Bank's gift to fund new stadium screen

The Northwest Missouri State Department of Athletics has announced a major private gift from Nodaway Valley Bank that will be used to pay for upgrades at Bearcats sports facilities, in particular the purchase of a new advanced-technology video board at Bearcat Stadium.

Northwest Sports Information Director Phillip Dowden said the dollar amount of the gift remains confidential. However, an athletics department release described the donation as "the largest cash gift marked for athletics in Northwest history."

The new board, in essence a giant, high-definition television set, is to be installed in time for use during the 2013-2014 academic year.

"Nodaway Valley Bank and the Northwest Foundation have teamed up in support of our great institution of higher learning," said Northwest President John Jasinski. "Whether making an investment in people, programs or a stadium scoreboard, Nodaway Valley Bank's generosity makes a difference to our university."

Northwest officials described the donation as a continuation of a well-established partnership between the local bank and the Northwest Foundation, the university's independently governed fundraising arm. Once installed, the new board is to include prominent signage recognizing the bank's contribution.

"We have a long-standing relationship with Nodaway Valley Bank," said Northwest Athletics Director Wren Baker. "The impact of their support has advanced our athletic department and this institution.

"We are thrilled that they are continuing their support of our programs with this most recent contribution. It is an improvement that will impact every game and event we host at Bearcat Stadium."

Baker said the athletics department is currently engaged in a bid process with prospective vendors and hopes to have construction completed in time for the 2013 football home opener.

Preliminary plans call for a video display five times the size of that afforded by the current board. The project will also include installation of an updated sound system.

"This will be an exciting addition to Bearcat game days," said Head Football Coach Adam Dorrel. "Not only will it help increase an already impressive home field advantage, but it will add to the fan experience and benefit other programs and the university as well."

The current video board was installed in 2003.

Though most people associate Bearcat Stadium with football and track, the facility is actually a multi-use venue that hosts a number of events throughout the year, including summer camps, intramural competitions, student activities, Special Olympics meets and fundraisers such as the Relay for Life cancer walk.