Commencement Ceremony
Honoring the Class of 2025
9 a.m. | May 17, 2025
CALL TO ASSEMBLY Mo Ghile Mear (My Gallant Hero) Piper Roy Eggensperger
V PROCESSIONAL Pomp and Circumstance Edward Elgar
V INVOCATION
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
STUDENTS' WELCOME
INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER
MESSAGE TO THE CANDIDATES
PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
INTRODUCTION OF THE GRADUATES
TASSEL CEREMONY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' COMMENDATIONS
The Rev. Jeremy C. Wilhelmi University Chaplain
Mr. Richard L. Dunsworth, J.D. University President
Ms. Apryl Miller ’25
Mr. Richard L. Dunsworth, J.D.
Ms. Susan Pinson U of O Board of Trustees
Dr. Janie Diels
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Mr. Richard L. Dunsworth, J.D.
Dr. Janie Diels
Ms. Raegan Swafford ’25 2025 Hurie Award Recipient
Ms. Susan Pinson
V ALMA MATER (Lyrics in back of the program) Commencement Choir Graduates, Faculty, Guests
V BENEDICTION
Ms. Katrina Twitty, Assistant Professor of Music
The Rev. Jeremy C. Wilhelmi
V RECESSIONAL Procession of Nobles Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
The Gallant 42nd, Bonny Prince Charlie, Bluebells of Scotland Piper Roy Eggensperger
V Please stand, if able.
The audience will please remain standing until the entire recessional has withdrawn.
Please turn cell phones on silent mode. Smoking and other tobacco use is prohibited on campus. Please refrain from using horns or other noise-makers during the ceremony.
Dr. Befrika Murdianti, Marshal of Ceremonies
Dr. Javier Taylor, Marshal of Ceremonies
Dr. Brian Hardman, Marshal of Ceremonies
Dr. Amy Oatis, Marshal of Ceremonies
Commencement Choir: Students: Gabrielle Huyler, Prudence Majoni, Scottisha King, Emily Cross, Malaysia Brown, Alejandro Gutierrez and Brennan Benetz. Faculty/Staff: Jonathan Langlois, Sharon Gorman, David Strain, Jeremy Wilhelmi and Star LaGrone. Alumni: Naila Pierre '24 and Carol Morgan '86.
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Alexandre Gabriel Arcia
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Finance
Minors: American Studies and Health Science
Magna Cum Laude
Clare Armstrong
Colorado Springs, CO
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Art
Magna Cum Laude
Katherine Raquel Avelar Rodas
San Salvador, El Salvador
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Business Administration and Psychology
Minors: Marketing and Philosophy
Summa Cum Laude
Kenneisha Carlisa Bain
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Athletic Coaching and Theatre
Cum Laude
Brennan Campbell Benetz
Little Rock, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Religion and Physical
Education
Felicite Amore Bolden
Searcy, AR
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Theatre
Minor: Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Randi Jo Bolinger
Gentry, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: American Studies, Psychology and Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Gabriel Wayne Brandenburg*
Springfield, MO
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: American Studies, Health Science and Criminal Justice
Zaria G. Brown
Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Sociology
Minor: Psychology
Cum Laude
Yenifer Elizabeth Cancax
Machan
Parramos, Guatemala
Bachelor of Science
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Business Administration, Mathematics and Theatre
Magna Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Julissa Cardoza Cruz
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: Philosophy, Mathematics and Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Lane Matthew Carosh*
Lowell, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: Sustainable Agriculture and History
Sadie M Carter
Crowley, LA
Bachelor of General Studies
Minors: Athletic Coaching and Health Science
Houde Myard Cezar
Tabarre, Haiti
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Mathematics and Business Administration
Minor: Art
Summa Cum Laude
Kaylan Lynn Chilton
Gravette, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Minors: Psychology and Athletic Coaching
Magna Cum Laude
Jordyn Joycelyn McElle Clarke
Dardanelle, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Spanish and Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Kaitlynn Marie Cleary Davis
Rogers, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: American Studies and Criminal Justice
Faith Ann Coffin
Waco, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Art and Criminal Justice
Cum Laude
Centli Deniz Cortez
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: English and Criminal Justice
Allison Nicole Cowart
Bentonville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Athletic Coaching and Education
Magna Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Elisa Evarista Coy
Big Falls Village, Toledo, Belize
Bachelor of Arts
Major: English
Minor: Education
Cum Laude
Génesis Nahomy Cruz
Baltodano
Managua, Nicaragua
Bachelor of Arts
Majors: Communication Studies and Art
Minor: Health Science
