College of the Ozarks to honor graduates through online chapel service

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks will honor its graduates during the weekly, online chapel service this Sunday, May 10. President Jerry C. Davis will give a special greeting and Dr. Eric Bolger, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, will present the message. Select seniors will greet their class via video segments interwoven throughout the service.

College administrators wanted this to be a special service for seniors, especially since May 10 is the day they would have originally graduated in ceremonies on campus. To view the link, visit: https://vimeo.com/showcase/hwuchapel

“Graduation is an important rite of passage for students that they have looked forward to for many years,” Bolger said. “There is a sense of loss that they will not be able to participate in graduation in May as planned. Our purpose for the service this Sunday is to recognize our graduates’ achievement in a small way on the day they would have graduated. While it cannot replace Baccalaureate and Commencement, we are hopeful that it will be an encouragement to our graduates affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Justin Carswell, vice president for Christian ministries and dean of the chapel, and his team have been offering chapel services online since March.

“Our chapel service this week hopes to honor our graduates as well as offer hope and encouragement to all of us as we work together through this unprecedented event,” Carswell said.

His advice for the graduating seniors?

“Hang in there! The Lord is at work in your life, and he will continue to guide your steps. You have proven integrity, character and courage and will take that into whatever your circumstances,” Carswell said.

Angela Williamson, director of alumni relations, sent personal cards, signed by staff and faculty, to all 350 graduates. In addition, the College is posting photos to the website to celebrate each person. Visit the link: http://graduation.cofo.edu/

The College has planned Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies in conjunction with Homecoming 2020 on Nov. 8.

“The ceremonies in November will be an exciting way to honor graduates,” Bolger said. “They have worked hard to complete their courses of study, so a full celebration is in order. The November ceremonies will provide the celebration that we wish we could provide now.”