Tourin’ Bearcats returning to Alaska in spring 2009

The Tourin’ Bearcats travel program for Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends will be making a return trip to Alaska, but instead of a cruise, as was taken in June 2006, the group will experience an extensive scenic land tour.

The May 29-June 3, 2009, trip is open to the public. The cost is $1,299 per person and includes all excursions, tours, lodging and several meals. Airline transportation, which is about $1,000 depending upon departure location, is not included but will be coordinated through Cotter Travel.

Steve Sutton, director of alumni relations, said alumni and friends have been requesting a return trip to Alaska after the successful Tourin’ Bearcats’ Alaskan cruise two years ago.

“We had 115 people who joined us for the cruise to Alaska,” Sutton said. “It was such a tremendous atmosphere to have so many travelers who all had at least one thing in common -- their affinity to Northwest.”

Travelers will fly to Fairbanks, Alaska, take a full-day “Discover the Gold” tour on a riverboat sternwheeler, receive a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village, pan for gold, meet sled dogs, experience a scenic expedition on the domed McKinley Explorer luxury train to Anchorage, Alaska, and participate in a wilderness tour at the Denali National Park. In addition, the trip will include an excursion on the Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic train from Anchorage to Seward, Alaska, complete with a six-hour wildlife and glacier tour of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Sutton said he is hopeful the cost of airfare currently being negotiated in the Tourin’ Bearcats’ travel package won’t dissuade travelers.

“As we all know, thanks to the economy, there’s so much uncertainty currently surrounding airfare,” he said, “and by allowing Cotter Travel to seek the best price for each traveler, we’re able to make the overall cost of the trip much more economical.”

Those wishing to participate in the Northwest Alumni Association-sponsored trip must make a reservation, with a $350 deposit, by Jan. 29, 2009. Final payment is due March 20, 2009. Sutton said the number of travelers is limited, so reservations should be made as soon as possible.

For more information about the Tourin’ Bearcats trip to Alaska, contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or alumni@nwmissouri.edu. Inquiries also may be made to Cotter Travel at 800.676.3233.

Additional trip details are available at www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni/travel/alaska.htm.

For more information, please contact:

Mitzi Lutz
Advancement Communications Specialist
Office of University Advancement
Northwest Missouri State University
720 College Ave., Advancement House
Maryville, MO 64468
660.562.0817 (phone)
660.562.1990 (fax)
www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni

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