Students Travel with Holocaust Survivors and WWII Veteran Liberators to Concentration Camps to Learn About Holocaust

Seventeen College of the Ozarks students will accompany four WWII veteran liberators and three Holocaust survivors to Dachau, Mauthausen-Gusen, Gunskirchen and Auschwitz in an educational trip unlike any other. The students will witness the veterans and Holocaust survivors reunite to visit places they haven’t seen in decades.

They will hear stories, first-hand, from the survivors at the prison sites where they once were held captive. They will learn from Veteran Mason “Mickey” Dorsey about the moment his unit discovered Gunskirchen only to find the emaciated prisoners imprisoned and left for dead by retreating Germans. The students, veterans and survivors will have the opportunity to ride in what used to be Hitler’s brass elevator at Berchtesgaden and will share many other powerful moments learning from each other during the trip.

Hopefully this trip will provide a chance for veterans and survivors to find closure to one of the most difficult times of their lives. The students will learn what no history book can teach them; they will, no doubt, be forever changed from this experience.

In 2009, College of the Ozarks (a small work college in southwest Missouri) began sending students to accompany WWII Veterans to learn about history and sacrifice from the men who made it, so that their stories do not die with them. Since then, the College has sent several groups to the visit battle sites in the European and Pacific theatres. However, this is the first time for College of the Ozarks (or any college for that matter) to send students with veterans and Holocaust survivors.

During the trip May 31-June 10, the students will journal and post pictures daily on a blog. Visit http://patriotictravel.blogspot.com to see their amazing journey unfold.

Public Invited to Ceremony on June 2 That Marks Opening of Missouri’s Remembering our Fallen Traveling Memorial Exhibit

College of the Ozarks invites the public to attend a brief ceremony and reception to mark the opening of Missouri’s “Remembering Our Fallen” traveling memorial exhibit on Saturday, June 2, at 3 p.m. in The Keeter Center. Mr. Bryan Cizek, who served in both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as a U.S. Army Ranger, will provide brief remarks for the ceremony.

“Remembering Our Fallen, ” a 60-foot wall display featuring the names and pictures of 141 Missouri men and women, was created to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Locally SSG Ronald Blystone, PFC Jesse Givens, SPC Jessy Pollard and SPC Dylan Reid all of Springfield, SFC Robert Pharris of Seymour, SSG James Mowris of Aurora and PFC Matthew Wilson of Cape Fair are honored in the memorial display.

“The College is pleased to host the exhibit June 2-11, before it travels to St. Genevieve, Mo.,” said Elizabeth Hughes, College of the Ozarks public relations director. “It is truly more than an exhibit. It is a reminder of the price of freedom, and ensures that the individuals who paid that price remain in our hearts and minds.”

The display was designed so that it could travel easily to communities throughout the state for a week at a time. It made its first appearance on September 11, 2011, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, and has made its way to several Missouri cities since.

The public may view the display at the College of the Ozarks Keeter Center June 2-11, anytime Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. There is no cost to attend the ceremony on June 2 or view the display.

“The College greatly appreciates Branson Veterans Events and Reunions, Branson Bank and Branson-Hollister Lions Club for helping to bring the display to our community,” said Hughes.
One of the College’s fundamental goals is a Patriotic Goal—to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.
For more information on the ceremony or display, please contact Public Relations at (417) 690-2212.

College of the Ozarks Students Win First Place at 2012 Missouri Academy of Science
By: Austin Plummer

Two College of the Ozarks students won first place awards at the 2012 Missouri Academy of Science meeting held on April 14 at the University of Missouri—Columbia. Matt Lawson won first place for Best Oral Presentation in the chemistry section, and Heather Hula won first place for Best Oral Presentation in the biology section.

The Missouri Academy of Science (MAS) is a meeting that provides undergraduates a chance to present their research in front of peers and compete against other schools. Research projects are presented orally or by poster.

College of the Ozarks was one of the many colleges and universities to present at MAS. C of O students competed against students from Lincoln University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Evangel University, Cottey College, Westminster College, Rockhurst University, Southeast Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University and many more.

