The first Legacy Youth Institute (LYI) class, a six-session leadership and mentoring program designed to equip student leaders to pass on the area’s “Ozark Mountain Spirit” to future generations, celebrated their completion of the program at a Graduation Banquet held at the Best Western Inn and Conference Center.

Over the course of the school year, LYI students from Reeds Spring, Hollister, Blue Eye, Galena, Branson, School of the Ozarks, Hurley, Crane, and the homeschool community have been equipped to preserve and pass on the legacy values present in Ozark Mountain Country – Family, Faith, Friends, Flag, and a preferred Future. Each LYI session focused on a different value and challenged students to consider how they can champion that value now and in the future.

“We wanted these students to realize that even though they are young, they have a very important role to fulfill in preserving the legacy of our community,” said Jory Rolf, Executive Director of Ozark Mountain Legacy.

As a part of the LYI experience, students from each school were asked to develop and implement an initiative in their schools that champions one or more of the legacy values. These initiatives are designed to encourage fellow students to participate in hands-on opportunities that reinforce the values of the area. The students presented their initiatives at the Graduation Banquet.

LYI students at Reeds Spring, Blue Eye, and Galena plan to champion “Flag” by working with school administrators to include time each day for all students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. They believe that this simple daily act will help remind students of the uniqueness of our country’s heritage and will help grow in them an appreciation for the veterans and active military personnel whose sacrifices have ensured their freedoms.

Other LYI students focused their initiatives on “Friends” by creating programs that will support meeting the needs of those in the community who need extra help. Students in Hollister, Branson, and School of the Ozarks plan to coordinate food drives to support local charities that are focused on eliminating hunger in our area. Students in Galena have coordinating the opening of a “911 Closet” that provides clothing and basic hygiene necessities for those in need.

LYI students in Hollister have developed initiatives that will involve younger students in activities such as making cards for the elderly and veterans and participating in the “Shoeboxes for Soldiers” program. They recognize that as student leaders, they have an opportunity to mentor younger students and to encourage them to live in a way that reflects the values of the area.

Students expressed appreciation at the Graduation Banquet for the opportunity they had to participate in the first Legacy Youth Institute.

“The Legacy Youth Institute has helped me to become a better person and leader,” said Lillie Davis, Blue Eye High School student. “It has encouraged me to pass on the five core values in my school and community and to make a difference.”

“The Legacy Youth Institute helped me realize my ability to actively impact our community both now and in the future,” said Branson High School student Rachel Hanson.

Ozark Mountain Legacy would like to thank all those in the community who made this first year of the Legacy Youth Institute such a success and is looking forward to watching these students continue to engage with their communities during their senior year in high school.

“We have been so impressed with the passion and enthusiasm of these students to intentionally shape the culture around them. Getting to know these outstanding young leaders has given me confidence that our community will be in good hands in the future.”

For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.LegacyYouthInstitute.org or www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

