March 5th Social MOVED

As you may know, Overtime is going through some changes. It looks like a pretty interesting concept. Unfortunately for our group we won't be able to experience it until April. The new business Overtime Beerhouse will not be open until March 6th.

So, we have moved locations for this months March 5th Social. We will be having our social in the party room at Isla Cozumel Mexican Restaurant in Urbandale. It is located in the strip area behind Panera Bread near 86th and Hickman Roads.

We look forward to having you at this month's social event! Please share this news of venue change with all of your NW friends, we do not want to miss anyone!

Sean

It takes a village to build a Bearcat! Sean's hope for the future of NWMSU Central Iowa

Central Iowa Bearcats!

I wanted to write a quick note to all of you introducing myself to you and outline some ideas as the new president of the Northwest Central Iowa Alumni Chapter.  

I am Sean Gundersen, originally from a small town in Southwest Iowa- Hamburg, and now live in Urbandale. I graduated Northwest in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Recreation: Parks and Recreation Management and in 2013, with a Master of Science in Recreation Administration. Chelsea, my wife (pictured next to me) is from Urbandale and also a Northwest Grad, 2011,2014. I currently am working with Camp Fire of Iowa (www.campfireiowa.org)as a Program Director running several day camps and childcare/ before and after school centers throughout the greater Des Moines Region.

I have some really BIG ideas for this group, but it is going to take everyone. Here are some of my ideas so far. I will work with the executive committee to determine the direction of this club. 

My first and foremost goal is to grow our club. I believe if we want to be great representatives of Northwest that we must advocate for social interactions with other Northwest Alumni.  I am extremely excited in working with the executive committee (yet to be completely determined) and all of the membership to assist in this primary goal.

My second goal is to build a self sustaining organization starting at the framework- getting people involved and engaged, providing opportunities to participate in various activities, and have a clear strategic plan outlining our goals and objectives and mission.

My third goal is to work to give back to Northwest in a scholarship gift. I believe that we should be encouraging the next generation of Bearcats as they make their way from Central Iowa to Maryville. I am not sure how we will accomplish this goal – as I want to keep this association a completely due free organization. More to come on this, when we get it figured out.

I am very excited to be in this position and I encourage you to help out in anyway that you can. Come and invite a friend to our next event, donate to our scholarship fund, or suggest and attend an event hosted by the association. I look forward to working in to the future with all of you. With your help we can be successful.

Go Bearcats!

Sean Gundersen

Bearcats at the Iowa Cubs game!

It's that time of year again! The time has come for the Central Iowa Bearcats to head to Principal Park for the annual Iowa Cubs event! Mark your calendars for Friday, June 7th. We'll meet around 6 to tailgate and then head into the stadium for the game that begins at 7:05.

Tickets are $6 a person. Please email IowaBearcats@gmail.com if you plan to be there! Tickets are going fast, so make sure to reserve yours today!

Bring your favorite tailgating food, beverage(s) of choice and of course, friends and family!

Mark your calendars for beer tasting!

Hi Bearcats! You asked for a wider variety of events and we're bringing it! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 25 at 6pm. Join Central Iowa Bearcats at Des Moines' newest brewery, 515 Brewing, at 7700 University Ave in Clive. They will treat us to a brewery tour and we can enjoy their beer. Beer flights (Four 5 oz glasses of beer) are $10, and they will donate $1.75 per order to the NW scholarship fund!

All beer will be at your own expense, but c'mon out, wear some Bearcat gear if you have it, and support a new local brewery. Bring a friend!

Check out their website at http://515brewing.com/. Please let me know if you have questions.

Is there an event you think Bearcats shouldn't miss? Let us know on facebook or at iowabearcats@gmail.com

Hi Bearcats!
   We have a big announcement! Due to popular demand, we are switching the location of our First Thursday Social events. We will now meet at:

Overtime Neighborhood Hub
4810 NW 86th St
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 727-4992

The time will stay the same, 6pm, and of course, we meet on the First Thursday of every month.

