michigan State, Gibson earned All-American honors in football before pursuing a professional baseball career. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, he has since become an advocate for disease awareness and support through the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, which provides wellness programs and resources for people living with the disease.
Gibson will participate in a discussion led by MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., alongside researchers, advocates, and families affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The conversation will explore how personal experiences, research, and philanthropy are advancing discoveries and improving quality of life.
“Winter U has always been about bringing Spartans together and keeping them connected to Michigan State,” says 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.”
The 2027 event’s Wellness Unlocked theme will highlight how educational opportunities, research, and scientific discoveries contribute to lifelong well-being. Attendees will also have opportunities to learn about MSU research through interactive experiences, including Beach Discovery along the Gulf, which will showcase work focused on improving health for people, animals, and the planet.
“At Michigan State, our researchers are asking important questions and pursuing discoveries that improve lives,” Guskiewicz says. “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 university is expanding Winter U from a one-day gathering to a three-day, four-night experience, providing additional opportunities for networking and engagement with MSU leadership and fellow alumni. Outside of the educational sessions, attendees can participate in recreational activities, including golf, pickleball, yoga, and beach activities, or explore the Naples area.
Registration for Winter U: Wellness Unlocked is open through Dec. 8, 2026. Space and select accommodations are limited. Additional event information and registration are available at their website.
