2025 Spring Commencement Program

Commencement Spring 2025

UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS Saturday, May 17, 2025

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 V INVOCATION

Edward Elgar The Rev. Jeremy C. Wilhelmi University Chaplain

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Mr. Richard L. Dunsworth, J.D. University President

STUDENTS' WELCOME

Ms. Apryl Miller ’25

INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER

Mr. Richard L. Dunsworth, J.D.

MESSAGE TO THE CANDIDATES

Ms. Susan Pinson U of O Board of Trustees

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

Dr. Janie Diels Vice President of Academic Affairs

CONFERRING OF DEGREES

Mr. Richard L. Dunsworth, J.D.

INTRODUCTION OF THE GRADUATES

Dr. Janie Diels

TASSEL CEREMONY

Ms. Raegan Swafford ’25 2025 Hurie Award Recipient

BOARD OF TRUSTEES' COMMENDATIONS

Ms. Susan Pinson

V ALMA MATER (Lyrics in back of the program)

Commencement Choir Graduates, Faculty, Guests Ms. Katrina Twitty, Assistant Professor of Music

V BENEDICTION

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The audience will please remain standing until the entire recessional has withdrawn.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

Jordyn Joycelyn McElle Clarke Dardanelle, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minors: Spanish and Business Administration Magna Cum Laude

Lane Matthew Carosh* Lowell, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Business Administration Minors: Sustainable Agriculture and History

Kaitlynn Marie Cleary Davis Rogers, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minors: American Studies and Criminal Justice

Sadie M Carter Crowley, LA Bachelor of General Studies Minors: Athletic Coaching and Health Science

Faith Ann Coffin Waco, TX Bachelor of Science Major: Biology Minors: Art and Criminal Justice Cum Laude

Houde Myard Cezar Tabarre, Haiti Bachelor of Science Majors: Mathematics and Business Administration Minor: Art Summa Cum Laude

Centli Deniz Cortez Clarksville, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Biology Minors: English and Criminal Justice

Kaylan Lynn Chilton Gravette, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Elementary Education Minors: Psychology and Athletic Coaching Magna Cum Laude

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

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

Duban Omar Figueroa Palma Fort Smith, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Biology Minors: Athletic Coaching, Music Baltazar Garcia and Chemistry Dardanelle, AR Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science Major: Physical Education Hans Gethry Fils Aime Minor: Athletic Coaching Port-au-Prince, Haiti Bachelor of Science Majors: Accounting and Business Yasmine Garcia San Juan, TX Administration Bachelor of Science Minors: Psychology and Major: Health Science Philosophy Minor: Education Magna Cum Laude

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 Taichi Hara Ogaki, Japan Bachelor of Arts Major: Art Minors: Communication Studies and Psychology

Griffin Micheal Huckelbury Fort Smith, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minors: Business Administration and History

Tatum Bailey Hatridge Oakhurst, CA Bachelor of Science Major: Biology Minors: Art and Environmental Studies

Jon Gunner Husnian Fayetteville, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Business Administration Minors: Health Science and Music

Brooke Ann Haynes* Dallas, TX Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minors: Sociology and American Studies

Tylan Andre Jackson Whigham Friendswood, TX Bachelor of Arts Major: Political Science Minors: Criminal Justice and American Studies

Elisabeth Faith Hays Van Buren, AR Bachelor of Arts Major: Art Minors: Health Science and Entrepreneurship

Ludjee Wood Arly Jean Port-au-Prince, Haïti Bachelor of Science Majors: Marketing and Communication Studies Minors: Psychology and Philosophy Cum Laude

Ayden Thomas Heard Homer, LA Bachelor of Science Major: Management Minor: Health Science Jonathan Alexander Henriquez Pottsville, AR Bachelor of Arts Major: Political Science Minors: Spanish and Psychology

Ian Leonardo Jimenez Alamilla Tabasco, Mexico Bachelor of Science Major: Mathematics Minors: Art and Business Administration

University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates Abdoulali Ibrahim Jirani Wylie, TX Bachelor of Science Major: Finance Minor: American Studies Cum Laude

Rekaylah Sade Knowles Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Biology Minors: Sociology, Philosophy and Chemistry Magna Cum Laude

Jaida Rashe Johnson Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Biology Minors: Art, Communication Studies and Chemistry

Isabela Marie Leal El Paso, TX Bachelor of General Studies Minors: Health Science and Athletic Coaching

Aletheia Charlotte Jolly Freeport, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Finance Minors: Psychology, Philosophy and Marketing Summa Cum Laude

Jaheim Desreno Michael Lecky Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Business Administration Minors: Philosophy and Psychology

Eva Grace Kent Dallas, TX Bachelor of Arts Major: Communication Studies Minors: Art, Psychology and Philosophy Magna Cum Laude

Drue Jayden Lindsey Mountain Home, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Physical Education Minor: Athletic Coaching

Jonae Megan Ashley Knowles Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minor: Physical Education Magna Cum Laude

