NW Missouri Times

The Rice family of Maryville has been named the 2025 Northwest Missouri State University Family of the Year. The recognition was presented during the university’s annual Family Weekend, an event that honors a family demonstrating strong commitment to Northwest and its community.

Alex Rice, currently a junior at Northwest Missouri State University, represented his family on Bearcat Stadium turf as they received the award. Alex is a third-generation Bearcat, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Lewis Rice, grandmother Kathy Rice, and parents Robert Rice and Sarah Coan Rice—all of whom attended or graduated from Northwest.

“It’s certainly important for us to build solid relationships with our students, but when you can extend that into the family, it makes a big difference when we talk about support for the University,” said Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum.

Alex expressed excitement about receiving the honor. “It is incredible,” he said. “I told my parents; they were ecstatic. My grandma cried. It’s an incredible feeling, and we are all so excited.”

Robert Rice commented on what the award means to their family: “This award means a lot to us because not only has Northwest supported Alex and his growth and success, it’s a second home for all of us. We’re all so incredibly proud to be a part of the Bearcat family. The values, the spirit, the people at Northwest really make this institution a truly special place.”

As part of being selected Family of the Year, one current student in the family receives a $750 scholarship.

Alex participates in campus organizations such as the Accounting Society and previously served as student manager for Bearcat baseball. He also works at PCSB Bank in Clarinda, Iowa, and plans to pursue banking or corporate accounting after graduation.

He chose Northwest both because of his family's history with the university and its reputation for providing affordable education with career preparation opportunities. “Northwest is fantastic at preparing you for a career,” Alex said. “Now my focus has switched from ‘How many friends can I meet?’...to ‘What am I going to do after?’ The professors know a lot of recruiters, and they make sure that you are on the right track.”

In addition to his academic pursuits, Alex is active in community service through St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church’s Manna Kitchen and other local organizations such as Maryville Knights of Columbus and Maryville Pride Lions Club service projects.

He also achieved Eagle Scout status by completing restoration work on veterans’ memorials at Nodaway County Courthouse and Freedom Rock Plaza in Maryville—a project recognized by city officials with an Outstanding Public Service Award in 2023.

Robert Rice serves as associate circuit judge for Nodaway County while Sarah Coan Rice works as an insurance account representative in Maryville. Both are alumni who remain engaged with university activities and local events.

Other members of the extended Rice family have also attended or graduated from Northwest Missouri State University across multiple generations.