Cum Laude
Marel Massiell Cruz Cruz
Jalapa, Nicaragua
Bachelor of Science
Major: Marketing
Minors: Information Science, Philosophy and Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Skyla Dawn Danti
Lamar, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Sociology and English
Aminah Zariea Davis
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Criminal Justice and Philosophy
Cum Laude
Cheyanne Kristen Giselle Davis
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Spanish, Business Administration and Health Science
Magna Cum Laude
Ismael Delgado Peña
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Art, Sociology and Chemistry
Summa Cum Laude
Zackery Thomas Donlen*
Paradise, PA
Bachelor of Science
Major: Accounting
Minor: Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Phillip Harrison Drilling
Morrilton, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Meri Emongo
Kinshasa, Congo
Bachelor of Science
Major: Finance
Minors: Psychology and Art
Magna Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Sedalia Marie Estep
Bois D’Arc, MO
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Environmental Studies and Mathematics
Minors: History and Strategic Communication
Cum Laude
Christian Maximus Estrada*
West Covina, CA
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: American Studies and Health Science
Seth David Ferguson
Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Communication Studies
Minors: Spanish and Psychology
Duban Omar Figueroa Palma
Fort Smith, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Athletic Coaching, Music and Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Hans Gethry Fils Aime
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Accounting and Business Administration
Minors: Psychology and Philosophy
Magna Cum Laude
Cierra Kathleen Flynn*
Neosho, MO
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Athletic Coaching and American Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Jeshaiah Lafay Foley
Waco, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Criminal Justice, Political Science and Religion
Emily Fowler
Mulberry, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Ernesto Frias
Willis, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Spanish and Athletic Coaching
Baltazar Garcia
Dardanelle, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Yasmine Garcia
San Juan, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minor: Education
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Yuly Yaireth Garcia
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Music, Education and Psychology
Angel Josue Garcia Rodriguez
Puebla, Mexico
Bachelor of Arts
Majors: Political Science and Business Administration
Minors: History and Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Jessica Elizabeth Gayle
Angleton, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Criminal Justice and History
Cum Laude
Melanie Veronica Glossup
Allen, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minor: American Studies
Eric B Gooden II
Oklahoma City, OK
Bachelor of Science
Major: Marketing
Minor: Psychology
Cum Laude
Robert Trey Greeson*
Morrilton, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Entrepreneurship and American Studies
Cum Laude
Kelsey Leigh Ground
Mineral Wells, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Marketing
Minors: American Studies, Athletic Coaching and Health Science
Summa Cum Laude
Rebekah Ellen Guess
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Alejandro Aramis Gutierrez
Quintero
Chiriqui, Panama
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Music
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Political Science
Magna Cum Laude
Tyler Dean Hamrick
Springdale, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Management
Minors: Health Science and American Studies
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Abdoulali Ibrahim Jirani
Wylie, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Finance
Minor: American Studies
Cum Laude
Jaida Rashe Johnson
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Art, Communication Studies and Chemistry
Aletheia Charlotte Jolly
Freeport, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Finance
Minors: Psychology, Philosophy and Marketing
Summa Cum Laude
Eva Grace Kent
Dallas, TX
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Communication Studies
Minors: Art, Psychology and Philosophy
Magna Cum Laude
Jonae Megan Ashley Knowles
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minor: Physical Education
Magna Cum Laude
Rekaylah Sade Knowles
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Sociology, Philosophy and Chemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Isabela Marie Leal
El Paso, TX
Bachelor of General Studies
Minors: Health Science and Athletic Coaching
Jaheim Desreno Michael Lecky
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: Philosophy and Psychology
Drue Jayden Lindsey
Mountain Home, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Syntyche Lloyd*
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Physical Education and Philosophy
