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The Center for Engagement and Community Connection at Northwest Missouri State University is offering a new event series this fall, titled “Identity 365,” as a yearlong celebration of the vibrant experiences, backgrounds and cultures that shape Northwest.
The series launches with speaker Thomas Sanchez on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Then, former Northwest football player Tony Miles with deliver a lecture on Friday, Oct. 3.
“Through Identity365, we aren’t just recognizing heritage months,” said Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement. “We’re celebrating the various backgrounds, identities and perspectives of our students every day of the year. Everyone is welcome to take part in these programs that highlight the strength of our Bearcat community.”
Thomas Sanchez
More details about upcoming events are provided below. All Identity 365 events are free of charge and open to the public.
Sanchez is the chief executive officer and co-founder of marketing and communication firm Social Driver in Washington, D.C. In addition, he’s the chair of the board of the Trevor Project, the world’s largest mental health and suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
As a Northwest alumnus, he also was the University’s 2015 commencement speaker, and he is a recipient of the Northwest Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Award. He served on the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors from 2016 to 2021.
In addition to his lecture, titled “Leading with Purpose in a Changing World,” Sanchez will visit Northwest communication classes to speak with students about his experiences.
Tony Miles
Miles made history as a standout wide receiver and kick returner, helping the Bearcat football program win back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1998 and 1999. He went on to an eight-year career in the Canadian Football League, winning the 2004 Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts and is a member of Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame as well as the MIAA Hall of Fame.
A co-author of “When The Walls Speak: Fathers Restoring Generational Confidence,” Miles teaches and coaches football and track at University High School in Waco, Texas, where he continues to inspire the next generation of student-athletes.
Miles will discuss what motivates him and how he overcomes adversity.
Dr. Tori Zeiger
On Oct. 13, Zeiger, an osteologist and Native American Graves and Repatriation Act coordinator for the St. Joseph Museums, will discuss material culture, heritage and lives of Indigenous tribes in North America, with special focus on the utilization of geography and natural resources.
On Oct. 14, Zieger and her team will offer a presentation on Native American culture and the history of artifacts from the St. Joseph Museums' collection. A beading tutorial with follow.
Northwest students are invited to attend this event, combining music and community impact. Guests can dance to their choice of live DJ channels while contributing non-perishable food items to support the Bearcat Food Pantry.
