NWC to celebrate Raider Days

Northwestern College will celebrate Raider Days, the college’s annual homecoming and family weekend, Saturday, Oct. 6, with traditions such as the Red Raider Road Race and Morning on the Green carnival as well as football, soccer and volleyball games.

Raider Days will include reunions for eight classes (2012, 2007, 2002, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1972 and 1962) as well as Raider teams (baseball, 1972; men’s basketball, 2003; softball, 1997 and 2002). Parents of current students are invited to an afternoon reception with President Greg Christy, and Raider Days’ evening concert will feature a performance by alumni band members to celebrate 50 years of touring by the Symphonic Band, which is planning a trip to Cuba this spring.

Raider Days 2012 begins with the 19th annual Red Raider Road Race, starting at 8:30 a.m. on the track in De Valois Stadium. Pre-registration is $20; cost is $25 the day of the race. Visit www.nwciowa.edu/raider-road-race for registration details.

At 9 a.m. alumni baseball and softball players will be taking the field for nine innings against the current teams. Alumni soccer games will be played at 9:30 (women) and 11 a.m. (men).

From 9:30 to noon, enjoy Morning on the Green in the center of campus. The annual family-friendly carnival will include games and prizes; proceeds support student clubs and organizations. At 10:30 a.m., 2012 distinguished alumnus Rev. Bob Bouwer ’84, senior pastor of Faith Church in Dyer, Ind., will speak in Christ Chapel.

A tailgate picnic lunch will be served on the green from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for kids ages 6 to 10; children five and under eat free. At the picnic, spaces will be reserved for reunion classes and athletic teams. The Raider football team will kick off against Midland at 1:30 p.m. on Korver Field.

A family-friendly drama, “Trickster Tales,” takes the DeWitt Theatre stage at 4 p.m. Tickets are free for alumni and parents and can be reserved by contacting the DeWitt Theatre box office, 712-707-7098 or boxoffice@nwciowa.edu, starting Sept. 25. Day-of-show tickets will also be available at the door.

The Raider volleyball team takes the court against Jamestown at 5 p.m.; the junior varsity game begins at 3:30. The women’s and men’s soccer teams play Midland at 5 and 7 p.m., respectively.

At 6 p.m. the Distinguished Alumni Dinner will honor the humanitarian, professional and Northwestern service achievements of Bouwer, Dr. Kent Hoskins ’84 of Rockford, Ill., and retired football coach Larry Korver ’54, Orange City. Reservations are required: 712-707-7127.

The Northwestern College music department will present a free concert at 7 p.m. in Christ Chapel. Ensembles performing in addition to the alumni band include the A cappella Choir, Symphonic Band, Women’s Choir, Chamber Orchestra and student soloists.

All alumni and friends of Northwestern as well as students’ family members are invited to Raider Days. For more information, visit www.nwciowa.edu/raider-days, or contact the Northwestern College alumni office at 712-707-7127 or alumni@nwciowa.edu.