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Alexandra Michelle Melgar Muñoz
Panama City, Panama
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Business Administration and Art
Minors: Psychology and Communication Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Airamis Arnel Mendoza
Union City, CA
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: American Studies and Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Marifer Morelia Mendoza
Danville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Environmental Studies and Political Science
Minor: American Studies
Magna Cum Laude
Jorge Rodrigo Mendoza
Cienfuegos
San Salvador, El Salvador
Bachelor of Arts
Majors: Communication Studies and Psychology
Minor: Theatre and Marketing
Cum Laude
Madeline Renae Mertin
Subiaco, AR
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Psychology and Sociology
Minor: Art
Magna Cum Laude
Apryl Gabrielle Aija Miller
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Arts
Majors: Theatre and Communication Studies
Minors: Psychology and Marketing
Magna Cum Laude
Mirian Yessenia Miralda Manzanares
Comayagua, Honduras
Bachelor of Arts
Majors: Art and Marketing
Minor: Mathematics
Magna Cum Laude
Eduardo Jose Murillo Alpizar Alajuela, Costa Rica
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Management and Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Emily Nicole Napier
Lamar, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Philosophy and Criminal Justice
Magna Cum Laude
Annie Jean Nelligan
Fort Smith, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Jacques Alexandre Njeanwobe
Chennevieres sur Marne, France
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Judith Olguin
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Education, History and Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Alexia Marie Olmos
Scranton, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Criminal Justice, Philosophy and Health Science
Summa Cum Laude
Jonathan Miguel Orellana Santamaria
Gracias, Lempira, Honduras
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Chemistry and Biology
Minors: Economics and American Studies
Cum Laude
Sergio Palacios
Dallas, TX
Bachelor of General Studies
Minors: Athletic Coaching, History and Health Science
Cum Laude
Jordan Elise Perryman
Van Buren, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Chemistry, Sociology and History
Magna Cum Laude
Hailie Alisse Pledger
Ozark, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Summa Cum Laude
Jacob Ramirez
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Philosophy and Media
Production
Alyssa Lane Reece*
Jasper, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Political Science and Art
Easton Gage Reichard
Van Buren, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Management
Minor: Religion
Sydney Anne Roberts
Oakhurst, CA
Bachelor of Science
Major: Environmental Studies
Minors: Sustainable Agriculture, Art and Management
Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Christopher Mario Rodriguez
Landin*
Rockwall, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: American Studies and Athletic Coaching
Yadira Yesenia Rodriguez
Kaufman, TX
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Minor: Accounting
Magna Cum Laude
Zynique Ventronae Yasmin
Rolle
Freeport, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Environmental Studies and Art
Magna Cum Laude
Perla Irerl Ruiz Arenas
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: Spanish and Athletic Coaching
Magna Cum Laude
Tanner Wyatt Russell
Ozark, AR
Bachelor of Arts
Major: History
Minors: Education and Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Emily Saniseng
Van Buren, AR
Bachelor of General Studies
Minors: Business Administration, Philosophy and Chemistry
Cum Laude
Arely Azeneth Saucedo
Castañeda
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Political Science
Minors: Spanish and Health Science
Magna Cum Laude
Bailey Jason Sawyer
Brechin, Scotland
Bachelor of Science
Major: Finance
Minor: Information Science
Summa Cum Laude
Anna Liese Scheuermann
Richardson, TX
Bachelor of Arts
Major: English
Minors: Psychology and Sociology
Kya Jade Schmidt
Greenwood, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Taliana Lynn Schmidt
Colorado Springs, CO
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Art
Minor: Biology
Magna Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Denzel Daniel Sequeira Chaves
Tres Rios, Costa Rica
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Communication Studies
Minors: Information Science and Spanish
Melany Yasuri Serrano
Trio Village, Belize
Bachelor of Science
Major: Marketing
Minor: Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Gabriel Sheikh
Houston, TX
Bachelor of General Studies
Minors: Education and Mathematics
Summa Cum Laude
Shanique Dillion Sinclair
Manchester, Jamaica
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Marketing and Communication Studies
Minors: Philosophy and Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Naomi Smith*
Lawton, OK
