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Campus and Traditions

Founded in 1905 as a Normal College with 212 students, Northwest has evolved into a University with nearly 6,600 students.

Military Friendly

Northwest has been named a Military Friendly School for five consecutive years

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Northwest students take a break from studying to play a friendly game of basketball. Student walking to class on a fall day. President Jasinski handing a donut to a Northwest student on the first day of class. The Northwest campus during the fall. International students showing their dancing talent outside the Union. Located on the south side of campus, the small rustic 'Kissing Bridge' suggests a place where student's romance can blossom. Many Bearcats have also gotten engaged on this bridge. Bearcat students, alumni, friends and the Maryville community gather to support the Northwest football team. During winter months, the 'Kissing Bridge' remains a place for student romance. One of the many friendly squirrels waiting for you to join the Northwest family. The life-sized sculpture honoring the University's 2005 centennial represents two Northwest students, one from 1905 and the other from 2005, studying on a bench.

Reduce Your Paw Print

Northwest has been using alternative fuels since 1982, and processes nearly 500 tons in recycled materials yearly

Virtual Tour

Take a guided tour of Northwest's campus from the comfort of your home

Homecoming

The Homecoming parade is always a highlight of the fall at Northwest. Celebrate the week-long festivities that also includes decorating contests, variety shows, tailgating and football game.

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Northwest Traditions

Now open, Northwest-Kansas City is located at N.E. 69th Street and North Oak Trafficway in Gladstone. Northwest will offer several undergraduate completion programs and graduate programs in education and business.

Northwest Facts

The Northwest Science Museum has an authentic Mosasaur skeleton, an 80-million-year-old aquatic dinosaur

Buildings and Landmarks

Administration Building

Administration Building

The University's first academic building, the Administration Building, opened its doors on Oct. 3, 1910. Back then, the building was used for all University functions including classes, recreation, theatre performances and administrative operations. Through the years, the building has survived a tornado in 1919, fire in 1979, and now houses administrative and service offices. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.


Colden Pond

Colden Pond

Originally called Lamkin Lake, the pond quickly became known as Lamkin's Folly during the early days because it would not retain water. After the problem was resolved, it was stocked with fish and became a pleasant oasis for the campus community. The pond and the surrounding landscape was renovated during the late 1990s and remains a popular spot for students today.


J.W. Jones Student Union

J.W. Jones Student Union

The J.W. Jones Student Union is a three-level building that is home to student-centered offices such as Student Involvement, Multicultural Student Success, Residential Life, Student Affairs and Campus Dining, In 2013, the dining facilities underwent a complete remodel to add national brands such as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Chick-Fil-A as well as the all-you-care-to eat Bearcat Commons on the lower level.


Lamkin Activity Center

Lamkin Activity Center

Named after Northwest's fifth president, the Lamkin Activity Center includes Bearcat Arena, where basketball and volleyball games, commencement ceremonies and concerts take place. Lamkin is also home to the Student Recreation Center and the offices of the Bearcat athletics staff.


Memorial Bell Tower

Memorial Bell Tower

Standing in the middle of campus, the Memorial Bell Tower is a 100-foot structure that serves as a tribute to students, faculty and others who have served the country. Sing or hum with the music that plays from the Bell Tower daily, and make your walk to class a little more enjoyable.


Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The award winning Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship features more than $3 million invested in state-of-the-art research instruments that undergraduate students may access to gain profession-based experience.