March 21, 2024

Northwest accepting Family of the Year scholarship nominations until April 30

By Kayla Holman, communication assistant

Do you know a Northwest Missouri State University student with several family members who are Northwest alumni? Could they benefit from a scholarship? Does that family support all things Northwest?

Northwest is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Family of the Year, a tradition of recognizing an outstanding Bearcat family during the University’s annual Family Weekend in September. Sponsored by Student Senate, Campus Dining and the Northwest Alumni Association, the Family of the Year designation includes a $750 scholarship award for a member of the family who is a current Northwest student.

“We are lucky to have a family atmosphere at Northwest, and I hear that comment at events I attend,” Duane Havard, Northwest’s director of alumni relations, said. “It is amazing to read the stories that are submitted, and it makes for a very hard selection committee decision each year. This scholarship is a great opportunity to recognize a student that has that family legacy of Northwest attendees and highlight all the family has done at Northwest.”

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be classified as a full-time Northwest student maintaining a cumulative 3.00 grade-point average
• Be involved outside the classroom in Northwest-sponsored student organizations and community groups, demonstrating a willingness to contribute to the improvement of the community
• Must demonstrate the family’s commitment to Northwest as well as a commitment to academic success and service at the University

The Family of the Year will be announced Saturday, Sept. 28, during pregame activities at the Family Weekend Bearcat football game. The family must be present to accept the award.

To submit a nomination, complete the form at yguw2.goudounet.com/getinvolved/familyweekend/application.htm. Nominations are due Tuesday, April 30.

The Norman family was honored as the 2023 Northwest Family of the Year. Left to right during their recognition last fall are Janne Collins Grover, Eryn Tinsman-Grover, Zach Grover, Gary Collins, Ramona Collins, Rylee Norman, Geri Collins Norman, Kevin Norman, Student Senate President Elizabeth Motazedi, Director of Alumni Relations Duane Havard, Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum, Dillon Grover, Shelby Norman, Kinsey Collins, Kevin Grover, Brad Collins and Julie Callahan Collins. (Photo by Lauren Adams/Northwest Missouri State University)