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minor: American Studies
Mary Elizabeth Soper
Vilonia, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: Spanish and History
Magna Cum Laude
Ethan Xavier Spillers
Scranton, AR
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Biology and Business Administration
Minors: Religion and Military Science
Cum Laude
Moudy Scott Stolz
Barling, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minors: American Studies and Physical Education
Benjamin Charles Stormes IV Fort Smith, AR
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Biology and Philosophy
Minors: Strategic Communication and Chemistry Cum Laude
Quintin Tyler Streithorst
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biology
Minors: History and Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Raegan Danielle Swafford
Van Buren, AR
Bachelor of Arts
Majors: English and Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Summa Cum Laude
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Darcy Clay Taylor
Clarksville, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Elementary Education
Magna Cum Laude
Demetri Marcellus Teddlie
Shreveport, LA
Bachelor of Science
Major: Health Science
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Summa Cum Laude
Enya Trinidad Posadas Ixtlahuaca, Mexico
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Spanish and Criminal Justice
Magna Cum Laude
Madison Giovanni Tucker
Little Rock, AR
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Political Science
Minors: Psychology and Philosophy
William Dane Uchtman
Gainesville, MO
Bachelor of Science
Major: Management
Minor: American Studies
Cum Laude
Marie Chloe Vieux
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Communication Studies
Minors: Theatre and Psychology
Sion Stephan Walkin Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Business Administration and Philosophy
Lane Alan Ward Bee Branch, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Accounting
Minors: History and Psychology
Ellisea Electra Wells Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Management and Spanish
Joshua Steven Wilde Jefferson City, MO
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: Psychology, Philosophy and History
University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates
Ryan Anthony Willems
Scranton, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Business Administration
Minors: History and Sustainable Agriculture
Cum Laude
Donella Joria Rebekah Williams
Nassau, The Bahamas
Bachelor of Science
Major: Psychology
Minors: Criminal Justice and Spanish
Magna Cum Laude
Cody N. Williamson*
Fayetteville, AR
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Political Science
Minors: Health Science and History
Cum Laude
John Tyler Young
Bryant, AR
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Cum Laude honors those graduates whose cumulative grade point average is between 3.25 and 3.49. Cum Laude honors are signified by gold honors cords.
Magna Cum Laude honors those graduates whose cumulative grade point average is between 3.50 and 3.84. Magna Cum Laude honors are signified by white honors cords.
Summa Cum Laude honors those graduates whose cumulative grade point average is 3.85 or higher. Summa Cum Laude honors are signified by purple honors cords and medallions.
Membership in the academic honor societies is signified by honors cords of blue and green for Alpha Chi; red and green for Tri-Beta; purple and green for Kappa Delta Pi; and red, black and white for Pi Sigma Alpha.
* Denotes students who are summer graduates
Indicates a University of the Ozarks Legacy Graduate. These students carry on the tradition of family members who are U of O alumni.
Commencement Keynote Speaker
Ms. Susan Pinson, M.A.T.
Ms. Susan Pinson of Edmond, Oklahoma, is a member of the University's Board of Trustees and a former chair of the board. She has dedicated her career to championing public education and supporting students from early childhood through post-secondary experiences. She believes education is the foundation for unlocking human potential and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling, productive lives.
Ms. Pinson began her journey as an elementary classroom teacher, where she quickly recognized the impact of innovative teaching strategies. With the rise of educational technology in the 1980s, she transitioned into a role as a district technology integration specialist, helping pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educators and students seamlessly incorporate technology into the curriculum to enhance learning.
Expanding her influence beyond the classroom, Ms. Pinson spent a decade at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where she led statewide teacher induction initiatives. She played a key role in designing a comprehensive support system for early-career teachers, site-based mentors, and virtual instructional coaches. Additionally, she worked to streamline and clarify teacher licensure processes, making pathways to certification more accessible and transparent.
