C of O Associates: Supporting the mission

One doesn’t have to spend much time in the Branson/Hollister area to see the impact of the College of the Ozarks, located at Point Lookout overlooking Lake Taneycomo. The College hosts many veterans’ events; students are involved in community projects and local nonprofits; student-made products make wonderful gifts, prizes, or souvenirs; and the Keeter Center offers top-notch dining and lodging. The impact reaches far beyond the local area, however, as students graduate debt-free and well-prepared to carry the college’s values into the marketplace nationwide and even beyond. 

Behind the scenes, though, is an organization comprised of individuals and businesses committed to helping further the interests of the College and supporting its efforts to provide a debt-free higher education and special opportunities for deserving young men and women: The College of the Ozarks Associates. 

Membership dues at various levels, plus other donations raised by the C of O Associates, are used to support special student project scholarship funds for projects that would otherwise fall outside of the College’s normal operating budget or the student work program. The Associates also provides fellowship for its members around shared goals at regular luncheons, a summer barbecue, and the annual meeting and banquet. 

On August 17, the group gathered at the Hook Activities Center on campus for the annual barbecue, inviting community members to join them to experience the great food, fellowship and community connection. It was a wonderful evening of getting acquainted with new friends or greeting old ones, some of whom shared their personal enjoyment of being an Associates member. One of those was Nelda Lies, who said that upon retiring and moving to the area, she looked for meaningful ways to engage in the community and was delighted to discover the Associates. She and several others present said that the more they learn about the College and the mission they’re helping support, the more committed they become. Many Associates, including several veterans, are also active in other nonprofits, faith groups and other places where they can contribute to a positive community climate. 

At the barbecue, Dr. Sue Head, Vice President for Cultural Advancement and Development, introduced the Development Department staff, including the new director, C of O alumna Cassidy Anderson, and thanked the staff for their hard work on a daily basis as well as in hosting the barbecue and other special events. 

“People across the U.S. are disillusioned with higher education,” said Dr. Head in introducing the evening’s program. “They need to hear positive stories, and we have plenty of those to share!” 

One of those positive stories is that of the evening’s featured speaker, senior Lemuel Miner, who shared insights and stories from his summer internship in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. House of Representatives Sergeant at Arms Office. Miner, who aspires to work as an international Secret Service agent, shared several “God moments” as he invested time and effort into the pre-internship process and preparation. He initially did not hear a response regarding his application, but said he kept trusting God for provision and guidance. When he did receive an offer, it was an unpaid one, but again, God provided, including funding through the Associates. Miner’s enthusiasm was contagious as he described his learning experiences at rotations to different divisions, including the opportunity to be “behind the scenes” at some VIP events such as the memorial service for Senator Graham. Miner’s next steps will include a formal application to the Department of State, with the internship now a valuable addition to his resumé. 

The evening also included fun giveaways and a silent auction. Wrapping up, Dr. Head shared a brief history of the College. “I’m so thankful that Dr. Forsythe saw the need and was persistent,” she said of the school’s founder, who started the School of the Ozarks when only 26 years old after realizing how many young people were unable, due to financial need, to get the education needed to develop their potential. Today, the College’s work program combines with the efforts of the Associates and other community partners to ensure those students continue to have opportunities. 

In addition to special student project scholarships, the Associates have helped fund practical projects that might stretch regular departmental budgets, such as new projector equipment for the Business Department; new gear for the Fire Department; weight room equipment; garden hoop house renovation for the Agricultural Department; instrument tuning and supplies for the Music Department, and many more. 

If the College of the Associates sounds like something you would like to get on board with, either as an individual or through your business, basic annual membership dues start at just $75 for an individual, $150/couple, $200/family, or $350 for a local business, with premium memberships available as well.

Membership comes with some perks, as well, such as free or reduced-cost admission to athletic games, the Ralph Foster Museum, and some great on-campus special events. Learn more by calling 417-690-2209 or visiting the website, https://www.cofo.edu/Associates, where you’ll find more information, a list of the Board of Directors who would love to meet and chat with you, and a membership application form.