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!

Coin Quest for Northwest!

The Central Iowa Chapter has never been about money. We don't have dues or fancy fundraisers for the University. In fact, on our facebook page, it says, "Our local chapter isn’t about money. No treasury. No financial obligations. We simply want to introduce you to fellow Bearcats in the area and keep you connected to the University." However, we want to stay connected to the University by giving back, if you're able! So, we came up with the "Coin Quest for Northwest!" (Thanks, Faith!) It is, simply, a spare change drive. At every event, whether it be a First Thursday Social or another special event, we will bring a large jar in hopes of filling it up and raising money for our scholarship. So-- clean out your car ashtrays, look under your couch cushions and prevent your pockets from jingling as you walk!

Support Northwest by Eating Dessert!

The Central Iowa Bearcats have teamed up with Tartine restaurant in Clive to raise money for our scholarship!

On Wednesday, March 21, visit Tartine Restaurant to eat dessert! One hundred percent, yes 100%, of proceeds for the sale of any dessert sold that night will be donated to us! So bring friends, family or make it a date night and support Northwest!

Tartine is located at 12695 University Ave. Clive, IA 50325. Visit their website for a full menu-- www.tartinedsm.com

See you there!

Bearcat Blitz at Gusto Pizza

Need an excuse to go out for dinner in the middle of the week? We have a great one! Come join Central Iowa Bearcats as we raise money for our scholarship and support a local restaurant. On Tuesday, November 15 between 5-8pm, come to Gusto Pizza. Mention Bearcat Blitz or give the flyer (the image on this blog) to your server. Ten percent of your final bill will be donated by Gusto to support our scholarship. This is not just for Bearcats! Bring your family, a group of friends, or some co-workers!

When: Tuesday, November 15 5-8pm

Where: Gusto Pizza

1905 Ingersoll Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50311

Email iowabearcats@gmail.com if you have any questions. See you there!

Bearcats at the i-Cubs 2011

Join fellow bearcats as we cheer on the Iowa Cubs!

Game starts at 7:05, but we'll be tailgating in the parking lot at 5:30pm. Bring any food and drinks you'd like to enjoy before the game! We'll have a Bearcat flag flying to help you find your way to the tailgate.

Please email iowabearcats@gmail.com to reserve your tickets. All tickets must be paid for at the tailgate. Tickets are $6 each. Please RSVP by June 16th.

Please note, those requesting a ticket will be responsible for paying for the ticket whether it is used or not as we have to pay in advance and don't want to be saddled with the cost of unused tickets.

Date:	Friday, June 24, 2011
Time:	7:05pm - 10:00pm
Location:	Principal Park
Street:	1 Line Drive
City/Town:	Des Moines, IA

New Board Members Needed!

It's that time of year again! Time to elect officers for the next year for the Central Iowa Alumni Chapter Board. We would like to get some new blood on the board to help us keep our events fresh and the chapter growing and that's where you come in!

Please consider joining the board to make it the best it can be! The time commitment is minimal and the rewards great!

Fill out the Self Nomination Form or email iowabearcats@gmail.com if you're interested! Officers and committee members are needed.

Please let us know if you have questions!

Semi-Final Watch Party! Saturday, December 11th

WE MADE IT!!
Come out and cheer on the Bearcats this Saturday with fellow NWMSU Alumni and Friends! The Cats will take on Minnesota-Duluth in the Division II Semi-Final game. We will be watching at The Game Sports Bar 3719 86th St. in Urbandale. Kick off is at 5pm but get there early...we always have a BIG turnout!

Looking for New Board Members!

It's that time of year again! Time to elect officers for the next year for the Central Iowa Alumni Chapter Board. We would like to get some new blood on the board to help us keep our events fresh and the chapter growing and that's where you come in!

Please consider joining the board to make it the best it can be! The time commitment is minimal and the rewards great!

Fill out the Self Nomination Form if you're interested! Officers and committee members are needed. Please see committee descriptions below!

Social: Responsible for planning and organizing events and activities that encourage cooperative and interdependent relationships with Northwest Missouri State University interests.

Membership: Responsible for the recruitment, acknowledgement and maintenance of chapter membership; promotion of volunteer opportunities to benefit the chapter or Northwest Missouri State University.

Advancement: Responsible for the advocacy and development of interests, contributions or benefits to Northwest Missouri State University or the chapter on behalf of the Northwest Foundation.

Student Involvement: Responsible for promoting and providing support to Northwest Missouri State University and Admissions in the recruitment of potential Northwest Missouri State University students; assisting local guidance counselors with knowledge of and access to Northwest Missouri State University; assisting in local career fairs. Also responsible for fostering a reach-back appreciation of current Northwest Missouri State University students; providing support to Northwest Missouri State University students from each respective chapter geographical location.

