FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | December 16, 2025
CONTACT: J.J. Lewis, CEO | (517) 618-1874
Pinckney, MI – North Star Reach, the ninth U.S. residential camp in the SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, proudly announces the election of Dr. Allyn Shaw to its Board of Directors. Dr. Shaw, a distinguished higher education executive leader, longtime advocate for student belonging, and dedicated volunteer, was unanimously elected by the Board at its Annual Meeting.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Allyn Shaw to North Star Reach. His decades of experience in higher education, leadership development, and community engagement embody the heart of our mission,” shared Sheri Mark, Board Chair. “Allyn’s passion for creating belonging and supporting families aligns beautifully with our commitment to making camp a place where every child feels seen, celebrated, and safe. We are grateful to have his vision and voice at the table as we approach our 10-year anniversary in 2026.”
Dr. Shaw currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Michigan State University, where he leads a staff of approximately 100 across multiple departments supporting student well-being, engagement, leadership development, and community-building, along with crisis management responsibilities. Student success is included in all of the work completed by the staff.
With more than 40 years of experience in student affairs, university engagement, crisis response, and organizational leadership, Dr. Shaw has designed programs that foster belonging, resilience, and personal growth for tens of thousands of students annually. He has also created and supported parent programming, volunteer pipelines, and large-scale events benefiting families, experience that directly aligns with North Star Reach’s mission.
“I am honored to join the North Star Reach Board of Directors and contribute to a mission that reflects my life’s work: cultivating belonging, empowering young people, and supporting families,” said Dr. Shaw. “From the moment I learned about the camp, I felt a deep connection to its purpose and the joy it brings to children with serious health challenges. I look forward to supporting the staff, volunteers, and Campily as we expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that even more families experience the magic of camp.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Shaw is a proud member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, the same fraternity as Paul Newman, founder of the SeriousFun Children’s Network. His service as a Foundation Trustee, former National Councilor, and longtime fraternity leader strengthens North Star Reach’s ties to a national network dedicated to volunteerism, philanthropy, and support for SeriousFun camps. Dr. Shaw now joins North Star Reach CEO J.J. Lewis, also a Phi Kappa Tau brother and one of the three Phi Kappa Tau SeriousFun Ambassadors, in advancing the fraternity’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that every child can experience camp free of charge.
“As a fellow Phi Tau and SeriousFun Ambassador, I am especially proud to welcome Brother Shaw to our Board of Directors. His leadership, his heart for service, and his lifelong commitment to building inclusive communities will strengthen North Star Reach in profound ways,” shared Lewis. “Allyn brings not only extraordinary professional expertise, but also a deep understanding of what it means to create spaces where every child and family feels a true sense of belonging. I look forward to partnering with him as we prepare for our 10-year ‘Year of Mooseness’ celebration in 2026 and continue expanding the reach of our mission.”
North Star Reach is actively recruiting for additional Board members and committee volunteers. Those interested in serving or learning more are encouraged to contact J.J. Lewis at (517) 618-1874 or jj@northstarreach.org.