We'd love to see our chapter grow, and we need your help!

- Tell your friends! Word of mouth is the best way to get the word out about our socials.
- Bring new people! Once they see how fun we are, they won't be able to resist hanging out with us.
- Come to events! We are looking for some fun ideas of things to do as a chapter. Please email us at iowabearcats@gmail.com with event suggestions.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! Search NWMSU Central Iowa Alumni Chapter on facebook and @IowaNWBearcats on Twitter.


As always, GO BEARCATS!

Welcome our new Board Members!

I am excited to announce three new board members for the Central Iowa Bearcats! Please join me in welcoming them and if you haven't been to a First Thursday Social lately, make sure you come to meet them.

(First Thursday of every month, Murphy's Bar & Grill, 2675 100th St, Urbandale, 6pm)

Social Chair, Stephanie Moore

1. Year Graduated from Northwest?
I graduated from NWMSU in 2007

2. Degree Achieved?
I have a BS in Broadcasting and Speech Communications

3. Hometown?
West Des Moines, Iowa

4. So what do you do now?
TV Reporter for WHO, Channel 13-please watch :)

5. Favorite NW memory?
My favorite NWMSU memory was when I was able to host the Homecoming parade for KNWT my junior year. I stood on top of Wells Hall freezing with a big cup of hot chocolate and broadcast the parade live on TV. It was after that experience I knew I had choose the right major and couldn't wait to become a reporter after graduation

6. Why did you decide to be a board member?
I wanted to get involved in my community more, and since I loved my time at NWMSU I knew this organization was a good place to start

7. What would you like to accomplish in your position in the next year?
I hope to continue to plan fun outings for all us alumni. I think we need to step outside the box and have both social event as well as opportunities for us to volunteer and help out our community.

Membership Chair, Travis Lehman

1. Year graduated from Northwest? 2006

2. Degree Achieved?
Marketing Degree and then I started working on my MBA

3. Hometown? Adel, IA

4. So what do you do now?
Freight Conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad

5. Favorite NW memory?
So many memories, but I would say serving the local community.

6. Why did you decide to be a board member?
I wanted to give back to the chapter, I know I could provide a great service.

7. What would you like to accomplish in your position in the next year?
I would like to help increase the membership and involvement with chapter here in Iowa. There are quite a few alum in the area, and I am sure I could help grow the chapter.

Student Support Chair, Dawnette Smith

1.Year Graduated from Northwest? 1992

2. Degree Achieved? Elementary Education

3. Hometown? Des Moines, IA -- Carlisle High School

4. So what do you do now? I'm a Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

5. Favorite NW memory? Traveling with the “12 New Guppies” (a band)

6. Why you decided to be a board member? I really want to reconnect with Northwest and its students.

7. What you'd like to accomplish in your position in the next year? I want new students to feel comfortable before they arrive on campus, to feel like they already belong.

Make sure to welcome them when you see them! If you would like to learn more about the board and what positions are available, please contact me at iowabearcats@gmail.com.


In other news, we now have a twitter account! Make sure to follow us at IowaNWBearcats. A big thanks to Stephanie Moore for setting that up!

We'll see you on Thursday, September 6 for our First Thursday Social!

-Laura



Get on Board!

It's that time of year again when we are thinking about our upcoming year and we discuss the board! This is a great way to get more involved with the organization you love AND have a say in decisions that are made! This Thursday, July 5, we are going to be discussing who would be great in these positions and taking any nominations. The board meets at 5:30 so if you or someone you know is interested, please make sure you're there! Currently, we have the following positions on our board.

President

Vice President

Secretary

Social Chair

Membership Chair

Student Involvement Chair

Networking Chair

Advancement Chair

A few of them are currently filled, but on Thursday we will find out if the position holders would like to continue. Please email me at iowabearcats@gmail.com if you are interested! Go Bearcats!