Places We Have Called Home In 2019
Home Is Where We Park It: Turkey Creek, Hollister, Missouri
August 15, 2019
Temperature 94
College of the Ozarks: Patriots Park – Keeter Center
Today would be our first day to go out sightseeing. This was one that was highly recommended by the staff at the park. Point of fact, they put it right there at the top of the list even before the attractions and sights of Branson.
A quick breakfast and we were off. We didn’t have to go far, just about ten minutes and we were there. There being The College of the Ozarks.
This is not you usual four year liberal arts college. Let me explain. According to the Wall Street Journal it is one of the most unusual little liberal arts colleges in the country. College of the Ozarks, founded in 1906, is a no-tuition college.
The institution provides the opportunity for full-time students to work at one of more than 100 campus jobs or industries to help pay for part of their cost of education. The remaining portion of the students’ expenses is covered through scholarships provided by gifts and contributions from donors who believe in and support the programs and policies of the College. These student work programs and donor contributions allow C of O to operate as a no-tuition college.
It’s nickname is hard work university.
The Mission of the College
The Vision of the College.
We discovered this exhibit regarding the patriotic value.
Some pictures of several of the trips taken in the past.
There is so much more to see on this fascinating campus. Come on we best be going.
Just before you enter the campus proper you arrive at Patriots Park.
Around the corner you find this inscription.
Entering the park there is a map showing where each memorial is located.
The Flag Plaza.
This statue stands off to the right in the picture above. The statue is situated so that he is facing the American flag. I admit I haven’t figured it out yet, hand on his chest I get, but note the clenched fist at his side.
The Korean War Memorial.
I simply could not stand and look at this for any length of time. The anguish in the face was just too much. Can anyone look at this and not realize that war is hell?
Veterans Grove.
War on Terrorism Memorial.
A wounded service dog.
The glass seals behind made by a student. The Battlefield Cross in front.
Again, all too life like.
The walkway leading to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Note the divided wall – the red flowers – the memorial in the shape of a V
Across from the park I found this beautiful sign.
Gold Star Families Memorial.
There is so much more to see but time now for lunch. We’re off to the Keeter Center. But before we got there we discovered Centennial Park.
Now, about face and we’re off to the Keeter Center for lunch.
Barbara arranging for our seats. Everyone you see in uniform here is a student fulfilling their work assignment. We asked one student as to how they obtain a position and we were told at admission they list the four places and positions they would like to work at. They are then interviewed for the position. Many factors including seniority factor into what position they ultimately obtain. The young lady waiting on Barbara is a freshman and stated that she was thrilled that she did obtain this position.
This is the entrance to the hall.
Note the furniture. The wooden posts.
What a fireplace.
Look at this ceiling.
This is Cameron our waiter. He is going into his senior year and has worked himself up to the position of Student Manager. What a wonderful young man. He will go far in life that I’m confident of. When classes are not in he works a 40 hour work week. During the academic year he works 15 hours a week. This is the norm for all of the students.
Remember the young couple who once bought us breakfast? We finally paid it forward in his tip. I’m so glad we could.
Time now for lunch. A Ruben for my lady and fish and chips for me. Delicious!
Time now for the finishing touch – ice cream. But not just any ice cream. It’s all hand made using cream from the dairy farm on campus and worked by students.
Can you say yummy!
Several students making the ice cream.
Before we leave Keeter Center a few more pictures. The wood work, the post and beam, the peg construction is just something to behold. Look at that ceiling.
Then I found this little guy hiding out on a shelf up high.
Time now to head for home. But we are not finished, not by a long shot. We have Edwards Mill, the Hoge Greenhouse, the Tractor Museum, the Ralph Foster Museum, and the Stained Glass Shop to visit and share with you. Stayed tuned for there is a lot more to come in the next few days.
That was our day on The Road of Retirement. What a wonderful day it was. We learned so much. We met some wonderful young men and women who restored our faith in the future of our country. What more can one ask for? Thank you good Lord for places like the College of the Ozarks.
Thanks for joining us again today. We’re glad you came along and hope you enjoyed our first of many visits and blogs about this amazing college. Catch you tomorrow.
These are the voyages of Graybeard and it’s two human soul mates. Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before
See you on down the road!
"On The Road of Retirement" 
What a wonderful college experience this must be for those students. They are being taught much more than what comes from books or from the mouths of professors. Sounds like the future graduates will have a grasp on our past and how our country evolved. Thanks for sharing your day.
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