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Convocations and Forums

Sarah Palin
visits in December, 2009

Dave Ramsey
visits in October, 2011

Former First Lady Laura Bush
visits in November, 2012

Community Convocations

The Leonard B. and Edith Gittinger Community Convocation Series hosts internationally-renowned speakers, recognized for their character and leadership. Speakers provide a keynote address reinforcing institutional values, and often assist the College with honoring others who through their own good citizenship, character, and success serve as role models. Former First Lady Laura Bush spoke at College of the Ozarks and attended private dedication of School of the Ozarks on November 8, 2012.

The College hosted financial advisor and best-selling author Dave Ramsey. Mr. Ramsey produced his national radio program from C of O, and was the featured speaker at the Gittinger Convocation on October 4, 2011.

In 1999, Dr. and Mrs. Leonard B. Gittinger endowed the Community Convocation Series, which enabled speakers such as Franklin Graham, Colin Powell, James Baker, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mike Krzyzewski, Tom Brokaw, Sarah Palin, and Laura Bush to share their life experiences with the College of the Ozarks family and friends. Many of the speakers have risen from humble beginnings and inspire College of the Ozarks students to pursue high goals.

Spring Forums

The Center hosts a forum each spring. In this gathering, prominent national leaders discuss important issues. Forum themes rotate among the topics of character, citizenship, and the work ethic, which are core values of College of the Ozarks. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors participate in the exchange of ideas during lectures and small group discussions. Thanks to a generous endowment from the Thoreson Foundation, the Center hosts cadets from each of the nation’s U. S. Military Academies at the forums. Along with College of the Ozarks students, their discussions focus on the importance of character in developing leadership skills.

The College hosted President George W. Bush at the 2011 Leadership and Character Forum. Other former Forum speakers include President Gerald Ford, Bob Dole, Newt Gingrich, Ben Stein, and Louis Zamperini.

GITTINGER COMMUNITY CONVOCATION

"Students here [at College of the Ozarks] understand the meaning of work ethic and patriotism, and I just pray to God that more Americans will capture this, will feel it, will taste it—will know what this school exemplifies"

~Sarah Palin
11th Governor of Alaska

CITIZENSHIP FORUM

"If every campus in this country were run with the efficiency, the work orientation, and the student involvement that this college is run with, higher education in America would be 50 percent less expensive, and the students would be 50 percent better educated."

~Newt Gingrich
58th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and Candidate for President 2012

CULTURAL FORUM

"You know, you call it Hard Work University here, and I would say you’ve got just about everything right. It’s Good Values University. It’s Character Development University. It’s Respect for God University."

~Ben Stein
Economist, Journalist & Actor

WORK ETHIC FORUM

"I grew up knowing the importance of a good work ethic. My mother always said, 'Hard work never hurt anybody.'"

~Zell Miller
Former United States Senator, Georgia

SHAPING THE FUTURE BY HONORING THE PAST CONVOCATION

"You have a wonderful foundation here. You have a wonderful beginning...learning how to work and support each other."

~Tom Brokaw
NBC News Special Correspondent and Author
The Greatest Generation

LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION

"This is my first time here (at College of the Ozarks). I am absolutely blown away. I can see there is a lot of care here."

~Mike Krzyzewski
Head Basketball Coach, Duke University

LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION

"I am proud to see a university that embraces the values that make this nation great."

~James Baker, III
Former Secretary of State

COMMUNITY SERVICE CONVOCATION

"I feel a different spirit on this college campus, a Christian spirit where students gain a knowledge about each other."

~Elizabeth Dole
United States Senator, North Carolina
Former President of the American Red Cross

CHRISTIANITY ON CAMPUS CONVOCATION

"The challenge before us of proclaiming and preaching the Gospel is greater today than ever: the opportunities we have today are unparalleled in history."

~Franklin Graham
President of Samaritan's Purse

LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE CONVOCATION

"Character is...[T]he ability to have a set of convictions that you are willing to fight for and even lose for or even die for- this is the essence of character. I think this place builds character, and you should be commended for it."

~Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel

PATRIOTISM CONVOCATION

"To you young people, I have just one bit of advice for you. As you go through your education here and start thinking about the future, do what you're going to love doing."

~Colin Powell
Secretary of State

CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION

"All you need for successful leadership in the 21st century are two rules...When placed in command, take charge; and do what's right."

~Norman Schwarzkopf
Retired General, U.S. Army

Character Forum

"All of you young people will get experience here at College of the Ozarks. You will learn a good work ethic that is invaluable."

~Tommy Franks
Retired General, U.S. Army

Honor Teachers Convocation

"Today the College of the Ozarks is a nationally recognized school that provides an opportunity for an education to any student willing to work hard enough to earn it."

~Barbara Bush
Former First Lady