Northwest Missouri State University - Tower Yearbook (Maryville, MO)

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Student Life • 18 Quality Time the beginning of a cultural, activity-packed weekend ' 5! « s by Courtney Stensland The anticipation of Northwest ' s Family Weekend was evident all across campus. Two hundred green and white balloons were put up around the block of Bearcat Arena, greeting signs were hung, tickets were purchased, schedules were planned and the rumble of vacuum cleaners echoed through the residence halls in prepara- tion for the arrival of family and friends on the weekend of Oct. 3, 4 and 5. It was a lot of work to put everything together, coordinator of the weekend ' s events, Shari Schneider, said. It took cooperation from everyone. Elimination of some events from (1996) that yielded a low participation and the addition of more festivities and decorations helped to make the weekend a good experience for both the students and their families. Many activities were planned on Saturday for all age groups. Small children were invited to take part in events along the block of Bearcat Arena. A carnival was set up. with such attractions as the M-4, a personal motion theater which simulated riding in jets or ships while the participants twisted and turned in their seats, and the Orbitron, a NASA-like space simulator which spun its riders around in a circular motion. Boys and girls in the second to eighth grades were also invited to take part in a basketball camp for kids to learn how to shoot hoops like the Bearcat basketball team. One dollar or a non-perishable food item was collected for the Nodaway County Food Pantry to participate in the camp. Northwest mens ' basketball coach Steve Tappmeyer headed the program and said the camp proved to be successful, although the number of participants dropped from 1996. The kids really seemed to be having a good time, Tappmeyer said. All fifteen Bearcat players showed up to help with the camp, which included six stations to teach the kids the fundamentals. We knew that many of these kids showed their support for our players during the season so this was a way of paying them back. All ages were also invited to attend events such as the University Welcome, at which the winners of the Family of the Year competition were announced. • continued on page 21

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M orthwest Week • 171 Final Celebration Northwest Week provides free food, music and games to students Students came out to enjoy a chance at having some fun before finals during Northwest Week. The April 21-27 event blended a variety of elements, ranging from the traditional to the bizarre, in order to cater to a broad range of students as they celebrated Northwest. Faculty members and Student Senate helped start the week off by cooking for the Senate Faculty Hog Roast. Northwest Week organizer Duane Hazelton said this type of participation was key. Northwest Week was successful because of the way the University worked with Student Senate and some of the Northwest organizations, Hazelton said. Other events included the crowning of the Tower Queen. Student organizations sponsored entries in the competition. Finalists for the contest were selected largely based upon their level of involvement at Northwest. After Jennifer Reynolds was crowned Tower Queen, she gave credit to Blue Key Honor Society, the contest ' s organizer. Blue Key was so kind. Reynolds said. They really kept us well-informed throughout the process. I was very grateful for all the work they put into Tower Queen. Northwest Week also included Marypalooza, a carnival centered around the Bell Tower that featured local singers and bands, such as the McKenzies. McKenzies member Austin Howell said he was pleased with the turnout for Marypalooza and with the opportunity to play some of the band ' s original music. Tower Service Awards were also given out during Northwest Week. The awards, honoring outstanding faculty, support staff and student contributions to Northwest, were handed out at a banquet in the University Conference Center. Award winner Jill Templin said it was a good idea to combine the awards banquet with Northwest Week festivities. I thought having the Tower Service Awards (during Northwest Week) made it more memorable, Templin said. My parents enjoyed coming up for that and Northwest Week. Many enjoyed the activities presented during Northwest Week. Finals stress was momentarily put on hold as students and faculty were able to recognize some of their peers ' accomplishments and have a little bit of fun at the same time. to 5; 3 ' oroL 5 5 ' I X D) 3 by Marsha James and Travis Dimmitt

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Family Weekend • 19 As part of the Festival of Cultures, an entertainer with the Haskell Thunderbird Dancers performs for the crowd. Other components of the festival were the Fiddle Factory, the Alliance of Black Collegians, the Chinese Student Organization and a jazz ensemble. Family Weekend events provided something for everyone, no matter what their age. Photo by Sarah Phipps During a carnival for Family Weekend, a clown caters to a young patron in the Bearcat Arena Block. The weekend ' s festivities included face painting, as well as .games like Guess the Weight of the Senior Bearcats, Northwest Trivia, a ring toss, and a ping pong ball throw. Family Weekend let families spend time together and also have fun. Photo by Craig PIburn Who they are: The family of Laura 5chu enberg Where they are from: FlatXeniouth. t-le ' c. Why they were nomi- nated: My family all went to echool here and they were all etill active with Northwest, 5chulentperg eaid. I thought it would be a nice honor for them. Runners-Up: The families of Chris Doud and Natalie Nowak Ready for the ride of his life, Bobby Bearcat gets strapped into the Orbitron. The ride pro- vided entertainment both for those who rode it and for onlookers. Photo by Craig Piburn