UNIVERSITY OF THE OZARKS
CLASS OF 2019 University Awards Diplomas to Largest Class in History
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niversity of the Ozarks awarded bachelor’s degrees to 131 graduating seniors during the 2019 Spring Commencement ceremony, held Saturday, May 18, on the campus mall. It was the largest graduating class in the University’s 185-year history. The keynote speaker was Dr. Jeannie Oliver, a 1992 Ozarks mass communication graduate who is an educator, administrator and evangelist from Horn Lake, Mississippi. Oliver told the graduates they will face struggles and challenges in their early careers. “Don’t give up and stay focused on your goals,” Oliver said. “Don’t allow the outside distractions to keep you from staying focused. Pray every day and follow God’s will. He will show you how to make the right decisions and make the right choices.” Oliver also told the senior class the importance of strong, positive communication skills. “Be careful how you communicate with people, not only in your words but in how you say them — the non-verbal communications. You never know who may be watching you. That’s how you get the promotions and opportunities.” Representing the senior class, Angie Castro-Flores, a strategic communication major from El Salvador, presented the students’ welcome. Emilie Williams, a religion and philosophy major from Keller, Texas, led the graduating class in the Turning of the Tassel ceremony. Williams was the recipient of the 2019 Hurie Award as the outstanding graduating senior. Those graduates who were recognized for earning Summa Cum Laude honors (3.85 grade point average or higher) were, Emily Autry, Lamara Bazashvili, Shelby Carlton, Katherinn Chamale, Maria Corea, Haley Hanks, Mary Hoiland, Grasyn Langley, Henry Marin, Julio Molina, Stephanie Payton, Annie Rogers, Brenda Sandoval, Catherine Thompson, and Bahar Yapal.
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