Legacy Youth Institute Banquet opening words shared by Jory Rolf, LYI Founder

LYI Banquet Attendees share a meal

Reeds Spring Students share their Legacy Initiative at the LYI Banquet

Members of the First Legacy Youth Institute Graduating Class

College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis will autograph copies of his latest book, The Four Generals of Hard Work U.: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Men, during a book signing/reception event on May 27, 1-3 p.m. in The Keeter Center. The public is welcome to attend the book signing/cake and ice cream reception. Copies of the book will be available for sale on site.
Upon learning the inspirational stories of School of the Ozarks alumni Terrence R. Dake, Gary H. Hughey, Jerry W. Ragsdale, and Tommy I. Bell, Dr. Davis set out to write the book.
Recounting each man’s journey from humble beginnings as teenagers attending the work school located in Point Lookout, MO, to the rank of general in the United States Military, The Four Generals of Hard Work U., as General Peter Pace describes in the book’s foreword, “reveals how the same values led four alumni to the very pinnacle of their success.” General Pace, the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, served in the U.S. Marine Corps with two of the four general officers, General Dake and General Hughey, profiled in the book.
“The fact that such an Ozarks school provided the gateway to prominence for such a level of leadership has always been intriguing,” explains Davis. “It has been an especially meaningful experience to trace the lives and accomplishments and service of four alumni who rose to such high ranks.”
Generals Dake, Hughey, Ragsdale, and Bell assumed heavy leadership responsibilities. General Dake rose to the position of Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1998. Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey served as Deputy Commander, United States Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Major General Jerry W. Ragsdale was named Commander of the Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field in Dallas, Texas, 1987. The late Brigadier General Tommy I. Bell, who was buried with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery in August 2011, started out as a fighter pilot with the 71st Fighter-Inceptor Squadron and eventually served his country in the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Davis tells each general’s life story through either their own words or those of individuals who know them well. “The purpose of this book is to relate the extraordinary lives of a few leaders,” said Davis. “Indeed, one does not have to be a general in the U.S. military to serve with honor. In fact, the four generals of ‘Hard Work U.,’ would be the first to point this out, for they know the sacrifice of alumni such as Roy Hopper (former POW), Earl Woodard (Army Air Corps), Kaney Willbanks (former Japanese POW), and countless others who gave their lives in service to America.”
The 234-page book does more than simply tell a story. It is dedicated to Veterans of the Vietnam Era who answered their country’s call and served with honor. All proceeds from the book go toward the College’s Patriotic Education Travel Program, wherein the College sends students to accompany Veterans back to their fields of battle in order to learn about history and sacrifice from the men and women who lived it.
To purchase a copy of the The Four Generals of Hard Work U.: Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary Men priced at $17.95, including tax and shipping, please go to contact www.cof.edu or call (417) 690-3395.

About the Author:

Jerry C. Davis is President of College of the Ozarks. After graduating from the Berry Schools in Mount Berry, GA, he attended Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, GA, before receiving his B.S. degree from Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC; an M.S. degree from the University of Tennessee; and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. Prior to coming to College of the Ozarks, Dr. Davis served as President of Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY.

By: Chelsea Kliethermes

College of the Ozarks will kick off its 2012 Homecoming celebration, themed “Focused on Opportunity,” Thursday, November 1. Events run through Sunday, November 4. Alumni and the public are invited to participate in and/or observe many activities, including a 5K run/walk, basketball games, student activity booths and the C of O Homecoming Parade.

“The concept behind ‘Focused on Opportunity’ is to remind alumni of the wonderful opportunities they had as students,” said Director of Alumni Affairs Angela Williamson. “Through the work program, classes, and all of the opportunities the college offers, students are better equipped to face the world outside the campus Gates of Opportunity.”

The C of O Lady Bobcats will take on Baker University, Fri. Nov. 2, at 7 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The C of O Men’s Basketball Team will play Graceland University, Saturday Nov. 3, at 3:15 p.m., in the Keeter Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend both of these games; tickets may be purchased at the box office.

Events on Saturday, Nov. 3, such as the 5K Run/Walk at 7 a.m. and the student activity booths open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., are open to the public. The 5K entry fee is $20, and applications are available at www.cofo.edu/alumni. For questions on the run/walk, please contact Assistant Professor of Physical Education Don Hoeck at (417) 690-2571.

Those who cannot attend the morning Homecoming events are welcome to come to the Homecoming Parade. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, and will take place along Opportunity Ave.

“We look forward to the homecoming activities each year,” said sophomore business major Nicole Dilg. “Not only does it allow us to spend time with friends, but is an opportunity to reminisce with C of O Alumni.”

