Matt Gaarder '97

Alumni Association Board Member

Board Involvement

• Vice President: 2021-Present
• Member of Promote/Executive Committee

Education

• B.S. Broadcasting, Northwest Missouri State University, 1997

Occupation / Employer Name

Owner of Rapid Elite

Northwest / Community Involvement

• Retired from Bearcat Radio Network where I helped broadcast football and basketball for 20 seasons

•  Current public address announcer for Bearcat football, basketball and baseball

•  Founder of the Maryville Downtown Improvement organization

•  Past president and current member of the Maryville Host Lions Club

•  Current board chair for Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Northwest Missouri

•  Current congregation president at Hope Lutheran Church in Maryville

Interests / Hobbies

I enjoy all sports (especially Bearcat sports) and attend or watch numerous events. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and children and following my children around as they participate in multiple activities in the community.

Special Memories of Northwest

I spent most of my time at Northwest in Wells Hall at the radio stations, and broadcasting Bearcat sports for KDLX.  There are so many memories and funny stories from all of the fellow Bearcats in that building.

Activities or Organizations Involved In While Attending Northwest

• KXCV/KRNW

• KDLX