Syntyche Lloyd* Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minors: Physical Education and Philosophy

University of the Ozarks 2025 Graduates Mackenzie Lynn Lucio Bedford, TX Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minors: Spanish and Communication Studies Summa Cum Laude

Kylah Montdeisha Charltez Suzanne Marshall* Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minors: Athletic Coaching and Art

Gustavo Alejandro Lugo Medrano Diriamba, Nicaragua Bachelor of Science Majors: Business Administration and Political Science Minors: Theatre and Psychology Summa Cum Laude

Crystal Juanita Martinez Zapata Fort Smith, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Marketing Minors: Spanish and Psychology Magna Cum Laude

Saige Renee Mahar Waldron, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minor: Physical Education Magna Cum Laude Shamya Kasia Manson Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minors: Philosophy and Communication Studies Magna Cum Laude

Landon Carver Massey Sallisaw, OK Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minors: Athletic Coaching and Religion Benjamin Daniel Matos Chandler, AZ Bachelor of General Studies Minors: Criminal Justice and American Studies Magna Cum Laude

Maria Fernanda Maya Arista Pachuca, Mexico Bachelor of Arts Justice Cimari Charles Marmara Major: Communication Studies Arlington, TX Minors: Theatre, Psychology and Bachelor of Science Marketing Major: Management Summa Cum Laude Minor: Psychology Magna Cum Laude Ethan Ray Warren McElhaney Ozark, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minors: Criminal Justice and Art

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

Emily Saniseng Van Buren, AR Bachelor of General Studies Minors: Business Administration, Philosophy and Chemistry Cum Laude

Yadira Yesenia Rodriguez Kaufman, TX Bachelor of Science Major: Physical Education Minor: Accounting Magna Cum Laude

Arely Azeneth Saucedo Castañeda Clarksville, AR Bachelor of Arts Major: Political Science Minors: Spanish and Health Science Magna Cum Laude

Zynique Ventronae Yasmin Rolle Freeport, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Chemistry Minors: Environmental Studies and Art Magna Cum Laude

Bailey Jason Sawyer Brechin, Scotland Bachelor of Science Major: Finance Minor: Information Science Summa 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

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

Marie Chloe Vieux Port-au-Prince, Haiti Bachelor of Arts Major: Communication Studies Minors: Theatre and Psychology

Demetri Marcellus Teddlie Shreveport, LA Bachelor of Science Major: Health Science Minor: Athletic Coaching Summa Cum Laude

Sion Stephan Walkin Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Chemistry Minors: Business Administration and Philosophy

Enya Trinidad Posadas Ixtlahuaca, Mexico Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minors: Spanish and Criminal Justice Magna Cum Laude

Lane Alan Ward Bee Branch, AR Bachelor of Science Major: Accounting Minors: History and Psychology

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

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

Cody N. Williamson* Fayetteville, AR Bachelor of Arts Major: Political Science Minors: Health Science and History Cum Laude

Donella Joria Rebekah Williams Nassau, The Bahamas Bachelor of Science Major: Psychology Minors: Criminal Justice and Spanish Magna 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.

Senior Speaker Ms. Apryl Miller ’25 Ms. Apryl Miller of Nassau, The Bahamas, was nominated by the University's faculty and staff to provide the students' welcome address on behalf of the Class of 2025. Ms. Miller is a theatre and communication studies major with minors in psychology and marketing. She is graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Ms. Miller was named the Outstanding Student in Theatre for 202425. She has served as vice president of the Student Government Association and received a service stole for her work with SGA. She was president of the Caribbean Student Union organization and has been a member of the Humane Society Club and the Women's Empowerment Club. She was also an orientation leader and served the theatre program in marketing, as an assistant sound and light designer and as a stage manager for four productions. In 2023, she was elected as a member of the University's homecoming court.

Ms. Miller has been a tutor, note-taker and lab assistant for the Jones Learning Center and served as a courthouse reporter for KUOZ-TV's live election coverage programming in the fall. She was a studentworker for the Office of Sports Information and volunteered as social media manager for the theatre program.

Her mother is Charma Smith and her brothers are Ethan Smith and Emmitt Smith. Following graduation, Ms. Miller plans to pursue a career as a multimedia specialist and volunteer at a local theatre as their stage manager or social media manager.

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.

University of the Ozarks Board of Trustees 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 VARIOUS FIELDS OF LEARNING the back. The hood’s significance is ARE INDICATED BY COLORS. 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.

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

Alma Mater Where the eagle builds her aerie On the hilltop high Nobly stands our Alma Mater Pointing to the sky.

Chorus Ozarks, Ozarks, home we love!

Loud thy praises be.

We, thy faithful sons and daughters Pledge our loyalty.

Hail to thee, our Alma Mater Torch of truth and light, Guardian of the nation’s honor, Emblem of her might.

(Chorus) When thy gold and purple banner Calls o’er land and sea, On the wings of love’s devotion We’ll come back to thee.

(Chorus)