For more information regarding the Homecoming 2012 events, please contact the College of the Ozarks Alumni Office at (417) 690-2208. To see a complete list of events for Alumni, visit www.cofo.edu/alumni

2012 Homecoming Schedule of Events
“Focused on Opportunity”

Thursday, November 1
6 p.m. Bobcats vs. University of Saint Mary, Keeter Gymnasium
8 p.m. Homecoming Queen Coronation, Jones Auditorium

Friday, November 2
7 p.m. Lady Bobcats vs. Baker University, Keeter Gymnasium

Saturday, November 3
7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk, Keeter Gymnasium
10 a.m. Student Activity Booths Open, Activities Field
1 p.m. Alumni Memorial Service, Williams memorial Chapel
2 p.m. C of O Parade, Opportunity Ave.
3:15 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Graceland University, Keeter Gymnasium

Sunday, November 6
11 a.m. Chapel Service, Williams Memorial Chapel

By: Turner Brock

Naomi Zacharias, author of The Scent of Water: Grace for Every Kind of Broken, will speak at College of the Ozarks, at 7 p.m. on October 22, 2012, in the Jones Auditorium. She will share how individuals can impact the lives of others in need around the world.

Zacharias graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business/economics. She joined her father, Ravi Zacharias, to launch Wellspring International, an initiative devoted to efforts of helping at-risk women and children. She has ministered to women in the red-light districts of The Netherlands, children affected by HIV/AIDS and living in foster care in Asia and women in prison in South Africa.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but remaining seats will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please contact Christian Ministries at 690-3446.

The Center for Workforce Development and the Community Enrichment Center at Ozarks Technical Community College offer a variety of in-demand training programs and online courses designed to provide you with new skills or enhance existing ones. Register today or contact us to learn how many of these programs can be customized to better fit your organization’s individual needs.

Business & Professional Development
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October 1 Ethics & Business Integrity
October 1 Team Building Skills
October 1 Leadership Fundamentals & Situational Focus
October 1 Coaching for Results
October 1 Effective Communication for Managers
October 1 Human Resources for the Non-HR Manager
October 1 Disaster Response
October 1 Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
October 11 Business Ethics
October 12 Basic Grant Writing
October 16 Leadership Essentials
October 16 Strategic Business Management
October 18 True Colors

Computer & IT
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October 1 Advanced Java
October 2 HTML/XHTML – Level 2
October 4 Photoshop – Level 2
October 5 Windows 7
October 10 VMWare Vsphere Essential Skills
October 11 Photoshop – Level 3
October 12 Windows File Management
October 12 Internet & Email
October 13 Designing Effective Websites
October 13 Illustrator – Level 1
October 15 QuickBooks Pro – Level 1
October 15 Word 2007 – Level 1
October 15 VMWare Vsphere Data Center Operations
October 16 Facebook for Business I
October 16 Dreamweaver – Level 1
October 18 Adobe Lightroom
October 18 Facebook for Business II
October 20 Fireworks – Level 1
October 20 Illustrator – Level 2
October 20 Access – Level 1
October 22 QuickBooks Pro – Level 2
October 22 Word 2007 – Level 2
October 22 Excel 2007 – Level 1
October 22 SharePoint Business Intelligence
October 23 Dreamweaver – Level 2
October 25 Outlook 2007 – Level 1
October 27 InDesign – Level 1
October 27 Fireworks – Level 2
October 27 Access – Level 2
October 29 QuickBooks Pro – Level 3
October 29 Excel 2007 – Level 2
October 29 Writing T-SQL Queries
October 30 Dreamweaver – Level 3

Green Solutions
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October 11 Energy Related Mold & Moisture
October 20 Renewable Energy Basics

Manufacturing
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October 8 Hydraulics I
October 22 Schematics

OSHA & Safety
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October 1 OSHA Construction
October 22 OSHA Managing Excavation Hazards
October 23 OSHA 10-Hour Construction
October 25 Fork Truck Training
October 29 OSHA 10-Hour General Industry

Quality
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October 2 Introduction to ISO/TS 16949
October 30 ISO/TS Internal Auditing