Ms. Pinson later shifted her focus to higher education, where she now leads the state accreditation process for all Oklahoma universities with educator preparation programs. Her expertise extends to the national level, serving on accreditation review teams that ensure teacher candidates receive high-quality preparation aligned with rigorous national standards.
Beyond accreditation, Ms. Pinson is an active leader in professional learning. She organizes national conferences and webinars for the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), fostering collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and education leaders. Through her work, she remains committed to ensuring that every classroom is led by a well-prepared, highly skilled teacher, shaping the future of education for generations to come.
Hurie Award Recipient
Ms. Raegan Swafford ’25
Ms. Raegan Swafford, an English and psychology major from Van Buren, Ark., is the recipient of the 2025 Hurie Award, given to the outstanding member of the senior class. Voted on by the faculty, the award is named for Dr. Wiley Lin Hurie, who served as president of this institution from 1923-1949. The Hurie Award is the highest honor an Ozarks student can receive. The faculty members choose a graduating senior who has been an exemplary scholar, a campus leader, and a person of outstanding character.
Ms. Swafford is graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors with a minor in sociology. She was named the Outstanding Student in English in 2025 and in 2023 earned the title of Poet Laureate of the Spadra Valley after winning the annual Project Poet competition. In 2024, she spent the fall semester studying abroad in Northern Ireland. She has served as president of the University's creative writing club, Wordsmiths, and as a member of the Campus Activities Board (CAB). She has also served the Jones Learning Center in a number of positions, including tutor, lab assistant and note-taker.
As a proud first-generation college graduate, Ms. Swafford has been a member of the TRIO programs on campus. She has also been active as a volunteer in her hometown church, Van Buren First Assembly, as a member of the worship team and in community outreach programs. Following graduation, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in English literature with plans on one day being a college professor. She is the daughter of Daniel and Christi Swafford.
Trustees
University of the Ozarks Board of Trustees
Chris Allen Clarksville, Arkansas
Tasha Blackburn Fort Smith, Arkansas
Chris Broadway Colleyville, Texas
Brent Burks ........................................................................................... Tulsa, Oklahoma
A.O. Curran Clarksville, Arkansas
Callie Daniels ’89 Wright City, Missouri
Michael Dickerson Clarksville, Arkansas
Allyn Donaubauer, Chair Fort Smith, Arkansas
David Frueauff ............................................................................. Little Rock, Arkansas
Ray Hobbs ’77 Clarksville, Arkansas
Shannon Huggins ‘91 Arlington, Texas
Kendra Jones ’01 Springdale, Arkansas
Rebecca Jones Rogers, Arkansas
Naneida Lazarte-Alcala .............................................................. Edmond, Oklahoma
Beth McGaw Dallas, Texas
Bill McIntyre Dallas, Texas
Ann Patterson ’75 Little Rock, Arkansas
Susan Pinson Edmond, Oklahoma
David Porter .................................................................................. Little Rock, Arkansas
Mike Powell, Secretary Dallas, Texas
Angela Spencer ’98 Stillwater, Oklahoma
Eric Steinmiller ’02 Chicago, Illinois
Sue Tull Little Rock, Arkansas
Peter Van Dyke '87 ............................................................................. Munster, Indiana
Shane Werling '93 Van Buren, Arkansas
Lifetime Trustees
Robert W. Bohl ’58 Naples, Florida
Helen McElree ’47 ...................................................................... Fayetteville, Arkansas
William Rail ’52 Rogers, Arkansas
Mary Anne Shula Miami Beach, Florida
Ex Officio Members: Richard L. Dunsworth (President); Dr. Karen Frank (Faculty Senate Representative); George Pittenger ’91 (Alumni Representative); and Cody Williamson ’25 (Student Representative)
Regalia and Traditions
The Origin of Academic Attire
The recognition of academic accomplishment through distinctive ceremonial dress can be traced to the Middle Ages, when both faculty and students in European universities were considered a part of the clergy. As such, they were required to adopt ecclesiastical dress, robe, and caputum, patterned after the Benedictine Order, as their regular apparel.
