By: Morgan Sowell

Students from College of the Ozarks and the Board of Taney County Child Welfare Advisory Committee joined together in a community service project to help foster children of Taney County. College of the Ozarks students Caleb McElvain, Luke Elfrink, Tim Dickenson, Whitney Garrison, Rachel Denny, Morgan Sowell, Assistant Professor Dr. Stephen Bell and adjunct professor Mrs. Tracy Bell comprised the CALL group “Love is Constant.”

The Leadership Development Track (LDT), a student-led program at College of the Ozarks, organizes a retreat in which students learn about leadership. Groups of eight students and two professors from the retreat are paired together for the remainder of the semester. Each group comes up with its own community service project to plan and implement the remainder of the semester.

Members of the CALL group “Love is Constant” share a heart for children, which influenced their idea to give back to the community by providing suitcases to foster children in Taney County. The team came together with the board of six women from Taney County Child Welfare Advisory Committee to put this vision in action. While working together, the two teams provided 24 suitcases for the foster children ages 7 to 13 in Taney County. The suitcases were donated from college students, churches, organization and groups throughout the community. The Board of the Taney County Child Welfare Advisory Committee provided the essentials for inside the suitcases, which ranged from hygiene items to fun things for the kids to play with while making their transition from home-to-home.

“We would like to thank everyone who helped in making our vision possible,” said project participant Morgan Sowell. “We were truly blessed to have community support.”

For more information on how to help the foster children of Taney County, contact Cindy Rains at 417-335-9233 or Joyce Baker at 417-334-8844.

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.cofo.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: Turner Brock

School of the Ozarks will hold its first commencement on May 17, at 7 p.m., in the Williams Memorial Chapel, at which time six students will receive their high school diplomas. C of O President Jerry C. Davis will provide the commencement address during the ceremony.

“Being a part of the first graduating class of School of the Ozarks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said S of O senior Halea Gregg. “We have developed as true learners in order to be poured out into the world as godly influences.”

S of O Headmaster Brad Dolloff looks forward to the historic occasion, as well. “I am really looking forward to celebrating with our inaugural class of seniors,” he said. “God’s providence is amazing as this graduation is 100 years after the first graduation at the original School of the Ozarks. I am excited to see how these students go out and impact the world for Christ and feel blessed to be a part of their journey.”

This historic graduation coincides with the 100th anniversary of the institution’s first commencement in 1913, which included one graduate Joseph R. Gideon. Gideon’s granddaughter, Becky Roberts of Forsyth, will be in attendance at the May 17 commencement.
“We will be celebrating a historic event and sending our seniors out into the world, fully equipped for college and beyond,” said Dr. Sue Head, Dean of Character Education. “All six graduates have been prepared to be influencers and producers and have demonstrated leadership and grit during the School’s inaugural year.”

Chartered in 1906, The School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks) began as a grammar school and high school for deserving Ozarks youth. Work-study has been an integral part of the institution, since its humble beginnings.

School of the Ozarks is a college preparatory lab school for grades 9-12 operated by College of the Ozarks. The S of O vision mirrors the College’s vision “to develop citizens of Christ-like character, who are well-educated, hard-working, and patriotic.”

Saturday, May 11th, 2013 from 1 to 3 pm – Reservations are Required.

$25.00 per person – $13 for children (4 years to 12 years)

Traditonal Tea Menu includes Assortment of Sandwiches, Pastries, Fruit Bread, Scones, Little Prince Tea, and Princess Tea. See brochure link below for full event details.

2013 Afternoon Tea Brochure

Reserve Online or Phone 417-690-2122.

Picture above painted by student Cheyenne Winkles from Bradleyville, MO

By: Ashley Bench

The College of the Ozarks Ralph Foster Museum will present a Children’s Art Show April 15 through May 10 in the Edwards Art Gallery.

Area schools submitted art that will showcase local student talent.

Family members of the students whose art work is displayed will be admitted free of charge to exclusively to view the art show. All others will be charged the regular admission price: $6 (Adults), $5 (Seniors), $4 (Veterans/Currently Enlisted), and Free (18 and under).

The Ralph Foster Museum is open Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Ralph Foster Museum at 417 690-3407.

