COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS

POINT LOOKOUT, MO 65726

(417) 690-2212

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ELIZABETH ANDREWS HUGHES

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

For Release: February 2, 2011

SUBJECT: PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH TO SPEAK AT COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS APRIL 7, 2011

President George W. Bush will speak on “Leadership and Character” at College of the Ozarks on April 7, at 7 p.m. in the Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex.  Tickets are required to this special convocation. There is no cost for the tickets, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  To obtain tickets, please call (417) 690-2240.

As the 43^rd President of the United States, President Bush served in the Oval Office for eight of the most consequential years in American history.  Faced with challenges from a terrorist attack to a global financial crisis, he made difficult decisions that will shape the nation’s course and world affairs for decades to come.

“The College is honored to welcome President Bush to campus,” said Dr. Sue Head, executive director of The Keeter Center for Character Education.  “It will be a wonderful opportunity for students to hear him speak on leadership and character, which he has consistently demonstrated for the American people.”

President Bush is the eldest son of President George H. W. Bush (the 41^st U. S. President) and Barbara.  He received a BA in history from Yale University in 1968 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1975. Additionally, President Bush served as a First Lieutenant in the Texas Air National Guard and Alabama Air National Guard from 1968-1972.

Following college, he worked in oil business and married Laura Welch in 1977.  They have two daughters, Jenna and Barbara.  An avid baseball fan, Bush co-owned the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1989-1998.

Prior to election of his first presidential term in 2000, he served as the Governor of Texas (1995-2000). In 2004, President Bush was elected to a second presidential term.

Upon retirement from the White House, President Bush and First-Lady Laura returned to Dallas, Texas, where they presently reside.  President Bush published his memoires in the book Decision Points, which was released in November 2010.

The major convocation featuring President Bush is part of The Keeter Center for Character Education Community Convocation Series.  For more information, please contact Character Education Office at (417) 690-2242.

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Branson’s 17^th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 23 at 7:00pm at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, 1600 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO.

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show scheduled for this Monday has been canceled due to icy weather conditions combined with thick ice on the parking lot.

If you have purchased tickets, your seat numbers are for the same seat numbers on the new date of Wednesday, February 23 at 7:00pm.  If you are unable to attend on this date, please call the box office during business hours, Monday through Friday.

For tickets to Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show on Wednesday, February 23 at 7:00pm please call 417-339-3003.

The Branson Gong Show

Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:49 p.m.

A Benefit for the Branson Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program

Located at the Jim Stafford Theatre – 3440 West Hwy 76

Host:  Jim Barber

Announcer:  Jeff Brandt

Music by Bogie Bohinc & The Gong Show Band

Celebrity Judges:  Dave Hamner, Bob Anderson, George Trullinger & Patty Davidson

Tickets:  General Admission Adult $15.00 and Children $7.00 (Children 3 & under on a lap are free)

Tickets may be purchased  at the Branson Community Center, 201 Compton Drive – 417-335-4801

Historic Downtown Branson Office, 112 W. College Street – 417-334-1548

Branson, MO – In preparation for Branson’s 2011 season opening, Myer Hotels is offering a Valentine’s Getaway special at four hotel properties beginning February 11th.

The Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain Drive, Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Best Western Music Capital Inn will be open and available for a special getaway. Guests can select a one-night stay at a participating Myer hotel; dinner for two at Montana Mike’s Steakhouse or Florentina’s, a free deluxe continental breakfast with hot foods, indoor swimming pool and hot tub, and a Valentine’s Amenity Package—all for $99 plus tax. Additional nights can be added upon request.

About Myer Hotels

In the lodging business for 44 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for 28 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, Comfort Inn West, and Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain Drive. The properties emphasize excellent locations, countless amenities and exceptional customer service while focusing on great value in the upper mid-scale area. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.

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Legends In Concert is opening their 2011 season with a BANG! Starting Feb. 10, see Buddy Holly, Toby Keith, Aretha Franklin, The Blues Brothers and Elvis rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater! Beat those winter blues with the heart-warming comedy and rock and roll classics of Buddy Holly, experience the electrifying stage presence and powerhouse vocals of Aretha Franklin and join Toby Keith as his country hits salute the glory of the American spirit. With a rotating line-up, there is something for everyone at Legends In Concert at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater! You can see a variety of your favorite stars from yesterday and today in a show that brings new costumes, lighting, music, choreography and excitement four times a year!
Opening night is Thursday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. Seating is limited, so make your reservations today by calling 417-339-3003 or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

MEDIA ADVISORY
2/1/11 9:15AM

As of 9:25AM CST, AirTran has cancelled flights at the Branson Airport Tuesday, February 1, 2011. The Frontier flight to Denver is listed as ON TIME, however we do encourage travelers to check flight status on Frontier’s website at www.FrontierAirlines.com. If you are unable to make your scheduled flight and are ticketed for travel between January 31, 2011 – February 3, 2011 Frontier will allow a one-time change to your ticket. Call volumes are high and they are requesting if you do not need immediate travel assistance to call within 24 hours.

Travelers are also welcome to contact FlyBranson Travel at 1-888-359-2541 or 417-334-8857 for information, however call volumes are high there as well and staff will do their best to answer calls as quickly as possible.

AirTran Airways 1-800-247-8726
Frontier Airlines 1-800-432-1359
FlyBranson Travel 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541)

Hypnotist – Don White
Appearing One Night Only at The Mansion Theatre!
A night of Comedy, Hypnosis & Chaos!!

Date: Saturday, Feb. 12th
Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)

Tickets available at ANY Branson Bank
Adults: $10.00
Students: $5.00
At the Door: $12.00

Watch as audience members are chosen to encounter the unpredictable nature of hypnosis. Will you be the star of the show?

For more information, please call (417) 294-4380