Alumna Sandy Cooper paints a fence by the College’s Scripture Garden on Doc Good Day.

The College of the Ozarks Alumni Association hosted its annual service day event on Saturday, May 1, on the college campus, in honor of former college president Dr. Robert M. Good.

During the 12th annual Doc Good Day, over 85 volunteers consisting of C of O alumni, college employees, and current students gave back to the College.

“We were thrilled to be able to host Doc Good Day this year,” said Director of Alumni Affairs Angela Williamson. “It was a sweet day with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for our alma mater, and a joy to see one another in person.”

Participants completed various outdoor work projects, including painting fences, sanding and finishing furniture, and planting trees in the College’s new Scripture Garden.

“As always, we are especially thankful to Jody Braswell, construction director; Darrel Back, construction supervisor; David Lingner, landscaping director; and Terry Lingenfelter, landscaping supervisor, for arranging fun and productive projects for our participants,” Williamson said.

The event allowed alumni to gather and serve alongside their fellow classmates in a way that reflects the College’s hardworking community while also honoring the dedication of one of the College’s longest serving presidents.

“The reason why we all come back and participate in Doc Good Day is because it feels like an extended family,” said Alumni Veteran Chapter President Clark Vernon. “We say that every year, and it sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. When you live, eat, and work on this campus, you really understand what it means to be a part of the College of the Ozarks community.”

About Doc Good

Dr. Robert M. Good was the longest-serving president of The School of the Ozarks from 1921 to 1952. He embodied the concept of servant-leadership during his entire tenure, carrying The School through challenging economic times. In 1950, Dr. Good and M. Graham Clark played a fundamental role in improving the campus grounds, including developments such as constructing the campus chapel, adding a hospital, and expanding the campus to 1,400 acres. Good is also known for his historical decision to begin sending fruitcakes to the School’s donors, a tradition that lives on today.