Speculation exists, however, that the cap, gown, and hood were worn primarily for warmth in the unheated stone buildings of most medieval universities. What may have been the practicality of nearly eight centuries ago has become tradition and ritual today. The material of the gown, as well as the lining and the shape of the hood, now have academic significance, and the regalia contribute to the character and dignity of today’s ceremonies.
While the symbolic system of the regalia originated at Oxford, universities in Paris, Bologna, and Cambridge played significant roles in the system’s development. European institutions emphasized the office or function rather than the qualifications or credentials of the wearer. Caps and gowns were in limited use in this country after colonial times. A widespread student movement a century later resulted in the formal use of the academic costume at commencement ceremonies. The return to traditional dress for graduations was easily accepted by faculty members, who soon extended the custom to other formal academic functions. In 1895, a group of leading educators gathered at Columbia University to ensure some degree of uniformity in the United States by establishing the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Attire. .
The Caps
Material for the cap varies from serge and broadcloth to rayon and silk. The origin of the familiar Oxford or mortarboard cap is speculative. One explanation suggests that its shape was inspired by the quadrangular Oxford campus or by the actual master workman’s mortarboard. A more practical theory, perhaps, is that the cap was designed flat and about the size of a scholar’s book so that it might be carried easily.
The Tassel
Standard protocol in the U.S. dictates that the student’s tassel be worn on the right side of the mortarboard throughout the graduation ceremony, then at the end, it is moved to the left side. The moving of the tassel is called the “turning of the tassel.” It symbolizes the student’s transition from candidate to graduate. Administration, faculty, and staff at commencement wear their tassels on the left. Academic traditions are steeped in history, and some traditions are without a specific reference to cite their origin. “Tradition” appears to be the only reason for moving the tassel right to left.
The Gowns
It is customary that participants in academic ceremonies wear the regalia to which they are entitled by the virtue of the highest degree that they hold.
Participants holding a bachelor’s degree, for example, wear a gown distinguished by a semi-stiff yoke, long pleated front, intricate shirring across the shoulders and back, and long pointed sleeves open at the wrists. The bachelor’s degree gown is designed to be worn closed.
The gown for master’s degree holders is made of silk or wool with the same yoke effect as the bachelor’s degree robe. This robe may be worn either open or closed in the front. The doctor’s gown, usually made of silk and velvet, has full, bell-shaped sleeves open at the wrists. Worn either open or closed, this gown is distinguished by long velvet panels down the front of the gown and three horizontal velvet sleeve bars, which may be either black or the color distinctive of the academic discipline in which the individual holds the doctoral degree.
The gown is traditionally black. Some institutions, however, have adopted robes in their school colors.
The Hoods
The hood, the most dramatic feature of regalia, enlivens the academic ceremony. The ceremonial black shell varies in size. Its colored border suspends from the shoulders and is worn down the back. The hood’s significance is symbolized by its length, and by the color and thickness of its velvet lining and trim. A hood is lined distinctively with the colors of the institution conferring the degree. The outer trim, or border, designates the academic discipline in which the degree was granted.
Scottish Bagpipes
Founded in 1834 by Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries, University of the Ozarks is proud of its heritage and the key role that Scottish Presbyterianism has played in shaping the Presbyterian Church (USA). One of the long-standing traditions at Ozarks occurs at the beginning and end of Commencement when graduates are led into and out of the ceremony by a traditional Scottish piper.
THE VARIOUS FIELDS OF LEARNING ARE INDICATED BY COLORS.
Arts, Letters, Humanities white
Business drab
Commerce, Accountancy ............................. drab
Communication crimson
Economics copper
Education light blue
Fine Arts brown
Law .................................................................. purple
Library Science lemon
Mathematics golden yellow
Medicine green
Music pink
Nursing apricot
Philosophy dark blue
Physical Education sage green
Political Science dark blue
Psychology gold
Science golden yellow
Social Science citron
Theology scarlet