Technical & Trades
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October 1 Backflow Prevention Certification
October 19 EPA Certification
October 20 Electrical Grounding/Bonding NEC Update
October 26 Preventive Maintenance

To register call 417-447-8888 or visit http://www.otc.edu/workforce/workforce.php

Legacy Youth Institute Begins Saturday, September 22

Branson, MO – September 18, 2012 – The Legacy Youth Institute, a new leadership and mentoring program for high school juniors, will begin this Saturday, September 22 at Shepherd of the Hills. Thirty students from eight Taney and Stone County high schools, as well as students from the home school community, will join together to participate in this six-session program designed to equip young leaders to “shape the culture” of Ozark Mountain Country.

The Legacy Youth Institute was born out of a passion to create a tangible, intentional opportunity for today’s community leaders to pass on our “Ozark Mountain Spirit”— a deep respect for Family, Faith, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future—to the next generation. Community leaders and organizations will partner with the Legacy Youth Institute in each session to provide a mentoring experience for student participants.

“It is important to equip and empower our youth to take a leadership role in influencing the future of Ozark Mountain Country,” said Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks. “The Legacy Youth Institute will be a powerful experience that will challenge students to see themselves as a vital part of preserving the legacy of our area.”

Area superintendents and high school principals recognize the benefit of this type of student leadership program. “We are blessed in this area to have tremendous leaders who have strong values,” said Chip Arnette, Branson High School Principal. “Any time that our students get the opportunity to interact with these men and women is of great benefit. The Legacy Youth Institute will help empower tomorrow’s leaders to strengthen our community in the future.”

Saturday’s Kick-off Retreat for the Legacy Youth Institute will allow students from all across the area to get to know each other, learn important leadership skills, and hear about the area’s heritage and core value of Faith. Legacy Youth Institute sessions on Family, Friends, Flag, and Future are scheduled monthly, and the program will culminate in March with a Graduation Banquet.

For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

Branson, MO – September 6, 2012 – The Ozark Mountain Legacy initiative recognizes the unique “Ozark Mountain Spirit” that permeates life in our community. This spirit flows from the area’s unique core values – Family, Faith, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future. It has defined our area since its beginnings and continues to influence the way we live today.

“For over 100 years, Stone and Taney counties have been a ‘special place,’ both to live and visit. Our Ozark Mountain Legacy simply describes what makes us ‘special,’” said Jack Herschend, co-founder of Herschend Family Entertainment. “It also defines what we want to be in the future.”

Ozark Mountain Legacy acknowledges, however, that in order to preserve this ‘special place,’ we must be intentional. “The decisions that we make today in our local governments, businesses, schools, organizations, and families, will determine what this area looks like years from now,” said Dean Kruithof, Branson City Administrator. “The Legacy is a positive statement of our community’s values on which we can choose to build our future.”

Recently, several “catalyst” teams have been meeting in both Stone and Taney Counties. The goals of these teams are to help connect fellow passionate citizens who want to preserve the values of our culture and to create hands-on opportunities for community-wide engagement in passing on those values to the next generations.

Taney County Legacy Catalyst members have championed the Legacy Youth Institute, which is designed to equip young leaders to “shape the culture” as they position themselves to influence the future of Ozark Mountain Country. Starting this fall, ten Taney and Stone County high schools will send junior representatives to participate in the six-session program.

Stone County Legacy Catalyst members have developed EarthWise Recycling Center by partnering with Reeds Spring Schools and students, area businesses, and passionate volunteers. EarthWise will initially be open on Saturday mornings from 8:00 a.m. until noon at their location on the Reeds Spring High School campus. Both the EarthWise Recycling Center and the Legacy Youth Institute will kick off on Saturday, September 22nd.

“We hope that these opportunities will train and equip our youth to preserve and pass on the values of our community,” said Jory Rolf, Executive Director of Ozark Mountain Legacy. “When the youth become passionate about our area’s legacy, we can be sure that the Ozark Mountain Spirit will be transferred to the next generation.”

