College of the Ozarks holds Baccalaureate for graduating seniors on Sunday, April 30

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — The College of the Ozarks held a Baccalaureate Service at Williams Memorial Chapel, followed by a luncheon in The Howell W. Keeter Athletic Complex, on Sunday, April 30. The graduating seniors also participated in one of the College’s long-standing traditions, the catwalk, with the addition of a symbolic walk through The Empty Cross™ on campus.

For the first time in the College’s history, the Baccalaureate Service was held as a separate event from the Commencement Ceremony. Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks, delivered remarks to the graduating seniors. The service took place during the regular chapel service time, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. During the luncheon, each member of the graduating class took time to write on stones — positive memories or notes about the impact the College has made on them.

As C of O students enter as freshmen, they participate in their first catwalk, starting from the Gates of Opportunity and walking toward the gymnasium at the center of campus, symbolizing the beginning of their journey as college students.

After the luncheon last Sunday, the seniors assembled outside the gymnasium and walked the sidewalks of campus to the Gates of Opportunity for a symbolic finish to their time at College of the Ozarks. Each student walked through The Empty Cross™, a symbol of the Christian faith, and placed his or her stone at the foot of the Cross.

“The decision to move the Baccalaureate Service to the Sunday preceding Commencement has been a success,” said Dr. Eric Bolger, dean of the College. “The student-led service was a celebration of God and His grace and favor on the graduating seniors. The breaking of bread together afterward and the walk through The Empty Cross™ further celebrated the success of the graduates and the fellowship they share in Christ.”