College of the Ozarks requires all biology and chemistry majors to take three consecutive semesters of research. This entails each student choosing a research project provided by the professors. From there, they conduct a review of literature and perform an experiment. Students work countless hours on research to achieve their main goal. During the last semester, each research student gives an oral presentation at the Missouri Academy of Science.

Next year, the MAS meeting will be held at College of the Ozarks.

Spring Handbell Spring Concert Features Local Choirs
By: Turner Brock

College of the Ozarks Handbell Choir, along with the First Presbyterian Church of Branson and the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Kimberling City, will present a spring concert at The Keeter Center Royal Oak Forum on May 3, 7 p.m.

The concert will include sacred pieces, hymns and gospel music.

“We urge you to attend this delightful night of beautiful handbell music,” said Handbell Director Marilyn Droke.

This event is free to the public; seating is first-come, first-serve. For more information, please call the College of the Ozarks Music department at (417) 690-2244.

This year Rural Missouri, a statewide publication of Missouri Electric Cooperative, reaching more than over 500,000 rural homes in Missouri, announced its list of “favorites.” This served as the 11th annual Best of Rural Missouri Readers Choice contest. Individuals cast their votes by e-mails, phone calls, and letters for the best restaurant, best barbecue, best coffee shop, best museum and more. The Ralph Foster Museum was voted the “Best Museum” of Missouri.

The Ralph Foster Museum is dedicated to the history of the Ozarks region. Named in honor of the late Ralph D. Foster (radio pioneer and philanthropist), it houses thousands of objects representing archaeology, history, firearms, antiques, numismatics, natural history, fine arts, geology and mineralogy.

Among other things, the Museum houses the original Beverly Hillbillies car, Rosie O’Neil’s Kewpie Doll Collection and one of the largest gun collections in the country.

The Ralph Foster Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The cost of admittance is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and ages 18 and under are free. For further information, please contact the Museum at (417) 690-3407.

College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 690-2212

For More Information: Elizabeth Andrews Hughes, Public Relations

The Children’s Art Show will open this month at College of the Ozarks Ralph Foster Museum in Edwards Art Gallery. This annual exhibit, displaying the talent and creativity of local school children’s art, will run April 16 – May 18, 2012.

The art, chosen by area school teachers, includes pen and ink drawings, crayon sketches, acrylic paintings, paper mache creations and imaginative sculptures.

“It is just refreshing to see art made by children,” says Director of Ralph Foster Museum Annette Sain. “This is a great way to broaden people’s understanding and opinion of what art actually is.”

The Ralph Foster Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission prices are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors; high school age students and younger are free. Parents of the children participating in the art show will receive free admission.

For more information, please contact The Ralph Foster Museum at (417) 690-3407.

College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 690-2212

For More Information: Elizabeth Andrews Hughes, Public Relations

The College of the Ozarks Music Department will host a student music recital on April 11, at 4 p.m., in the Gittinger Recital Hall. The recital will include performances from student soloists and ensembles, instrumental and vocal.

“We have recitals to give students who have been training in a studio setting an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a public performance,” says C of O music instructor Gregg Busch. “It also provides the public the opportunity to share in the experience of students learning and view the talent at College of the Ozarks.”

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Music Department at (417) 690-2244.

College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 690-2212

For More Information: Elizabeth Andrews Hughes, Public Relations

College of the Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO 65726
(417) 690-2212
For More Information
Elizabeth Andrews Hughes
Public Relations Director

Administrators of School of the Ozarks, a college preparatory lab school of College of the Ozarks, will present information about the School’s mission and vision, curriculum and activities, cost, and much more at a Town Hall meeting scheduled for April 16 at 7 p.m. in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center. All interested families and community members are encouraged to attend.

“Over the past months, we have received many calls from families eager to learn more about School of the Ozarks,” said Dean of Character Education Dr. Sue Head, who has been instrumental in the School’s planning. “One item that we will cover in the Town Hall meeting is that families will be charged no tuition for students. The opportunity to send your children here for $0 in tuition is sure to excite many parents.”

College of the Ozarks, a four-year Christian work college, has operated with a work for education philosophy since its founding in 1906. “School of the Ozarks will closely mirror the College’s mission and vision,” said C of O President Jerry C. Davis. “It will offer deserving youth a chance for a quality, Christian secondary education without the burden of tuition cost. Instead, it will require them to invest a little sweat equity into their education.”

