The President's
Post
I
always say that a college education includes what happens
inside and outside of the classroom. With that I mind, our students
should be well educated by the time graduation rolls around. I continue
to be amazed by the number of quality activities that occur in any given
week on campus. Looking back to a couple of weeks ago provides a perfect
example.
Family Weekend offered a variety of Student Life and
student led activities, and each event involved hours of work. The production
of “The Glass Menagerie” was as professional as any
I have ever seen on a college campus. Later in the week, Rev. Woodard
and various faculty members sponsored a forum for our campus community
to deal with the terrorism that has struck our country. The student
panelists who were willing to share personally tragic experiences made
this forum educational and meaningful.
Phi Beta Lambda, a business organization, and the
Executive Outreach Association co-hosted local business leaders to discuss
how state, regional, and national businesses and industries have been
affected economically by the recent events in our country. Students
in Free Enterprise sponsored the Baldor “Executive in Residence”
program. Speaker Mr. Don Soderquist, retired Vice President of Wal-Mart,
informed the campus audience about his personal beliefs and various
strategies necessary to ensure a successful career and prosperous life.
Attending women and men’s soccer games has been
a highlight this fall. While we cheer, we see only part of the hard
work and time the student-athletes devote to their chosen sport. The
maturity, drive, and dedication of students to be winners in the classroom
as well as on the playing field are evident, and this occurs with the
NCAA Division III non-athletic scholarship students. For the rest of
our student body, the intramural program at Ozarks has many participants,
is always well organized, and unbelievably competitive.
If you did not attend the Vespers Service, or enjoy
a repeat performance in Chapel by the Choir and Handbell Choir, you
truly missed an outstanding performance. The musical talents on this
campus amaze and inspire me. I feel blessed each time I hear their music.
Within the limited space of this Communiqué,
I cannot adequately cover the Career Fair, the Planet Club’s recycling
efforts, or Habitat for Humanity building a house. Quality education,
character development, community service, and active participation exist
for all of us everyday at Ozarks. Please take advantage of the multitude
of opportunities that are here for you. I get energized just writing
about them!
Dr. Rick Niece
President
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