Font size:
Sue Campbell is a mother of four, widow of Calvin Campbell, (Dow Chemical’s first legal counsel), professional real estate agent, and supporter of the Mackinac Center since its founding. Campbell was raised in a politically divided household where matters of policy were rarely discussed, but she became active and outspoken on such matters anyway. She maintains an eclectic collection of social circles and an interest in big ideas, both of which started when she was a young adult. Today, she regularly participates in a book club and writes letters to the editor in her hometown. The Mackinac Center is proud to have her as one of the newest members of its Legacy Society.
Campbell’s passion for liberty began in the early 1950s at the University of Michigan, where she found herself learning very little as an economics student and being instructed by a communist professor. The views of this prominent professor, combined with those of a radical leftist who taught labor law, prompted her to independently study free-market ideas and theories. Classes in the business school opened her eyes to the free market, the importance of competition and principles that lead to true progress.
Upon graduation, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with her then-husband, Dale Biggs and eventually to Midland, Michigan. The couple soon became closely networked with Northwood University during the school’s early years, and they belonged to an economics study group there. It was through that group that she met Orval Watts, John Pafford, David Fry and Larry Reed, all affiliated with the university. (Reed went on to become the Mackinac Center’s first president; Pafford is on its Board of Scholars.) The ideas of the free market and an independent laboratory of ideas aligned naturally with her, and she has been supportive of the Mackinac Center ever since its inception more than 30 years ago.
Campbell now enjoys spending as many summer days as she can at her cottage on Lake Charlevoix and in her garden in Midland. With her city council tenure and most of her board service days behind her, she remains civically active in her beloved Midland. Her family, including her four children, are widespread, residing in Florida, Tennessee, and Washington state. She is pleased to have one son and daughter-in-law in Midland, which affords her the opportunity to see two of her grandchildren regularly.
She is an active supporter of local, state, and national efforts to defend and advance freedom. The Mackinac Center has earned a special place on her priority list and in her heart. “You, the Mackinac Center, approach ideas logically, not emotionally and the current information, publications, and engaging events are invaluable. I appreciate how you have reached out way beyond our community and into the state and national scene.”
If you would like to learn more about how you can defend recent victories and advance timeless free-market principles today, or if you would like to make a lasting impact by joining or learning more about the Legacy Society, please call 989-631-0900. Caleb Hortop or a fellow member of the advancement team would be happy to share more and welcome you to our growing network.
