College of the Ozarks
Media Contact: Valorie Coleman, Public Relations Director
Office: (417) 690-2212 Cell: (417) 365-2727
Email: vcoleman@cofo.edu
NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 13, 2026
College of the Ozarks Invites the Public to Celebrate America 250 by Re-awakening the American Spirit
POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, College of the Ozarks is inviting the public to join a yearlong celebration of American heritage, faith, and civic responsibility through a robust slate of America 250 events and experiences.
At College of the Ozarks, patriotism is not reserved for special occasions — it is woven into daily life. From travel programs and Veterans Week observances, to memorials at Patriots Park and moments as simple as children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for ice cream at The Keeter Center?, the College celebrates America every day. Students, visitors, and guests alike are invited to participate in honoring the nation’s past while investing in its future.
“At College of the Ozarks, we believe the American spirit is sustained through faith, hard work, character, and service,” said Dr. Brad S. Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks. “As we commemorate America 250, we are not only reflecting on where we have been, but we are looking to invest in the young men and women who will carry these values forward.”
America 250 Events at College of the Ozarks
(More details to be announced closer to each event)
- President’s Day at The Keeter Center?
Feb. 16
Enjoy a special President’s Day menu celebrating American culinary tradition. Flags will line the streets and walkways, turning the campus into an All-American celebration. - “Celebrate America’s Stories” Exhibit at the Ralph Foster Museum
March 27 – Dec. 19
Walk through America’s history and see how it intersects with College of the Ozarks, featuring historic photographs, agricultural artifacts, the ball gown of First Lady Pat Nixon, and more. - The Great American Pie-Way featured at The Keeter Center
March
What is more American than Apple Pie? Nothing! Experience the best of our culinary dessert offerings with special pies that will be added to the March menu. This experience is part of the Branson, Missouri, campaign, “The Great American Pie-Way.” As part of Branson’s America 250 festivities, visitors can enjoy classic American pie while participating in a free digital passport program celebrating local cuisine. - Vietnam Veterans Day at Patriots Park
March 29, 10 a.m.
A special ceremony honoring Vietnam veterans and their service. - America Reads the Bible
April 21, 2026
College of the Ozarks will partner with Christians Engaged, a ministry of Family Policy Alliance Foundation, during the national “America Reads the Bible” event in Washington, D.C., held April 19–25, 2026. Dr. Brad S. Johnson has been invited to read 2 Kings 25 – 1 Chronicles 1 from 3–4 p.m. on April 21. - America 250 Student-Made Products Event
June 13
Special offerings and experiences at Edwards Mill & General Store, the Stained Glass & Candle Shop, and The Keeter Center Gift Shop. - Flag Day at College of the Ozarks
June 14
Hundreds of American flags will line the campus in honor of Flag Day. - Honor America Fireworks Celebration
June 27
The Branson area’s beloved patriotic celebration returns bigger than ever with live music, food trucks, family activities, and special guests. - Betsy Ross & George Washington, Storytime at the Star Schoolhouse
Summer (Special dates TBA)
A living-history experience presented in partnership with the Ralph Foster Museum. - “I Pledge” Program at The Nettie Marie College Creamery at The Keeter Center
July 2, 4, 9, 16, 23, 30
This program invites children ages 12 and under to recite the Pledge of allegiance from memory in exchange for a complimentary scoop of homemade ice cream from the College Creamery, celebrating patriotism and helping young guests learn and honor a foundational civic tradition. - “Lest We Forget” Memorial Ceremony
Sept. 11, 9 a.m.
A somber remembrance of those who lost their lives in sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center Towers in New York City. The campus family and those in the community are welcomed to gather as the 9/11 flag is raised at the “Lest We Forget” 9/11 Memorial on James Forsythe Drive. - Apple Butter Days
Oct. 17
A celebration of Americana featuring all things Apple: Try samplings of products featuring Student-Made Apple Butter. - Veterans Week: Dedication of POW/MIA Memorial at Patriots Park
Nov. 5
Veterans Week observances will culminate with the dedication of the POW/MIA Memorial at Patriots Park. - Veterans Day Sunrise Service
Nov. 11, 7 a.m.
Held at the Alumni Memorial in front of Williams Memorial Chapel. - Reading of the Names at Patriots Park
Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As America marks this historic milestone, College of the Ozarks invites all to experience a place where patriotism is lived, faith is foundational, and the next generation of leaders is being formed.
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. 1 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 3 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026 and No. 2 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2025. 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 for dining, Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2025 for lodging, and the Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 from ConventionSouth magazine for meeting and event spaces. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus.
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