advancingnorthwest
MOERA challenge course receives boost from DNR grant
M
issouri’s Department of Natural Resources recently awarded Northwest’s Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area a $64,000 grant that, when coupled with funding from the University, resulted in the addition of an Odyssey Course, an enhanced high-ropes challenge course. “The addition of the Odyssey Course makes it possible to accommodate much larger groups,” MOERA Director Jon Gustafson said about the $134,000 project. “Previously we could have 12 people in the air at once, but this will allow us to accommodate In addition to MOERA’s climbing wall and alpine tower, beginners 48 people.” through advanced climbers can experience an enhanced highropes challenge course thanks to a recent grant. MOERA, a program implemented in 2000 by Northwest’s Department business executives – as well as many individuals of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and through trap shooting and boating opportunities. Dance, operates on 320-acres the University The recreation classes at Northwest also use the leases from the city of Maryville at Mozingo area for educational purposes. Lake a few miles east of campus. In addition “We hope to increase the number of groups to a 50-foot alpine climbing tower, the facilwe facilitate, and we’d really like to see more ity includes a low elements course, canoeing, corporate groups take advantage of the team kayaking, trap range and a field and target initiative aspect of MOERA,” Gustafson said. archery range. The MOERA activities not only “Overall, MOERA is a great opportunity to enjoy build trust and unity within groups, but particioutdoor recreation, experience some adventure pants also develop and enhance characteristics and learn by doing.” n such as leadership, self-esteem and empowerment. For more information about MOERA, or to Currently, MOERA serves about 50 groups schedule a group, contact Jon Gustafson at annually – ranging from church youth groups to jgustaf@nwmissouri.edu or (660) 541-0861.
Alumni networking group expands
Social networking sites
are the craze right now, but there is still value in face-toface networking opportunities, so why not expand your business connections and meet fellow Bearcats in your area at the same time?
Northwest is looking
for alumni and friends in the Omaha, Neb., and Des Moines, Iowa, metropolitan areas who are interested in starting a networking group.
Northwest Networks –
Kansas City is a networking group consisting of Northwest graduates in the Kansas City area who meet at least once a quarter.
“Each meeting is an
opportunity not only to meet or reacquaint yourself with fellow alumni, but to hear about businesses and learn how you can help each other in your endeavors,” said Polly Parsons Howard ’00, ’09, a development officer for the Northwest Foundation.
The Kansas City network-
ing group was established
The
annual f nd is missing
U
Can you imagine how different your life would be if you hadn’t come to Northwest? The friends, the professors, your degree – each is a piece in the unique puzzle that makes up your life. Just as Northwest will always be a part of your life’s puzzle, you will always be a part of Northwest.
three years ago, and today more than 200 alumni and friends are involved.
Northwest alumni who
are interested in attending or starting a Northwest
A gift to Northwest’s Annual Fund, no matter what size, is significant. Make your donation today.
3 convenient ways to donate:
should contact Polly Howard at pollyh@nwmissouri.edu or
1 Online: www.nwmissouri.edu/GiveOnline 2 Mail: Office of University Advancement 800 University Dr. Maryville, MO 64468 (make checks payable to the Northwest Foundation) 3 Phone: (660) 562-1248
Networks group in their area
(660) 562-1248. n
NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE
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