The meeting also will provide information on incidental fees, as well as scholarship opportunities available for those who financially qualify.

Dr. Head, along with the School’s Headmaster Mr. Brad Dolloff, will provide an overview of the School’s mission and vision, its integrated college preparatory curriculum and activities, and information pertaining to policies, uniforms, and applications. Additionally, new S of O faculty will be introduced.

“Our [S of O] students will not only have a rigorous academic program that will thoroughly prepare them for college, they also will be equipped for the collision points of faith and culture,” explains Mr. Dolloff. “At the meeting, we will provide a sneak peek of how this will be accomplished through the integration of history, literature, and a Christian worldview.”

A question and answer session will conclude the meeting. Following the meeting, parents will have the opportunity to pick up an application form and enjoy a reception.

For information on School of the Ozarks or the April 16 Town Hall meeting, please contact The Keeter Center for Character Education, (417) 690-2242.

College of the Ozarks Aquatics Department, in conjunction with the American Red Cross’ “Learn to Swim” program, will offer swim lessons from April 16-26, 2012, 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 5 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 ability, 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, March 26, by calling Associate Professor of Physical Education Bill Keeter at (417) 690-2567 or C of O Athletic Department at (417) 690-2565.

Twelve College of the Ozarks students will embark with six Bataan Death March/Corregidor POW survivors and liberators and three descendants of survivors on an incredible journey to the Philippines April 3-13.

Seventy years ago this March and May, thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were taken as prisoners of war by the Japanese in the Philippines on Bataan and the island of Corregidor. They would become known as the “Ghost Soldiers,” nearly forgotten because of the raging war in the Pacific. These “Ghost Soldiers” endured unthinkable living conditions and inhumane treatment by the Japanese military.

It would take reports of the savage Bataan Death March to reach the U.S. mainland before the outrage spurred the U.S. military to save the “Ghost Soldiers.” Once the Americans heard how American soldiers were made to march 80 miles without food or water, shot upon stopping or resting, and ruthlessly beaten or bayoneted, special forces, following the invasion, were dispatched to liberate the POWs three years after they had been imprisoned.

Now, 70 years later, Philippine survivors Wayne Carringer (27th Bomb Group, U.S. Army Air Corps), Jim Collier (59th Coast Artillery, U.S. Army), Bob Ehrhart (4th Marine Regiment), Warren Jorgenson (4th Marine Regiment) and Bataan/Corregidor liberators Ed Night (43rd Infantry, U.S. Army) and Lawrence Nelson (1st Calvary, U.S. Army) will accompany College of the Ozarks students to significant sites. Among those, the contingent will visit Camp O’Donnell, the prison camp where some were held on Luzon, the Balanga location where Major General Edward King surrendered the “Battling Bastards of Bataan” and Mt. Samat for the Day of Valor 70th Anniversary ceremony.

Since June 2009, College of the Ozarks has been sending its students with WWII veterans to European and Pacific battle sites to learn about history from the men who lived it. The students are devoted to learning each veteran’s story, so that their legacy will live on, their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

During the trips, two or three students pair up with a veteran and document the trip by journaling, keeping up a group blog and recording the veterans stories, as well as significant moments on the trip, by using a flip-cam or digital voice recorder. Students report learning more during one of these two-week trips than they learned in 12 years of pre-college schooling. Moreover, they vow to pass on to their children what they learned.

This trip and others like it are about history and making history. Generational gaps are bridged, emotional wounds of the veterans healed, and what may have been a superficial patriotism transformed into unwavering love of country and our nation’s veterans.
Students are selected from a pool of applicants who submit essays defining their desire to learn from the veterans. The highly competitive process has produced student-veteran pairings who share not only experiences, but more importantly, a bond between two very different generations that is cherished by both.
The Patriotic Education Travel Program is funded completely by College of the Ozarks and generous donors, allowing students and veterans to travel at no personal cost. For more information about participation or support of the Patriotic Education Travel Program, please contact the Character Education Office at (417) 690-2242.