NW Missouri Times

The Center for Engagement and Community Connection at Northwest Missouri State University is launching a new event series called “Identity 365” this fall. The initiative aims to celebrate the diverse experiences, backgrounds, and cultures present within the university community throughout the year.

The series will begin with a talk by Thomas Sanchez on Tuesday, September 30. Sanchez is the chief executive officer and co-founder of Social Driver, a marketing and communication firm based in Washington, D.C. He also serves as chair of the board for the Trevor Project, an organization focused on mental health and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Sanchez is a Northwest alumnus who delivered the university’s commencement address in 2015 and has received the Young Alumni Award from the Northwest Alumni Association. He served on the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors from 2016 to 2021.

In addition to his lecture titled “Leading with Purpose in a Changing World,” Sanchez will visit communication classes at Northwest to share his professional experiences with students.

On Friday, October 3, former Bearcat football player Tony Miles will deliver a lecture as part of Identity 365. Miles was instrumental in helping Northwest win consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships in 1998 and 1999 as a wide receiver and kick returner. After college, he played eight seasons in the Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts in 2004. Miles is also recognized as a member of both Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame and the MIAA Hall of Fame.

Miles co-authored “When The Walls Speak: Fathers Restoring Generational Confidence” and currently teaches and coaches football and track at University High School in Waco, Texas. His presentation will focus on motivation and overcoming adversity.

Dr. Tori Zeiger, an osteologist who coordinates Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance for St. Joseph Museums, will lead an event where attendees can learn about Native American historical artifacts used for tribal identification and participate in bracelet beading activities.

All events are free of charge and open to members of the public. Dr. Shay Malone, assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement at Northwest Missouri State University, stated: “Through Identity365, we aren’t just recognizing heritage months,” said Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement. “We’re celebrating the various backgrounds, identities and perspectives of our students every day of the year. Everyone is welcome to take part in these programs that highlight the strength of our Bearcat community.”