Networking: Responsible for presenting or integrating activities or ideas that encompass all or part of the chapter or Northwest Missouri State University resources; ensuring that all communications, activities and events are conducted in the interest of Northwest Missouri State University.

Bearcats at the Barnstormers

Iowa Barnstormers vs. Milwaukee Iron

Call (515) 633-BALL and mention the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat group for seating. Tickets to these games sell out fast so please order soon!

Join fellow Bearcats for a fun night with the Barnstormers. They will be hosting the Milwaukee Iron featuring former Northwest Alum and National Championship winning quarterback Chris Greisen! Chris will also do a meet and greet after the game for those that are interested.

As a Northwest Alum, you can purchase discounted tickets to the Saturday, July 24 game for as low as $18 a seat.

We have a block of seats picked out for the group, so please call the box office ASAP to reserve your seats! We hope to be able to have a meet and greet with Chris before or after the game as well and we'll post details about that as we get them.

Date:	Saturday, July 24, 2010
Time:	7:05pm - 10:05pm
Location:	Wells Fargo Arena
Street:	730 3rd Street
City/Town:	Des Moines, IA

Bearcats at the i-Cubs

Join fellow bearcats as we cheer on the Iowa Cubs!

Game starts at 6:35, but we'll be tailgating in the parking lot at 5pm. Bring any food and drinks you'd like to enjoy before the game! We'll have a Bearcat flag flying to help you find your way to the tailgate.

Please email iowabearcats@gmail.com to reserve your tickets. All tickets must be paid for at the tailgate. Tickets are $5 each. Please RSVP by May 13th.

Please note, those requesting a ticket will be responsible for paying for the ticket whether it is used or not as we have to pay in advance and don't want to be saddled with the cost of unused tickets.

Date:	Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time:	6:35pm - 9:35pm
Location:	Principal Park
Street:	1 Line Drive
City/Town:	Des Moines, IA

Bearcat Football Championship Trophy Tour

The 2009 Northwest Missouri State University football season gave Bearcat fans plenty to cheer about as the team brought home the NCAA Division II National Championship title. Now the Northwest Alumni Association is celebrating with Northwest alumni and friends by hosting receptions in several communities featuring Coach Mel Tjeerdsma as well as the NCAA Division II National Championship trophy.

All events, which are complimentary and family-friendly, are from 6 to 8 p.m. with remarks from Coach Tjeerdsma at 7 p.m. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided and a courtesy RSVP is requested to alumni@nwmissouri.edu.

Des Moines, Iowa – March 17, Christopher’s Restaurant, 2816 Beaver Ave.

Olde Main Brewery Tour in Ames

Please join members of the Central Iowa Alumni & Friends Chapter as they tour the Olde Main Brewing Co. in Ames, IA!

Learn all about Olde Main's distinctive beers from the brewmaster himself and see the brewing process in action. A 30-45 minute tour will be provided free of charge. Following the tour, feel free to stick around for dinner and pair some delicious beer with equally delicious food!

When: Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
Where: Olde Main Brewing Co., 316 Main Street, Ames IA
Cost: Tour is free, dinner is on your own.

Please RSVP by Saturday, February 13 to iowabearcats@gmail.com to let us know if you plan on attending so that we can arrange seating for dinner.

Bearcat Football National Championship Watch Party

Time to take care of unfinished business! Watch the Bearcats take on Grand Valley State for the National Championship title. This is the year!

Where: The Game Sports Bar
719 86th St.
Urbandale, IA 50322
When: Saturday December 12th @ 11am (Kickoff at 12pm)

We are accepting donations of personal items for the Urbandale Food Pantry as part of our efforts to give back to the community. 8 oz. bottles of shampoo/conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and diapers are the most needed items. There will be a collection box at The Game.

We still have Chapter Shirts available with all proceeds going to our chapter scholarship fund! More info available at: http://centraliowabearcats.blogspot.com/2009/12/chapter-t-shirts.html

Chapter T-Shirts

We are selling chapter short sleeved t-shirts to raise money for our scholarship fund. The shirts are $15 each and are available in regular or ladies fit. The shirts are gray with dark green print and have a logo in the chest pocket area (no pocket) and on the sleeve. Pictures may be found below.

Please contact IowaBearcats@gmail.com if you're interested in purchasing a shirt! We will have a limited number available at the football watch party on Dec 5th as well. If you are unable to attend the watch party we can include your order with our next batch of shirts from the printer.

Chest Pocket Area












Right Sleeve