For more information about the Ozark Mountain Legacy initiative or either of these catalyst projects, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

American Red Cross Swim Lessons Offered
By: Turner Brock

College of the Ozarks, in conjunction with the American Red Cross’ “Learn to Swim” program, will offer swim lessons for two weeks, September 17-20 and September 24-27, at the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex Natatorium.

Lessons are offered to children ages six months through 15 years. The “Parent and Child Aquatics” program, available to students six months to four-years-old, will begin at 5 p.m. nightly. The “Learn to Swim” program, available for students ages five to 15, will be offered in two different sessions. The first session begins at 5:30 p.m., and the second begins at 6:15 p.m. Participants will be divided into groups based on abilities, and each group will have its own instructor.

There are eight lessons in the program, and the registration fee per student is $60. Participants may register beginning Monday, September 17, by calling Associate Professor of Physical Education Bill Keeter at (417) 690-2567 or C of O Athletic Department at (417) 690-2393.

College of the Ozarks Students Shop for Deals to Give Needy Children Basic School Supplies and Necessities
By: Linda LeNeve

There are tens of millions of children in developing countries who have never attended school. While a number of factors contribute to a lack of education among children in developing nations, one key component is access to basic school supplies.

However, this back-to-school season, C of O students are looking beyond their own school supply lists and making a difference in the lives of needy kids overseas. By maximizing back-to-school sales, they are stocking up on items for Operation Christmas Child, a year-round project of international Christian relief and evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, headed by Franklin Graham. Participants fill shoe boxes with school materials, toys, necessity items, and letters of encouragement for children in poverty around the world.

This shoe box packing effort, requiring months of organization and preparation, is expected to bless over 9 million children this year suffering the effects of natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty.

In 2012 Operation Christmas Child anticipates reaching a milestone—collecting and delivering shoe boxes to more than 100 million children since the project began in 1993. Through the power of a simple gift and the message of hope through Jesus Christ, children learn they are loved and not forgotten. For many of these children, the shoe box will be the first gift they have ever received.

Individuals interested in taking part in the Operation Christmas Child ministry this year can get involved by doing these things:
• PREPARE – Help enlist families, churches, scout troops, community groups and businesses to take advantage of back-to-school sales by collecting school supplies for shoe box gifts.
• PACK – Fill shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, necessity items and a letter of encouragement and drop off the gift boxes at College of the Ozarks during National Collection Week November 12-19.

For further information and brochures, contact Linda LeNeve, Relay Coordinator at 417- 690-3449.

Registration Begins Today for Another FREE Seminar

Branson, MO…Connell Insurance, with co-sponsor Apex Physical Therapy, will be hosting their 6th Annual Workers’ Compensation Seminar on Friday July 20th at the Hilton Convention Center in Branson. This free half-day seminar, which focuses on workers’ compensation issues in Southwest Missouri, features two speakers and is now open for registration.

Jerry Harmison, a partner in the Springfield law firm of Harmison & Pearman, will discuss recent legal trends and case law that continue to develop in the workers’ compensation courts. HR professionals will learn specific claims defenses and implementation procedures regarding admissible defenses provided by recent court cases.

Andy Vitale OTR/L is a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator. He will focus on recent developments with the ADA and EEOC and the importance of professionally developed functional job descriptions. Mr. Vitale will stress that documenting functional job descriptions and incorporating them into written job descriptions will increase the effectiveness and legal compliance of preventions, injury management, and return to work programs. This information will prepare HR professionals to understand how these job descriptions can be utilized to make valid employment decisions involving placement and work injury management.

This event has been pre-approved for 3.0 hours of continuing education credit for HR professionals who are PHR or SPHR certified.

For more information and to register for the seminar, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.

Contact: Tim Connell, (417) 334-2000
Jack Burke, 1-800-451-8273