Ploghoft Diversity Lecture: Fred Mares

A recognizable face in the Maryville community and author Fred Mares will be the featured speaker for the spring Ploghoft Diversity Lecture at Northwest. The lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Mares wrote and published the book "Dear Coach: The Ryland Milner Story," a biography of the legendary Northwest coach and athletic director. All proceeds from the book continue to go to the Ryland Milner Scholarship Fund at Northwest.

Mares also was the founding member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a recipient of the Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award. A committed participant of the Nodaway County Relay for Life and an American Cancer Society Award recipient, Mares' dedication to the Maryville community was recognized when Maryville Mayor Chad Jackson proclaimed Oct. 15, 2010, as Fred Mares Day.