College of the Ozarks hosts 2025 First Responder Appreciation Day

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks honored the unwavering dedication and bravery of local first responders during its 2025 First Responder Appreciation Day on Friday, April 11. The event, held from 9 to 11 a.m. on the College campus, welcomed first responders, students, and members of the public to join in a heartfelt tribute.

The event served as a public expression of gratitude for the daily sacrifices of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, correction officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical services personnel, 911 dispatchers, probation and parole officers, park rangers, game wardens, and wildlife officers. The College also honored the families who stand behind these individuals in support.

The morning began with a stirring procession of emergency vehicles entering through the main gates of campus. In parade-like fashion, the convoy traveled down Opportunity Avenue, passed the waters of Lake Honor, and concluded at the Hook Activities Center. Along the route, students, faculty, and campus guests lined the sidewalks waving flags and applauding in appreciation.

The formal program, held inside the Hook Activities Center, featured Branson Fire Chief and College of the Ozarks alumnus Ted Martin as the keynote speaker. Additional remarks were given by Dr. Marci Linson, Vice President of Vocational Activities and Dean of Administration, who emphasized the importance of honoring those who serve and uphold peace in our communities.

Ceremonial elements included the Presentation of Colors by the Southwest Missouri Fire Color Guard, with support from the College’s Military Science Color Guard. The School of the Ozarks Choir performed the National Anthem, and Natalie Fisher—a senior at School of the Ozarks and daughter of a first responder — led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Carswell, Vice President of Christian Ministries and Dean of the Chapel, offered the invocation.

As part of the ceremony, the College presented the 2025 First Responder Award to Kimberling City Police Department Officer Dustin Mayden, recognizing his exceptional service and commitment to duty. Mayden’s work reflects the five pillars of the College’s mission: academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural.

A reception followed the program, allowing guests and campus members to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

The event reflected College of the Ozarks’ patriotic mission and continued commitment to honoring those who serve — not only through military appreciation, but through recognition of first responders whose service makes daily life possible.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and fiscal responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 2 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 4 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025 and No. 3 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2024. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award 2024 and the Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 from ConventionSouth magazine. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus.