Carolyn Miller, alumna from the Class of 1973, joined College of the Ozarks for this year’s 16th anniversary of Doc Good Day.

The Alumni Association of College of the Ozarks hosted its annual service day named in honor of former president Dr. R. M. Good on Saturday, May 3, at Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri.  

Dr. Robert M. Good served as president of The School of the Ozarks for 31 years. He embodied the concept of servant leadership during his tenure and 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 1,000 acres. Good is also known for his historical decision to begin sending fruitcakes to the school’s donors, a tradition that lives on today.

This year marked the 16th anniversary of Doc Good Day. Over 150 alumni volunteered to serve those in need through Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri. Some of the volunteers from the Class of 1956 to as recent as 2024 took part in the event. The day included a two-hour group service project that resulted in filling 5,000 bags of groceries for those in need on the east coast. 

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreach, and disaster response. In partnership with local churches, businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies, Convoy strategically offers help and hope to communities around the world.

Angela Williamson, director of alumni relations, reflected on the success and excitement of the day.

“It was a beautiful day that honored Dr. Good’s legacy and allowed C of O alumni to serve at an organization with a global impact,” Angela Williamson, director of alumni affairs said. “We are grateful for our alumni and Convoy of Hope for making this day of service a success!” 

While the participants of Doc Good Day have graduated from College of the Ozarks, they have not forgotten the importance of hard work and returning service to their community. By returning to the College, the alumni embody their love for their school and the importance of giving back. 

“Doc Good Day provides students and alumni the opportunity to serve together,” said Carissa Jefferson, senior agronomy and agribusiness major. “The day was filled with fruitful labor, packing bags to be sent to churches on the east coast and impactful conversations between alumni and students.”  

More About Convoy of Hope

Founder Hal Donaldson’s father was killed in a tragic car crash. Through the kindness of neighbors, Hal and his family managed to make ends meet. The compassion they received would later lay the foundation for Convoy of Hope. About 25 years later, Convoy of Hope began. 

Meetings with Mother Teresa and missionaries Mark and Huldah Buntain inspired Hal Donaldson and a handful of dedicated family and friends to establish Convoy of Hope and host the first outreaches called “Care Days.”

By 1996, Convoy of Hope more than doubled the number of events held the previous year and opened its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.

Convoy of Hope has been a part of U.S. and international disaster response efforts and has served over 50 million people.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.