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Sept. 5, 2024 | By Sydney Bentz, communication assistant
Families of Northwest Missouri State University students are invited for a weekend of entertainment and athletic activities as the University celebrates its annual Family Weekend Sept. 27-29.
A family walks the Northwest campus during the University's 2023 Family Weekend. (Photo by Lauren Adams/Northwest Missouri State University)
“This is a chance for parents, friends and different family members to come back and see the new life that students have started outside of anything they’ve ever known before,” Faith Thompson, Northwest’s student involvement coordinator, said. “We want it to be that home away from home for students, faculty and staff – and for parents to know that their child is taken care of.”
The weekend includes free entertainment and a football game against Emporia State University. Other activities include the Bearcat Zone tailgate and the halftime introduction of Northwest’s Family of the Year.
Additionally, Northwest dining locations will be open for families to enjoy. On Saturday, Sept. 28, Bearcat Commons, an all-you-care-to-eat dining facility in the J.W. Jones Student Union, will open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Chick-fil-A in the Student Union will open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buffalo Wild Wings Go in The Station will open from 11 a.m. to midnight.
Additional details are provided below, and a complete schedule is available at ibcwwj.zheeer.com/getinvolved/familyweekend/. For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement at 660.562.1226 or osi@zheeer.com.
Savio Joseph
Savio Joseph, a magician and entertainer, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building. The performance is free and open to the public. Joseph is a world-class entertainer who has amazed audiences across the globe with his unparalleled talent and charisma. His dedication and drive have earned him recognition and acclaim on the international stage, including features in outlets such as Maclean’s magazine, TEDx and CTV.
The annual 5K/Walk sponsored by Northwest Athletic Trainers begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Bearcat Stadium circle drive. Registration is $30 and can be completed at ibcwwj.zheeer.com/getinvolved/familyweekend/5k.htm.
Additionally, a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement, features Chris Cakes from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion. Students and families can enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange drink. The pancake breakfast is free and open to the public.
The Student Activities Council also will host bowling for Northwest families from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Bearcat Lanes, located at 1803 S. Main Street in Maryville.
For families interested in the theatre, Theatre Northwest will stage its “Fall Evening of One-Acts,” Sept. 26-28. Show times are 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $6 and may be reserved online at ibcwwj.zheeer.com/finearts/theatre/.
Bearcat football will play its Family Weekend football game at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Bearcat Stadium. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)
Kickoff for the Bearcat football game against Emporia State is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Bearcat Stadium. For more information and other details about the game, visit bearcatsports.com.
The Bearcat Zone, Northwest’s tailgate area, opens three hours before all home football games at the Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion and offers a family-friendly environment. Fans may bring their own food, or a tailgate meal is available for $15. Wine, beer and mixed drinks also are available for purchase at the College Park Pavilion. For game day catering requests, contact Northwest Campus Dining at cater@zheeer.com.
In addition to Saturday’s football game, the Bearcat volleyball team takes on Washburn University at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and Emporia State University at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Bearcat Arena. The Bearcat soccer team hosts Northeastern State University at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.