College of the Ozarks will host the 2013 Work Ethic Forum: Developing a Strong Character for Your Vocation featuring FOX News Anchor Harris Faulkner on Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in Jones Auditorium. Three hundred free tickets to this event are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Monday. Individuals interested in attending, may pick up their tickets at The Keeter Center front desk on Monday, April 8, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
“Even though seating at this event is limited because of space, the College wants to ensure that interested community members have a chance to hear this accomplished individual speak,” said Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head.

As a news anchor and popular radio talk show host, Mrs. Faulkner has earned six Emmy Awards for journalism, a lifetime achievement award from the state of Kansas, and degrees in mass communications and media. Raised on Army bases in the U.S. and Germany and after many years as a journalist, she has learned a key to accomplishment is accepting that change is inevitable and necessary.

Mrs. Faulkner considers her latest victory joining the #1 cable news network, FOX News Channel, as an Anchor.
She recently authored Breaking News: God has a Plan, in which she writes of her journey as a public figure with a deadly secret that a dangerous man was stalking her and wanted her dead. In Breaking News, Mrs. Faulkner demonstrates for readers how to turn their worst circumstances into opportunities. “Sometimes life forces us to choose excellence,” she says.

After reporting and anchoring for the nationally syndicated newsmagazine “A Current Affair,” Mrs. Faulkner could be seen on CNN “Headline News” and as a fill-in host on the “Nancy Grace Show.” She also made some 50 guest appearances as a correspondent on MSNBC, COURT TV, CNBC and CNN in 2005.
Seating to this ticketed event is limited; tickets will go fast and may only be acquired in person at The Keeter Center on Monday. For more information on the Work Ethic Forum featuring FOX News Anchor Harris Faulkner, please contact (417) 690-2242.

By: Tyler Lopez

Former classmates and choristers of Associate Professor of Music Lynda Jesse are invited to join the 2013 Chorale for an Alumni Reunion Concert Retreat and Performance. “Come join us as we raise our voices in song by singing our favorite repertoire from the early days of Doc John (Mizell) to the recent songs of the last Italian tour and beyond,” said Jesse.

Rehearsals will take place on Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m., and on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m., in the Gittinger Music Center. A pre-rehearsal mixer is scheduled to take place in the recital hall lobby at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.

The concert is free and open to the public and will take place on Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m., in the Williams Memorial Chapel.

Alumni interested in participating should contact Ms. Jesse at [email protected].

(From L) C of O Rotaract President Paige Wilson, Branson Daybreakers member Gabe Miller, RYLA Scholarship recipient/S of O student McKenna Bliss, Daybreakers President Inez Gibbs, and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6080 Shawn Pingleton.

The Branson Daybreakers Rotary Club awarded School of the Ozarks freshman McKenna Bliss with a scholarship to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) at William Woods College. The scholarship will cover expenses associated with attending the summer RYLA academy, Rotary’s leadership training program for young people.

A Daybreakers selection committee chose McKenna based on her demonstrated service to the community.
“Daybreakers wants to recognize Miss Bliss for her commitment to service and honor her publicly in front of her peers,” said Gabe Miller, Daybreakers member who is active in the New Generations Program.

Branson Daybreakers President Inez Gibbs, Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6080 Shawn Pingleton and Mr. Miller presented the scholarship to McKenna during an S of O morning assembly on Wednesday, April 3. For more information on RYLA, go to www.moryla.org.

College of the Ozarks has been named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers the annual Honor Roll award, recognized more than 700 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from poverty and homelessness to environmental justice. On campuses across the country, thousands of students joined their faculty to develop innovative programs and projects to meet local needs using the skills gained in their classrooms. Business students served as consultants to budget-strapped nonprofits and businesses, law students volunteered at legal clinics, and dozens of others organized anti-hunger campaigns.

The Honor Roll includes six colleges and universities that are recognized as Presidential Awardees, with an additional 690 schools named as Honor Roll members. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

“The Christian and Patriotic aims of the College combine to create students of Christ-like character who are community minded,” said Elizabeth Hughes, C of O public relations director. “Many on campus take a leadership role in coordinating service efforts such Operation Christmas Child and Camp Lookout, a free summer camp for disadvantaged area children.”

“Communities are strengthened when we all come together, and we are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Civic engagement should be a key component of every student’s education experience. Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens.”

College students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service, according to the most recent Volunteering and Civic Life in America report. In 2012, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.

The Corporation oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.