Your future, our focus
POWELL, Wyoming — The Northwest College Foundation invites the Bighorn Basin to enjoy some “Good Vibrations” at a 1960s Flashback Gala Saturday, Oct. 22. The foundation is hosting the event in celebration of its 50th anniversary to “Cherish” those who have supported higher education opportunities for local youth since 1966 (with thanks to the Beach Boys and the Association for their hit tunes from that year).
Because music paves the fast track to memories, the flashback evening will highlight the biggest musical hits from the ‘60s for karaoke performances.
“For those who were there and even for those who weren’t born yet, the music of the ’60s defined the new-frontier spirit of that decade,” Shelby Wetzel, NWC Foundation executive director said. “We’ll sing along to those great tunes all over again — everything from Elvis Presley to the Beatles, the Rolling Stones to Louis Armstrong.
More than music, gala goers will be treated to dinner, auctions and all the tie-dyed ambiance needed to relive the times that witnessed the first man on the moon, first Super Bowl, first mini skirt and the debut of television programs like “Sesame Street” and “Star Trek.”
“The people of Park County added to that list of ground-breaking vision by recognizing the increasing need for private support of our country’s colleges,” Wetzel said. “In 1966, the NWC Foundation launched with a single $15,000 gift of Polaroid stock from R.A. Nelson. Today, our assets total $35 million and include gifts from 50 states and 14 foreign countries.”
The cost of educating students has also risen during those years: NWC tuition for instate students was $112 in 1966; today it’s $1,589.
In recent years, the NWC Foundation has provided an average of $1.25 million annually to help the college’s students get the best education, much of that through scholarships. Last year, 548 students received 834 foundation-administered scholarships to attend NWC.
Keeping with the gala theme, proceeds from the Flashback Gala will be used for updating Colter Hall, the college’s first and only residence hall until 1966.
Gala tickets are $65 per person and must be reserved by Wednesday, Oct. 12.
For tickets and more information, contact Cindy Jacobs at 307-754-6096 or Cindy.Jacobs@nwc.edu.