Alumni Relations Annual Report (FY24)

FY21: July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024

Dear Northwest Missouri State University alumni and friends,  

What a busy year for the Northwest Alumni program in 2024. Numerous awards were presented at the Northwest Alumni awards, many chapter activities were held and of course the Alumni staff took the time to meet hundreds of Bearcats and their friends at both on-campus and off-campus events. 

The Northwest Alumni Association once again hosted the annual Northwest Night at the St. Joseph Mustangs baseball game, and also participated in MIAA Day with the Royals. We had the opportunity to meet our southern alumni and friends as we did a three city stop in Texas in February. The wonderful people we met in Houston, Austin and Dallas were fun and excited to attend events and share stories with other Bearcats.

The Northwest Alumni Association, under the direction of President Matt Gaarder, ’97 is already planning our annual Alumni Awards Banquet in April 2025 to honor seven outstanding Northwest alumni, friends and faculty. We visited Texas in February 2024 with stops in Houston, Austin and Dallas. Dr. Lance Tatum and first lady Jill Tatum were able to join the event in Dallas.

The Tourin’ Bearcats traveled to Spain for 12 days in May and June and Dr. and Mrs. Tatum join the group of 40 participants. In 2025 we are planning a trip to Switzerland and Northern Italy and expect to take over 40 alumni and friends with us.

We also want to hear from you on ideas of interest for alumni activities, whether it be socials, trips, helping with recruiting future Bearcats or more events for local chapters. Send me an email (alumni@nwmissouri.edu), and let me know what you have in mind. This is your Northwest Alumni Association, and we want you to be a part of the program.

Don't forget to update your contact information so that you know what activities the Northwest Alumni Association is doing in your area - as we don’t want you to miss any exciting opportunities.

Duane Havard ’90
Director of Alumni Relations

Alumni Relations staff
Duane Havard ’90
Director of Alumni Relations
dhavard@nwmissouri.edu
660.562.1112

Elizabeth Cline ’18
Alumni and Communications Specialist
ecline@nwmissouri.edu  
660.562.1249

Alumni Relations Annual Report:

View report (PDF)